The Beauty of German Rationalism

*This is a translation done by a machine.

The W 111/W 112 is the 3rd generation flagship model of Mercedes-Benz since World War 2. The final hand-built model uses a lot of high quality materials and is almost like a piece of craftsmanship with all the details. The basic mechanism was inherited from the previous model, the W 105, but the main design change is that it has the same flumonocoque structure as the latest model.

As for the body type, 3 types of sedan, coupe, and cabriolet are produced, and coupe appeared 2 years later than sedan in 1961. It has a simple form based on a straight line, but the long front and back overhang, the rear window that goes around to the side, and the stately and dignified style that uses a lot of plated parts are said to have been influenced by American large passenger cars such as Cadillac.

The total length is 4885 mm and the total width is 1845 mm, which is a little smaller than the current S class, but the design that combines the strength of the gate against which you stand and the detailed and elegant shape has a presence that can't be inferior to the latest S class. In addition, the vertical headlight, which is said to be a representative icon of classic Mercedes, is also adopted from W 111 type. It was a 2-lamp type with a different shape in the home country, but it was a 4-lamp type in the US, so the atmosphere was different.

The Coupe's engine was originally a 2.2 liter direct 6 OHC (132 ps) engine, but in 2.5 it was a 1965 liter direct 6 (150 ps) engine, and in 1967 it was a 2.8 liter direct 6 (160 ps) engine, increasing the engine displacement year by year. At the end of the model period in 1969, we added the 3.5 lV 8OHC engine (From 1961 to 1967, the flagship model W 112 had 6 3L modules.) in addition to the 2.8 l engine. As the road environment developed, the engine became faster and evolved in response to the competition (200 ps). In addition to the use of real wood for the interior (By 1967), it also features a thick, spring-loaded seat that looks like a luxurious sofa. In addition, this model led to the standardization of cutting-edge equipment such as the torque converter AT, power steering, power window, and four-wheel disc in the midst of model changes, as well as the pursuit of higher quality products. By the way, the sedan will be converted to the new W 108 model in 1968, but the coupe and convertible will continue to be produced until 1971.

The Model W 111 embodies the corporate slogan of Mercedes-Benz at a high level by craftsmen and can be said to be the model with the finest beauty in history. It is no wonder that it was loved by VIPs all over the world as a super luxury car when it was in service.


Shinichi Yamazaki’s Highlights!

It is a 280 SE Coupe of the 1969 model with the authentic genealogy imported by Western Automobile, one of the few authorized dealers in Japan at that time. The individual that the current owner received from a collector seemed to have slipped back in time since then, and I couldn't help but sigh. I don't know the official maintenance history, but the previous owner said, "I got the one with the frame-up store by lowering the engine, mission, etc.". If you look at each part, you can see at a glance that it's not a lie. In addition, all the painting is done during the restoration, and the bright white has been changed to the luxurious gangrene metallic. The inside of the engine room has been thoroughly painted in the same color, but the paint has come off a little, so there are only a few disappointing points that you can tell it is a color change. The plated parts, which are often used for the whole body, are not cloudy or corroded, and are bright enough. It makes the whole body stand out.

The seat is made of MBTEX leather, a durable material, and the color is deep brown. Not only the spatulas, but also the side supports are not worn or frayed, the walnuts and woods are not broken or warped, and it is difficult to find out how old the interior is. The engine wakes up easily if you twist the key, and there is no sign of anxiety in idling. The original BEHR cooler has a freezing performance and the water temperature is stable even in the middle of summer. I heard that the organization is well maintained. The steering wheel, the shift knob, and other parts that you usually touch are not very comfortable.

I did a test drive, and I feel the shift shock is bigger than the current car, but it doesn't slip and I feel safe. The most surprising thing is the robustness of the body. The firmness that makes you feel as if it were a car from 50 years ago and the comfort that is transmitted to your body are truly the essence of Mercedes. I felt that I could use it for my daily legs and transportation as it is as long as I had a regular inspection.

Considering aerodynamics and environmental performance as well as cost reduction, it has an overwhelming presence that is not seen in the current era, and it has an elegant design with no careless details. And you can feel at ease with full refresh. If you choose by the good condition, isn't it difficult to meet more individuals? I would like you to see it for yourself.

Vehicle Specifications

Model Year1969
Year of PurchaseJan 1969
Engine Capacity2,778cc
Mileage32,276km
Transmission4AT
Steering WheelLeft
ColorGray
Chassis No.111024-12003242
Engine No.
InspectionDecember 2019
AreaOsaka, Japan
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