Mercedes-Benz W 128 220 S Ponton Cabriolet 1958

In March 1954 Daimler-Benz introduced the new 220 model featuring a decidedly modern overall design. The six-cylinder model bore the internal designation 220 a or W 180 and now also boasted a self-supporting ponton-type body structure welded firmly to the frame floor/unit. The close kinship to the 180 model was also evident in the styling, although the slightly different proportions of the 220 a gave it a certain undeniable elegance. The convertible A and C variants were introduced in September 1955 and went into production barely a year later.
Das Auto, Motor und Sport, Germany, issue 19/1954, on the Mercedes-Benz 220: “One of the most distinctive features of this car is its absolute handling safety even at high speeds. Even on the poorest roads, it does not pay a moment’s thought to depart its track, and it takes even the trickiest of corners in its stride, without requiring any particular steering corrections and without any perceptible lateral inclination. […] In addition to its elasticity, the engine of the 220 is remarkable for its exemplary balance and smooth-running, only when idling is a slight vibration detectable.”