Mercedes-Benz W180 220s
Mood and style
Romantic Elegant Retro
Practical
4 passengers With chauffeur from € 350 Drunen · Noord-Brabant
Mercedes-Benz W180 wedding car hire
The Mercedes-Benz W180 is the six-cylinder Ponton from the 1950s. Here you will find the W180 as a wedding car, the Ponton that was also built as an open cabriolet. Read more
- 1 wedding car
- from € 350 per half day
- 1 with chauffeur
Selection: Mercedes-Benz W180 wedding car
The Ponton: a Mercedes from the 1950s
In the 1950s, Mercedes-Benz launched a new generation of cars with a fully smooth body and no separate wings. That shape earned the nickname Ponton. The W180 is the six-cylinder version, sold as the 220 and 220 S. The four-cylinder cars went by different names; the W180 was the more refined, more powerful variant.
As a wedding car, the W180 has everything you would expect from the period: rounded lines, an upright grille with plenty of chrome, white-wall tyres on many examples and a long bonnet. It looks dignified without being over the top. At a wedding with a vintage theme, in an old church or on an estate, it fits in beautifully.
The cabriolet: a rare Ponton
Besides the saloon, the 220 S was also available as a coupé and a cabriolet. The open version is far rarer and highly valued by enthusiasts. As a wedding car, it is the cabriolet that is in demand. With the roof down, the couple is fully on show, and with the roof up it keeps the silhouette of a classic coupé.
Getting in and space in a W180 cabriolet
The Ponton cabriolet has two doors, which are fairly wide. At the back there is a bench seat for two people. Getting into the back means tipping the front seat forward, which takes a little dexterity in a full dress. The couple can therefore also sit in the front, especially if someone else is driving.
Dress and train
The seat is higher than in a sports car, which helps. With the roof down, there is no roof edge for a hairstyle to brush against. A long train can go over the edge of the back seat or into the footwell; make sure no fabric is left hanging outside when the door is closed. In windy weather, a short veil is more practical than a long one.
Driving a 1950s classic
This is a true classic car: it has no power steering as we know it today, it has drum brakes and a gearbox with a rhythm of its own. Ask the rental company for its advice on the route and on a replacement car, should one be needed.
The W180 on your wedding day
The shape of the Ponton looks best from the side, with the roof down and the long flank in view. A tree-lined driveway or a classic façade as a backdrop suits its style. White roses or peonies on the boot lid create a romantic picture that belongs to the 1950s.
Because a Ponton cabriolet is rare, it is wise to book early and to see the car beforehand. Ask how the roof is opened, how long it takes and whether the car will already arrive with the roof down on the day itself. That way you do not have to wait at the venue and the photographer can start straight away.
Also take a look at the other Mercedes-Benz wedding cars, such as the W113 Pagode if you prefer a sportier open car. If you would like to see more of the vintage style, you will find it in the overview of classic cars for your wedding.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a Mercedes-Benz W180 as a wedding car?
The lowest price currently online is € 350 per half day. The final price depends on the duration, the distance, whether a chauffeur is included and the date; demand is highest in the wedding season and on Saturdays. Every car shows its starting price, and when you request a quote you get a price for your own day.
Can you hire a Mercedes-Benz W180 as a wedding car with a chauffeur?
The wedding car currently online is hired out with a chauffeur. With a chauffeur you do not have to think about parking, the route or the time, and the couple sit together in the back. Self-drive gives you freedom, but do ask about the deposit, the insurance and the minimum age. Every car page shows what is possible.
Why is the Mercedes W180 called a Ponton?
The name refers to the bodywork. Cars from the 1940s still had separate wings and running boards, whereas this Mercedes had a smooth, single-plane side, which was compared to a pontoon. The nickname applies to the whole family of that era. W180 is the internal code for the six-cylinder models, the 220 and 220 S.
Is a Ponton convertible suitable for changeable weather?
Yes, with the roof up you will stay dry, although an old fabric roof is not as snug as a modern one. Close it well before you set off: quickly putting it up when a shower starts is not always possible in a classic car. Talk to the rental company about what you will do if it rains all day, and have an umbrella ready for when you get out of the car.
How many people fit in a W180 convertible?
There are four seats: two in the front and a bench seat in the back. In practice, the couple sit comfortably on the back seat with no extra passengers, or side by side in the front. You get into the back by way of the front seat, so if you are wearing a full skirt, it is best to choose the seat that is easiest to get in and out of.
Can the W180 be decorated without damaging the paintwork?
Yes, but be careful with old paintwork and chrome. Use soft ribbons and flower arrangements on a rubber base or suction cup, and never place anything directly on the bonnet where it could slide. Many classic car rental companies have their own standard decorations that have been tested on their cars. Ask about this before you arrange anything yourselves.