Most unusually, this beautiful 1956 220 Ponton is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive example. Moreover, it is Mille Miglia eligible and has just benefitted from significant expenditure.

Built only 11 years after the end of WW2 and costing a significant sum, it is no surprise that a Ponton was a rare sight on Britain’s roads in the mid-fifties. Yet in January 1956 this 1955-built 220a was first registered to a Fred Nield of Manchester.

Finished in its original blue with grey trim and a four-speed, column-shift manual transmission.

The history folder contains the original buff log book, along with all its English language books and manuals, even price lists.

There are receipts going back 30 years, and MoT certificates going back to 1963. The car was evidently subject to a comprehensive restoration in the 90s, with all work listed, including a fully rebuilt engine.

The current owner has been extremely proactive in maintaining and improving this Ponton. There are pages of receipts for new parts, from engine mounts to plug leads and much more. Most recently we have carried out a substantial amount of work on the car for the owner, including conversion to twin carburettors, new stainless exhaust system, engine set-up and brakes. The car had already been switched over from 13in to 14in wheels to allow greater tyre choice.

As a result, this is a great-driving, very nicely sorted 220. It has excellent performance and a lovely gearbox, which often leaves you held up by modern cars – remarkable for a 70 year old car. We think it would be an excellent classic for taking part in historic rallies, and of course it is Mille Miglia eligible.

As the photos show, this Ponton is in lovely condition inside and out. Pleasingly, it retains its correct rubber flooring and, we suspect, the original leather. It has not been over-restored unlike some.

The Mercedes Ponton was the company’s second all new model (after the Adenauer) after the war. It replaced the pre-war 170 and made the jump to a monocoque construction with the wings integral with the body. The 220a, available until 1956 was the type’s most powerful and luxurious form. Today the four-door saloons such as this represent tremendous value compared with the coupe and cabriolet derivatives. These cars, born during Germany’s economic miracle, were high in both quality and modernity and formed the bedrock of MB’s reputation for the highest quality cars in the 20th century.