The Mercedes-Benz W111 “Fintail” 220 SEb Automatic, produced between August 1959 and August 1965, represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Mercedes-Benz sedans. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the W111 series – which also included the 220S and the flagship 300SE – the 220 SEb Automatic aimed to provide a blend of luxury, performance, and modern technology to a growing post-war market. It was a direct successor to the W180 “Ponton” series and served as a bridge to the more technologically advanced W108/W109 models. The “Fintail” nickname derives from the distinctive, vertically oriented tailfins that characterized the design, a stylistic trend of the era. This variant, with its 2.2-liter inline-six engine and four-speed automatic transmission, was particularly popular with buyers seeking a comfortable and refined driving experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fintail |
| Generation | Fintail (W111) |
| Type (Engine) | 220 SEb (120 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | August, 1959 |
| End of production | August, 1965 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 22 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 26.4 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 9.3 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 | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.2 kg/Nm, 139 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 54.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 189 Nm @ 3900 rpm (139.4 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 127 III / 127.982 |
| Engine displacement | 2195 cm3 (133.95 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 72.8 mm (2.87 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1360 kg (2998.29 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1875 kg (4133.67 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4875 mm (191.93 in.) |
| Width | 1795 mm (70.67 in.) |
| Height | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm (108.27 in.) |
| Front track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Rear 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 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 220 SEb was the M127.982 engine, a 2.2-liter (2195 cc) inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) operating two valves per cylinder. Crucially, the “b” designation in 220 SEb indicated the adoption of Bosch mechanical multi-port fuel injection, replacing the Solex carburetor used in the earlier 220 SE. This fuel injection system significantly improved throttle response, fuel efficiency, and overall engine smoothness. The engine produced 120 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 189 Nm (139.4 lb-ft) of torque at 3900 rpm. The automatic transmission was a four-speed hydraulic unit, offering a relatively smooth, though not particularly sporty, driving experience. This transmission was a significant selling point for buyers prioritizing comfort and ease of use.
Driving Characteristics
The 220 SEb Automatic, while not a performance leader, offered a refined and comfortable driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 12.1 seconds, and top speed was approximately 102.5 mph. The automatic transmission, while providing convenience, did result in some power loss compared to the available manual transmission. Gear ratios were optimized for cruising, making it well-suited for long highway journeys. The power delivery was smooth and linear, typical of Mercedes-Benz engines of the era. Compared to the more powerful 220S (with a higher compression ratio and slightly more horsepower) and the 300SE, the 220 SEb Automatic prioritized fuel economy and ease of driving over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 220 SEb Automatic came standard with a respectable level of equipment for the time. This included comfortable cloth upholstery, a wood-trimmed dashboard, and hydraulic disc brakes on the front wheels (rear brakes were drums). Power steering and whitewall tires were often included. Optional extras included a sunroof, leather upholstery, a radio, and air conditioning (a relatively rare option). The interior was designed with a focus on practicality and durability, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for build quality. Trim levels were relatively limited; the focus was on providing a well-equipped base model with a range of optional upgrades.
Chassis & Braking
The W111 chassis featured independent suspension all around, with double wishbones and a transverse stabilizer at the front and a trailing arm setup at the rear. This suspension configuration provided a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics for the period. The braking system consisted of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. While adequate for the car’s weight and performance, the drum brakes on the rear were a limitation compared to fully disc-braked systems. The steering was a cone worm and recirculating ball system, providing precise but somewhat heavy steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 220 SEb Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, refined engine, and build quality. However, some critics noted that the automatic transmission dulled the driving experience compared to the manual version. Compared to its siblings, the 220 SEb Automatic offered a more accessible entry point into the Mercedes-Benz range. It was more affordable than the 220S and significantly less expensive than the flagship 300SE. Fuel economy was reasonable for the time, averaging around 22 mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although the Bosch fuel injection system required periodic maintenance.
Legacy
The Mercedes-Benz W111 220 SEb Automatic holds a respected place in automotive history. The M127 engine, in its various iterations, proved to be remarkably durable and reliable. Today, well-maintained examples are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. While the fuel injection system can require specialized knowledge for repair, the overall mechanical simplicity of the car makes it relatively easy to maintain. The 220 SEb Automatic represents a high point in 1960s German engineering, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and durability that continues to appeal to enthusiasts today. The “Fintail” design, while polarizing at the time, has become iconic and contributes to the car’s enduring appeal in the classic car market.
