Mercedes-Benz Classic’s Racing ‘Fintail’

The late 1950s and early 1960s was the period when Mercedes-Benz enjoyed international long-distance racing and rallying success. The early 1960s in particular were characterised by the ‘Fintail’ saloons with six-cylinder engines (220 SE and 300 SE models). As a reminder of those motor racing successes and so as to uphold the traditions of the brand by reviving its remarkable racing history and by encouraging private drivers to take part in historical motorsport events, Mercedes-Benz Classic built a 220 SE (W 111 series) ‘Tailfin’ saloon in 2011 specifically for these events. The long-distance cup organised by the Fahrergemeinschaft Historischer Rennsport e.V. (FHR) was one of the events in which it has taken part. The vehicle complies with the provisions set out in Appendix K of the international sports regulations of the FIA (Féderation Internationale de l’Automobile).

Typically, there was not much difference technically between competition cars and production models in the 1960s. The usual modifications included reinforcement of chassis elements and body components, a bigger fuel tank and adjustment of the engine characteristics to suit the specific purpose.

The principle of designing a powerful competition car that is closely based on standard technology is one that Mercedes-Benz Classic followed closely when building the 220 SE. The modifications made to the production vehicle by the specialists at the Classic Center included equipping the interior with a safety cage with a safety quick-release lock for side impact protection elements such as cross door bars and protective side moulding (Fix Opening and Closure Security System, or FO-CS for short). In addition, the tail fin has been fitted with a fire extinguishing system and a 100-litre FT3 safety tank. In future, the car will also boast 5.5 x 15 wheels fitted with 6 x 15 tyres. Naturally, the W 111 also features the same classic light grey paint finish (shade DB 140) as used on vehicles between 1961 and 1964.

Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (W 111) vehicle data

  • Engine: six-cylinder (in-line)
  • Bore x stroke: 80 x 72.8 mm
  • Cubic capacity: 2195 cc
  • Output: 120 bhp (88 kW) at 4800 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 19.3 mkg (189 Newtonmeter) at 3900 rpm
  • Front axle: double wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar, telescopic shock absorbers
  • Power transmission: via propshaft on rear axle
  • Rear axle: single-joint swing axle with compensating spring, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers
  • Braking system: hydraulic braking system with brake booster
  • Front brakes: disk brakes, diameter: 253 mm
  • Rear brakes: Duplex drum brakes with turbo-cooled Alfin drums, diameter: 230 mm
  • Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission with floor shift
  • Clutch: single-plate dry clutch
  • Maximum speed: approx. 170 km/h

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