Daily Driver Ponton? Is it possible? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mr.Kenny · #1 08-11-2011, 02:49 PM

I might look at this.....
http://springfield.craigslist.org/cto/2522389406.html

What is it like to drive a Ponton?
Could a handy person like me use one as a daily driver around town? No commuting or expressways....
Does anyone here have any easy project Ponton or finished cars?
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Hatterasguy · #2 08-11-2011, 02:57 PM

If you go through it, are handy and have deep enough pockets to really sort it out.

Someone like Craig could DD one.

75Sv1 · #3 08-11-2011, 05:04 PM

I think it would depend on your commute. I commute with my '81 240D MT. I do drive on some state highways. So, 55 mph -65 mph. I actually pass some cars once in a while.
I would think for around a midsize town or rual roads, it would be OK.
Tom

MTI · #4 08-11-2011, 05:16 PM

a 48 year old car as a daily driver . . . my opinion would be no and the key reason would be safety, followed by reliability and costs.

75Sv1 · #5 08-11-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

a 48 year old car as a daily driver . . . my opinion would be no and the key reason would be safety, followed by reliability and costs.

People drive (ride) mopeds, motorcycles and bicycles to work everyday. I'd be safer in the Potoon. Reliabiltiy, might have me on that one. Still, I think if in good shape, it might be OK. I think more of a fair weather car though. And for cost, well if no car payments. Then some vehicles get terable gas milage.
I am thinking of getting some Saab Sonnets. Mainly for gas milage. I think they would be worse in an accident.
Tom

Xlimodriver · #6 08-11-2011, 07:24 PM

I almost bought this one a few years ago, run good with just a little rust and new leather.
Was concerned about availability of parts so I passed.

I think it's still for sale in Hastings Ontario.

spdrun · #7 08-11-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

a 48 year old car as a daily driver . . . my opinion would be no and the key reason would be safety, followed by reliability and costs.

Safety -- only if you're a 'fraidy cat.

The Clk Man · #8 08-11-2011, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xlimodriver

I almost bought this one a few years ago, run good with just a little rust and new leather.
Was concerned about availability of parts so I passed.

I think it's still for sale in Hastings Ontario.

If I had one of those I would wear a beer hat. Do you have one I could borrow my good sir.

Xlimodriver · #9 08-11-2011, 07:36 PM

Here's a nice ragtop for sale.

http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/find/4100_results.asp?bsubmit=true&lmodelflag=12127&lmanufacturer=10086&whatbutton.x=0&page=0&lCarID=1815937

Fulcrum525 · #10 08-11-2011, 09:01 PM

A Ponton isn't a car that can be restored and sold for a substantially profit like most of the other classics from that era. I'd say that as an occasional daily drive it could work (Sunny days 2 or 3 times a week)

I'm not sure but I believe that parts aren't too hard to come by.
http://www.mbzponton.org/

Edward Wyatt · #11 08-13-2011, 09:56 PM

They drive much better than they look.... but.

Parts are big money today, a proper brake system overhaul could cost around two thousand dollars in parts alone.

While they are very durable and reliable, they also need frequent tinkering and lubrication. Plan on spending an hour a week just taking care of the routine stuff.

The wipers plain old suck, even the two speed system in the 220S/SE.

Tires are hard to find in the correct size and are expensive.

While the six cylinder cars can keep up with modern traffic, you sure wouldn't want to get T-boned by a soccer mom in a Escalde/Expedition/Range Rover.

Pooka · #12 08-14-2011, 05:25 PM

A friend of mine spent a lot of time in Germany during the 50's and 60's. I bought a VW in 1971 and with-in a few weeks was whining about how much time it took to maintain.

He said it must be a part of the German mindset since every weekend all of his friends spent Saturday morning tinkering with their cars. That included Mercedes like this one. Their cars always ran great, but they had to fuss over them a great deal to keep them running.

This would likely be about the same. Also, does it have an A/C?

Mr.Kenny · #13 08-14-2011, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pooka

A friend of mine spent a lot of time in Germany during the 50's and 60's. I bought a VW in 1971 and with-in a few weeks was whining about how much time it took to maintain.

He said it must be a part of the German mindset since every weekend all of his friends spent Saturday morning tinkering with their cars. That included Mercedes like this one. Their cars always ran great, but they had to fuss over them a great deal to keep them running.

This would likely be about the same. Also, does it have an A/C?

Ha ha....No A/C.
But I think I am being delusional that I think this car could be care free like a Honda. It sound like a continuous tinkering job; and believe me I can't stand it if a car isn't running right, I'll tinker and adjust until it does. This is why I no longer own British cars.

Txjake · #14 08-15-2011, 10:24 AM

I had a neighbor in Indy that had a 180 oil burner as a DD. It worked fine. Just not much of an expressway car, gas or oil burner. Safer than a scooter, lol. I will dd mine ('55 180) as soon as I get it together (Strelnick?). Regarding the brakes and parts cost etc. I am looking into retrofitting a better brake system (read disc brakes) on mine. No reason to keep a ponton completely stock as they have no real value. Depending on the engine, you could hang a rotary ac compressor on it and an underdash unit for a grand or so.

Just do it. The maintenance stuff really is not British in nature, but easy stuff.

lutzTD · #15 08-15-2011, 10:38 AM

I think the lack of even rudimentary creature comforts and safety features would push you out of it pretty quick. unless you can drop the body onto a modern chassis it would be tough. Im already feeling that way about my coupe, my excursion is so much more comfortable to drive I may never finish the motor swap on my coupe........