1956 Mercedes-Benz 180 Sedan - Black - 45,391 Miles - Original Ponton, Restoration Candidate
Price Guide: $12,000 - $18,000
1956 Mercedes-Benz 180 (W120), rear-wheel drive, 1.5-litre M136 inline four-cylinder petrol, manual, indicating 45,391 miles, 5 seats, right-hand drive.
Description
The Mercedes-Benz 180 is the original Ponton. Launched in 1953 and produced through 1962, the W120 platform was Mercedes-Benz's post-war return to volume production and established the engineering and design philosophy that would define the brand for the next four decades. The distinctive pontoon body, the crisp chrome detailing, the unibody construction, and the genuine engineering quality at every touchpoint made the 180 a landmark car in its day. Finding a right-hand drive example in Australia is not straightforward, and this 1956 car carries both provenance and originality that matter to serious collectors.
The exterior presents as an honest, unrestored survivor. Black paint carries reasonable gloss across the main body panels with visible swirling and light oxidation on the roof and bonnet, consistent with a car that has been stored and preserved rather than polished and shown. The chrome front grille, bumper with overriders, wheel caps, side trim strip, and headlight surrounds are largely intact and presentable. The Ponton body panels are straight with no obvious collision damage visible from any angle. Period-correct whitewall-style tyres and Mercedes star wheel caps complete a very correct exterior appearance. The body identity tag inside confirms chassis number RA 120010-6500132 on the W120 platform, and the firewall data plate from Daimler-Benz AG, Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, is present and legible, confirming the 1956 build year and 1000kg kerb weight. Original matching-numbers plates add genuine collector value. The interior is all-original and reflects the car's age and storage history honestly. The red and burgundy vinyl bench seat upholstery shows fading, wear, and age-related creasing front and rear. The walnut veneer dashboard trim carries the distinctive crazing and checking that affects virtually all unrestored W120 interiors. The period three-spoke steering wheel shows a crack at the rim, also common on cars of this age. The dashboard is complete with its original toggle-switch controls, MB-badged glove box, period gauges, and chrome trim strips, all intact and largely unmolested. A door-mounted speaker is a minor non-original addition.
The engine bay houses the M136 inline four-cylinder with a modern Prodigal replacement battery and aftermarket blue ignition leads fitted. The bay carries heavy surface grime and patina consistent with long-term storage and the engine would require full recommissioning before use. Dried debris is present in the bay, typical of a vehicle that has been stored rather than driven regularly. Comparable W120 Mercedes 180 sedans in unrestored but solid condition have achieved GBP 8,000 to GBP 15,000 in the UK market, with right-hand drive examples at a premium. For an Australian buyer, the combination of original matching-numbers identity, correct Ponton body, and complete interior make this a well-priced entry into 1950s German engineering at its finest.
Features
* 1956 Mercedes-Benz 180 W120 Ponton, right-hand drive
* M136 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder petrol
* Manual transmission
* Rear-wheel drive
* Four-door sedan, five-seat configuration
* Original Daimler-Benz factory data plate present (Stuttgart-Untertürkheim)
* Original W120 body identity tag intact and legible
* Chrome front grille, bumper with overriders, and side trim strip all present
* Period-correct whitewall-style tyres
* Mercedes star wheel caps on steel wheels
* Original walnut veneer dashboard trim
* Complete period toggle-switch dash controls
* Red and burgundy vinyl bench seat front and rear
* Three-spoke steering wheel with MB horn boss
Condition Notes
* Paint shows light oxidation and swirl marks on roof and bonnet, otherwise reasonable gloss
* Walnut dashboard veneer has age-related crazing and checking throughout, restoration required
* Steering wheel rim shows crack, common age issue on W120 cars
* Seat upholstery faded, creased, and worn front and rear, refurbishment required
* Door seal weatherstripping deteriorated and shrunken
* Engine bay carries heavy surface grime and patina, full recommissioning required before use
* Modern replacement battery and aftermarket ignition leads fitted
* Retrofitted seatbelt on passenger side (non-original)
Specifications
Year: 1956
Make/Model: Mercedes-Benz 180 (W120)
Body: Four-Door Sedan
Engine: 1.5-litre M136 Inline Four-Cylinder Petrol
Transmission: Manual
Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive
Odometer: Indicating 45,391 Miles
Colour: Black
Seats: 5
Steering: Right-Hand Drive
Location: 60 Marple Avenue, Villawood NSW
Chassis: 6504216 (per firewall data plate)
If you have any questions relating to this vehicle, or if you would like to arrange a physical or virtual inspection, please contact Gavin directly on 0455 500 400
(Key #41CC Marple)
Lloyds stock #580073+1
#CCALL
#CCEUR
Location of item: 60 Marple Avenue, Villawood, NSW, Australia
** This vendor is not registered for GST - therefore GST is not applicable on this asset **
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
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