Mercedes-Benz 220 S W180 '55

• Restored several years ago, it drives well but would also serve as a good base for restoration
• Vintage looking raven black paint
• An affordable, though very luxurious ride
• Stock interior and gears shifted on the steering wheel
• Could be Mille Miglia eligible

Mercedes-Benz’ W180 series was produced from 1954 to 1959 and, due to its elegant design, constituted a significant part of the widely celebrated Ponton series – a coachwork type that was used to nicknamed Mercedes-Benz’ iconic series. Its graceful pontoon shapes seamlessly complement a quintessential Mercedes-Benz feature: the straight-six engine, which adds harmony to the whole, leaving an unforgettable impression when one takes the driver's seat.

Mercedes-Benz had long solidified its reputation for building cars well before 1954. After the brand was compelled to shift to producing more affordable four-cylinder cars in the aftermath of World War II, it was time to return to the characteristic Mercedes-Benz six-cylinder engines. The post-war W187 had already revived the rhythm of the six-cylinder, though, now time to get modernizing, presenting a touch of contemporaneity while not shying away from aesthetic futurism in the spirit of the earlier W120, albeit bidding farewell to the four-cylinder engine.

The result of the magical formula was the W180, available both as a four-door saloon and a two-door coupe or convertible. Initially, the W180, sold as the '220a' from 1954 to 1956, delivered 84 horsepower through a single carburettor. In 1956, the 220a was succeeded by the slightly more powerful 220S, to which is referred as 'W180 II,' boasting 100 horsepower with the assistance of twin-carburettors. Power was further increased to 106 horsepower in 1957 by raising the compression ratio.

Over a production span of five years, the W180 series saw a total of just over 85,000 sold. In terms of quantity the 220S leads the pack with 55,000 cars sold from 1956 to 1959.

Mercedes-Benz W180 220a

The Mercedes-Benz 220a, retroactively designated as 'W180 I,' represents the initial version of the W180 series that earned global recognition and acclaim within the Mercedes-Benz Ponton lineage over the decades. Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, it was produced for just two years from 1954 to 1956. The 220a revived the concept of the six-cylinder engine known from earlier Mercedes-Benz models, while its exterior design drew inspiration from the W120, the first Ponton model powered by four cylinders.

Unlike its successor in the series, the 220a was exclusively available as a four-door sedan, approximately 26,000 were produced. The 220a stands as a Mercedes-Benz classic that seems to appeal to nearly everyone, as is usual with Mercedes-Benz classics.

Technical information:

Body work

• Length (cm): 472 (186 inch)
• Width (cm): 174 (69 inch)
• Height (cm): 156 (61 inch)
• Wheelbase (cm): 282 (111 inch)
• Weight (kg): 1280 (2822 lbs)

Mechanics

• Engine: straight-six 2195 cc front-engine
• Valve gear: 12
• Fuel system: 1 carburettor Solex
• Gear box: 4-speed manual
• Transmission: RWD
• Left-steered
• power: 84 hp (63 kW) at 4800 t/m
• torque: 157 Nm at 2400 t/m
• Top speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)

**Please do not hesitate to contact us via email to receive the detailed expertise report**