…I don’t think much needs to be said about the W111 coupé that hasn’t been said by others. So I’m going to let the pictures do most of the talking in this post. Much like the Mustang we saw a couple days ago, I reckon this is one of those cars that ticks all my boxes: early model, Euro headlights, manual transmission and, crucially, dressed in black.
I find the black paintwork is perfect for these, as it really brings out the slightly sinister, Berlin-during-the-Cold War feel of the W111, whatever the body variant.
Catching this one on a dull winter day (back in 2022) just added to the atmosphere.
Flawlessly detailed to a mirror shine, as per usual in Tokyo.
The 220 SE Coupé was made between February 1961 and August 1965. It was the Bracq-designed W111 two-door’s launch model.
With over 14,000 units made, the 220 SE was the most commercially successful of all W111/112 two-door variants (i.e. hardtop and cabriolet versions of the 220 SE, 250 SE, 280 SE, 300 SE and the V8-powered 280 SE 3.5 made between 1961 and 1971).
With only 118hp, it’s also the least powerful of them all. At least it’s a manual, though that aftermarket A/C would probably sap even more of those precious horses than an automatic would.
It’s a tight back seat, best suited for kids (who smoke).
That face will always be the epitome of Mercedes-Benz for me. Massive grille, lashings of thick chrome, vertical lights – yet everything perfectly proportioned and harmonious.
And that understated rear end, with just a hint of tailfin…
I’m not getting paid by Versace for this picture, alas. Nor by Daimler-Benz, come to that. I have a few other W111s in my files, but this one is just utter perfection, in every way. ‘Nuff said.
Related posts:
Curbside Classic: 1966 Mercedes 250SE Coupe (W111) – Losing The Fins, Mostly, by PN
Curbside Classic: 1962 Mercedes Benz 220 SE Coupe (W111) – Old World Charm, by Rich Baron
Automotive & Design History: Mercedes-Benz W110/111/112 Fintails – Béla Barényi And The Elusive Pluckenheckflosse, by Don Andreina
Wordless Outtake: 1964 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Coupé – Back Road Cruiser, by Johannes Dutch
Stunning car. From some angles it looks so big sitting there nearly bursting out of the parking space. But then you see the curbside and it’s parked so far away.
FLASH BACK: I had a MatchBox model of this car as a child. This was before the Hot Wheels invasion. I think it was red and the doors opened. It’s probably scattered in my Dad’s backyard under an old fig tree which is long gone by now.
That Matchbox car immediately came to mind for me as well, and it was red and interior was tan.
My 9 year old self aspired to own the real deal someday.
Nice looking Benz.