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2020 Shannons Winter Timed Online Auction
Lot
127

1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 'Ponton' Saloon

$12,000

Wednesday 26 August 9.06pm AEST*

Sydney

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-line 4-cylinder, 1900cc
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Sedan
Colour Black
Interior Grey
Trim Cloth
Wheels Steel disc
Brakes Drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

Introduced in September 1953, the Ponton (German for pontoon) saloons were the mainstay of Mercedes-Benz production for the remainder of the decade.  Debuting as the 180, the Ponton marked Mercedes-Benz’s first move into unitary construction for a passenger car.  The benefits of this construction technique ranged from additional safety to more interior space and the body was a light, airy design, with a 40% increase in the glassed area.  An improved model badged the 190 was launched in 1956 using a detuned version of the overhead camshaft motor in the 190SL sports car fed by a single Solex carburettor along with a milder camshaft and valve timing.  Developing 75 horsepower, the 190 saw significant gains in performance over the old side-valve 180 and could reach a top speed of 86 mph.  Other welcome improvements were finned drum brakes and single-pivot swing axles.  The 190 was distinguished externally by a wider grille, chrome decoration on the air vents and a chrome spear down the flanks, plus front quarter windows, additional brightwork around the windows and rain gutters.  The front passenger door came with a key lock and the windscreen was laminated, while the 190’s interior benefited from twin sun visors, a heater blower unit, reading light and headlamp flasher.  The 190 proved hugely popular, both at home in Europe and in export markets, and was a significant model in laying the foundation for Daimler-Benz’ success over the ensuing decades.