Tips On Buying a Ponton

A friend once told me, “There’s more to buying the perfect classic than finding one with a shiny coat of paint.” It pays to be well-informed. Get some workshop manuals so you have a good reference to start with. The mechanicals are not very sophisticated, and with a little mental elbow grease, you can gain a good understanding of the basic principles of the engine operation and tuning.

The bookstore or the internet can be an invaluable source of information and guides on the important things you need to know, from original paint finishes to factory specifications for a good number of classic cars. Having a good practical working knowledge of your prospective Ponton will better prepare you to deal with any reasonable contingency that may arise. 

It is also advisable to join an internet-based or local enthusiast group. The Mercedes-Benz Club of the Philippines can provide you with some excellent contacts on local parts sources, whether it is a new old stock part or salvage parts acquired through informal swap meets. Over the years, these cars have gained historical heritage status, so treat them with respect and also be willing to share your knowledge as you learn from others.

With a little “quid pro quo”, you should be able to establish contacts with people with the same interest, and find specialized parts vendors so that finding the correct replacement part is quick and easy when you really need it.  After several trips to the shop (and ATM machine), you can take your freshly restored Ponton for a ride. Unless you are one of those truly fortunate ones to have a 220s cabriolet or an SL roadster, chances are mere mortals like us would be content with driving around in a 220s or a 180d sedan. Nevertheless, it does not diminish the reminiscing experience of the various aspects of life during the Ponton era, when nothing was rushed. Although technological amenities are not as lavish, these cars mirror that period in every sense.

So plan a road trip to the country side and roll down the windows as you enjoy the visceral sensations of traveling in a 50 year old motorcar.  For it is the journey and not the destination that you will find most enjoyable.

So you’re serious about getting your own Ponton? Then beef up with the following tips from the experts.

Body work – In some cases, this can be more expensive than basic mechanical work. It would be best to look fora car that is as rust free as possible. If the car has already undergone some form of restoration, check for paint fillers and painted-over rust with a magnet. Make further inspections by getting it up on a lift and check for frame rust. The more rust you find the less it is worth, the more work you will have to do, and possibly you might not want to buy it. Check the welded joints and other places where water can accumulate.

Make sure the gaps along panel joints are properly aligned. There is no excuse for a poor repair or restoration job. Check the interior; a damp interior means water is leaking inside, making it very prone for corrosion.

Mechanicals - Check engine for compression, smoke and overall condition. Assuming the car is drivable, take it for a ride. Check for clutch operation, shifting, ride, and handling.

Apply Some Simple Mechanical Checks - These are just a few generic tests, and some of it you can do it yourself.

1. Make a compression test. Loose compression indicates faulty ring and valve seal.

2. Check the oil pressure tested with a separate gauge.

Low pressure indicates engine and oil pump wear.

3. Test drive the car and see if the transmission shifts smoothly with no grinding or knocks. Listen and feel for bad synchros and chipped teeth.

4. If the oil is clouding, look for grey slime on the dipstick. This indicates a head gasket leak.

How much you should pay? - It really depends on the condition. Some magazines like Practical Classics offer the current market values of these classics in UK Pounds or US Dollars. These guides only serve as references and therefore, the values given are only to be used as a suggestion of how much to pay, given varying conditions.

¤