Mercedes-Benz 230 S 1965
- Original NL-car
- Rare colour
- Less seen body & interior combination
A Mercedes designer does not easily get distracted by fashion, but in the late 1950s that was once different. The Mercedes that listened to the code W111 (a design by Karl Wilfert) made its appearance and winked at the eccentric Americans of the time. Although it was given considerably smaller fins than its American contemporaries, it still owes its nickname, Heckflosse, nicely. Incidentally, Mercedes wouldn't be Mercedes if they didn't mention that the fins were not so much for decoration as that they had a logical function: as a corner marker, oh so handy when reverse parking. Anyway: with the unveiling of the model in 1959. Under the slogan: "The new six-cylinders - a class apart", the first S-Class was in fact born, as the model was at once the German firm's top model. Modern it certainly was, as the new Mercedes was equipped with a genuine safety body with crumple zones and also a chassis that could absorb a frontal blow well by adding a crumple zone at the front and rear. The 'safety' theme was also carried through to the interior where you were on a safety steering wheel - the column of which could not pierce you like a spear.
A range of trims was available, of which the 95bhp 220b was the entry-level model. Our Mercedes is the 1965 230S (120 hp) and a bit later the 250SE with 150 hp. Apart from this, several other models were available. For those who were still not satisfied then, Mercedes launched the W112 in 1961. This car was similar to the W111, but came as the '300SE' with 160 hp six-cylinder, air suspension, lots of chrome and a considerably more luxurious version. Until the arrival of the 600 series, it was the most luxurious car Mercedes supplied.
The car in question is a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 S W111. It is finished in a blue metallic paint versus light blue upholstery. The interior is neat and is really a step back in time. While designing the car, particular attention was paid to luxury and comfort. This is also definitely reflected in this luxurious German bolide. At the bottom of the car, you can still find the original chrome hubcaps that are also the same colour as the bodywork. In the interior of the car, a Becker radio can be found. The headliner is also still of nice quality.
These models were given the title of "Heckflosse". Translated in English to "Fintail". According to Mercedes, the more harmonious tail fins compared to its American contemporaries were corner markings, useful for parking.
The car is in good driving condition. Under the bonnet is a 2.3-litre 6-cylinder mated to a manual gearbox. New Solex carburettors have been fitted and several ignition parts have been renewed. Engine tuning could be slightly better. Otherwise, the car drives, brakes and shifts well. Because the car has not been driven much in recent years, it is advisable to give it a technical check-up if you intend to drive many kilometres.
The bodywork is basically hard but in some places small, incipient rust spots are visible. These include the underside of the rear doors. See photos.
In terms of documentation, manuals are present. These are booklets such as; the general manual, diagram for electrical installation and another old catalogue.
A classic Mercedes-Benz W111 looking for a new enthusiast!