Mercedes-Benz 220SB W111 – 1960

Mercedes-Benz 220 Sb “Heckflosse” W111 1960

– Beautiful colour combination in “Mittelblau” with cognac brown interior
– Reliable 2.2 litre M180 6-cylinder engine
– Recently serviced to the tune of €13,600
– Interior reupholstered
– Bodywork largely repainted
– Work carried out by Mercedes specialist

The Mercedes-Benz W111 “Heckflosse”: it takes its nickname from the then extravagant fins on the rear that were common on American cars. In Mercedes’ view, these fins had a functional function besides an optical one: namely, they served as corner markings which should make reverse parking easier. With the new 6-cylinder engine and a special level of safety and luxury at the time, it was in fact Mercedes’ first S-Class. The example offered by us was delivered on 3 May 1960 and was imported from France and registered on Dutch plates in 2019. In the process, the car has been restored to excellent condition: among other things, the paintwork has been largely repainted, exhaust silencer, engine mounts, interior upholstery, various rubbers etc. renewed . The colour combination is fantastic: “Mittelblau” with a cognac brown leather interior and whitewall tyres. The chrome is also in nice condition, as are the engine compartment and boot. Inside the car, you imagine yourself in ultimate class and stateliness with the best of both worlds: original elements on the one hand and new floor mats and seats on the other. Beautifully finished with woodwork, a clock and an imposing large steering wheel, this car invites you to drive it. Driving is absolutely no punishment either: the 2,195cc 6-cylinder engine is smooth and refined and is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. In short: a perfect copy of this top-class car. “Das Beste oder Nichts”.

General information about the Mercedes-Benz W111
A Mercedes designer is not easily distracted by fashion, but in the late 1950s that was different. The Mercedes that listened to the code W111 (a design by Karl Wilfert) made its appearance and winked at the extravagantly finned Americans of the time. Although it was given considerably smaller fins than its American contemporaries, it owes its nickname to it: “Heckflosse”. The model was introduced in 1959 as the successor to the 220 Pontoon under the slogan: “The new six-cylinders – a class apart”. With a high level of attention in safety and luxury, the first S-Class was in fact born and the model was at once the German firm’s top model. It was equipped with a genuine safety body with crumple zones and also a chassis that could cope well with a frontal blow by including a crumple zone at the front and rear. The safety theme was also carried through to the interior with a so-called safety steering wheel, the column of which could not pierce you like a spear. A range of versions was available, of which the 95 hp 220b was the entry-level model. The one we offered is the 220Sb with 110 hp. Until the arrival of the 600 series, it was the most luxurious car Mercedes supplied.