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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Vehicles / Mercedes-Benz - 180 D - 1958
Mercedes-Benz 180 D W120 "Ponton" • Original condition • Luxuriously equipped with, among other things, radio, two exterior mirrors, and heating/ventilation • Grey interior • Dark green paintwork • Vehicle tax and MOT-free (in the Netherlands) HISTORY This Mercedes-Benz 180 D was a pioneer in diesel and safety innovations. This example was built in 1958 in the Stuttgart factory and carries the type number 120.110 and chassis number 8505905. After their introduction, these models, together with other Mercedes-types, were nicknamed the “Ponton.” The name referred to their modern bodystyle, where separate parts such as fenders, hood, and running boards were integrated into a single flowing whole — a style known as ponton-body. In the fifties and sixties, the diesel versions of the Ponton were the most popular, mainly due to their long service life and reliability. Many gasoline cars were converted to diesel at the time, which makes it increasingly difficult today to find an original diesel version. This example is beautiful and luxuriously equipped. Because of its age, the car is also VAT- and MOT-exempt in the Netherlands. The car is registered with a Dutch license. EXTERIOR The car is finished in stylish dark green paint, which nicely contrasts with the extensive chrome work. It is not a concours-condition car. The paint and chrome work are in a fairly original state, showing normal signs of use. The same applies to the rubber and lighting. In the front, the original Hella headlights are showcased. In 2024, two new exterior mirrors were installed. The bodywork has good gaps, indicating a damage-free history. INTERIOR The interior features gray fabric upholstery and is in a fairly original state with normal signs of use. Here you can enjoy comfort and luxury, especially for its era. The imposing large steering wheel invites you to drive. The dashboard is partially black and partially gray and finished with wood. In the center there is a clock, and a Philips radio. Under the dashboard there is a fire extinguisher. The headlining is in good condition. The enormous trunk space (75% larger than its predecessor) provides room for the spare tire. TECHNICAL The reputation of the 180 engines is outright legendary. For example, the proven 180 Diesel, the OM636 engine, was known for its exceptional longevity: mileages of 700,000 were not uncommon, and in some cases certificates were awarded to examples that exceeded one million kilometers. The gearbox and live axles are also known for being extremely reliable and can easily exceed half a million kilometers without a rebuild. The brakes, steering, and suspension are also notably robust, contributing to the overall sturdiness of these models. The suspension consists of double control arms with coil springs and a stabilizer bar, while the rear uses leaf springs with coil springs. Both front and rear use drum brakes. The manual 4-speed transmission is easy to operate, and the car drives and shifts well. GENERAL After World War II, Mercedes-Benz first had to rebuild its factories and began repairing vehicles and reintroducing older models such as the 170V and 170D. In the years that followed, the brand worked on more modern cars, which in 1953 led to the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz 180 W120 with a self-supporting ponton bodyshell. This new construction provided more space and better safety, although the technology remained partly based on older designs. In 1956, the Mercedes-Benz 190 W121 followed, with improved engines and a modified rear axle, which noticeably improved performance and handling. Diesel variants remained important due to their reliability and long service life. The Ponton models were well received and continually developed, including stronger engines, small exterior updates, and innovations in safety. Mercedes-Benz played a pioneering role in passive safety, with reinforced bodies and early applications of crumple zones and seatbelt attachments. From 1954 there was also a diesel variant available, the Mercedes-Benz 180 D.
Estimate:£15,273.05
To the auctionEstimate:
£15,273.05
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
OCT 8 | 3:00 PM
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