Basic information and history

Mercedes-Benz W111, colloquially known as Heckflosse or "fenmercan" in Swedish, was introduced in 1959 and became a milestone in automotive history. It was the first mass-produced car with front and rear crumple zones surrounding a rigid passenger cell, a design based on Béla Barényi's patent. The model series comprised the 220 b, 220 Sb and 220 SEb, where the 220 Sb was the mid-range version with a 2.2-litre straight-six of the M180 type fed by twin Solex downdraught carburettors, while the 220 SEb had Bosch mechanical fuel injection. From 1961 the cars could be ordered with Daimler-Benz's in-house developed four-speed automatic gearbox with hydraulic coupling, and 1965 was the final production year for the 220 models before the W108 took over.

This 1965 220 Sb has been sold new in Sweden and has had a total of five owners. The odometer reads 80 666 km, which cannot be guaranteed by the seller. The car is today exempt from inspection and road tax.

According to the seller, the engine was already replaced during the 1970s with an injection engine of the same model year. Within the W111 series it was the 220 SEb that was delivered with injection, meaning the car today is not in fully original condition.

Equipment and options

• Automatic gearbox
• Sunroof
• Power steering
• Power brakes
• Original wheels with original hubcaps
• New tyres fitted on the car
• Four extra spoke wheels with new tyres
• Original radio

In addition to the engine replacement, the car has been fitted with American-style headlights at the front. The body has been fully restored, the interior is new, and full-coverage carpets of the original type have been fitted both front and rear. The underbody is rustproofed and a new silencer has been fitted.

Condition

Body and exterior: The body has been fully restored and is described by the seller as straight and true. Both the paint and the body are in excellent condition according to the seller, and the same applies to the glass. The underbody is said to be rust-free and is rustproofed.

Interior: The interior is new and said to be in excellent condition, with new full-coverage carpets front and rear. The dashboard and headliner are in good condition. The trip odometer works, as do all the seatbelts and all the electronics, and the instrument panel is free of warning lights. The original radio remains in place but it has static and lacks an antenna.

Tyres and wheels: The car is fitted with original wheels with original hubcaps and new tyres. In addition, four extra spoke wheels with new tyres are included. The seller rates the tyres and wheels as excellent.

Mechanics and function: The engine starts and runs faultlessly and the automatic gearbox shifts without issue. The engine, gearbox and brakes are all described as being in good condition. The car is drivable as it stands and all exterior lighting works.

Service history

The car is said to be fully serviced, but there are no receipts or other documentation to substantiate the service history. The vehicle is exempt from inspection and therefore does not need to undergo periodic roadworthiness testing.

Summary

A Swedish-sold Mercedes-Benz 220 Sb from the model series' final production year, fully restored in the body and with a new interior. The car has an automatic gearbox, sunroof, power steering and power brakes, and since the 1970s an injection engine of the same model year. With new tyres on the original wheels, an extra set of spoke wheels and a rustproofed underbody, this is a drivable Heckflosse for the enthusiast who appreciates the W111 series' period-typical design language and robust engineering.