Mercedes-Benz - 180 D - 1958





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Description from the seller
Mercedes-Benz 180 D W120 "Ponton"
• Original condition
• Luxurious with, among other things, radio, two exterior mirrors and heating/ventilation
• Grey interior
• Dark green paintwork
• Vehicle tax- and MOT-exempt (in the Netherlands)
HISTORY
This Mercedes-Benz 180 D was a pioneer in diesel and safety innovations. This example was built in 1958 at the factory in Stuttgart and carries the type number 120.110 and the chassis number 8505905. After their introduction, these models, together with other Mercedes types, received the nickname “Ponton.” The name referred to their modern body style, in which separate parts such as fenders, hood, and running boards were integrated into a single smooth whole — a style known as ponton bodywork. In the 1950s and 1960s, the diesel variants of the Ponton were the most popular, mainly due to their long life and reliability.
Many petrol cars at the time were even converted to diesel, which makes it increasingly difficult to find an original diesel version today. This example is handsome and luxuriously equipped. Because of its age, the car is also vehicle tax- and MOT-exempt in the Netherlands. The car is registered under a Dutch license plate.
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 fairly original condition, showing normal signs of use. The same goes for the rubbers and lighting. In the front, the original Hella headlights are on display. In 2024, two new exterior mirrors were mounted. The bodywork has good gaps, indicating a damage-free history.
INTERIOR
The interior is upholstered in grey fabric and is in fairly original condition 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 partly black and partly grey and finished with wood. In the center is a clock, and a Philips radio. Under the dashboard lies a fire extinguisher. The headliner is in good condition. The enormous luggage space (75% larger than its predecessor) offers room for the spare wheel.
TECHNICAL
The reputation of the 180 engines is downright legendary. For instance, the proven 180 diesel, the OM636 engine, was known for its exceptional longevity: mileages of 700,000 were not uncommon, and in some cases diplomas were even awarded to units that surpassed a million kilometers.
The transmission and half-shafts are also known as extremely reliable and easily exceed a half a million kilometers without overhaul. Brakes, steering and suspension are likewise robustly engineered, contributing to the overall sturdiness of these models. The suspension consists of double wishbones with coil springs and a stabilizer bar, while the rear uses trailing arms with coil springs. Both front and rear have drum brakes. The manual 4-speed gearbox is well laid out and the car drives and shifts well.
GENERAL
After World War II, Mercedes-Benz first had to restore its factories and began repairing vehicles and rebuilding 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 body. 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 an adjusted rear axle, noticeably improving performance and handling. Diesel variants remained important due to their reliability and long life. The Ponton models were well received and continuously developed, including stronger engines, small exterior updates, and innovations in safety. Mercedes-Benz played a pioneering role in passive safety, with reinforced bodyshells and early applications of crumple zones and seatbelt anchors. From 1954 there was also a diesel variant, the Mercedes-Benz 180 D.
Seller's Story
Mercedes-Benz 180 D W120 "Ponton"
• Original condition
• Luxurious with, among other things, radio, two exterior mirrors and heating/ventilation
• Grey interior
• Dark green paintwork
• Vehicle tax- and MOT-exempt (in the Netherlands)
HISTORY
This Mercedes-Benz 180 D was a pioneer in diesel and safety innovations. This example was built in 1958 at the factory in Stuttgart and carries the type number 120.110 and the chassis number 8505905. After their introduction, these models, together with other Mercedes types, received the nickname “Ponton.” The name referred to their modern body style, in which separate parts such as fenders, hood, and running boards were integrated into a single smooth whole — a style known as ponton bodywork. In the 1950s and 1960s, the diesel variants of the Ponton were the most popular, mainly due to their long life and reliability.
Many petrol cars at the time were even converted to diesel, which makes it increasingly difficult to find an original diesel version today. This example is handsome and luxuriously equipped. Because of its age, the car is also vehicle tax- and MOT-exempt in the Netherlands. The car is registered under a Dutch license plate.
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 fairly original condition, showing normal signs of use. The same goes for the rubbers and lighting. In the front, the original Hella headlights are on display. In 2024, two new exterior mirrors were mounted. The bodywork has good gaps, indicating a damage-free history.
INTERIOR
The interior is upholstered in grey fabric and is in fairly original condition 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 partly black and partly grey and finished with wood. In the center is a clock, and a Philips radio. Under the dashboard lies a fire extinguisher. The headliner is in good condition. The enormous luggage space (75% larger than its predecessor) offers room for the spare wheel.
TECHNICAL
The reputation of the 180 engines is downright legendary. For instance, the proven 180 diesel, the OM636 engine, was known for its exceptional longevity: mileages of 700,000 were not uncommon, and in some cases diplomas were even awarded to units that surpassed a million kilometers.
The transmission and half-shafts are also known as extremely reliable and easily exceed a half a million kilometers without overhaul. Brakes, steering and suspension are likewise robustly engineered, contributing to the overall sturdiness of these models. The suspension consists of double wishbones with coil springs and a stabilizer bar, while the rear uses trailing arms with coil springs. Both front and rear have drum brakes. The manual 4-speed gearbox is well laid out and the car drives and shifts well.
GENERAL
After World War II, Mercedes-Benz first had to restore its factories and began repairing vehicles and rebuilding 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 body. 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 an adjusted rear axle, noticeably improving performance and handling. Diesel variants remained important due to their reliability and long life. The Ponton models were well received and continuously developed, including stronger engines, small exterior updates, and innovations in safety. Mercedes-Benz played a pioneering role in passive safety, with reinforced bodyshells and early applications of crumple zones and seatbelt anchors. From 1954 there was also a diesel variant, the Mercedes-Benz 180 D.
Seller's Story
Details
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
