Basic information and history

The Mercedes-Benz 180, internally designated W120, was introduced in 1953 and marked a technical shift for the marque. It was the first Mercedes-Benz with a unitary (self-supporting) body, and the so-called Ponton shape with integrated fenders replaced the pre-war-inspired lines of the 170 series. The front and rear suspension and engine were carried on a separate front subframe, giving a ride that was quiet and comfortable for its time. Under the bonnet sat a 1.8-litre four-cylinder side-valve engine of type M136 producing around 52 horsepower, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with column shift. By 1955, the model was in its third year of production and the Ponton body had established itself as a modern and robust mid-range car in the German market.

This 1955 Mercedes-Benz 180 was sold new in Sweden and has, according to the seller, had three owners. The odometer reads 56,883 km, a figure the seller cannot guarantee. The car was taken off the road for a few years and subsequently underwent a complete restoration spanning several years, before being put back into use in 1997. The seller states that the car was originally assembled from three examples of the same model into one complete car. There is no deductible VAT and the car is free of loans.

Equipment and options

• Equipped according to the original version
• 1.8-litre four-cylinder side-valve engine
• Four-speed manual gearbox with column shift
• An extensive lot of spare parts is included, estimated at 5 to 7 cubic metres
• Among the spare parts are doors, fenders and an engine of the same model and in the same colour

The car is not considered fully original, since according to the seller it was assembled from three cars of the same model and subsequently fully restored. The equipment level, however, corresponds to the original specification. The accompanying stock of spare parts, including body panels and a complete engine, provides good prospects for future maintenance.

Condition

The paintwork is described by the seller as being in excellent condition, while the body is assessed as being in good condition. The glass is also stated to be in good condition.

The interior is, according to the seller, in good condition, as is the instrument panel. The headliner is described as being in excellent condition.

The tyres and wheels are stated to be in good condition.

The engine is described as being in excellent condition and the gearbox is assessed the same way. The brakes are stated to be in good condition. According to the seller, the car is drivable as it stands. The most recent inspection was carried out on 17 March 2017.

Service history

The car is not stated to have a complete service history. However, there are receipts and documentation substantiating the service history that does exist, which, together with the documented full restoration, provides a picture of what has been done to the car over the years.

Summary

This Swedish-sold Mercedes-Benz 180 from 1955 is an example of the early Ponton generation, fully restored over several years and put back on the road in 1997. The car has had three owners, shows 56,883 km on the odometer and is equipped according to the original version. The paintwork, headliner, engine and gearbox are described as being in excellent condition, while the body, interior and brakes are assessed as being in good condition. The extensive lot of spare parts, estimated at 5 to 7 cubic metres, including doors, fenders and an engine in the same colour, makes this an interesting proposition for anyone wanting a drivable W120 with good access to parts for the future.