Mercedes-Benz W111
Overview
The Mercedes-Benz W111 series, produced from 1959 to 1971, represents one of the most elegant and well-engineered vehicles of its era. Nicknamed the “Heckflosse” (German for “fintail”), the W111 blended timeless design with cutting-edge safety features, including the world’s first front and rear crumple zones. Available in sedan, coupé, and cabriolet forms, the W111 became an instant symbol of German luxury and restraint—favored by diplomats, executives, and style-conscious motorists alike.
Key Features
• Engine: Inline-6 or V8 (depending on model and year)
• Power Output: ~95–200 hp (e.g. 220Sb to 280SE 3.5)
• Transmission: 4-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
• Body Styles: 4-door sedan, 2-door coupé, 2-door cabriolet
• Chassis: Steel monocoque with advanced safety engineering
• Interior: Wood veneer, leather upholstery, and classic VDO gauges
• Drive Layout: Rear-wheel drive
• Weight: ~1,400–1,700 kg depending on model
Performance
• 0–100 km/h (62 mph): ~11–14 seconds (varies by engine)
• Top Speed: Up to ~205 km/h (127 mph) in 280SE 3.5
• Notable Variant: The 280SE 3.5 V8 Coupé — revered for its refinement and performance
Production Numbers
Over 370,000 sedans were produced, but the coupés and cabriolets—especially V8 models—remain far rarer. Just over 3,200 units of the 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet were built, making it one of the most sought-after classic Mercedes models today.
Legacy
The W111 series marks a pivotal chapter in Mercedes-Benz history—introducing innovations that would become industry standards, all wrapped in coachwork that has aged with incredible grace. The coupé and cabriolet variants, designed by Paul Bracq, are considered masterpieces of mid-century automotive design and are highly prized by collectors worldwide.
Why Buy?
Whether you’re after understated elegance, mechanical solidity, or a piece of post-war German luxury history, the W111 delivers on all fronts. From leisurely coastal drives in a cabriolet to stately Sunday cruising in a pillarless coupé, it’s a car that exudes class without shouting. With values steadily rising and parts still relatively accessible, the W111 is as much a wise investment as it is a soulful experience behind the wheel.
