180, W120, 60 years of "Ponton-Mercedes", 1953-1957

Product Description

August 1953 saw the launch of the 180 (internal designation: W120), the first Mercedes‑Benz car with a self-supporting chassis-body structure.
Characteristic of the three-box "Ponton" principle, first realised in the USA in 1946, were fully integrated wings and a rectangular body outline. This concept allowed for reduced wind resistance, resulting in less wind noise, and an appreciably more spacious interior.
For the first time in the history of Mercedes-Benz cars, the body was designed as a self-supporting unit and was solidly welded to the frame-floor system. This design offered a significant increase in torsional stiffness when compared with the conventional design of the 170 models.
The 180's design characteristics made it an ultramodern concept for its day and it was unanimously welcomed by the experts. Their only gripe was the 52 hp L-head engine, adopted from the 170 Sb, which, while giving no cause for complaint, was not exactly the epitome of power.

Mercedes-Benz 180, "60 years of the Ponton", brown. Diecast metal. Scale 1:43. Genuine paintwork colours. Accurate reproduction. High-quality printed interior. In Mercedes-Benz gift box. By Minichamps for Mercedes-Benz.

Product Information

• Article Number: B66041025