Vehicle Description
1957 Mercedes-Benz 180D Sedan
"The Mercedes-Benz 180 was launched in 1953 as the company's first
sophisticated unibody design. Nicknamed "Ponton" because of its
rounded shape and known internally as the W120, the series lasted
until 1962. It was a huge advance over the prewar body on frame 170
models, though it still used the 52hp 4 cylinder side valve engine
of the 170S. With a full width body, it offered 22 percent more
interior space and boasted 40 percent larger glass area. A
traditional radiator shell was fitted and was raised along with the
one piece hood." Thx Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 180D sedan, showing 42,261
miles but true miles are unknown. Classic Mercedes-Benz cars have a
recognizability that is matched by few cars and a quality that is
renowned to collectors and motorheads in general.
Exterior
And there it is, the infamous grille that hasn't been changed over
the years as much as it's been stylized in accordance with modern
trends, drivetrains, and safety advances. That is to say that the
face of a Mercedes, whether in 1957 or in 2007, is unmistakable and
classic versions have an heir of nobility and grandeur. Single
round headlights are distant but married to the grille via
horizontal trim bars around intake ducts and it's all underscored
by a chrome bumper that wraps around the corners. Glossy black
paint is also augmented by side markers that look like sconces
you'd see in a hotel hallway and in profile, the tall windows are
supported by curvaceous panels and rounded ends. Out back, smaller
tail lights contain stacks of three colors while reflector lights
are embedded in the bumperettes below. The rear window is wide,
essentially mirroring the windshield. 13-inch wheels wear proper
hubcaps, beauty rings, and white wall tires. The paint and
metalwork are in great shape and other than some age cracks in some
of the colored lenses and some damage by the gas filler, we could
find only minor imperfections on the exterior.
Interior
Red leather abounds on the inside starting with the door cards, all
showing some patina but the driver's door in particular is stained
and darkened. The door hardware looks delicate but is robust in its
construction and even the ashtrays are substantial units. The red
leather bucket seats have also blackened with age and usage and
also show compression and some small tears, mostly reserved for the
driver's seat. The column tufted leather bench in back shows age
but is in decent condition. An ivory steering wheel shares the
condition and is accented with a decorative horn ring surrounding
the Mercedes star. The dash is partially wrapped in red leather and
houses square gauges that flank the central, round speedometer. To
the right, a clock and AM/FM radio draw out attention. The mid
panel is metal and houses unique knobs, levers, and toggles in a
mixed array of switchgear. The gray vinyl floor covering is in
rough shape, particularly near the gas pedal, and it's topped with
two sets of rubber mats. The felt headliner is in good shape.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a 1767cc diesel inline 4 cylinder in driver
condition and rated at 46 horsepower. It's fuel injected and
married to a 4-speed manual that sends power to the rear wheels and
3.70 gears. Shifting is done on the column. Drum brakes are found
on all four corners.
Undercarriage
Driver quality here as well with plenty of patina, some surface
rust on the belly pans. Components do have grease and grime onboard
and quite a bit of oil on the rear swing axle and residual oil
closer to the front. The single exhaust runs down the right bottom
side of the vehicle and makes a turn at the end to a stock style
muffler, then out a plain steel tailpipe. Suspension consists of
coil springs up front and swing arm with coil springs in the
rear.
Drive-Ability
Owing to Mercedes quality, the 4 cylinders came to life without
hesitation and typical diesel rattle. We rolled this handsome car
on the loop where it won't win any speed contests but provides an
upright and comfortable ride with gobs of visibility through nearly
symmetrical windows. Its unibody construction provides a smooth,
stable ride. It tracked, handled, and stopped well and all
functions onboard worked as they should. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
The 180D was built from October 1953 to July 1959 and 116,485 were
sold. It is hard to know exactly how many were imported to the U.S.
but it's likely not very many. Vintage Mercedes groups are
enthusiastic networks of knowledgeable individuals and there are
dedicated Mercedes or German car shows around the country. All this
to say, you won't be alone in your endeavor if this is your first
classic Benz. Buzz the mall if this 180D is in your wheelhouse!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
