History of Mercedes Benz: The 180 Ponton

Mercedes Benz 180/190 Ponton (1953 – 1962)

In the background of Mercedes Benz, it experienced almost never been that complicated. Daimler-Benz experienced to make your mind up on one of the most important new car styles. Although the 4-cylinder 170S plainly confirmed its age, the 6-cylinder 220 was just a 170S with a larger sized electric power plant. Also the high-class 300 Benz however carried prewar genes in its styling and chassis.

This change from far more regular imagining to modern styling proved a little bit the challenge Daimler-Benz administration faced in individuals times. On the 1 hand, they could not manage to drop also much guiding what competitors were giving, and on the other hand they realized that a too radically modern day style may not be appreciated by their a lot more traditionally minded buyers. The Mercedes Benz 300 was a distinct statement of how much they understood of the choices of a much larger part of their client base. From 1951 till 1962 the 300 had not changed significantly in its common pre-war oriented style.

Just 8 months just before the start of the 180, the final ponton-style and design was accepted by Daimler-Benz management. At its unveiling in September 1953 the new type was accepted by pretty much all its prospective purchasers. The new Benz experienced a 20% roomier passenger compartment and presented enormously amplified visibility. Drivers could also pack a lot far more luggage, as the trunk experienced a 75% larger volume. But the capabilities did not cease there. Inside the cabin, heating could be independently adjusted for driver and passenger and a lot more supportive and larger seats invited to calm touring. It is interesting that all of this could be achieved on the outdoors proportions of the predecessor, the 170S Benz. Also worth mentioning is that the new unit-overall body chassis was much stronger and two times as rigid as the outdated physique-on-impartial-frame construction.

The term did not exist in all those days, but the ponton 180 could be regarded as the initial E-Course Mercedes Benz. It was in the similar selling price league as the 6-cylinder Opel Kapitän, which was from an picture place of watch extra competing with the 220 W187 Benz. At 9,950. – DM ($2,360. -) the new Mercedes Benz 180 was not affordable, but purchasers did not seem to trouble. This most up-to-date addition to the Benz family was not only common at the time of its start, it was in demand through its generation operate. And for the to start with time, the magic phrase “waiting listing” was heard.

Normally for the four-cylinder cars of Daimler-Benz, a diesel motor was created out there once more. The OM 636 was also taken over unchanged from the preceding 170 Benz, and it still lived up to its standing of a fairly noisy, uncivilized electrical power plant. But its sturdy and trusted design designed it also capable of dwelling longer than the vehicle it was powering. Modest shock it was so properly favored by taxi car proprietors, who informed of 300,000 or more miles on a one motor.

Also, the petrol engine was a carry-above from the prior 170S Benz. So in 1957, four many years soon after the vehicle’s introduction, the 180 gained the M 121 OHC motor of the 190, but in a detuned edition. The output went up from 52 hp at 4,000 rpm to 65 hp at now 4,500 rpm.

The Mercedes Benz 190 was introduced in 1956. It was mainly a 180 with an engine developing 75 hp at 4,600 rpm. On the outside the house it had upcoming to a distinctive badge a broad chrome rim together the decrease window line. And on the within it available a a little distinct upholstery. In August 1959, both equally Mercedes Benz cars and trucks ended up upgraded at the entrance with a decreased and broader radiator grille.

At that time, Daimler-Benz had moved on presently to the “Heckflossen-Zeit” or “fin tail period” with the introduction of the six-cylinder 220b series. In August 1961, the 190 Benz was discontinued, as the fin tail 190 collection was released. In October 1962 the past ponton 180 ultimately remaining the generation hall. Over the yrs the vehicle has found technological and cosmetic updates, but it experienced remained the responsible dependable Mercedes Benz car, which experienced released 9 yrs previously the ponton era for Daimler-Benz.