1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Fintail
This 220 S belongs to the iconic W111 “Fintail” (Heckflosse) series, produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1959 and 1968. The 220 S was the mid-range W111 model from 1960-1965, distinguished from the basic 220 by its dual carburetors and nicer trim, but lacking the fuel injection of the 220 SE.
The distinctive tailfins weren’t just styling flourishes as Mercedes designated them “Peilstege” (bearing bars), parking aids which marked the end of the car for aid in backing.
A total of 337,803 W111 saloons were built between 1959 and 1968, typically serving as family sedans, workhorses, and taxis rather than collector cars. However, Mercedes-Benz modeled all of its safety engineering after the W111 chassis, making it historically significant.
The fintail design represented Mercedes’ response to American styling trends during the tailfin era.
Belinda Clontz Sarooei (“Belinda Benzo”) transformed her 1962 220 S from ordinary transportation into the concours-level masterpiece you see here. Her meticulous restoration earned “First in Class” at Pebble Beach’s Legends of the Autobahn show.
Key modifications include extremely rare W100 limousine headrests, period-correct SEV Marchal fog lights inspired by Ewy Rosqvist and Ursula Wirth, who won the 1962 Argentinian Grand Touring Rally in a Mercedes Fintail, hand-polished engine bay, NOS factory exhaust system, and 14-inch Coker whitewalls.
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