Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 220 SEb (120 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.6 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz W111:

The Mercedes-Benz W111 is a line of full-sized luxury cars produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1959 and 1971, including four-door saloons and two-door coupés and cabriolets. The saloons’ bodywork featured distinctive pointed tailfins that gave the models their Heckflosse nickname — German for "fintail".
Introduced with a 2. 2-litre inline 6-cylinder engine, the W111 spawned a pair of bracketing variants in 1961: downscale entry-level inline 4-cylinder engined vehicles sharing the W111 chassis and bodies, designated the W110; and the high-end W112, a luxury saloon built on the W111 chassis with its body but exclusive features, elaborate appointments, and the Mercedes-Benz 300d Adenauer's fuel-injected 3-litre "big block" M189 six-cylinder engine – at the time the company's largest....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Cabriolet Overview:

Mercedes-Benz W111 (Cabriolet). With 189 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1510 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 13.7 s). The top speed reaches 170 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. 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:
As a classic vehicle from the 1960s, the Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet predates modern crash testing standards like Euro NCAP. Its safety features are limited to the technology available at the time, focusing on robust construction rather than advanced passive or active safety systems.

220 SEb (120 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Similar power to the automatic variant, but the manual transmission offers more driver engagement and a slightly more direct feel.

Fuel Economy

Maintains the best fuel efficiency in the lineup, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious classic enthusiasts.

Best Use Case: City driving, relaxed touring, ideal for purists who prefer a manual gearbox and maximum fuel efficiency.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Iconic and elegant 'Fintail' design
  • • Luxurious and comfortable interior
  • • Exceptional build quality and craftsmanship
  • • Smooth and refined ride quality
  • • Powerful V8 engine option (3.5 V8)
  • • Strong collector appeal and appreciating value

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 models
  • • Lack of modern safety features
  • • Maintenance and parts can be expensive for a classic
  • • Not as agile or sporty as some contemporaries
  • • Potential for rust if not well-maintained

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Coupe: September, 1960 - October, 1965).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:W111
Generation:Cabriolet
Modification (Engine):220 SEb (120 Hp)
Start of production:September, 1961
End of production:October, 1965
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:5
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:120 Hp @ 4800 rpm.
Power per litre:54.7 Hp/l
Torque:189 Nm @ 3900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 127 V / 127.984 [Same engine] More details about the engine M 127 V / 127.984
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:11.2 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:13.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:13.7 sec
Maximum speed:170 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:12.6 kg/Hp, 79.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8 kg/Nm, 125.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:13 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1510
Max. weight:1980
Max load:470
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:530 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1200 kg
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Size:
Length:4880 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1845 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1445 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2750 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1482 mm
Rear (Back) track:1485 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.9 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz W111. How does it handle on the road?