180/190 model: the Ponton Mercedes

The design not only made a low aerodynamic drag and less wind noises possible, but also allowed creating a significantly more spacious interior.

Another innovation in the history of the Mercedes-Benz passenger cars was its design as a unibody, which was welded to the frame-floorpan structure.

In January 1954, the 120 series was expanded by the 180 D model, which was identical to its petrol-powered sister model with the exception of the diesel engine adopted from the 170 DS, the 12 V on-board electrical system and a modified final drive ratio.

The 1.9 l diesel engine produced 50 hp and was developed from the petrol-powered engine of the 190 model. The higher output and the improved smooth-running compared with the 180 D instantly made the new diesel a best-seller.

The four-cylinder models 180, 180 D, 190 and 190 D were presented in modernised form in August 1959. Technically largely unchanged, the revised models, internally called the 180 b, 180 Db, 190 b and 190 Db, featured innovations at the front and rear end: lower bonnet, wider and lower radiator grille, more massive bumpers. The tail lamps had also been revised, which as on the coupés and cabriolets now featured integral reflectors. Further model facelift measures involved the interior design and served to improve passive safety.

The 180 and 180 D models continued to be produced as kind of obsolescent models, but still had undergone some technical modifications, which was reflected in the internal model names 180 c and 180 Dc.

The Ponton era at Daimler-Benz ended after nine years with the discontinuation of the production of the 180 c and 180 Dc models in October 1962. During this time, a total of 442,963 units of the 180 - 190 D models were produced in Sindelfingen, 437,310 of them were saloons and 5653 were rolling chassis with partial body.

While Mercedes-Benz itself produced only one four-door saloon, coachbuilder Binz developed various body style variants including estates, which were sold via Mercedes dealers.