The Mercedes Benz 180/190 Ponton model, produced from 1953 to 1962, introduced a modernized design for Mercedes Benz that improved passenger and cargo space within the same exterior dimensions as the previous 170S model. It had a stronger, more rigid chassis and was the first Mercedes Benz E-Class. Initially powered by a carryover diesel or petrol engine from the 170S, updated engines increased performance over the model's run. The 190 variant, introduced in 1956, was essentially a higher-powered 180. Both received front end styling updates in 1959 before being replaced by new fin tail models in 1961-1962.

1. Mercedes Benz 180/190 Ponton (1953 - 1962)

2. In the history of Mercedes Benz, it had rarely been that
difficult. Daimler-Benz had to decide on one of the most
important new car designs. While the four-cylinder 170S
clearly showed its age, the six-cylinder 220 was just a 170S
with a larger power plant. Also the luxurious 300 Benz still
carried prewar genes in its styling and chassis.

3. This change from more traditional thinking to modern
styling proved a bit the problem Daimler-Benz
management faced in those days. On the one hand, they
could not afford to fall too much behind what competitors
were offering, and on the other hand they knew that a too
radically modern design might not be appreciated by their
more traditionally minded customers. The Mercedes Benz
300 was a clear statement of how much they knew of the
preferences of a larger portion of their customer base.
From 1951 till 1962 the 300 had not changed dramatically
in its traditional pre-war oriented design.

4. Just eight months before the launch of the 180, the final
ponton-design was approved by Daimler-Benz
management. At its unveiling in September 1953 the new
form was accepted by almost all its potential clients. The
new Benz had a 20% roomier passenger compartment and
offered greatly increased visibility. Drivers could also pack
much more luggage, as the trunk had a 75% higher
volume. But the features did not stop there. Inside the
cabin, heating could be individually adjusted for driver and
passenger and more supportive and larger seats invited to
relaxed touring. It is interesting that all of this could be
accomplished on the outside dimensions of the
predecessor, the 170S Benz. Also worth mentioning is that
the new unit-body chassis was far stronger and twice as
rigid as the old body-on-independent-frame construction.

5. The term did not exist in those days, but the ponton 180
could be regarded as the first E-Class Mercedes Benz. It
was in the same price league as the six-cylinder Opel
Kapitän, which was from an image point of view more
competing with the 220 W187 Benz. At 9,950. - DM
($2,360. -) the new Mercedes Benz 180 was not cheap, but
buyers did not seem to bother. This latest addition to the
Benz family was not only popular at the time of its launch,
it was in demand throughout its production run. And for
the first time, the magic word "waiting list" was heard.

6. Naturally for the four-cylinder cars of Daimler-Benz, a
diesel engine was made available again. The OM 636 was
also taken over unchanged from the previous 170 Benz,
and it still lived up to its reputation of a rather noisy,
uncivilized power plant. But its sturdy and reliable design
made it also capable of living longer than the vehicle it
was powering. Small surprise it was so well liked by taxi
car owners, who told of 300,000 or more miles on a single
engine.

7. Also, the petrol engine was a carry-over from the previous
170S Benz. So in 1957, four years after the vehicle's
introduction, the 180 received the M 121 OHC engine of
the 190, but in a detuned version. The output went up
from 52 hp at 4,000 rpm to 65 hp at now 4,500 rpm.

8. The Mercedes Benz 190 was launched in 1956. It was
basically a 180 with an engine developing 75 hp at 4,600
rpm. On the outside it had next to a different badge a
wide chrome rim along the lower window line. And on the
inside it offered a slightly different upholstery. In August
1959, both Mercedes Benz cars were upgraded at the front
with a lower and wider radiator grille.

9. At that time, Daimler-Benz had moved on already to the
"Heckflossen-Zeit" or "fin tail era" with the introduction of
the six-cylinder 220b series. In August 1961, the 190 Benz
was discontinued, as the fin tail 190 series was introduced.
In October 1962 the last ponton 180 finally left the
production hall. Over the years the car has seen technical
and cosmetic updates, but it had remained the reliable
trustworthy Mercedes Benz vehicle, which had introduced
nine years earlier the ponton era for Daimler-Benz.

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