Somebody Call 911

This Mercedes-Benz "Ponton" ambulance has been meticulously restored over several years. We take it for a drive outside Bloemfontein

- By Wilhelm Lutjeharms. Photos by Peete Mocke

1958 MERCEDES-BENZ 190 PONTON AMBULANCE

• Engine: 1 897 cm, four-cylinder petrol (M121)
• Transmission: 4-speed manual, RWD
• Power: 55 kW @ 4600 r/min
• Torque: 137 N.m @ 2 800 r/min
• Top speed: 140 km/h
• Acceleration 0-80 km/h: 20,5 seconds
• Fuel consumption: 8,90 L/100 km Fuel tank: 56 litres
• Weight: 1 200 kg
• Manufactured: 1956-1959

Type the word ambulance into the search bar of Mercedes-Benz's official online archive and a host of links and pictures pop up. There were Unimogs converted into Krankenwagens and the oldest version of an ambulance - a Daimler Type UK1 with a 10/25 hp engine - dates back to 1912. In the '50s, there was the Type 170 S-D version, based on the Mercedes-Benz 114/115 chassis built by C Miesen, a company founded in 1870 that specializes in emergency vehicles. Miesen manufactured three wagon versions: a family station wagon, a hearse, and an ambulance. There have since been several Mercedes-Benz-based ambulances. The owner bought this particular car in 2010 and, two years later, tackled the mammoth restoration. He is an absolute perfectionist and has restored several Mercedes-Benz models over the years. He often tries to source one-of-a-kind cars to add to his collection, and this Ponton Ambulance is a perfect testament to this approach.