1965 Mercedes-Benz 230S Saloon

Description

First seen in 1959, the new Fintail range of Mercedes-Benz saloons replaced the now dated lines of the previous Ponton range with a new squared-off shape that was lower, wider and drew its nickname from the American influenced wings at the rear. The range initially consisted of six-cylinder (W111) models only but from 1961, these were joined by the four-cylinder (W110) and flagship 300SE (W112) models. In 1965, Stuttgart completely revised the model range, replacing the 220 with the 230, essentially a six-cylinder version of the W110 model and thus retaining the round headlamps previously found exclusively on the four-cylinder cars. The M180 overhead camshaft engine developed 105bhp with twin downdraught Solex carburettors and was available with either four-speed manual or the optional automatic transmissions. With all the traditional Mercedes-Benz virtues like solid engineering, excellent build quality, advanced safety features and mechanical reliability, the Finnies are an inexpensive, practical classic saloon. With the 230 only sold between 1965 and 1968, survivors are now becoming hard to find - particularly in good working order like the example on offer here.