1958 Mercedes Benz 220S cabriolet
1958 Mercedes Benz 220S “Ponton” W180 chassis cabriolet, Serial Number 180030N8509371, DB860 Green with palomino leather, tan rugs and tan convertible top, 2.2 litre in-line 6 cylinder engine with dual carburetors making 105hp, 4 speed on the column manual transmission, power assisted drum brakes front and rear, Becker Mexico radio, 4 place seating, 13 inch wide white wall tires with body color hub caps, the supremely elegant interior is adorned with our beloved ivory steering wheel and shift handle knob and with walnut wood trim galore. Our wonderful 220S cabriolet was delivered new at the Mercedes Benz factory July 7, 1958 to Mr. Bausher of Reading, Pennsylvania, who would go on to use the 220S throughout the Continent for 1,500 miles or so. Once back in the States, Byrl S. Kline Mercedes Benz, also of Reading, Pennsylvania, would regularly service the 220S for Mr. Bausher as witnessed by the numerous entries in the so nicely worn factory original maintenance booklet. Mr. Bausher would sell the 220S in 1970 to Mr. Hewitt of Burlington, Vermont, who would go on to own the Ponton for the next 42 years. During his four+ decade stewardship Mr. Hewitt, would lavish the cabriolet with constant attention as carried out by the factory authorized dealer in Shelburne, Vermont, The Automaster, as well a multi-year complete restoration by Bill Coon’s Starksboro Coachworks. On file are personal letters between Messrs. Hewitt and Coon, and even the most adorable handwritten letter by Mr. Hewitt to the at the time unknown third owner wishing them well and much enjoyment with his beloved 220S cabriolet. That third owner, a Mrs. Cruz of New Jersey, would own the Ponton from 2012 until 2017, at which time it was sold to the fourth and most recent owner, from whom we have just acquired the 220S. While in his ownership, continued attention was paid to the Ponton both mechanical and cosmetic, including an entirely new interior being trimmed. Accompanying our sublime 220S cabriolet is the aforementioned original maintenance booklet, the original owner’s manual and parts manual, numerous work orders, original tool roll and jack, an original and complete set of keys, and a fitted luggage set from the day. Our wonderful 220S cabriolet exudes the grace and elegance same today as when Mr. Bausher took delivery at the factory those 64 years ago.
