• Rare station wagon on the 190 'Ponton' chassis • Believed a factory built, limited edition model • Present ownership since circa 2006 • Formerly resident in Dubai Introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1956, the 190 saloon was a larger-engined version of the landmark 180 of 1953, Mercedes-Benz's first unitary construction model.

Dubbed 'Ponton' because of its high, box-section, side members, the 180/190 bodyshell offered superior resistance to distortion when compared to the separate body/chassis of the preceding generation.

As well as greatly increasing rigidity, the new design reduced noise.

The overhead-valve engine of the preceding 170S was retained for the 180, as was the proven double-jointed swing axle rear suspension, but the 'Ponton' sported altogether more modern coachwork of greater roominess and much-improved visibility.

Based on that of the 190 SL sports car, the four-cylinder, overhead-camshaft engine of the 190 'Ponton' developed 75bhp at 4,600rpm, an output good...