The Mercedes-Benz W111 “Fintail” 220b, produced from May 1959 to August 1965, represents a pivotal moment in the post-war evolution of Mercedes-Benz sedans. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the W111 series – which also included the 220 and 220S – the 220b aimed to provide a balance of luxury, performance, and affordability. It served as a crucial stepping stone between the more basic Ponton models and the more opulent “S” variants, appealing to a broader customer base seeking a sophisticated and reliable family saloon. The “Fintail” designation comes from the distinctive, subtly finned rear wings that characterized the model’s styling, a design cue that would become synonymous with Mercedes-Benz during this era. This variant was primarily sold in Europe and other international markets, establishing Mercedes-Benz as a premium automotive brand.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Fintail |
| Generation | Fintail (W111) |
| Type (Engine) | 220 b (95 Hp) |
| Start of production | May, 1959 |
| End of production | August, 1965 |
| 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 | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 155 km/h (96.31 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 43.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 169 Nm @ 3200 rpm (124.65 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 180 IV / 180.940 |
| 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 | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1320 kg (2910.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1835 kg (4045.48 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, manual 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 220b is the M180 IV inline-six cylinder engine, displacing 2.2 liters (2195 cc). This engine, designated with the code 180.940, featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain operating two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a Solex 40 PHH carburetor, a common setup for the period. The engine produced 95 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 169 Nm (124.65 lb-ft) of torque at 3200 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel drive configuration were standard for Mercedes-Benz at the time. The 220b utilized a four-speed manual transmission as standard, providing a relatively direct connection between the engine and the rear wheels. While an automatic transmission was offered as an option, it was a four-speed hydraulic unit, known for its smoothness but not its outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 220b, with its 95 hp and manual transmission, offered a respectable, though not exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 15.2 seconds, and top speed was around 96 mph. The manual gearbox allowed for a greater degree of driver control, but the engine’s relatively modest power output meant that frequent downshifts were necessary, especially when tackling hills or overtaking. Compared to the more powerful 220S, the 220b felt noticeably less responsive. However, it offered a more engaging driving experience than the automatic-equipped versions. The suspension, featuring double wishbones at the front and a trailing arm setup at the rear, provided a comfortable ride, typical of Mercedes-Benz engineering.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 220b was positioned as a well-equipped vehicle, though not as lavishly appointed as the 220S. Standard features included comfortable cloth upholstery, a wood-trimmed dashboard, and hydraulic disc brakes on the front wheels. Rear brakes were drums. Optional extras included a sunroof, whitewall tires, a radio, and leather upholstery. The interior was characterized by its functional design and high-quality materials, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to craftsmanship. The dashboard layout was straightforward, with clearly marked gauges and controls.
Chassis & Braking
The W111 chassis featured a robust construction, providing a solid foundation for the vehicle. The front suspension utilized double wishbones with a transverse stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension employed a trailing arm design. This setup delivered a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The 220b featured hydraulic disc brakes on the front wheels, providing effective stopping power, while the rear wheels were equipped with drum brakes. The steering system was a cone worm with recirculation balls, offering precise control and feedback.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 220b was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its build quality, comfortable ride, and refined interior. However, some critics noted that its performance was somewhat underwhelming, particularly when compared to its more powerful siblings. Fuel economy was reasonable for the time, averaging around 21 mpg. Compared to the 220, the 220b offered a slight increase in power and torque, while the 220S provided significantly more performance but at a higher price point. The 220b represented a sweet spot for buyers seeking a balance of luxury, reliability, and affordability.
Legacy
The Mercedes-Benz W111 220b has proven to be a remarkably durable and reliable vehicle. Many examples are still on the road today, a testament to the quality of its engineering and construction. The M180 engine, while not particularly high-strung, is known for its longevity and relatively simple maintenance requirements. In the used car market, the 220b is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate its classic styling and understated elegance. Parts availability is generally good, although some specific components can be difficult to find. The 220b remains a symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to building high-quality, long-lasting automobiles.
