1959 | Mercedes-Benz 219

Mercedes-Benz Ponton 219 (W105) in ivory white.**

Model overview

The Mercedes 219 was first introduced in 1956 and remained on sale until 1959. It represented an intermediate stage between the four-cylinder 190 model and the 220 S. The special feature of the 219 was that it had the front end and more powerful engine of the 220 and was only identical to the four-cylinder 190 model from the A-pillar onwards. As it was only produced half as often as the 220 due to lower demand, it is now one of the rarest models of its kind. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, there were only 89 vehicles still on German roads in 2005, making it a highly sought-after model. It is powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine (M180 II), which was the first new six-cylinder engine to be introduced after the Second World War. It has a Solex 32 single carburettor, produces approx. 90 hp and reaches a top speed of 148 km/h.

History/Maintenance

The 219 was handed over to the Danish diplomatic corps in 1959 and taken directly to Venezuela. It spent 55 years there, most of its life. In 2013, it was completely restored, and photographic documentation is available. In 2014, it made its way to Spain to its next owner. The latter drove it until 2017, after which the Ponton made its way to Bonn.

It was purchased in 2019 by its current owner, who had the car undergo a major technical overhaul in 2022. Among other things, the following work was carried out:

• Replacement engine from the Ponton factory in Munich with a mileage of approx. 40,000 km
• New fuel pump
• Radiator overhauled
• Various electrical cables and radio were overhauled.

The vehicle received a new MOT in February 2025 and is fully roadworthy. The mileage is 88,500 km.

Features

The 219 was positioned in the luxury class in the 1950s and offered a high level of driving comfort with its independent front suspension and rear swing axle – then as now. The continuous light brown bench seats also contributed to this. Power was transmitted via a 4-speed manual gearbox as standard. Our model is additionally equipped with an analogue clock and a radio.

If you want to experience a journey back in time to the 1950s, a Ponton is the perfect choice. Comfortable and stylish.