The Fintail Mercedes

The modular principle practised consistently since the start of the post-war production reached its pinnacle with the launch of the new four-cylinder models. For the first time, the mid-size series and the luxury series not only used the same engines and components, they also had a largely identical body.

In addition, drivers of a mid-size model were now also able to enjoy the generous interior and the spacious boot.

However, this aspect also represented two considerable drawbacks of the concept: the overall length of the four-cylinder models had increased by 230 mm - an issue that was slowly gaining in importance due to the increasingly sparse parking space.

On the other hand, many luxury class customers surely would have wished for more distance from the models of the smaller model series.

The 2.0 l diesel engine of the 190 Dc represented a true innovation. It had been developed from the 1.9 l engine of the predecessor model and actually should have been called 200 D. The sum of these measures resulted in an increase in output by 5 hp to 55 hp.

Starting in August 1962, the 190 c was optionally available with a 4-speed automatic transmission, which from July 1963 could also be ordered for the diesel variant. In both cases, the price premium was DM 1400, the same as it was in conjunction with the six-cylinder models.

The new S-Class models of the 108 series that ended the era of the universal body were presented in August 1965.

The four-cylinder models had been improved and given new model names: the 200 and 200 D models replaced the 190, which had been in production for four years.

As was a customary tradition for the four-cylinder models, the models of the 110 series were available as a rolling chassis with partial body, which body manufacturers in Germany and abroad fitted out as ambulances, estate cars or other special-purpose versions.

An estate car variant produced by IMA Company in Malines, Belgium, based on the rolling chassis of the 190 D model and presented at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1965 as the 190 D Universal model, took on a special significance.

In addition to the standard rolling chassis with partial body, the revised 200 D - 230 models were also available in a stretched variant with a wheelbase of 3100 mm, which was the preferred choice for building ambulances or hearses.

Starting in April 1967, as the Fintail era was slowly coming to an end, the 200 D model was also available as a 7-8-seat saloon with a wheelbase of 3350 mm.