The interior of a 1950s Mercedes-Benz 220S Ponton is among the most opulent ever produced for a motor car. And that includes Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Even the four-door sedans were graced with rich leather seats, throne-like rear accommodations, and dashboards carved out of a single piece of wood.
Ponton is the term used for Daimler-Benz’s first totally-new Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles produced after the Second World War.
The W128 coupes and convertibles, produced starting in the late 1950s, were especially over the top. Owners had their choice of burl, rosewood, or Zebrano veneers. They were always exclusive, with just about 1,100 examples of the W128 Cabriolets made by Mercedes-Benz. Only the elite owned them when new. The base price was $7,641, a lot of money in 1960.
These cars are also wickedly expensive to restore. Still, this 1960 cabriolet from the last year of production, offered for $135,000 on eBay in La Jolla, Calif., had all that work done already. So it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Acres of Red Leather
The 110-horsepower 2.2-liter straight-six-powered 220S featured dual carburetors. The original carb was a Solex, although, in this car, the owner replaced it with Weber 32/36 units.
Mercedes also offered the 220 series with an SE designation that indicated fuel injection and 125 horsepower. Owners could specify the semi-automatic Hydrak transmission, which was trouble-prone. This car has the preferred column-shifted four-speed manual.
The 220S wears its original pale yellow paint color, with acres of red leather that show well and extends to the door panels. The recovered seats follow the original pattern, with correct “basketweave” center panels. The previous owner restored the full interior, including the burl wood dashboard.
High-End Vintage Accessories
The piece de resistance of this 220S is the optional set of fitted luggage still in the trunk. It also has a factory Becker Europa radio and the Ivory steering wheel.
Despite these luxury appointments, these cars are legendary for toughness and longevity. This example has an indicated 86,000 miles on its odometer. The seller just completed a full service.
The seller describes the 220S Ponton Cabriolet as “a true standout creation from a period of particularly elegant design.” That’s true.
Mercedes expert John Olson adds this:
The 220S/SE has that rare combination of quality and drivability—unlike many famous cars, you wouldn’t dare drive more than 50 miles from home. Mercedes-Benz collectibles like the 220SE and 190SL—and even Pagoda SLs—are for mature (if that’s the right word) enthusiasts who appreciate quality over muscle.
A Well-Supported Enthusiast Collector Car
The cars were an early use of unibody structure for Mercedes-Benz. While they are very mechanically durable, rust can be a problem. Rocker panels, floors, and front suspension mounts are vulnerable, as is the fender area behind the headlights.
They don’t like long storage periods, which can require a costly rebuilding of the carburetors, exhaust, and brakes.
Shop now for Mercedes-Benz 220S parts
The clock is available on eBay.
The recent service included all fluids, belts, and hoses—plus a tune-up. The seller says this Benz “runs and drives great.” The nice thing about the 220S is that it shares engines and many body parts with the more numerous sedans.
eBay listings for 220s parts include some newer models. But there’s quite a lot for the Ponton, including complete engines, transmissions, instrument panels, jacks, and clocks. Replacing smaller parts on these cars is well within the grasp of amateur enthusiasts. We recommend using white gloves before doing the work.
