1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S “Ponton”

Description

6 cyl. 2195cc OHC M180 Engine, 120 hp (SAE), Twin Solex 2-barrel Carburetors, 4 speed transmission with column shift, Sold new for $4283.00 US in 1956. Current mileage of 84,895 miles.

Restored by Karl Middelhauve at Classis Car Restorations in 1998.

Karl’s love for Mercedes-Benz started with the new 220S he bought in 1957. It was picked up at the factory in Ivory with red leather. He sold it in 1960 and always regretted letting it go. In 1988, he found a bank owned 220S that matched his first car and tried to buy it before it got repainted in green. The painter wanted to make his profit on the repaint, so he was not helpful, and Karl was unable to buy that car. 

Ten years flew by and Karl found an estate sale auction in Minnesota where a 1957 220S was offered. He purchased it even though it was a different color combination and took the 220 back home. Karl checked the factory paint code label, and it was the same ivory color of his original car! On further inspection the color change was confirmed. Now what to do? It did not take long, and the decision became clear – back to the original color and a total restoration. 

The car got completely disassembled, engine out, front, and rear axle out, fuel tank out, all lines underneath, fenders off. The body was taken down in all parts to metal. The doors, for instance, were painted inside, outside, all over to show condition. Everything got carefully prepped and painted properly back to the original Ivory paint code, including reapplying the factory “bedliner” style surface on the underbody. The window mechanisms were even cad-plated gold.

Mechanical overhaul included fuel tank and radiator service, the engine was rebuilt with two new Solex two-barrel carbs, starter, water pump, generator, belts, all metal lines cad-plated, new hoses, correct clamps, engine, and transmission mounts. Complete front axle and rear axle rebuild. New rims and new hub caps along with Michelin tires. 

The interior had very good red leather so it got resprayed in red MB leather dye, new headliner, new carpeting and floor mats. 

The bumpers were replated and the side molding trim was replated and replaced. The headlights were replaced with the original German versions, new trunk lock, door handles restored, new original radio and speakers with antenna.

And then the endless list of small details, not to forget all the rubber parts – yes, all doors, trunk, window seals and heater hoses were replaced. The trunk stores two spare tires; one Michelin spare and one original METZLER w/w 6.70 X 13, “1956”!