This Ponton is a diamond in the rough that could be brought back to showroom condition with not much effort. Starting with a very solid complete car with absolutely no rust, a full restoration was begun on it in the late 70’s by an older gentleman who stripped the paint down to bare metal after removing the engine and the car was painted a deep blue inside and out, including the engine compartment. The frame members, suspension and running gear were also stripped and painted chassis black.

The engine was totally disassembled at that time as well, and remains disassembled in a crate. I don’t know if there are any missing parts, but from what I can tell all the major components are there and have been de-greased without any grime on them. Like any aluminum; the pistons, valve cover, fuel injection components, etc., are oxidized but not beyond the point of being reused after cosmetic surface reconditioning. The complete wiring harness is intact and still in place with all connectors.

The original interior was left intact and in place as it still is today. The door panels and headliner are out but remain with the car. Prior to completing the restoration the older gentleman that started the project passed away and the car was parked in a barn under a plastic tarp covered in hay bales up until 8-10 years ago when I bought it intending to finish the restoration. You hear about finding great old cars in barns and this truly is the real thing.

Being in a very wet climate in Oregon, moisture collecting under the tarp in the barn effected a few spots on the paint. As a result if a #1 “Excellent” grade restoration is planned it will need to be repainted. However; the only rust is very minor on the surface and depending on how far one would want to take the restoration the current paint will suffice but needs touch up along with fixing minor dings and dents. The dash is complete including the original radio with speaker cloth, but it too has suffered from moisture and needs refinishing.

The pictures tell the real story on the car’s condition and I have highlighted all the areas of the paint and body that need attention. This car is very straight and except for what is shown in these pictures there are no other dings, dents or rust. I have the bumpers and windshield with chrome trim but not the back glass. The floor and trunk are as solid as the day the car rolled out of the factory and it has the original under carpet fixed asphalt based sound deadening mats still in place.

I'm not sure what this car is worth. I have it listed on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290582218986&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:MOTORS:1123. There is another one listed there http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1958-Mercedes-220s-Ponton-26-000-Original-Miles-/370522598341?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item5644de2bc5 that I think is a much less desirable car with a “Buy It Now” price of $5,800 . I’m open to any reasonable offers.

I’ve had multiple heart attacks and I’m selling my entire collection of 50’s-60’s vintage cars and trucks, as I’m just not up to doing restoration anymore. The original paint identification plate on this car reads 40 G. The odometer says 16034, which I’m assuming means 116,034K. This car has no title and is located 75 miles SW of Portland Oregon. Buyer must arrange pick up and delivery. If you have any questions please contact me at 541 487-4246 or jerry.hunt@blackhorsearsenal.com.