Description
MERCEDES-BENZ 220S 'PONTON' SALOON
GENUINE 'BARN FIND'
THIS IS A PROJECT CAR. It has been laid up in the same barn for some 55 years. It is more or less complete, but will need a full restoration - a project to suit a DIY restorer with the resources to take it on. This is a six cylinder version of the W180 'Ponton'.
OFFERS considered on the asking price. NOTE that the car is advertised elsewhere.
The car has always been kept in a reasonably dry barn, but inevitably time has taken its toll, and there is a fair amount of surface rust and a few small holes. The interior is at least partially redeemable - I think the seats and door cards might be reusable - the seats don't look too good in the photos but only because of some junk and bats' droppings on the back seat which has had the effect of keeping the leather supple (the barn has always had bats!), though mice or moths had the headlining long ago.
The chassis plates are there - I tried photographing them (please see) but it is hard to see the info on them (they'll need a good clean). There are numerous tools (mostly rather rusty) and a few spares I think - the boot is full up with stuff.
The car does not appear on the DVLA database, and there are no modern documents (e. g. V5) so it will need to be re-registered; not surprising considering the long lay-up. I may be able to find a brown log-book and maybe a user manual. Keys possibly. I am not sure of the mileage; I will give an update on this info asap.
The car is sold as is, and, as mentioned above, we are open to near offers. I strongly recommend taking a look at the vehicle if possible before making any commitment. Nobody in the family (it belonged to the father of a cousin who raced an interesting car at the 1949, 50 and 51 Le Mans) can recall why the car was laid up - it either had a major or minor fault, or was simply stored and forgotten. Either way, I imagine anyone taking it on will want to strip it all down. It has no evidence at all of any accident damage.
I believe the parts situation with Pontons is quite good - they come under the Mercedes-Benz Club UK which is probably worth joining - a very active club.
Anyone wishing to take on this car will need to bring a trailer. As the car has not been moved in 55 years, it may have to be dragged out, so I advise a strong winch! The good thing is that access is easy and there are no traffic or parking issues. I'm sure we could lend a hand.
The car is located in South Devon. Arrangements must be made with me for viewing (see details)
I should mention that you might just be able to see a boat in the photos - a wooden Wayfarer sailing dinghy. It is also available if anyone is interested!These cars are now becoming relatively rare. It has the advantage of being technically 'simple' (i. e. no computers etc) which makes restoration that much more straightforward.
A little provenance given its original owner (I will give more info to interested parties).
The advantage of being complete, hence many parts can probably cleaned, painted/ chromed etc and re-used - I have no idea about the state of the brakes but I know there are firms that will do cylinder/ master cylinder refurbishing, or you might be able to get replacements.
