Miguel Sánchez
We commonly hear the term prewar to refer to the oldest of all the classics. A name that takes us to the times before World War II, referring to bodies full of segregated elements. Thus, pre-contest vehicles usually have a multitude of fins, stirrups and projections around the central body where the mechanics and the passenger compartment are housed. A complex and overloaded shape in which flat volumes are conspicuous by their absence, making air circulation extremely difficult and therefore aerodynamic efficiency.
However, even before 1940 some forward-thinking manufacturers began to change the way they design the exterior appearance of a car. In that sense, one of the most significant examples is that of Tatra. The innovative Czechoslovak brand that became a benchmark in aerodynamics thanks to models such as the Tatras 87 1936. A spectacular sedan with its V8 placed in the rear. Also integrating the headlights and the wheel arches in the body itself. So things, The free running boards, fenders and headlights were eliminated. Gathering all the elements on the same quadrangular base. The birth of modern bodies. Eliminating free-standing fins to define an all-encompassing body with a flat-sided design.
Without a doubt one of the greatest advances in world motorsport. Defined as pontoon bodywork due to the similarity of its rectangular layout to that of the small ferry boats in charge of fording rivers with cargo on board. An approach that quickly caught on. Applying first to sports cars such as the BMW 328 Mille Miglia and then passed to all kinds of models in the fifties. Period in which the Mercedes Pontón 180/190 consolidated this design in European mass production.
MERCEDES PONTON 180/190. THE POPULARIZATION OF THE BRAND
In the decade from the late XNUMXs to the late XNUMXs, the pontoon body became dominant on the world scene. Thus, the last traces of carriage in cars were left behind. Improving air flow and therefore aerodynamic resistance, noise in progress and mortality in impacts. Minimizing the overhangs that acted as swords against passengers and pedestrians in what was one of the best safety innovations of the entire 1950th century. Something from which all kinds of models began to benefit from XNUMX.
From the sporty Lancia Aurelia to the popular FIAT 1400 through American cars like the Ford Custom. An avalanche of new designs among which there was still a model that was manufactured in large series by a prestigious company. Just the gap that the Mercedes Pontón 1953 came to fill in 180. Responsible for the popularization of the German house after the world war, having the 1956 evolution in 190. Two variants of the same model that came to sell 437.310 saloon units during its nine years in production.
In addition, 5.653 chassis with partial bodywork were also manufactured, divided into convertibles, vans and medical vehicles. Data that verify the massive purpose of the Mercedes Pontón, culminating in the popularization process undertaken in 1936 with the 170 V. A powerful and modern model while relatively inexpensive. Which provided Mercedes a reference niche among the intermediate options of the European market. The basis for what would eventually become E-Class saloons such as the 114 W1968 or 123 W1975.
MASSIVE UP TO THE ENGINES
When the Mercedes Pontón 180 was presented, it was equipped with mechanical gasoline with four cylinders in line and 1 liters of displacement. In this way, the power was about 8CV at 52 rpm. Increased to 75CV when the 1956 version appeared in 190 with a little more displacement. In addition, for short periods of time the 219, 220S and 220SE variants were available with six-cylinder engines designed to give the coupe and cabriolet units sporty verve. However, of all the mechanics offered by the Mercedes Pontón the most influential was the diesel one offered for the first time in the 180D of 1954.
But why? Well, because it was the one that best synthesized the premise of popularization without loss of quality intended by Mercedes. A successful strategy. Although it achieved great sales, it did not attack the fame of quality and prestige of Mercedes. In fact, it even increased it. Demonstrating that cars could be made relatively accessible to broad layers of the market by offering qualities typical of more exclusive models. A fact that the German taxi drivers confirmed with practice, who chose the Mercedes Pontón en masse as one of their most reliable mounts.
In addition, one of the novelties introduced by the Mercedes Pontón 180/190 is the concept of deformation zones. An advance in security that, even having to wait for the W111 to be definitively implanted, was partially applied here. Thus, the tubes and panels in the central zone were designed to act as a security cell. Leaving the absorption of the force of the blow - and therefore its deformation - to the front and rear areas with their curved supports. First test of the deformation zone patent acquired by Mercedes in 1952, being another reason to see in this model one of the most significant and influential Mercedes in the entire history of the brand.
Photographs: Daimler Mercedes
