Minneapolis Street Sighting: Mercedes Benz W120/121 Ponton

When it comes to older Mercedes, its often hard for me not either fall in love with them, or be sad at owners' neglect to care for it. This example falls into the latter category. When this prestigious automobile was new, it was a sign of wealth, a sign of class. If someone drove a Ponton, it meant he or she came up into the world, and wanted something classier and more expensive than a Volvo PV, yet did not want to plunk down Rolls Royce money for a car. It signaled class, exquisite taste. Unfortunately, this example is owned by someone who cares only about destroying what prestige this once-classic German saloon had.
Instead of restoring it, the owner has decided it needs to be a Bel Air alternative. Instead of cleaning this once-proud car up, he has gone and butchered it to hell. The paintjob isn't awful, but it certainly suits a mid 1960s Chevy truck rather than a classic Benz. Out back, rests slotted tailights more appropriate to lime green lowered 1993 Chevy C/K, in place of the original units. The wheels, too, are a bit tacky, especially for a car like this. While I do like the wheels in general, they belong on a raked 1974 Ford Torino with sidepipes, or perhaps an old-school "bomb" type lowrider-- not a classic Benz.
While I am rather pissed at what the owner has done, I do appreciate the fact that this example isn't rotting away in a field. On second thought, this "55 BENZ" would likely be a more interesting photoshoot if it was in derelict condition. On the bright side, at least this once-proud luxury car is still on the road, despite being ruined.