Mercedes-Benz

In 1956, Mercedes-Benz started work on replacing the ponton models with a design focused on passenger comfort and safety. The basic ponton cabin was widened and squared off, with a large glass greenhouse improving driver visibility. A milestone in car design were front and rear crumple zones for absorbing kinetic energy on impact. Mercedes also patented retractable seatbelts. The bodywork featured distinctive tailfins that gave the models the nickname Heckflosse. Series production of the four-door saloon began in August 1959, initially consisting of the 220, 220 S and 220 SE. In February 1961 a coupé joined the range, followed by a convertible in September the same year. All models shared the 2,195 cc six-cylinder engine carried over from the ponton range.

In May 1965, the 220 saloons were replaced by the new 230 S. It was visually identical to the 220, but it had a modernised, 2,306 cc engine. More than 40,000 230 S models were built through January 1968, when the last of four-door fintails left the production line. The 220 SE cabriolet and coupé were superseded in early autumn 1965 by the 250 SE, which featured the new six-cylinder 2,496 cc engine. In its turn, the 250 SE was superseded by the 280 SE in November 1967, powered by a 2,778 cc engine. A final model was added in August 1969, the 280 SE 3.5, fitted with a brand-new 3,499 cc V8 engine. The last 280 SE was produced in January 1971, with the 280 SE 3.5 ending in July. 

1965

1967