Mercedes-Benz Fintail W111 220 SEb (120 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz Fintail:

Mercedes-Benz Fintail is a nickname for saloon cars of the W110, W111, and W112 series produced by Mercedes from 1959 to 1968. These replaced the Ponton-series saloon cars introduced in 1953.
These series' modest tailfin-era styling reflected the US-led trend. In Mercedes terminology, the short rear fins were designated Peilstege , parking aids which marked the end of the car for aid in backing....(Read more on Wikipedia)

W111 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz Fintail (W111). With 189 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1360 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.7 s). The top speed reaches 165 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Mercedes-Benz W111 predates modern Euro NCAP testing by several decades. However, it was a pioneer in passive safety for its time, featuring a patented crumple zone design and a padded dashboard, significantly advanced for the late 1950s and early 1960s.

220 SEb (120 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers strong performance for its time, with a smooth automatic transmission making for effortless cruising.

Fuel Economy

Respectable fuel economy for a luxury sedan of its vintage, especially with the automatic gearbox.

Best Use Case: Highway / Grand Touring

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Pioneering safety features for its time (crumple zones).
  • • Elegant and distinctive 'Fintail' styling.
  • • Spacious and luxurious interior comfort.
  • • Robust and durable engineering.
  • • Smooth and refined ride quality.

Cons:

  • • Performance can feel leisurely by modern standards (especially lower trims).
  • • Fuel economy is not competitive with modern vehicles.
  • • Maintenance and parts for a classic can be expensive.
  • • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids.
  • • Rust can be an issue if not properly maintained.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W112: April, 1961 - January, 1964).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:Fintail
Generation:W111
Modification (Engine):220 SEb (120 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:August, 1959
End of production:August, 1965
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:120 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:54.7 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:189 Nm @ 3900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 127 III / 127.982 More details about the engine M 127 III / 127.982
Engine displacement:2195
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:80 mm mm
Piston Stroke:72.8 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.7 sec
Maximum speed:165 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.3 kg/Hp, 88.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.2 kg/Nm, 139 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1360
Max. weight:1875
Max load:515
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Size:
Length:4875 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1795 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1510 mm mm [55mm more]
Wheelbase:2750 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1470 mm
Rear (Back) track:1485 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Front suspensionDouble wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

Is the Mercedes-Benz Fintail the king of its class? Share your thoughts.