The Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet was introduced in 1956. The two door open top variant of the W180 220 S, the cabriolet was initially powered by a 99hp 2.2L inline 6 engine, yet in 1957 it received a more powerful 105hp unit. The 220S Cabriolet was built until 1959.External changes were minimal, with the 220 S receiving a one-piece front bumper, down from a three piece, and a pair of solid chrome strips running under its doors in place of twin chrome and rubber ones. The most obvious difference was the addition of a fine, interrupted chrome accent strip running along the fenders and doors. The 220 S retained the 4-speed column shift manual transmission.
We are thrilled to offer this stunning 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220S “Ponton” W180 Cabriolet . This wonderful example was originally delivered on January 1st of 1959 to Daimler-Benz of North America. We do have the original Mercedes-Benz Data card to confirm all numbers and the original color for this great car. We also have the original books, owner’s manual and such which went with this car when it was new. The 220S presented here was previously restored in its original color hellbleu DB356 (light blue) and is complemented by its original cream leather with dark blue carpets and Schwedish Birke braun (Swedish Birch Brown Wood), in which is remarkably in excellent original condition.
We acquired this Mercedes Ponton from a Mercedes collector. The prior owner took excellent care of this car and presented the car at several car shows. Since our purchase, we have completed some work to improve the overall condition of the car both cosmetically and mechanically. We purchased new Michelin 185 R13 radial tires. The new tires were balanced on the wheels, and an alignment was performed. In addition, we had to recore the original radiator, as it had a few leaks. A timing adjustment was performed, and the original carburetors were tuned and adjusted as needed. A tune up was done with spark plugs installed. We did check the compression when the spark plugs were replaced, and the result was excellent of 142 psi to 154 psi across all 6 cylinders. Furthermore, the driver side window mechanism needed repair and to be welded, so we properly addressed this as well. A new manual auxiliary fuel pump was installed for easier starting function. We installed a new rear end seal, where the drive shaft meets the rear differential as it was leaking. This Mercedes-Benz went through an extensive detail with the interior cleaned, leather extensively refreshed/protected and cleaned. The exterior of the car was detailed, buffed and polished as well. All chrome on the car was polished by hand. The canvas soft top was also cleaned with fabric cleaner. Lastly, the underside was wiped down and cleaned, where there is no rust anywhere on this gorgeous Mercedes 220S.
We drove this car extensively and about 300 plus miles, showing and driving the car at the 2025 Shelton Vineyards Mercedes-Benz show at highways speeds of 80mph. In addition, driving it to local car gatherings, as well as driving it around town. It is exceptional to drive. The column 4-speed shifter engages perfectly, and clutch feels great with no shutter. The engine is quiet as can be with no valve train noises or unusual noises. In addition, the car has excellent power and can keep up with modern traffic but to be forewarned this car attracts a lot of attention. The power steering also feels strong and the car drives straight and does not wonder going down the road at all. This Ponton holds temperature well and the cream seats keep the car cool. The brakes on this car stop straight, as they should and it does not pull in either direction. The soft top has a nice zip outside window which provides a nice air floor when driving with the convertible top. The seats in this car are so unbelievably comfortable, so that when you are driving you actual forget that you are driving in a nearly 70-year-old Mercedes-Benz. There is adequate room for 4 adults in this car as well. This wonderful Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet can be shown, but it is a high-level driver/show car and is a great driver’s car as it really shines nicely on the road. It needs and should be driven as all our cars need to be. The next owner will be sure to have plenty of miles of driving enjoyment and touring with this exceptional 1959 Mercedes 220S Cabriolet “Ponton.”
The Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet was introduced in 1956. The two door open top variant of the W180 220 S, the cabriolet was initially powered by a 99hp 2.2L inline 6 engine, yet in 1957 it received a more powerful 105hp unit. The 220S Cabriolet was built until 1959.External changes were minimal, with the 220 S receiving a one-piece front bumper, down from a three piece, and a pair of solid chrome strips running under its doors in place of twin chrome and rubber ones. The most obvious difference was the addition of a fine, interrupted chrome accent strip running along the fenders and doors. The 220 S retained the 4-speed column shift manual transmission.
We are thrilled to offer this stunning 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220S “Ponton” W180 Cabriolet . This wonderful example was originally delivered on January 1st of 1959 to Daimler-Benz of North America. We do have the original Mercedes-Benz Data card to confirm all numbers and the original color for this great car. We also have the original books, owner’s manual and such which went with this car when it was new. The 220S presented here was previously restored in its original color hellbleu DB356 (light blue) and is complemented by its original cream leather with dark blue carpets and Schwedish Birke braun (Swedish Birch Brown Wood), in which is remarkably in excellent original condition.
We acquired this Mercedes Ponton from a Mercedes collector. The prior owner took excellent care of this car and presented the car at several car shows. Since our purchase, we have completed some work to improve the overall condition of the car both cosmetically and mechanically. We purchased new Michelin 185 R13 radial tires. The new tires were balanced on the wheels, and an alignment was performed. In addition, we had to recore the original radiator, as it had a few leaks. A timing adjustment was performed, and the original carburetors were tuned and adjusted as needed. A tune up was done with spark plugs installed. We did check the compression when the spark plugs were replaced, and the result was excellent of 142 psi to 154 psi across all 6 cylinders. Furthermore, the driver side window mechanism needed repair and to be welded, so we properly addressed this as well. A new manual auxiliary fuel pump was installed for easier starting function. We installed a new rear end seal, where the drive shaft meets the rear differential as it was leaking. This Mercedes-Benz went through an extensive detail with the interior cleaned, leather extensively refreshed/protected and cleaned. The exterior of the car was detailed, buffed and polished as well. All chrome on the car was polished by hand. The canvas soft top was also cleaned with fabric cleaner. Lastly, the underside was wiped down and cleaned, where there is no rust anywhere on this gorgeous Mercedes 220S.
We drove this car extensively and about 300 plus miles, showing and driving the car at the 2025 Shelton Vineyards Mercedes-Benz show at highways speeds of 80mph. In addition, driving it to local car gatherings, as well as driving it around town. It is exceptional to drive. The column 4-speed shifter engages perfectly, and clutch feels great with no shutter. The engine is quiet as can be with no valve train noises or unusual noises. In addition, the car has excellent power and can keep up with modern traffic but to be forewarned this car attracts a lot of attention. The power steering also feels strong and the car drives straight and does not wonder going down the road at all. This Ponton holds temperature well and the cream seats keep the car cool. The brakes on this car stop straight, as they should and it does not pull in either direction. The soft top has a nice zip outside window which provides a nice air floor when driving with the convertible top. The seats in this car are so unbelievably comfortable, so that when you are driving you actual forget that you are driving in a nearly 70-year-old Mercedes-Benz. There is adequate room for 4 adults in this car as well. This wonderful Mercedes-Benz 220S Cabriolet can be shown, but it is a high-level driver/show car and is a great driver’s car as it really shines nicely on the road. It needs and should be driven as all our cars need to be. The next owner will be sure to have plenty of miles of driving enjoyment and touring with this exceptional 1959 Mercedes 220S Cabriolet “Ponton.”
