1958 Mercedes-Benz 180a

This W120 chassis code car is a 1958 180a, its model name identifying a gasoline four-cylinder of 1.8 or (as in this case) 1.9 liters. Though virtually identical to upmarket six cylinder cars from the A-pillar aft, these four-cylinder cars’ shorter nose and other small differences such as trim and badging help distinguish them.

Pastel shades were popular on these cars, and this one looks right in its light tan/yellow over stock steel wheels and hubcaps emblazoned with Mercedes three-pointed star logo. The full-length fabric sunroof contrasts well in a darker brown, and heater intake vents to either side of the formal, upright radiator grille are unique to gas and diesel four-cylinder Pontons.

Fog lamps always look great on Ponton Benzes, and these vintage Hella units are both period-correct and desirable. The three-pointed star hood ornament has been snapped off its post, but is included in sale and looks repairable.

Upholstery appears to have been fitted as part of an older restoration effort, and its colors work well here. Stitching and materials look similar to Mercedes’ incredibly hard-wearing MB-Tex upholstery, and dark brown with lighter piping is well-suited to the car. Headrests resemble later model MB items, and are a welcome safety upgrade here. Carpets appear to have been fitted around the same time as upholstery, and continue the same color scheme.

Note the large factory steering wheel and adjacent column-mounted shifter, the latter operating a 4-speed manual transmission in conjunction with antiquated but fun-to-operate floor-mounted pedals.

Being a 1958 model, this car should be powered by a 1.9 liter sohc M121 four delivering a very low-stress 64 hp to the rear wheels. Suspension was quite sophisticated for the time, using double wishbones in front, a swing axle setup in back, and coil springs all around.

This car is sold without known history.

Like more modern W114’s, W123’s and low-spec W124’s, these W120’s are desirable not for their performance or an exotic specification, but rather for their all-encompassing quality, for their elegant, unadorned styling, for their drum-tight unibody construction, and for their uncompromised, built-to-last mechanicals. This one looks entirely typical, which is pretty extraordinary indeed. Estimated $3,000 - $5,000.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.