1958 Mercedes-Benz 190 'Ponton'

Registration No: YUV 31
Chassis No: 121018511258
MOT: Exempt

• Subject to sympathetic restoration over period of 14 years
• Interior ordered from Germany and paintwork undertaken by Aston Martin approved bodyshop
• Recently subject to bottom end inspection and refurbishment
• In current ownership for the last 20 years

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 Typ 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.

The Type 190 was mainly based on the well-tried 180 model. It had a much more powerful 75 hp engine, however. The superiorly steered 1.9 liter unit was originally carried over from the 190 SL, but had been tamed to a large degree by compression and the use of more suppliant camshaft as well as single register carburettors. It was no longer supported at the front only, as had been the case with the 180 / 180 D models, but there were now two additional supports in the rear portion. The brakes were adjusted to the performance of the car: The Type 190 featured ribbed "turbo-cooled" brake drums as well as broader brake shoes.

Acquired by its current owner in June of 2002, ‘YUV 31’ has been subject to a longstanding period of sympathetic restoration finally completed in 2016. Initially Black and now presented in the attractive Dark Blue ‘Dunkelblau’ with a contrasting Grey striped interior, this particular example was restored with the view to retain as many parts as possible, with many trim pieces retained including headlight surrounds, radiator cover and more to preserve an element of patina. A ‘best in show’ winner at Gloucester Motor Show, this particular example is now offered for a new owner to enjoy.

Much of the restoration work on ‘YUV 31’ was completed by the current owner, but certain elements outsourced, including the paintwork which was undertaken by Aston Martin approved painters ‘The Autoshop’ to the tune of £5,400. The interior, a period correct design on fire-retardant cloth was ordered specifically from Germany, with the headlining a Rolls-Royce material. Further work undertaken during the restoration included the headlights being upgraded to halogen and an alternator fitted over the existing dynamo. Gas oil adjustable dampers were also fitted for increased handling, as well as a stainless steel exhaust, but with correct Mercedes back box. ‘YUV 31’ also benefited from an engine inspection and bottom end refurbishment in 2021 for good measure.

Believed to have covered 103,691 miles, this particular example is offered for sale with a history file including a copy of the build card with official embossed stamp, handbook, continuation book, large collection of receipts and invoices, some photographs of the restoration, 1L of matching paint, spare set of front brake shoes, 2 sets of keys which do ignition, doors and boot and finally a V5C document which displays 2 former keepers, the vendor rates the condition of bodywork, engine, electrical equipment, paintwork and interior trim all as ‘Very Good’, with the transmission ‘Good’.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07943584762