See Mercedes-Benz S-Class for a complete overview of all S-Class models.

The Mercedes-Benz W180 is a line of full-sized luxury cars produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1954 and 1959, which included an inline 6-cylinder saloon, coupé, and convertible. The four-door 220 a sedan was produced from 1954 to early-1956. It was succeeded by a slightly modified, more powerful 220 S in early 1956. A two-door cabriolet and coupe joined the line in mid-1956; all three models were produced through the end of the W180 run.

A fuel-injected version of the 220S was introduced in October of 1958 as the W128, produced also in four-door sedan and two-door coupe and cabriolet through November 1960.

The W180 series was one in a range of Mercedes-Benz models to informally receive the "Ponton" nickname, derived from its unibody-type, pontoon-shaped exterior styling, which carried through into the subsequent W128 line.

220 a

The W180 was introduced in March 1954 as a larger, more luxurious, and up-scale version of the four-cylinder W120 model 180. The chassis' wheelbase had been stretched by 170 mm (6.7 in), with 100 mm (3.9 in) applied to accommodating the W180's longer straight-six M180 engine, and 70 mm (2.8 in) added to the passenger cabin to increase rear-seat legroom. From the side, W180 cars can readily be distinguished from W120s by the extra "quarter light" windows of their rear doors.

The single carburetor engine was carried over from the W187 model 220; and delivered 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp). Production of the 220 a ended in April 1956, with 25,937 units produced.

220 S

The 220 a was succeeded in March 1956 by the slightly modified, more powerful 220 S, fitted with an upgraded version of the 2.2 L inline-six, initially producing (100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp); later it was given a second carburetor, raising output to 106 PS (78 kW; 105 hp)).

External changes were minimal, with the 220 S receiving a one-piece front bumper, down from a three piece, and a pair of solid chrome strips running under its doors in place of twin chrome and rubber ones. The most obvious difference was the addition of a fine, interrupted chrome accent strip running along the fenders and doors.

The 220 S retained the 4-speed column shift manual transmission, but offered an optional Hydrak automatic clutch, which used small microswitches on the gear selector to automatically disengage the clutch when changing gears.

Also introduced at the time of the 220 S was the W105 219, a more affordable 6-cylinder Mercedes-Benz combining the engine and long-hooded body of the 220 a from the A-pillar forward with the shorter body of the W120/W121 A-pillar back. This gave it a more cramped cabin than a 220, but the power and prestige of a basic inline six.

In July 1956, a two-door cabriolet was added to the W180 line-up, and in October 1956 a matching coupé. Some convertibles were finished with folding rear seats to accommodate additional luggage.

Production numbers

Through October 1959, 55,279 220 S saloons and 3,429 convertibles and coupés were built.

Gallery

References

Notes

Bibliography

External links

Media related to Mercedes-Benz W180 at Wikimedia Commons