Seventy years later: Classic Mercedes turns heads in Kurdistan
A rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 180 Ponton is still running strong in al-Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, thanks to the dedication of local collector Bilind Mohammed, who considers vintage cars a reflection of both history and craftsmanship.
Equipped with a 1.9-liter petrol engine and a four-speed manual transmission, the black-painted vehicle still bears the iconic Mercedes emblem—long associated with German automotive excellence.
'This is one of the oldest cars in Iraq and Kurdistan,' Mohammed told Shafaq News. 'It's a rare piece that continues to hold its charm and performance.'
The model was among the first released by Mercedes-Benz after World War II, featuring a then-innovative unibody design that marked a departure from the segmented chassis structure common at the time.
Mohammed has preserved the car's original components, including tires and lighting, through careful, long-term maintenance. He occasionally showcases it at local exhibitions, where it draws strong interest from classic car enthusiasts.
'It's not just transportation,' he remarked. 'It's a reminder of a design era defined by elegance and authenticity.'
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Seventy years later: Classic Mercedes turns heads in Kurdistan
Shafaq News – Al-Sulaymaniyah A rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 180 Ponton is still running strong in al-Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, thanks to the dedication of local collector Bilind Mohammed, who considers vintage cars a reflection of both history and craftsmanship. Equipped with a 1.9-liter petrol engine and a four-speed manual transmission, the black-painted vehicle still bears the iconic Mercedes emblem—long associated with German automotive excellence. 'This is one of the oldest cars in Iraq and Kurdistan,' Mohammed told Shafaq News. 'It's a rare piece that continues to hold its charm and performance.' The model was among the first released by Mercedes-Benz after World War II, featuring a then-innovative unibody design that marked a departure from the segmented chassis structure common at the time. Mohammed has preserved the car's original components, including tires and lighting, through careful, long-term maintenance. He occasionally showcases it at local exhibitions, where it draws strong interest from classic car enthusiasts. 'It's not just transportation,' he remarked. 'It's a reminder of a design era defined by elegance and authenticity.'
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