Mercedes-Benz Type W120 180a
Ponton sedan

I just discovered the the mbzponton.org site, and am impressed. We have had one of these cars in our family since 1960 when my grandmother bought a two-year-old 180a (because it had enough headroom for the huge hats she loved to wear). I did not know this body style was called the Ponton, but whatever its origin, the name seems to fit.

The Particulars:

• 1958 Mercedes-Benz Type 180a
• Mileage: about 86,300 (original!)
• Chassis: 180a 120.010 / serial number 8508377
• Body: A120.010 / serial number- 850608
• Frame: tag illegible at the moment, but I will get it cleaned up enough to read
• Engine: M121 B IV 121.923 serial number 8508421
• Finish: DB 608H

Background:

My parents have owned the car since my grandmother quit driving in the late 1970s. Over that period the car has been repainted in a close match to the original color, reupholstered in a close match to the original, and the engine overhauled after it spun a crankshaft bearing. They are now moving to a seniors complex, so they will pass the car to me. It is in what I would call fair condition. Driveable, but the paint and chrome are not perfect, the engine is not running well, the brakes are suspect and there are a few other minor issues. We got the car out of their garage last Saturday, where it had sat for probably 3½ years, and drove it to the shop that maintains my other vehicles. They said they can handle this car. That is where it is at this moment.

As you might expect, there are many experiences we have had with this car that I could write about, and many photos that were taken of it through the years. I have been driving it since I was 17 (I am a 1959 model, by the way). I learned how to drive a manual transmission in this car, after having passed my driver's test in one with an automatic transmission.

My goal with this Ponton is to get it in good mechanical shape so it can be driven safely, and keep it that way, driving it regularly for fun. After that, I will deal with the cosmetics, but I do not expect it will ever be a Concours winner, and I would almost be afraid to drive it if it were!

These are the two best photos from Christmas, 2003. The Lovely Naoko and I were getting ready to drive the Ponton from my parent's to my then-employer's house for a Christmas Day get-together. This was right after we got engaged. The car ran great that day. By the way, The Lovely Naoko is from Japan. Do you know of any Pontons in that country? I did not see many classic cars when we were there.

More to come. It seems we do not have any digital shots of us leaving our wedding in the 180a, but I am sure there were some taken on film. Also, my parents have 48 years of photos to go through and when we find some of the Ponton, I will fire up the scanner.

I will also begin writing the history of this car since it came into the family. It might be rather long though ;-)

Best Regards,
Frank Wilsey
Baltimore, Maryland