Mercedes-Benz - 180 D - 1958





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Description from the seller
Mercedes-Benz 180 D W120 "Ponton"
• Original condition
• Luxurious with features including a radio, two exterior mirrors and heating/ventilation
• Grey interior
• Dark green paintwork
• Vehicle tax and APK (Dutch inspection) exemption
HISTORY
This Mercedes-Benz 180 D was a pioneer in diesel- and safety-innovations. This example was built in 1958 at the Stuttgart factory, bearing the type number 120.110 and chassis number 8505905. After their introduction these models, along with other Mercedes types, earned the nickname “Ponton.” That name referred to their modern body style, where separate components such as fenders, hood, and running boards were integrated into one flowing whole—a style known as ponton body. In the 1950s and 1960s, the diesel variants of the Ponton were the most popular, especially due to their long life and reliability.
Many petrol cars of the era were converted to diesel, making it increasingly difficult to find an original diesel version today. This example is beautiful and luxuriously appointed. Because of its age, the car is also exempt from vehicle tax and APK in the Netherlands. The car is registered on Dutch license plates.
EXTERIOR
The car is finished in stylish dark green paint that nicely contrasts with the extensive chrome. It is not a concours-quality car. The paint and chrome are in fairly original condition, showing normal signs of use. The same applies to the rubber and lighting. At the front you can see the original Hella headlights. In 2024 two new exterior mirrors were mounted. The bodywork fits well, indicating a damage-free history.
INTERIOR
The interior features grey cloth upholstery and is in fairly original condition with normal signs of use. Here one enjoys comfort and luxury, especially for that era. The impressive 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 player. Under the dashboard is a fire extinguisher. The headlining 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. The proven 180 diesel, the OM636 engine, was known for its exceptional longevity: mileages of 700,000 were not uncommon, and in some cases plaques were awarded to cars that surpassed a million kilometers.
The gearbox and drive axles are also known for being extremely reliable and easily surpassing half a million kilometers without overhaul. Brakes, steering and suspension are also notably robust, contributing to the overall solidity of these models. The suspension consists of double wishbones with coil springs and a stabilizer bar, while the rear uses rigid axles with coil springs.
Both front and rear use drum brakes. The manual 4-speed gearbox is easy to operate and the car runs 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 newer cars, which led in 1953 to the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz 180 W120 with a self-supporting ponton body. This new construction provided more space and greater safety, although the technology remained partly based on older designs.
In 1956 followed the Mercedes-Benz 190 W121, with improved engines and a modified rear axle, which noticeably improved performance and road manners. Diesel variants remained important because of their reliability and long life. The Ponton models were well received and continually developed, including stronger engines, small visual updates and safety innovations. Mercedes-Benz played a pioneering role in passive safety, with reinforced bodies and early applications of crumple zones and seatbelt fittings. From 1954 there was also a diesel variant available, the Mercedes-Benz 180 D.
Seller's Story
Mercedes-Benz 180 D W120 "Ponton"
• Original condition
• Luxurious with features including a radio, two exterior mirrors and heating/ventilation
• Grey interior
• Dark green paintwork
• Vehicle tax and APK (Dutch inspection) exemption
HISTORY
This Mercedes-Benz 180 D was a pioneer in diesel- and safety-innovations. This example was built in 1958 at the Stuttgart factory, bearing the type number 120.110 and chassis number 8505905. After their introduction these models, along with other Mercedes types, earned the nickname “Ponton.” That name referred to their modern body style, where separate components such as fenders, hood, and running boards were integrated into one flowing whole—a style known as ponton body. In the 1950s and 1960s, the diesel variants of the Ponton were the most popular, especially due to their long life and reliability.
Many petrol cars of the era were converted to diesel, making it increasingly difficult to find an original diesel version today. This example is beautiful and luxuriously appointed. Because of its age, the car is also exempt from vehicle tax and APK in the Netherlands. The car is registered on Dutch license plates.
EXTERIOR
The car is finished in stylish dark green paint that nicely contrasts with the extensive chrome. It is not a concours-quality car. The paint and chrome are in fairly original condition, showing normal signs of use. The same applies to the rubber and lighting. At the front you can see the original Hella headlights. In 2024 two new exterior mirrors were mounted. The bodywork fits well, indicating a damage-free history.
INTERIOR
The interior features grey cloth upholstery and is in fairly original condition with normal signs of use. Here one enjoys comfort and luxury, especially for that era. The impressive 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 player. Under the dashboard is a fire extinguisher. The headlining 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. The proven 180 diesel, the OM636 engine, was known for its exceptional longevity: mileages of 700,000 were not uncommon, and in some cases plaques were awarded to cars that surpassed a million kilometers.
The gearbox and drive axles are also known for being extremely reliable and easily surpassing half a million kilometers without overhaul. Brakes, steering and suspension are also notably robust, contributing to the overall solidity of these models. The suspension consists of double wishbones with coil springs and a stabilizer bar, while the rear uses rigid axles with coil springs.
Both front and rear use drum brakes. The manual 4-speed gearbox is easy to operate and the car runs 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 newer cars, which led in 1953 to the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz 180 W120 with a self-supporting ponton body. This new construction provided more space and greater safety, although the technology remained partly based on older designs.
In 1956 followed the Mercedes-Benz 190 W121, with improved engines and a modified rear axle, which noticeably improved performance and road manners. Diesel variants remained important because of their reliability and long life. The Ponton models were well received and continually developed, including stronger engines, small visual updates and safety innovations. Mercedes-Benz played a pioneering role in passive safety, with reinforced bodies and early applications of crumple zones and seatbelt fittings. From 1954 there was also a diesel variant available, 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.

