West Coast Classics are proud to present this rare and unrestored mostly all original survivor, apart from one older repaint in its original factory 'Mercedes Blue' (DB code 335) color paint and at some point in it's past a reupholstered seats interior, of an original southern California 'Black License Plate' and very desirable 'Heckflosse or Fintail' W111-010 '220 Series' 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220b 2.2L (M 127) 105HP 6 cylinder fuel injection sedan, with it's original engine with a believed to be original 75K miles, its original spare wheel and its original owner's handbook and manuals and original factory build sheet.
The name 'Heckflosse', or Fintail in English speaking countries, is a nickname given to this type of Mercedes. Because of these cars American influences, in this case the little 'fins' on their back (although in comparison with the ones found on their American counterparts of the day, these fins would have to be considered very understated!), people started calling them 'Heckflossen'. It should be stated that the name was not officially given by Mercedes-Benz. The word 'Heckflosse' is simply the German translation of the word Fintail, 'Heck' means 'tail' and 'flosse' means 'fin' and the 2 door models are not known by the nickname because these Coupes and Convertibles lack the prominent 'fins' on the rear.
The W111 series was a chassis code given to Mercedes-Benz top of the range vehicles produced from 1959-71 and the W111-010 220 series were built between 2/1961-10/1965 with the 2,195 ci M127 engine. Inside, the car received a wood veneer option on the dashboard and air conditioning was a factory option. This is one of very few remaining mostly all original 'Fintail' cars built and apart from one older repaint in its original color, and at some point in the past reupholstered seats, it is in virtually completely original condition throughout.
The combination of superb performance and elegant styling makes the 220 series a very highly collectible and desirable car amongst European classic car collectors and this is especially true with the Fintail sedan for certain Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts and collectors.
The original factory 'Mercedes Blue' color older repaint is still in very good condition and quite presentable as a daily driver. The Black interior is in very good condition but as can be seen from the photos with the dashboard, door panels etc showing signs of its age. With a little TLC this very honest and unrestored and always garaged and rust and accident free example, which was recently pulled from long term storage, would prove a perfect candidate for the enthusiast to fully restore.
We only recently purchased the car via a broker from the estate of it's long time southern California owner who had provided the car's original books and manuals and original factory build sheet/data card. The car had been garage covered in the owner's Huntington Beach, CA home and reportedly is believed to have only 75K original miles. Generously applied chrome fittings, combined with some of the finest natural materials available and indeed the standard of craftsmanship is apparent everywhere on these hand-built Mercedes luxury cars. This car drives very well, the engine is extremely strong and the transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears and the engine temperature always remains cool.
In summary, this is one mostly all original and unmolested examples of the legendary W111 220 Series Mercedes Benz 'Fintail' sedans with no history of any rust and no accidents and a prime candidate for restoration by the Mercedes enthusiast or simply a fine driver for any European classic car enthusiast to enjoy today!
