1959 Mercedes-Benz W121 Sedan (facelift 1959) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Ponton W121 Sedan from the 1959 facelift ranges between 1200 to 1210 kg (approximately 2646 to 2668 lbs). This moderate weight allowed the vehicle to maintain a solid and stable ride quality while still being nimble enough for daily driving. The weight was well managed by its suspension setup, which was designed to offer comfort and control typical of Mercedes-Benz vehicles of that era.

The maximum weight (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) for the 1959 Mercedes-Benz Ponton W121 Sedan facelift is between 1650 and 1660 kg (3638 to 3661 lbs). This figure represents the total weight of the vehicle including passengers, cargo, and fuel. Maintaining this weight is important to ensure safe handling, braking, and overall vehicle performance.

With a length of 4500 mm (177.2 inches), width of 1740 mm (68.5 inches), and height of 1560 mm (61.4 inches), the Mercedes-Benz Ponton W121 Sedan facelift fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Most standard garages accommodate cars up to about 2.5 meters wide and 5.0 meters long, so the Ponton’s compact dimensions make it an easy fit, with clearance for opening doors and maneuvering inside the space.

Compared to its predecessor, the facelifted 1959 W121 Ponton Sedan maintained similar overall dimensions, retaining a length around 4500 mm (177.2 inches), width near 1740 mm (68.5 inches), and height about 1560 mm (61.4 inches). The facelift primarily focused on aesthetic updates and minor technical improvements rather than dimensional changes, ensuring continuity in its size and comfort for existing customers.

The Ponton W121 1959 facelift holds typical mid-sized sedan dimensions of its time, with a length of 4500 mm (177.2 inches) and width of 1740 mm (68.5 inches). Compared to contemporaries such as the BMW 503 or certain Jaguar Mark models, the Ponton was somewhat more compact, emphasizing maneuverability and efficiency. Its weight and proportions placed it competitively in the executive sedan segment, balancing space with manageable size.

While exact interior dimensions are not specified, the exterior size of 4500 mm length and 1740 mm width in the Ponton W121 sedan suggests comfortable space for up to five passengers typical of sedans in the late 1950s. The relatively tall height of 1560 mm (61.4 inches) contributes to decent headroom. Seats were designed to provide ergonomic support, with sufficient legroom and shoulder room considering the car's overall compact but efficient packaging.

The Mercedes-Benz Ponton W121 models typically featured a fuel tank capacity of around 50 liters (approximately 13.2 US gallons). This capacity enabled the car to offer a reasonable driving range suitable for the era’s driving conditions, balancing between compact size and practical usability without frequent refueling stops.

The W121 Ponton facelift typically housed a 1.9-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine, delivering around 75 horsepower, which was sufficient for comfortable cruising and urban driving of the time. The naturally aspirated engine emphasized reliability and smoothness rather than outright power, aligned with Mercedes-Benz’s focus on engineering quality and durability during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The Mercedes-Benz Ponton W121 sedan facelift featured a fully independent suspension, utilizing double wishbones at the front and a swing axle or coil springs at the rear, providing a superior ride comfort and handling for its time. The braking system typically used drum brakes on all four wheels, standard in this era, offering reliable stopping power consistent with the car’s weight and speed capabilities.