Behind the White Wheel

Behind the White Wheel

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

To Hartwig Mueller

Being a founding member of IPOG (International Pontons Owners Group), and an active daily visitor of mbzponton.org, I always enjoyed reading the stories of Hartwig Mueller, a retired German Mercedes-Benz Salesman. 
Hartwig Mueller standing proudly next to a 180b/190b demonstrator (Ref: mbzponton.org)
From 1956 up till 1964, Hartwig's daily work involved selling all types of Mercedes-Benz vehicles; from the 180 to the 220S passing by UNIMOGS, Trucks, SLs...etc. 


Getting in or out of a 190b demonstrator; notice the 1960s sunglasses (Ref: mbzponton.org)
Hartwig described in the Ponton Page as well as in his now gone website the daily life back in the late 50s and early 60s when pontons, especially 180 and 190 were brand new, top notch cars. He sold many Mercedes-Benz to US soldiers stationed in Germany and to other people who opted for the Mercedes-Benz quality and simple yet elegant design.

A 190b demonstrator (Ref: the now gone Hartwig Mueller's website)
Hartwig passed away on the 13th of November 2013. I regret not having the opportunity to meet him in person and I regret not being able to save his personal website that included a genuine description he wrote about the feel on board of a brand new ponton.

It is easy to shift gears in a ponton (Ref: mbzponton.org)

Notice the old pre-European Union white registration plates (Ref: mbzponton.org)
Hartwig, may you rest in peace, your stories have inspired me and have helped me associate my 180b with its original context.

Associated Link:
http://www.mbzponton.org/pax058/people/mueller/mueller.htm

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