This 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Ponton is offered as an unrestored and incomplete restoration project. Particularly noteworthy is its documentation: according to the seller, an original data card and the original delivery note are present, and the Matching Numbers are documented on the basis of the original data card. The car is powered by a 2,195 cm³ inline-six petrol engine producing 106 hp, paired with a manual gearbox. The interior, various chrome parts and the right rear fender are missing, making this explicitly a restoration project rather than a classic car that is immediately ready to drive.
The 220 S presented here is listed in the vehicle data under the Mercedes-Benz model designation W 180. Its technical configuration comprises an inline-six petrol engine, manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. The model is specified with four gears and drum brakes on both the front and rear axles.
Unlike an already restored vehicle, the appeal of this example lies in a different approach: the buyer takes on a car whose current state of preservation is openly documented and whose future development has yet to be determined. Especially with a project of this kind, existing original documents and clearly documented identification features take on particular importance.
According to the seller, the Mercedes is in unrestored condition. The extensive photographic documentation accordingly shows clear signs of ageing, storage and use. There is no indication of cosmetic preparation intended to disguise the true nature of the project.
The vehicle is incomplete. In particular, the right rear fender is missing; various chrome parts are also absent. Nevertheless, after around 68 years, the seller considers the remaining body substance to be convincing. This assessment is expressly taken from the vehicle description and does not replace a more thorough inspection of the bodywork before restoration work begins.
There is an inconsistency in the available colour information. While the structured colour data lists the vehicle as grey, the manufacturer colour designation “m-red 516” is also recorded. Due to this discrepancy, no statement is made here regarding a confirmed original colour scheme.
The interior represents a significant part of the future restoration scope: according to the seller, the interior is missing. Accordingly, no assessment is made of the seats, trim panels or interior materials. For a future owner, this means that reconstructing or sourcing the missing components will form part of the project.
The vehicle data lists a 2,195 cm³ inline-six petrol engine producing 106 hp or 78 kW. Power is transmitted through a manual gearbox. The vehicle is currently neither listed as registered nor as ready to drive.
Particular attention should be paid to the documented identification of the major components. The chassis number is listed as 180010N-8503707, the engine number as 180924N-8502881 and the gearbox number as 2845. According to the seller, the Matching Numbers are documented on the basis of the original data card.
No reliable mileage is provided for this vehicle. The technically recorded value of zero kilometres is therefore expressly not interpreted as the actual mileage.
The vehicle dates from 1958. The listing contains no further information about previous owners or its individual history of use. Instead, the documented history focuses on the surviving original documents and the identification of the vehicle.
This starting point is particularly interesting for a restoration project: the vehicle's current condition is extensively documented photographically, while the original data card and original delivery note provide a documentary basis for further work on the car.
According to the listing, the vehicle comes with the original data card. A digitised, two-page version of the document is also included with the listing. In addition, an original delivery note is stated to be present. The Matching Numbers are expressly documented by the seller with reference to the original data card.
This gives the project documentation that can serve as an important reference during a future restoration. No statements are made regarding any additional maintenance, registration or restoration documents.
This Mercedes-Benz 220 S Ponton is not a case for a quick cosmetic makeover. It is an unrestored, incomplete restoration project in which the body, interior and mechanical components should be carefully inspected and the required scope of work realistically assessed. The missing interior, chrome parts and right rear fender are among the tasks already known.
On the other hand, the original data card, original delivery note and the Matching Numbers documented by the seller on the basis of the data card are present. It is precisely this combination of an untouched project condition and existing documentation that makes the car interesting for someone who is not simply looking for a finished Ponton, but wants to begin a restoration on a traceable foundation.
This Ponton does not try to be something it currently is not. It is incomplete, not ready to drive and undoubtedly requires work. That is precisely why I find the existing data card, delivery note and documented identification of the engine, gearbox and chassis particularly interesting. A restoration of this scope does not begin with polishing, but with taking stock and making decisions. Here, that starting point is unusually well documented – the rest is up to the next owner.
Have this vehicle inspected by experts!
FrankingOr would you like to sell a vehicle at auction? Please feel free to contact us.
Write a comment
No bids or comments yet!
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Loading…
Join 100,000+ subscribers getting hand-picked listings
Receive hand-picked collections of the most interesting cars, motorbikes, and auction listings on Classic Trader — straight to your inbox.
