The Mercedes-Benz W111 was a chassis code given to a range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles produced between 1959 and 1971, including four-door sedans (1959-1968) and two-door coupés and cabriolets (1961 to 1971). Their bodywork featured distinctive American-style tailfins that gave the models their Heckflosse nickname — German for "fintail". It was introduced with a 2.2-litre inline 6-cylinder engine.
Design of a replacement for the two-door Pontons began in 1957; as most of the chassis and drivetrain were to be unified with the sedan, the scope was focused on the exterior styling. Some of the mockups and prototypes show that Mercedes-Benz attempted to give the two-door car a front styling almost identical to what would be realised in the Pagoda roadster, but ultimately favoured the work of engineer Paul Bracq. The rear bodywork however, persisted, and thus though officially still called a fintail, the rear end design had no chrome fin highlights. Production began in late 1960, and in February of the next year the coupe was premiered in Stuttgart for the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Museum.
Unlike the previous generation of two-door Ponton series, there was only one model for the two-door vehicle, the 220SE on both versions, with the identical M127 2,195cc engine. Options included for example a sliding sunroof for the coupe, power steering, and individual rear seats.
Finished in a refreshing Light blue metallic with beautifully contrasting red leather interior, this very desirable specification 220SEb is a European car, not one of the usual US imports and comes fitted with the rarely optioned sunroof and manual gearbox.
Originally sold new in Germany in 1976, before being exported to America and repatriated to Europe, since 2016 in Czech Republic. The car comes with Czech historic documents and a US title. The car was renovated in 2009 with a new original Mercedes-Benz interior in 2014.
Provided with an extensive service history and original service book, most recently the car received a thorough service. The service included new coil, spark plugs, rear axle bearings, brake and clutch cylinders, brakes, injectors cleaned, rear end restoration, differential renovated, all new fluids (engine, gearbox, brakes, cooling) and more. Currently fitted with European H4’s lights.
There is no rust, it is fully functional. Only minor imperfections on paint and chromes. The car is on the button and ready to be enjoyed. It was regularly used, participant in classic car rallies in 2018-19.
Production date | 1963 |
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Body Type | Coupe |
Engine | 2.195 ccm, 120 PS, I6 |
transmission | Manual |
Steering | Left Hand Drive |
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Layout | Rear Wheel Drive |
Color - exterior | Light Blue |
Color - interior | Red leather |
Miles/Kilometers shown | 103.638 kms |
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Chassis / VIN | 11102110042201 |
Location - Country | Czech Rep. |
Location - City | Hradec Kralove |
• 2-door coupe body type • RWD (rear- wheel drive), manual 4-speed gearbox • gasoline (petrol) engine with displacement: 2195 cm3 / 134.2 cui, advertised power: 88 kW / 118 hp / 120 PS (DIN SAE), torque: 189 Nm; • characteristic dimensions: outside length: 4880 mm, width: 1845 mm, wheelbase: 2750 mm; • reference weights: base curb weight: 1410 kg; • top speed: 170 km/h (106 mph) (declared by factory); • accelerations: 0-60 mph 11.3 s; 0-100 km/h 12 s