The Mercedes-Benz W110, commonly known as the “Fintail” due to its distinctive rear fin-like extensions, represented a significant step forward for the brand in the mid-1960s. Produced from 1961 to 1968, the W110 was intended as a more affordable alternative to the larger and more luxurious W111 “S-Class” models. The 230 variant, powered by a 2.3-liter inline-six engine producing 105 horsepower and paired with an automatic transmission, was introduced in July 1965 and continued through July 1966. This configuration occupied a middle ground within the W110 range, offering a balance of performance and comfort for the discerning buyer.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fintail |
| Generation | Fintail (W110) |
| Type (Engine) | 230 (105 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 1965 |
| End of production | July, 1966 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 21 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 25.2 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 8.9 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13 sec |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h (102.53 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm, 133.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 45.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 174 Nm @ 3600 rpm (128.34 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 180 I / 180.945 |
| 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 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 was the M180.945 engine, a 2.3-liter (2306 cc) inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine featured 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 105 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 174 Nm (128.34 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. 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 designed for comfort and ease of use, aligning with the W110’s overall character.
Driving Characteristics
The 230 Automatic offered a comfortable and refined driving experience, but it wasn’t designed for outright performance. The 105 hp engine and automatic transmission resulted in a 0-60 mph time of around 13 seconds and a top speed of 102.53 mph. Compared to the more powerful 230S (with fuel injection) or even the manual transmission versions of the 230, the automatic felt noticeably slower. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were geared towards relaxed cruising rather than spirited acceleration. However, the automatic transmission made the 230 significantly easier to drive in city traffic and on long journeys, appealing to a broader range of drivers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 230 Automatic typically came with a respectable level of standard equipment for the mid-1960s. This included comfortable cloth upholstery, a wood-trimmed dashboard, and basic instrumentation. Optional extras included a sunroof, whitewall tires, a radio, and upgraded upholstery materials. The interior was generally well-appointed, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality and comfort. The 230 Automatic was positioned as a mid-range offering, bridging the gap between the more basic 200 and the more luxurious 230S.
Chassis & Braking
The W110 chassis featured independent front suspension with double wishbones and a transverse stabilizer, providing a comfortable ride and decent handling. The rear suspension utilized a trailing arm setup. Braking was accomplished via 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 point of criticism compared to the all-disc brake setups found on some of its competitors. The steering was a cone worm and recirculation balls system, offering reasonable precision but requiring a fair amount of effort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 230 Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, refined interior, and build quality. However, the performance was often seen as adequate rather than exciting, particularly when compared to other cars in its class. Fuel economy was also a concern, averaging around 21 mpg in combined driving. Compared to the manual transmission 230, the automatic version offered greater convenience but sacrificed some performance and fuel efficiency. The 230S, with its fuel injection and higher output, was the choice for drivers prioritizing performance, while the 200 offered a more affordable entry point into the Mercedes-Benz range.
Legacy
The Mercedes-Benz W110 Fintail, including the 230 Automatic variant, holds a significant place in automotive history as a pivotal model for the brand. It helped to democratize the Mercedes-Benz experience, making it accessible to a wider audience. The M180 engine proved to be a durable and reliable unit, and many examples of the 230 Automatic are still on the road today. While not a high-performance machine, the 230 Automatic remains a desirable classic car, appreciated for its elegant styling, comfortable ride, and enduring build quality. Parts availability is generally good, making it a relatively straightforward classic to maintain. The W110 Fintail represents a charming and well-engineered example of 1960s German automotive design.
