The Mercedes-Benz W110, commonly known as the “Fintail” due to its distinctive rear fin-like extensions, represented a significant step forward for Mercedes-Benz in the mid-1960s. Produced from 1962 to 1968, the W110 was designed as a more affordable and modern alternative to the larger and more luxurious W111 “S-Class” models. The 230 variant, introduced in July 1966 and continuing through February 1968, occupied a middle ground in the Fintail lineup, offering a balance of performance and comfort. This particular configuration – the 230 with a 120 horsepower engine paired with an automatic transmission – aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a refined and convenient driving experience. It sat above the base 200 model and below the more powerful 230E, offering a compelling package for the burgeoning middle-class market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fintail |
| Generation | Fintail (W110) |
| Type (Engine) | 230 (120 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 1966 |
| End of production | February, 1968 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg, 8.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp, 92 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm, 136.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 52 Hp/l |
| Torque | 178 Nm @ 4000 rpm (131.29 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 180 X / 180.949 |
| Engine displacement | 2306 cm3 (140.72 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 72.8 mm (2.87 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1305 kg (2877.03 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1805 kg (3979.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4730 mm (186.22 in.) |
| Width | 1795 mm (70.67 in.) |
| Height | 1495 mm (58.86 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1482 mm (58.35 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 230 Automatic was the M180.949 engine, a 2.3-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine was an evolution of the earlier M180 series, featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) operating two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a Solex carburetor, a common setup for the era. The engine produced 120 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 178 Nm (131.29 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The automatic transmission was a four-speed hydraulic unit, offering smooth but not particularly rapid gear changes. This transmission was a key selling point for buyers prioritizing ease of use over outright performance. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels.
Driving Characteristics
The 230 Automatic offered a comfortable and refined driving experience, but it wasn’t a sports car. The automatic transmission, while convenient, did sap some of the engine’s power. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 12.1 seconds, and top speed was around 105.63 mph. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the 230, or the more powerful 230E, the automatic felt noticeably slower. However, the automatic’s gear ratios were well-suited for cruising, making it a pleasant companion on long journeys. The power delivery was smooth and predictable, and the engine was relatively quiet. The steering, while not particularly direct, was light and easy to use.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 230 Automatic typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features for the mid-1960s. This included comfortable cloth upholstery, a wood-trimmed dashboard, and a basic radio. Optional extras included a sunroof, whitewall tires, and upgraded audio systems. The interior was generally well-appointed, although it lacked the lavishness of the contemporary S-Class models. The 230 Automatic was positioned as a comfortable and practical family sedan, and its trim level reflected that.
Chassis & Braking
The W110 Fintail utilized a robust chassis with independent front suspension featuring double wishbones and a transverse stabilizer. The rear suspension employed a trailing arm setup. Braking was accomplished via disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. While adequate for the car’s weight and performance, the braking system wasn’t particularly powerful by modern standards. The steering was a cone worm with recirculation balls, providing a relatively smooth but somewhat vague feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mercedes-Benz 230 Automatic was generally well-received by critics and buyers alike. It was praised for its comfort, build quality, and reliability. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission dulled the engine’s performance. Compared to the manual transmission 230, the automatic offered less spirited acceleration but greater convenience. Against the more powerful 230E, it offered a more affordable price point but sacrificed some performance. Fuel economy was reasonable for the time, averaging around 21 US mpg.
Legacy
The Mercedes-Benz W110 Fintail, and particularly the 230 Automatic variant, has become a sought-after classic car. The M180 engine is known for its durability and relatively simple maintenance requirements. While finding parts can sometimes be a challenge, a dedicated community of enthusiasts ensures that these cars remain on the road. The 230 Automatic represents a significant chapter in Mercedes-Benz history, bridging the gap between the post-war luxury cars and the more modern designs of the 1970s. Today, well-maintained examples command respectable prices in the used car market, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their classic styling and engineering.
