1958 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series

220s Ponton Sedan

2.2L Inline 6 cyl. 120 HP

Semiautomatic

7501405

Clear

Gasoline

Description: You are bidding on a 1958 Mercedes Benz 220S. In Mercedes Benzese, it is known as the W180 Platform. Not to be confused with the more common, and less desirable W120 platform. Although they look similar, the 120 platform was only available in a 4 cylinder and rode on a 6.7 inch shorter wheelbase. The car you are bidding on would be the equivalent of a top of the line "E" class today. This is a true original "one owner" California Survivor! My sister told me of a friend who had an old Mercedes in her garage. When I first met her, she was not sure if she wanted to sell the car. Her father, the original owner, bought this vehicle from Mercedes Benz of Hollywood, Ca on 7/3/1958 (see original bill of sale). Miles may or may not be original. Even growing up, she recalls him only driving it occasionally, and always telling her to be careful putting her bicycle in the garage so as not to scratch it! When he died in 1994, the car was parked in his garage where it still sat 20 years later. I finally convinced her to sell it to me with the intention of doing as little as possible to get it running. My love for old cars would not allow me to scrimp or take short cuts on the repairs necessary to make it roadworthy. More than $7000 in repairs later, I think it is in good enough original condition not to warrant a full restoration. I have driven this car at 80mph! I would not hesitate to embark on a 1000 mile journey any where in it, or describe it as a daily driver. Engine and transmission were in fine original condition. All components related to Brakes, electrical, fuel, hydraulics, shift linkage, tires have all been thoroughly repaired or replaced to better than “ new" condition using only original Mercedes Benz parts. All work was done by Bob Gunthorp at Onager Mercedes, in San Diego, Ca., a true Guru when it comes to the Mercedes "Ponton". Documentation for all repairs will be included and are available for inspection upon request. I would have to describe mechanical condition of this car as excellent. ***California bidders: Registration is only $167 to bring current. http://www.mbzponton.org/pax058/people/gunthorp/gunthorp.htm Engine: Cold blooded nature of this engine will require use of the manual choke. Engine turns over a few seconds before starting. Settles into a nice smooth idle once it reaches operating temperature. No knocking. No sputtering. Just a surprisingly relaxed quiet idle. This car is not fast, but the smooth straight 6 cyl. engine will cruise effortlessly at highway speeds. Top speed is rated at 99mph. Transmission: Hydrak Automatic clutch, which functions just like a column mounted 4 speed minus the clutch, works surprisingly well. See original bill of sale...this was a $165 option in 1958! Gear changes need to be made slowly and with care, but I have yet to hear any grinding or clunking. Brakes/Tires: Brand new set of modern 185/70R-13 radials. All Brake drums and shoes are brand new. Suspension: This does not feel like a 56 yr old car! It still drives straight and true. Suspension feels soft but precise just as it was designed. Paint/Exterior: Appears to have been resprayed at some point during it's lifetime in original light blue color. Still shows well with a nice shine. A few dings and scratches (see photos). New bumpers. New wheel covers. Color and pattern are wrong on 3 wheel covers. They will be repainted to match color and pattern of the wheel cover on driver side rear wheel. Upholstery/Interior: Interior is in surprisingly good original condition. No tears in leather or door panels. Small tear on left side of driver seat. Headliner in perfect condition. Electrical: All electrical in working order. Lights, horn, turn signals, license plate lights, fog lights. Original radio turns on, but no sound from speaker. Miscellaneous: I am including documentation for all recent repairs. Original Dealer delivery envelope with original purchase order from Mercedes Benz Of Hollywood, Ca. Owners manual, radio manual, service manual, and 2 coupons for a free car wash.....only $.25 back then! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! *Original Purchase order. Original Purchase Receipt. Original Dealer Document Delivery Folder * * Original Radio Warranty and Manual. Original operating instructions for optional Hydrak Automatic Clutch. Original Service Manual and mileage ledger. Original Owners manual Copy of recent repairs. *On Apr-21-14 at 20:28:55 PDT, seller added the following information: