Hypersonic

Mercedes-Benz 220Sb

I really like 1960's cars ..and the Mercedes Heckflosse models are no exception.

1959 Mercedes-Benz W111
The Heckflosse (fintail) design was taken from the [particularly American] trend at the time for tail fins ..although the Mercedes tail fins were much more modest than those of it's rival 1959 Cadillac.

W111
The W111 was débuted in 1959 and was available as 220, 220S and 220SE. The coupé model was débuted in 1961. The 220 was the equivalent of a modern-day E class, while the 220S and 220SE were the equal of todays S class. All had manual transmission until 1961 when a four-speed automatic was also available

To distinguish them from their 1950's predecessors, the Heckflosse models were designated with a small b for the 220 models (220b/220Sb/220SEb) and a small c for the 190 models (190c ..see below). However, these designations do not appear on the vehicle's badge. The reason for these designations is simply because the Heckflosse models shared the same model names as the previous generation cars ..the b and c is to distinguish them from those models.



This 220S has the US specification headlights.



The basic 220 was visually a little bit different from the 220S/220SE ..having different rear lights with a simpler design.


220S/220SE rear lights.


1961 W110
The cheaper 190/190D (W110) Heckflosse models were introduced in 1961. These would be similar to the C class of today.


The rear of the 190/190D was very similar to that of the 220.


W112
In 1961 the 300S (W112) was launched ..these were prestigious cars and were distinguished from a normal 220S/SE by having a lot more chrome.








The new coupé and convertible were also launched in 1961 -- this is one of my favourite Mercedes-Benzes. Notice, by 1963 those tail fins were out of fashion, so the coupé and convertible didn't really have proper ones -- but they are still referred to as a Heckflosse model.













1963 A LWB version was unveiled, the 300SEL -- this was a highly prestigious and expensive car and could be equipped with a glass divider to separate rear passengers from the driver. However, the 300SEL was overshadowed by the début of the W100 limousine.




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The Emperor

Some pics should show up, right? I don't see any...

dOmInIX

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Didn't find much! But to to be honest, I didn't even search much!
Roberto, I'd never expect to see a thread like this by you! You usually post intelligent and cool stuff!

Hypersonic

LOL ...yes ..sorry about that -- I clicked the "submit reply" button before I even started

Merc1

Amazingly that seat design/pattern for that seats in that convertible were used right up until the mid-ninties when the last of the W124 E's were built. I mean look at that pattern and detailing its the same 20 plus years later!!!!!!

M

Hypersonic

OH, hi Merc1 ..you don't usually lurk around these rusty older cars

You are right about those seats, there were some small changes made over the years ..but the general impression is very consistent over the decades.

Merc1

Well I always read here, but rarely post since I'm out of my league when it comes naming and identifying a lot of the pre-1980's Mercedes-Benzes. I come here to learn from you and other vintage MB experts.

M

Hypersonic

I'm no expert Marcus ...I'm learning as I go ...but I have got quite an interest in these older cars, particularly the W100 ..which I love.

Merc1

Yeah I see, your name appears as the originator of some of the threads in this section. I too have a certain fondness of older Mercedes too.

M

Hypersonic

I must say the 4 door Heckflosse model is not the most beautiful car ever created ..I actually used to think they were horrible -- but over time I have started to appreciate their peculiar looks.