Mercedes-Benz Ponton (W120 and W121): books - history

Mercedes-Benz Ponton Series - From the 180 Sedan to the 220 SE Cabriolet

The Mercedes 180 W120 Ponton Sedan, launched in 1953, was a gamble, because Daimler-Benz did not know, how its more conservative clientele would react. Luckily the car turned into a big hit and one year later, its six-cylinder sibling was born.
This 220-page book gives you all the essential facts about the four- and six-cylinder ponton series.

These are some of the topics covered:
- the complete development and history of each model from the 180D to the 220SE Cabriolet
- a comprehensive Buyer's Guide can help you to find the model that suits you best
- chassis number and data card are explained in great detail. It helps you to find out how your car was equipped, when it left the factory
- value changes from 2009 until March 2017.
- rare cars such as the South African 180 "Bakkie"
- the ponton coach-built versions, among them two unique coach-built six-cylinder cars
- the rare and not always understood Hydrak semi-automatic.

A separate chapter covers the cars' technical features and production history. Over 130 recent, non-Daimler AG color photos highlight many interesting and unique features, this includes pictures of the suspension.

Product details

Author:	Bernd S. Koehling
Details:	226 pages, 28 x 21.5 cm / 11 x 8.5 in, paperback
Illustrations:	80 b&w and 130 colour photos
Publisher:	Bernd S. Koehling (D, 2017)
ISBN:	9781545155301

Mercedes-Benz Ponton: Die Vier- und Sechszylindermodelle (1953-1962) - Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf

Anyone who was able to decide on a new Ponton between 1953 and 1962 had achieved something. The pretty, round Mercedes mid-range car has since become a real classic.

The Ponton still enjoys the image of solidity today. Around half a million units were built: 400 000 four-cylinder models, half of which had diesel engines, and 100 000 six-cylinder models.
The prices for well-preserved or well-restored cars are increasing, and there is no end in sight to this trend.

This is the book on buying a Ponton. This handy guide is your best companion on the way to your own classic star. Here is everything you need to know in a compact and clear format. You will receive valuable tips on the different models, learn about the weak points and find out what work you might have to do. This makes it easier to negotiate so that you get the right car at a fair price. Because one thing is certain: the Pontons are unlikely to get any cheaper in the foreseeable future.

Product details

Author:	Thomas Hanna
Details:	144 pages, 21 x 15 cm / 8.25 x 5.9 in, paperback
Illustrations:	150 colour photos
Publisher:	Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2015)
Series:	Praxisratgeber Klassikerkauf
ISBN:	9783958431461

Das grosse Mercedes-Ponton-Buch (Reprint)

With the "Ponton" Mercedes said goodbye to the pre-war line, became modestly modern. The "180" from 1953 was the first completely new mass production car from Mercedes after the Second World War. After that, the Pontons, from the simple 180 to the fine 220, became second-hand cars at some point and today they are all popular classics.

In this book, the author Matthias Röcke presents all the information about the Mercedes Ponton - from the development history to technology and design. He portrays the details of the different types and models and the reader can take a look at the factories and production.
The market situation at the time, the Ponton in the press and advertising, as a collector's item and art object are also examined.

A section with technical data, production figures and economic data for the individual models rounds off this great book about the Mercedes Ponton to make it a standard work. This reprint from 1994 has lost none of its importance, its content is still as good as it was 25 years ago.

Product details

Author:	Matthias Röcke
Details:	176 pages, 34 x 24.5 cm / 13.4 x 9.7 in, hardback
Illustrations:	240+ b&w photos
Publisher:	Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2014)
ISBN:	9783868529425

Mercedes-Benz - Die Ponton Modelle: Vom 180 zum 220SE Cabriolet

NEW

The Mercedes Ponton defined the automotive world of the 1950s. Between 1953 and 1962, the models 180, 190, 219, 220S, and 220SE embodied elegance, technology, and reliability - making Mercedes-Benz a global icon.

This 200-page book covers the complete history of the 4- and 6-cylinder models (W120, W121, W180, W128). It is the only current German-language publication dedicated exclusively to the Ponton models. With detailed model history, valuable tips for buyers and restorers, and over 130 current color photos, it is a must for enthusiasts.

Contents:
- Model History: From the premiere of the 180 W120 to the rare 220SE Ponton Cabriolet.
- Buying Guide: What collectors should look for - including typical weak points.
- VIN and Data Card: How to decode original equipment and history.
- Rare Versions: From the South African 180 Pick-up ("Bakkie") to special body styles.
- Technical Highlights: Hydrak semi-automatic transmission, chassis, engines, and electrical systems.
- Motorsport: Surprising successes on the racetrack.
- Tables & Data: Production numbers and technical specifications of all models.

Whether for restoration, purchase, or passion, this book provides essential knowledge about the Mercedes Ponton series. Indispensable for classic car fans and collectors.

Product details

Author:	Bernd S. Koehling
Details:	209 pages, 28.5 x 21.5 x 1.7 cm / 11.2 x 8.5 x 0.67 in, paperback
Illustrations:	130 colour photos
Publisher:	Bernd S. Koehling (D, 2025)
ISBN:	9798308772262