Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz Fintail W111 220 SEb (120 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 12.8 s). The top speed reaches 170 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.
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) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Delivers strong and responsive performance, making it one of the more spirited options in the W111 lineup. The manual gearbox allows for greater driver control.
Fuel Economy
Impressive fuel economy for its power output, making it a relatively efficient choice among the higher-tier Fintails.
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) |
| 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: | 12.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 170 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: | 12.2 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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz Fintail!