Monday, March 7, 2011

Mercedes Ponton (1954)

The Mercedes W180 line debuted in 1954, and is the first lineup of "Ponton" models associated with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The Mercedes W180 featured six-cylinder sedan, coupé, and convertible models, and was produced until 1957. The later Mercedes W128 lineup, introduced in the mid-to-late 1950s, was the last to be associated with the "Ponton" name. It featured the 220a, 219 (W105), 220S, and 220SE models (sedan, coupé, and cabriolet) powered by a 2.2L straight-6, and came to ten. The Mercedes "Ponton" designation referred to pontoon fenders, a stylistic feature on the W180/W128 models.


The "Ponton" lineup included four- and six-cylinder models, but only the six-cylinder Mercedes W180 and W128 lines are considered part of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class chronology, as they were the most powerful "Ponton" versions available. Both "Ponton" models were Mercedes' first without a conventional frame, using a unitized body/frame construction.

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