1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE Ponton Cabriolet

The term "Ponton" (meaning Pontoon shaped) is actually a stylistic description of a modern vehicle body, and is commonly thought to be post-war, but was frequently used as a colloquial description of some early Bugatti models, particularly the Type 32. The term came into daily usage when it was applied to a number of Mercedes-Benz models produced from the mid-fifties until the early 60s. However it is the W180, and particularly the elegant W180 Cabriolet that people normally envisage when the word is mentioned. The 1960 22SE Cabriolet was the last in the line of the "Ponton" models and in SE form introduced an early form of Bosch mechanical fuel injection. Only 26 were made in right hand drive Cabriolet form, so consequently they are very rare.

The owner of this car has a significant collection of post-war Bentleys, Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz amongst notable others and is known to be meticulous in his approach to restoration projects. Although much of his Mercedes work was previously carried out in Germany, he was advised by a number of people whose standards he respected to contact Thornley Kelham from Cirencester, and after a visit to their premises, the restoration of this characterful 50's Mercedes "Ponton" was entrusted to them.

Thornley Kelham as a company are relatively new in the classic car business, although the team have decades of experience in this field, and they have very quickly moved to the top of the tables when it comes to reputation and standards. They are here at Salon Prive today, and would be happy to talk to you about future projects.

Our vendor's brief to TK was quite clear. He wanted a complete restoration of the car with various upgrades including sound proofing, air conditioning and a music system. After a little deliberation and some serious engineering considerations, the decision was also taken to convert the original column change to a modern six-speed BMW box with a floor change to make this a touring car beyond comparison.

The body was completely stripped, dipped, and assessed to be worse in the hindquarters than originally anticipated. Two new outer and inner rear wings, various sections to remake the rear underside and sections of the boot floor, plus one new front wing were ordered from "pattern' panels before the painstaking task of making them all correctly fit would begin. Only by carefully offering up the replacement panels throughout the job could perfectly even panel gaps achieved.

Before painting, all opening panels were fitted with their locks and seals to be tested, before dismantling once more and passing to the in-house TK paint shop for that team of skilled craftsman to ply their trade. The paint has been applied expertly in meticulous detail, the result of which is the most beautiful combination of what can best be described as Cream over Chocolate...

The steering components have been completely overhauled or replaced as necessary, with new dampers and track rod end joints. The steering box has been stripped and all bearings replaced, bushes manufactured and the whole unit painted. A 6-speed BMW transmission was modified to fit which necessitated manufacturing an intermediate plate to mate the gearbox to the engine. Other significant engineering feats, which this car can boast in spades, was the installation of the ice-cold air conditioning unit. This required the skillful replacement of the dynamo by a dynator and the siting of the air conditioning compressor beneath this so as not to make the engine unsightly. By placing the fans engine side of the bulkhead this allows air to be drawn from the cabin making for an incredibly efficient system with discreet and tasteful outlets located in the passenger cabin. The engine of this very capable tourer has been completely rebuilt including a reground crank, new bearings and pistons, the head skimmed and a full set of new valves fitted. New seals and gaskets are also fitted throughout. The rear axle had the same treatment, including new bearings, seals and gaskets throughout, naturally. To make sure the car stops as well as it goes, the braking system was completely restored with new drums and linings, rebuilt wheel cylinders and a new servo all linked together with new brake pipes. This Mercedes is shod with new Mercedes wheels and trims that are 1" taller then standard to help achieve a relaxed and quiet cruising experience when coupled with the 6-speed transmission. The larger wheels necessitated a re-profiled boot floor to accommodate a larger spare wheel, but as with all these unusual challenges, Thornley Kelham would arrive at a professional engineering solution. The interior of this car is a masterful touch. The wood is handsome and unblemished, whilst the seats were salvaged from the originals with the seamless letting-in of several panels of new leather in a matching grain before full re-colouring to a shade which expertly complements the tasteful exterior colours. The rear seats now also feature three point inertia reel seat belts to transport rear passengers safely. To further cement this vehicles grand touring capability the headlights have even been converted to higher-output halogen bulbs.

Refined, expertly restored and tastefully upgraded in the quest for great comfort and reliability, we simply cannot commend this car highly enough and implore you to come and see for yourself.