1954 Mercedes-Benz 180 Ponton
No Reserve

New for 2023, Reduced Buyers Premium: 5% + VAT (subject to minimum of £250 + VAT)

Registration No: PBJ 851
Chassis No: 1200104503617
MOT: Exempt

Motor Car Location: West Sussex

• Running and stopping full restoration project
• Original UK specification, right-hand drive car
• In single family ownership since 1957
• Original buff style log book and owners manual included, plus current V5C

A reference to the pontoon-inspired styling defined by the fully-integrated fenders and rectangular footprint, the Ponton launched in 1953 with the W120 that offered four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. Presented in August of that year and marketed as the Type 180 after the displacement of the powerplants, the bulbous three-box sedan was the very first unibody Mercedes-Benz passenger car. Unusually modern for that era, the intermediate sedan was lighter and more rigid than its forerunners thanks to the body-frame integral construction. Fitted with double wishbones up front, the 180 features a U-shaped axle carrier mounted to the front section of the chassis with silent blocks to reduce noise levels. A swing axle and trailing arms took care of the rear wheels, giving the W120 impressive handling and ride quality for its time.

According to the original buff log book supplied with the car, 'PJB 851' was supplied to a Mr W.G. Hark of Diss, Norfolk by O.G Barnard & Sons of Stowmarket and was first registered on 9th April 1954. The car was passed through two further owners in the Norfolk area until the vendor's Uncle acquired the car in 1957. The car was very well loved by the family, with the vendor advising that his father then acquired the car in 1963 which is recorded on the log book and the vendor fondly remembers being whisked around in the car in the mid 1960s. The car fell into disuse in the 1970's and was laid up in his Uncle's shed until 2004, when the vendor transported the car to his home in West Sussex. After bringing the car home, it was found that the car was in quite a terrible state but was overall relatively solid and original. The vendor set about a restoration on the car and paid to get the car running, which included the fitment of an electronic fuel pump, a new exhaust and a brake rebuild. However, the car is just not getting the further attention that it deserves and the vendor has decided to move the car on to a new owner.

The vendor has advised that this W120 is very much a restoration project, although on inspection the car did start and moved itself out of the garage, but noticeably running on three cylinders with some smoke being ejected by the exhaust. The car does not turn off on the key so the vendor connected and disconnected the battery to sort this, we believe this is due to a faulty ignition barrel. The vendor advises that the brakes have been overhauled so they stop the car well. The column change gearbox appears to select all gears with relative ease and the clutch is also in good fettle thanks to new master and slave cylinders, with the originals provided in a box in the boot. The tyres are Crossplies that are very old and need replacing and the wiring loom has had some nibbling by mice when in its long period of lay up. The fuel gauge is also missing.

The bodywork is reasonably solid overall, but time has most certainly taken its toll underneath, with the chassis rails in need of welding work and other unseen areas may also require work to be expected. The car sports its original floor mats so we were not able to properly inspect the floorpans from above, but underneath we could not see any holes, although with further work may require repair. Pleasingly, the inner wings front and rear were very solid and the boot floor was surprisingly solid underneath some amount of surface corrosion, with a small hole at the bottom of the spare wheel well due to water ingress. The paintwork, although original is heavily patinated and corrosion in the bottoms of the doors and on the bonnet are noticeable. The vendor also drew our attention to dents on the roof and the top of the driver's wing from storage. The originally specified Biscuit coloured upholstery is in relatively good condition, with the seats appearing to have little in the way of rips or tears and the door cards are in relatively good condition with only the driver's armrest in need of immediate attention. The attractive wooden dashboard has been subject to some woodworm but all instruments are present and correct apart from the missing fuel gauge.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430