Mercedes Benz Ponton Models Compared

This video shows the differences between several of the Mercedes Ponton models and what parts are the same on several models. The Ponton section of my store is at

[luvsilly]

Finally, NO I am not old enough to remember, car radios with tubes. Thank you, I needed that.

[misterpp]

I drove a green 1958, 180 model Mercedes to high school in the 1960's. My dad bought it and it was quite a hit. My friends jokingly called it a Benjamin Hoople. It had a 4 speed on the column and a metric speedometer. It also had some cool safety features that were ahead of it's time, including a break-away mirror rear view mirror, cone cylinder door latches, and a windshield that was designed to pop out if it was in an accident.
(Or so I was told.) I wish I still had it.

[marcelbijmolen]

As a kid I Saw the W120 180 D as taxi van and I fell in love👍

[ronaldderooij]

The first car I have some active memory of is a green 190D (1960 built). Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[sunbeam]

I still have the '61 180b I drove in high school during the early '70s. The original owner was a US Navy captain stationed at the US embassy in Madrid, Spain. The car still has the Spanish aluminum roof-rack, custom fabricated by Zacarias SA of Madrid. It's screwed to roof inserts that look alot like those on your Ponton.
I learned to drive a stick in that car. Best column-shift ever! The moss-green paint was dull, and it had dings and rusty bumpers. So my brother nicknamed it "The old lady's shoe"! But it was easy to work on, and I could still afford to drive it after the '73 oil-crunch. And it was slow. I think old VW Beetles could outdrag it from a stoplight!
But once up to speed, it could cruise on the highway all day.
Around 1980, I rescued the AM/FM Becker Europa radio from a friend's '58 190 parts car. The bakelite radio plate was broken at the speaker. So I had to epoxy it before installation. The knobs were the early type, but I didn't care. Surprisingly, it worked - for a few years. Then the power box quit.
You didn't mention another special thing about tube car radios - the hum of the vibrator!
Soon, I installed a Kuhlmeister salvage-yard under-dash Mercedes Fintail AC unit. The Fintail compressor kit wouldn't fit a Ponton. So I custom fabricated all the hardware to fit a compact Japanese Sankyo compressor and condenser from a '70s Mazda!
In the mid '80s, my boss was driving a bad-ass shiny black '70 GTO, with no AC.
He he was getting out of his car, drenched in sweat one steamy summer day, and gave ma a dirty look as I drove up in my "old lady's shoe" with my windows rolled up!

Sadly, by 1992, it was very tired, rusty and unsafe to drive. It still sits forlornly, in my side yard. 😞

[osi-leesproductionz]

Roger. You are fantastic and know these cars very well.

[christopherrozario]

Superb … many thanks+++ grew up w 220S R Hand drive w floor change gear lever … B Mexico self seeking radio … from recollection it took time to ‘heat up’

[gputnam]

Great vid, Roger……….I have a ‘58 219, ‘59 220S, 2 ‘60 190D, 2 ‘61 190D, ‘66 200D. I might have a ‘problem’. Thanks for the vid………….George in Alaska

[starrcenter]

Yes, I am old enough to remember radios with tubes. Great sound!

[shawnaburns]

Very informative video!! Very intelligent man didn't know all the differences thank you 😊

[starrcenter]

The shift lever on the "old one" had an electric clutch which was engaged as you start to move the lever. A costly repair when it didn't work.

[MC-xfuu]

Ojalá usted pudiera hacer un vídeo de la reconstrucción y el despiece de un motor 220 de 1962, nadie lo ha hecho no hay información, disfrute mucho de este vídeo tengo un w111 me encantan!!! Saludos desde México.

[nigelslade]

I use to have a 190B in the1960s, East Africa. My car had 13 wheels. I have a 1960B, it keeps up, just, with modern traffic.
190 with 15 inch wheels the only difference was the steering knuckle to stop the wheels fouling inner wing/fender and the speedometer. Have only seen 190s with 15 inch wheels not the 219/220. Have seen odd 190C with 15 inch wheels.
Excellent video

[RichieG]

Are you able to help / advise about what 219 parts me be interchangeable with my '57 220s (w180)? Windscreen example.
I inherited the 220 when the previous owner blew out something when he jumped w/reverse polarity. If you have advice I'm all ears!

[joeambaye]

Very informative and entertaining video. Cheers from UK.🍺

[Marklin]

The vent windows were always an option on Euro 180’s

[tt]

What are the diferences among the 180 a/b/c models?

[kyms]

Nice video, very informative. Ohh and thanks for the mention re 190b grill fintail compatibility :)

[johnjamesmoses]

Very interesting and informative..Thanks

[JordanWinthrop]

Great video! I have a 1954 180, flat head, 6 volt. It was in covered storage for many years and the drivers door hinge broke (rusted) through on the inside part of the door. Is this a replaceable part or do i need a whole new drivers door?