Description
”The 2. 2. litre engine was replaced by a 2. 8 unit and limited-slip differential, but the interior, although fitted with a roll cage and race bucket, retains factory fittings.”
Classic Mercedes Magazine, 2020
Our beloved 1958 Ponton Race Car is now available for immediate acquisition. Built to compete at Goodwood Revival and the HRDC ‘Touring Greats’ Series, this is a very unique and rare Ponton built for those that can pedal and those with an appreciation for this era of Mercedes-Benz.
ABOUT THIS 220S PONTON
The Ponton features a Mercedes Blue roof and two-tone painted grille to complement the racing silver primary colour way. At the four corners are black 14-inch steel wheels with Dunlop vintage racing tires to add as much stability to this feisty racer. The vintage-style mirrors are colour matched to the roof, which is flanked by a long list of celebrity racers who have perched behind the wheel over the years. Notable individuals include F1’s sole lady drive, Desire Wilson; 1970s F1 veteran Jochen Mass, Brian Redman and Jurgen Bath.
Inside is setup for the track, with a purpose built roll cage, Recaro racing seats with head supports and a multi-point race harness – these are much lower than a standard Ponton as you can expect of race car. Aside from this, the interior is largely original with the wooden dash still in place and a rev counter, an oil pressure/ water temperature gauge and a race timer ready to go. All the pull switches and the original parking brake are in situ.
Mechanical Traits:
The 220s’ 2. 8-litre overhead-camshaft engine is fed by twin carburettors with K&N sports filters, offering a strong mid-range pull. The Ponton is fitted with drum brakes all round, a Limited Slip Differential, manual gearbox and manual power-fed steering. This setup was the work of former Brabham F1 mechanic, Richard Miles who was also the technical expert at tuner, Downton Engineering. Richard built that vehicle and looked after it during its Goodwood years.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
To summarise the visceral experience, this quote from the Ponton’s owner before us speaks volumes for the adrenaline rush offered by this Ponton: ”it was quick on the straights but it took nerves of steel to get it round the corners.” The former owner Stewart Imber raced this Ponton for eight years in classic events, admitting ”enormity of fun” it offered and how ”we spent a lot of time sideways and you had good arm muscles at the end of it. You had to keep the momentum up.”
For more information on this Ponton, read the Classic Mercedes Magazine feature.
CARE by SLSHOP:
In the custody of SLSHOP, this has been a noble member of our racing fleet. SLSHOP’s MD and founder has regularly raced this vehicle at Goodwood, Donnington Park and others. In our custody, we’ve had the very best of our team care for this Ponton, with the same craftsmen who built our 450SL Race Car caring for the Ponton as a duo.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
Recaro Race Seats with Multi-point harness
Roll Cage
Uprated 2. 8 litre engine with Twin Carburettors
K&N Performance Air Filters
Limited Slip Differential
Manual Gearbox
Timing Equipment
Race Steering Wheel
Vintage-style Dunlop Racing tires
