Mercedes-Benz W120/121

Mercedes-Benz W120/W121

Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz
Production	1953–1962 442,963 built + 25,881 190SL
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W136/W191
Successor	Mercedes-Benz W110
Class	Midsize car
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door roadster
Wheelbase	104.3 in (2649 mm)
Curb weight	2690 lb (1220 kg)

Mercedes-Benz W120 model at a petrol station, 1961

The Mercedes-Benz W120 and W121 "Ponton" cars were produced from 1953 through 1962. They were sold under the "'180" and "190" model names.

The four-cylinder 180 was the first 'small' Mercedes, the C-class of that era. Mercedes-Benz would return to this market segment in 1982 with the 190E. The W121 190 was the E-class of the time.

The 6-cylinder Ponton models were the longer W128/W180 220s-220S-220SE.

The 180-190 and 220-220S 'Ponton' models looked very similar in appearance from the windshield back. From behind, one could not easily identify even the top of the line 220SE (E for Einspritzung, or fuel injection) from a 180, but the longer hood and chrome touches identified it as an upscale, 6-cylinder model.

The 300 used a much larger frame and body, however, and was an entirely different automobile.

The 180-190 four-cylinders were widely used as German taxicabs. Only these shorter Pontons featured low-wattage parking clearance lights at front fender top rear. A simple left-right toggle above and to the left of the driver's knee selected which side would illuminate, so as not to needlessly run down the battery in winter, no small concern when restarting diesels. Heater air intakes were on both sides of the radiator grille only on the 120/121.

The form and body of the car changed little during its production run. However, in 1957, a year after the introduction of the 190 sedan, the Mercedes star atop the faux external radiator cap was made detachable: reports at the time indicated that this was either to pander to the requirements of certain export markets, notably Switzerland or to reduce the risk of pedestrian injury in the event of an accident. By 1959, the star was spring-retained on a ball base.

A roadster variant, the R121, better known as the 190SL, was produced from 1955 to 1963.

In 1960, as a styling transition, a slightly wider grille and slimmer taillights were fitted. The Ponton models were replaced by the W110 "Fintail" models beginning in 1961.

Models

Type	Chassis code	Years	Model	Engine	Number built
W120 sedan	W120.010	1953–1957	180	1.8 L M121 I4	52,186
		1957–1959	180a		27,353
		1959–1961	180b		29,415
		1961–1962	180c		9,280
	W120.110	1953–1959	180D	1.8 L OM636 Diesel I4	116,485
		1959–1961	180Db		24,676
		1961–1962	180Dc	1.8 L OM621 Diesel I4	11,822
W121 sedan	W121.010	1956–1959	190	1.9 L M121 I4	61,345
		1959–1961	190b	1.9 L M121 I4	28,463
	W121.110	1958–1959	190D	1.9 L Diesel I4	20,629
		1959–1961	190Db	1.9 L OM621 Diesel I4	61,309
					Notes
R121 Roadster	121.040 hardtop	1955–1961	190SL	1.9 L M121 I4	921 engine
		1962–1963			928 engine
	121.042 soft top	1955–1961			921 engine
		1962–1963			928 engine

References

• "Mercedes 180-D". Road & Track (1959 Road Test Annual): 81–83. 

External links

• [1] Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA presents the W120 Ponton