MERCEDES BENZS-Klasse "Ponton" (W180/W105/W128) 1954 - 1959

　　The 1954 luxury car from Mercedes-Benz was introduced: the 220, or W180 as it was known in the internal coding system. It was based on a new design concept, in a close relationship with the 180 model.

　　The design language was drastically changed less than a decade after WWII. The era of flared wheel-arches, tall and narrow engine compartments, and vertically ended cabins was over. The Typ 180 brought a new style, named Ponton, with wider engine compartments and flush fenders and door panels. The trunk started to look different, with a horizontal lid.

　　The 220 followed the same design cues but in a different size. There was an increase in the wheelbase by 170 mm (6.7”) resulting in 70 mm (2.75”) more legroom for the rear passengers and an extra 100 mm (3.93”) for the engine compartment, needed to accommodate the six-cylinder engine. The hood surrounded the radiator grille almost to the bumper.

　　The interior was comfortable for up to five passengers. The gear-shift lever was installed onto the steering column and the dashboard featured an elegant look, with a square analog clock in the middle. The instrument panel featured a round speedometer in the center and two pairs of gauges placed symmetrically to the left and right of it. To add more comfort for the driver, there was an option for a hydraulically activated clutch.

　　The engine compartment was designed for inline-six engines. It all started with a 2.2-liter unit that offered 85 hp, while the top version featured a 115 hp unit from the same displacement, but with the help of a mechanical fuel injection system. All versions featured 4-speed manual gearboxes.