Mercedes-Benz 220/220 S/220 SE W180/ W 128 (1954

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Mercedes-Benz 220/220 S/220 SE W180/ W 128 (1954 - 1959).

Introduced in 1954, the 220 model, also known internally as the 220 a (W 180), was the first Mercedes-Benz 6-cylinder model to feature a unitised-body design.

Its modern, spacious “ponton body”, which Mercedes-Benz had launched just six months earlier in the mid-range 180 model, offered hitherto unknown standards of spaciousness and comfort. With the launch of the revised and more powerful 220 S in 1956, the letter “S” became a permanent fixture in the names of high-end Mercedes-Benz models, underlining the special status of the 6-cylinder “ponton” saloon.

Highlights

Integral body construction
Increased spaciousness thanks to advanced self-supporting chassis-body structure
Front suspension subframe
Single-joint swing axle with low centre of rotation
Brake drums with "turbo cooler"
Heating with blower as standard, separately adjustable for driver and front passenger
"Hydrak" automated hydraulic clutch available as an optional extra (from 1957)
Mechanically controlled intake manifold petrol injection (220 SE, from 1958)