220 SE (W111)

The 220 SE belonged to the W111 "Fintail" (Heckflosse) family, introduced in 1959. It was the upper-mid-size Mercedes-Benz range and an important step in safety: Béla Barényi's unibody had defined crumple zones. The "E" in "SE" stood for Einspritzung (fuel injection) and marked the fuel-injected 2.2-litre inline-six, one step above the carburettor 220 S. Besides the saloon with tailfins, the platform produced very elegant coupé and cabriolet bodies from 1961, without the fins. They became recognised design classics. The line later grew into the 280 SE and the V8-powered 280 SE 3.5, which raised its status. Today the W111 coupés and cabriolets are among the most collectible post-war Mercedes, while the saloons are valued for their build quality and their contribution to safety.