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 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 , with applied to accommodating the W180's longer straight-six M180 engine, and 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 . 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 (; later it was given a second carburetor, raising output to ).
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.
Production numbers Through October 1959, 55,279 220 S saloons and 3,429 convertibles and coupés were built.
Gallery
+ Technical data Mercedes-Benz W180 (Manufacturer's figures except where stated)Mercedes-Benz220 a (W180 I)220 S (W180 II)220 S Convertible/Coupé (W180 II) Produced: 1954–1956 1956–1959 1956–1959 Engine: 6-cylinder-inline engine (four-stroke), front-mounted Bore x Stroke: 80 mm x 72.8 mm Displacement: 2195 cc Max. Power @ rpm: @ 4800 @ 4800 from August 1957: @ 5200 Max. Torque @ rpm: @ 2400 @ 3500 from August 1957: @ 3500 Compression Ratio: 7.6: 1 7.6: 1 from August 1957: 8.6: 1 Fuel feed: Single 2-bbl Solex 32 PAJTA Dual 2-bbl Solex 32 PAJTA Fuel tank capacity: Valvetrain: SOHC, duplex chain Cooling: Water Gearbox: 4-speed manual w/ column shifter rear wheel drive, standard axle ratio 4.11:1 (later 4.10:1) Electrical system: 12 volt Front suspension: Double wishbones, coil springs, stabilising bar Rear suspension:: Swing axle, radius arms, coil springs Brakes: Drum brakes (Ø 230 mm), power assisted Steering: Recirculating-ball steering Body structure: Sheet steel, monocoque (unibody) construction Dry weight: Convertible A/C: Coupé: Loaded weight: Track front/rear: / Wheelbase: Length: Width: Height: Tyre/Tire sizes: 6.70 x 13 Top speed: Fuel Consumption (estimate): Price Germany USA: DM 12,500 $4,175 DM 12,500 $4,494 DM 21,500 $7,138
References Notes
Bibliography
External links