Mercedes-Benz 220a Ponton manual

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

The first all-new Mercedes-Benz to appear after the end of World War II, the Ponton range of saloons, cabriolets, roadsters and coupes shrugged off the pre-war, separate wing/mud guard look for something altogether much more contemporary.

Immediately referred to as the Ponton, a reference to their ‘pontoon’ wings, they incorporated numerous innovative designs including the first use of crumple zones, a sturdy monocoque central cell surrounded by bodywork designed to deform and therefore absorb energy in the event of an accident.

The progressive suspension was independent all round, featuring double wishbones up front and low-pivot swing axles at the rear. All models used the same steering column-mounted, four-speed manual gear change.

Available with a range of engines, from a humble side-valve in the basic 180 to the sophisticated 2,195cc six-cylinder fitted to the 220 models, they were assembled in various plants across the world. By the time production ceased in 1962, over half-a-million had been sold, many seeing service as taxis thanks to their famous robustness and engineering integrity.

This stunning RHD 1955 220a manual has spent its entire life in Australia, arriving in the UK just a month or so ago. Ordered new from BEA, Mercedes-Benz’ official dealer in Adelaide, the accompanying service book shows that they gave it its first service on 3rd May 1955 at 519 miles. The book has one further stamp, again from BEA, dated 1974.

The early history of the car is unclear, its previous owner, Franz Wann acquiring it in 1981. He ran an official Mercedes-Benz service dealership in Adelaide, a business which is now run by his son. The car was in regular use until 1985, after which it was used sparingly on club runs under the Australian club registration scheme which allows use on officially organised events.

In 2000, Wann decided to have the car professionally restored, a task entrusted to his friend Mr Cafasso, who ran Adelaide’s Mercedes-Benz approved panel and paint shop. Mr Cafasso insisted on doing all the work himself, stripping the car and preparing it for rebuild. By 2004, the car was progressing well when sadly he had a stroke which curtailed further work. The owner put the nearly completed car in storage where it was to remain until purchased by the vendor who has carefully finished off the job.

The car had already been professionally painted Ivory inside and out which replaced the original rather tired grey paintwork. New rubbers for the doors, boot and windows were sourced and fitted and the rest of the car carefully put back together. Great care was taken to get everything just right, including a rebuild of the clock which now keeps good time and the restoration of the twin fans and heaters in what would now be called the dual zone heating system. The interior remains in lovely original condition.

The car has lived its life well away from the coast in the hot and dry Adelaide climate and so shows no signs of rust which is a real rarity on Pontons of this era. The vendor confirms that it ran beautifully on the 570 mile journey to Port Melbourne where it joined the ship, temperatures often topping 40 degrees C on the journey. The odometer shows a mileage of 81,000 miles which is believed to be correct and it is being sold with its correct NOVA documentation so it should be a simple task to register the car in the UK.

Smooth, powerful and beautifully made, this matching numbers 220a is in lovely condition and would be an important addition to any serious Mercedes-Benz collection.