The Mercedes-Benz W111 “Fintail” 220 Sb Automatic, produced between May 1959 and July 1965, represents a pivotal moment in post-war Mercedes-Benz design and engineering. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the W111 series – which also included the 220S and 220SE – the 220 Sb aimed to provide comfortable, reliable transportation for the burgeoning middle class. It was a significant step up from the earlier “Ponton” series, introducing a distinctive, subtly finned rear end that gave the model its nickname. The 220 Sb, particularly in automatic guise, was intended for buyers prioritizing ease of use and a smooth driving experience over outright performance. It served as a bridge between the more austere post-war designs and the more luxurious models that would follow.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fintail |
| Generation | Fintail (W111) |
| Type (Engine) | 220 Sb (110 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | May, 1959 |
| End of production | July, 1965 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 22 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 26.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.3 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h |
| Maximum speed | 99.42 mph |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 82.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.7 kg/Nm |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 129.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 50.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 172 Nm @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 126.86 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 180 V / 180.941 |
| Engine displacement | 2195 cm3 |
| Engine displacement | 133.95 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm |
| Cylinder Bore | 3.15 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 72.8 mm |
| Piston Stroke | 2.87 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1330 kg |
| Kerb Weight | 2932.15 lbs |
| Max. weight | 1845 kg |
| Max. weight | 4067.53 lbs |
| Max load | 515 kg |
| Max load | 1135.38 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l |
| Fuel tank capacity | 17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal |
| Length | 4875 mm |
| Length | 191.93 in. |
| Width | 1795 mm |
| Width | 70.67 in. |
| Height | 1500 mm |
| Height | 59.06 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm |
| Wheelbase | 108.27 in. |
| Front track | 1470 mm |
| Front track | 57.87 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1485 mm |
| Rear (Back) track | 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 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 220 Sb was powered by Mercedes-Benz’s M180 V inline-six engine, a 2.2-liter (2195 cc) unit producing 110 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 172 Nm (126.86 lb-ft) of torque at 3500 rpm. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain and utilized twin Solex 40 PHH carburetors for fuel delivery. The engine block was cast iron, while the cylinder head was aluminum. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout was typical for Mercedes-Benz at the time. The automatic transmission was a four-speed hydraulic unit, offering smooth, if not particularly rapid, gear changes. This transmission was a key selling point for buyers seeking a comfortable and effortless driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The 220 Sb Automatic, while offering a respectable level of performance for its era, was not designed for outright speed. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 12.9 seconds, and the top speed was approximately 99.42 mph. The automatic transmission, while convenient, did sap some power compared to the available manual gearbox. Gear ratios were optimized for comfortable cruising rather than spirited acceleration. The car felt stable and composed on the road, with a focus on ride quality. The steering, while not particularly direct, was light and easy to use. Compared to the more powerful 220S and 220SE models, the 220 Sb Automatic felt noticeably less responsive, but it offered a more relaxed and refined driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 220 Sb Automatic came reasonably well-equipped for the late 1950s and early 1960s. Standard features included comfortable cloth upholstery, a wood-trimmed dashboard, and whitewall tires. The interior was spacious and well-appointed, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality and comfort. Optional extras included a sunroof, leather upholstery, a radio, and power-assisted steering. The automatic transmission itself was considered a premium feature. The trim level was generally consistent across the 220 Sb range, with variations primarily stemming from the addition of optional equipment.
Chassis & Braking
The W111 chassis featured independent front suspension with double wishbones and a transverse stabilizer, providing a comfortable ride and good handling. The rear suspension utilized a trailing arm setup. Braking was accomplished via disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The braking system was hydraulic, offering adequate stopping power for the car’s weight and performance. The steering system was a cone worm with recirculation balls, providing a relatively smooth and predictable steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 220 Sb Automatic was generally well-received by critics and buyers alike. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliable powertrain. However, some critics noted its relatively modest performance compared to other models in the W111 range. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the 220 Sb, the automatic offered less driver engagement but greater convenience. Against the more luxurious 220S and 220SE, the 220 Sb represented a more affordable entry point into the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Fuel economy, at around 22 US mpg, was typical for a car of its size and era.
Legacy
The Mercedes-Benz W111 Fintail series, including the 220 Sb Automatic, is now considered a classic car. The M180 engine, while not particularly high-performance, proved to be remarkably durable and reliable. The automatic transmission, while somewhat dated by modern standards, is generally robust and can withstand years of use with proper maintenance. Today, the 220 Sb Automatic is a sought-after vehicle among collectors and enthusiasts, prized for its elegant styling, comfortable ride, and historical significance. Well-maintained examples command respectable prices in the used car market, and parts availability, while not always abundant, is generally good. The Fintail’s influence can be seen in subsequent Mercedes-Benz models, solidifying its place as an important chapter in the company’s history.
