MERCEDES BENZ E-Klasse "Ponton" (W120/W121) 1953-1962 Photos, engines & full specs

The Type 180 was nicknamed “Ponton” due to its entirely new concept. Unlike its predecessors, it featured a ponton body, which meant that the fenders were integrated into the bodywork.

The automotive design was changing and Mercedes-Benz had to keep-up with it. The times of the long and arched fenders were gone. The times of exposed spare-wheels and headlights on a chromed rod were also a feature of the past. And then, the Mercedes-Benz “Ponton” was born.

It was introduced in August 1953 and the entire construction was meant to be more aerodynamic and more rigid than the previously Typ 170. It featured higher fenders and integrated headlamps. The rounded greenhouse and the three-box shape was different than its predecessor, but still had some design clues from the past at the front of the car, where the chromed tall and narrow grille was present.

Inside, the car featured more room for the head due to the higher roof. A bench in the front was offered, but most of the cars featured two seats in the front and a bench in the back. There was no folding seatback. The trunk, with its curved and sloped lid, accommodated the spare-wheel.

Under the hood, the Typ 180 was offered with a choice of diesel and gasoline engines. There were only four-cylinder units available with a power range between 43 hp and 80 hp. In 1955, the car received a new rear axle, which made the car more comfortable and better planted to the road.