👉 Mercedes-Benz W108/W109: The Ponton Models
➡️Origins and Design
- The W108 and W109 were part of the “Ponton” family, characterized by their distinctive pontoon styling—a post-war design innovation that unified a car’s previously articulated bonnet, wings, body, and running boards into a singular, slab-sided envelope.
- Introduced in 1965, these models combined elements from other Mercedes-Benz designs, creating an intermediate option between luxury and entry-level offerings.
Key Specifications:
➡️Engine Options:
The W108 and W109 featured a range of inline 6-cylinder and V8 engines:
- 2.5 L M129 I6
- 2.8 L M130 I6
- 3.0 L M189 I6
- 3.5 L M116 V8
- 4.5 L M117 V8
- 6.3 L M100 V8 (notable for the high-performance 300 SEL 6.3 variant)
➡️Body and Chassis:
- The cars had a lower body waistline and increased glass area, with a larger windscreen compared to their predecessors.
- The ride height was 60 mm lower, giving them a sleeker appearance.
- The 2-door coupés and cabriolets (W111 and W112) filled the niche for squarish 2-door models, often mistaken for W108/109 two-doors.
➡️Legacy:
The Mercedes-Benz W108 and W109 bridged the gap between luxury and affordability. Their elegant design, balanced performance, and successful market presence make them true classics in the automotive world