Beautiful ‘executive’ long wheelbase version of the Ponton
Fantastic, original interior in time-warp condition
Oozes quality and shows why these cars were so enduring
Carefully stored and regularly run and in nicely preserved condition
A very practical, stylish way classic saloon
The Appeal
Nicknamed the ‘Ponton’ for its wide-body, full length styling, a name that has stuck with the Mercedes 220 through the years, this is the car that launched Mercedes-Benz into the modern era.
The conservative, boxy styling clothed an interior of exquisite quality, a veritable symphony of deep leather seats and expansive wood veneers. The ‘S’ model extended the wheelbase to offer executives and rich families a more spacious and luxurious experience.
This beautiful Pearl Green metallic 220S is fresh from seven years hibernation, during which it has been dry stored and run regularly. In very good, solid condition with only minor signs of use, it has been lightly fettled for sale and offers an enticing slice of opulent post-war charm to the lucky buyer.
The History and Paperwork
Sold new in Sweden in 1958 according to the seller
At the time of writing we did not have access to the car’s service and maintenance record
9 owners
Dry garage stored for seven years and regularly started and run up to temperature
1953 S model with longer wheelbase and M180 6cyl 2,196cc engine
Known as the ‘Ponton’ for full width, full length body which was radical in the post-war era of running boards and articulated wings
The Interior
Sumptuous interior combining deep burgundy seats and carpets with immaculate wood veneers
The photographs of this car show what a work of art this interior is, like stepping into 1958
Very original, unrestored interior showing on the absolute lightest of wear and tear
Leather in very good condition front and back, just slight creases of patina in the quality materials indicating age
Marvellous woven front mats in matching burgundy with Mercedes Benz logos
Delightful factory features like the strip speedo, full length grab handles and speaker on the rear parcel shelf
Woven fabric headlining in very good condition, perhaps with the slightest sign of discolouration in places
Original radio
Protective rubber over mats fitted in the back
Inertia reel front seat belts fitted
Delightful wooden dashboard with swathe of veneer in superb condition
Big Bakelite factory-fitted steering wheel with three star boss
The Exterior
Very attractive Pearl Green (code 213) light green metallic paintwork in very good condition
The S model got a longer wheelbase and a longer nose, making these distinctive cars even more arresting to look at
The vendor states that the car is unrestored
The paintwork may not be original but closely replicates the ‘perlmuttgrun’ factory colour
There is scope to improve or enjoy this car’s solid originality
Bodywork in very good condition, only minor chips and marks to note, some of them carefully touched in
None of the signs of age are immediately noticeable or unsightly
Underneath of the car is very solid with a good, even application of underseal
The whitewall tyres appear to be older and may benefit from replacement if regular use is planned
Original factory chrome hub caps in excellent condition
Chromework is very good, particularly the bumpers, with only very slight deterioration on some parts
Small areas of microblistering, particularly on rear wing tops
Factory fitted Mercedes Benz branded mud flaps
Delightful grille badges hint at this majestic car’s interesting history
There are no wiper arms or blades fitted
Original windshield wipers
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The Mechanics
Durable M180 6cyl 2.2litre engine developing around 95bhp
M180 carburettor-fed engine
Automatic gearbox with column selector
Unfortunately we did not have sight of the engine bay or service records at the time of listing
Dry garage stored for last seven years
Regularly started during storage and run to temperature
Recently lightly recommissioned with new fluids and battery
Car started immediately after the recommissioning work
Summary
65 years after this magnificent car left the Mercedes Benz factory it retains every inch of the gravitas and under-stated style with which it surely wowed its first buyer.
This long wheelbase 220S looks particularly good in Pearl Green metallic and then there is that remarkable interior, which is surely worth the purchase price alone. Stately, luxurious and oozing a sense of ‘special’, this wonderful car will surely be a treat for any lucky buyer.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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