Mercedes-Benz

180, 190 (W120, W121)

1953-1962

In 1953 the Mercedes-Benz 180 (W120) was introduced. It was a very modern car, a huge step forward from the 1930s based 170 series. The W120 was nicknamed the ponton, after the styling trend that unified a car's previously articulated hood, body, fenders and running boards into a singular body. Powered initially by the company's existing 1,767 cc engine, it was sold as the Mercedes-Benz 180. In 1954, the diesel engine powered Mercedes-Benz 180 D was introduced. In 1956 the Mercedes-Benz W121 was introduced as the Mercedes-Benz 190, powered by a 1,897 cc engine, followed by the diesel engine powered Mercedes-Benz 190 D in 1958. At the 1959 Internationale Automobil Ausstellung, a slightly wider grille and slimmer taillights were introduced. In April 1961 the Mercedes-Benz 190 Heckflosse entered the market, that would eventually replace the W120/121 the next year.

 

1953

Mercedes-Benz 180

folder, 12 pages, German

published 11-53

1954

Mercedes-Benz 180

folder, 12 pages, German

published 02-54

Dating

II.54 is printed on the back

Mercedes-Benz 180

sheet, German

published 03-54

Dating

III.54 is printed on the back

Mercedes-Benz 180 D

folder, 12 pages, English

published 05-54

Dating

V.54 is printed on the back

1955

Mercedes-Benz 180 D

folder, 12 pages, German

published 03-55

Dating

publicity code 46-ED 355/DE

Mercedes-Benz 180

sheet, English

published c1955

Dating

in 1955 the W120 received a new type of rear axle; in the sheet it is presented as a novelty

publicity code 311/1

Mercedes-Benz 180 D

sheet, German

published c1955

Dating

the length of the car is 4460 mm, so this is the 1953-1959 model; it has the new axle introduced in 1955

publicity code 312

1956

Mercedes-Benz 190

brochure, 12 pages, German

published c1956

Dating

production of the 190 started March 1956; in the brochure it is presented as a new model

publicity code 331

Mercedes-Benz 190

sheet, German

published c1956

Dating

production of the 190 started March 1956; in the sheet it is presented as a new model

publicity code 332

Mercedes-Benz 180 D

brochure, 12 pages, German

published c1956

Dating

publicity code 337

1957

Mercedes-Benz 180

folder, 6 pages, German

published c1957

Dating

in 1957 the 180 received a new engine; the cover mentions: der neue 180

publicity code 344

Mercedes-Benz 180

folder, 6 pages, German

published c1957

Dating

in 1957 the 180 received a new engine 

publicity code 344/1

1958

Mercedes-Benz 180 D

folder, 6 pages, German

published c1958

Dating

see https://www.oudemercedesbrochures.nl/Ponton_180D_ca58deutsch.html 

publicity code 360

Mercedes-Benz 190

folder, 6 pages, German

published c1958

Dating

publicity code 361

Mercedes-Benz 190 D

folder, 4 pages, German

published 08-58

Dating

publicity code 308 858 

1959

Mercedes-Benz 190 D

brochure, 12 pages, German

published 01-59

Dating

publicity code P 189 159 de

Mercedes-Benz 180

sheet, German

published 07-59

Dating

publicity code P 1269 de 759

Mercedes-Benz 180 D

sheet, German

published 07-59

Dating

publicity code P 1270 de 759

Mercedes-Benz 190

sheet, German

published 07-59

Dating

publicity code P 1271 de 759

Mercedes-Benz 190 D

sheet, German

published 07-59

Dating

publicity code P 1272 de 759

1961

Mercedes-Benz 190 D

folder, 8+2 pages, German

published 07-61

Dating

publicity code P 2233 de 761

Mercedes-Benz 180 D

folder, 8+2 pages, German

published 12-61

Dating

publicity code P 2232/1 1261

1962

Mercedes-Benz 180, 180 D

brochure, 28+4 pages, German

published 01-62

Dating

publicity code P 1003/1 de 162