MERCEDES BENZ "Ponton" Cabriolet (W180/128) 1956-1960 Photos, engines & full specs

The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220 S and 220 SE Cabriolet are rare gems in automotive history. The German car-manufacturer built only 5731 of these, from which 1942 were the fuel-injected SE.

Just two months after the last 220 A Convertible roll-out from the factory in 1955 and a 220 Convertible based on Type 220 A sedan was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was built on a shortened chassis by 120 mm (4.7") when compared with the 220 S. But the vehicle shown was just a show and it didn't go into production.

The model series that went into production in 1956 but was based instead on the 220 S, the successor of the 220 A. The turn-signal placed on top of the front fenders, the integrated taillights in the rear quarter-panels, the wider hood, and the tall grille were just a few details that showed the design change in the Mercedes-Benz philosophy.

Under the hood, there was an inline-six engine with two downdraught carburetors that produced 106 hp in 1957. A year later, a single point injection (the injector was in the manifold) was available and increased the output to 115 hp. The engine featured a chain-driven overhead camshaft with two valves per cylinder.

In 1959, three completely redesigned 6-cylinder engines and a new "fintail" body were presented along with the new sedan versions. These engines were also installed in the 220 Cabriolet. The last carburetor engine was installed in the convertible in October 1959. The new injection system, along with higher camshafts and straight pipes increased the output to 120 hp.