"1968" W111 230S- Opinions?

[tram]

Just picked up what is titled as a 1968 230S, W111 4 door sedan. If this is really a '68, it would appear from the research I've done, to be a rare car.

Yet, I've got some questions. This car appears to be all original, including paint. it has the following 1968 equipment:

*Side markers front and rear
*"Safety" steering wheel with P/S- not the earlier style wheel that began in 1960.
*Automatic trans with "later" style column shift lever- "S" curve with squared- off knob
*Late- style turn signal/ hi beam switch with squared plastic knob, and a longer bent stalk.
*"Indented" area around rear license plate- fuel fill
*W114 style courtesy lamp
*Plastic square insert with indentation around ignition switch- no chrome ring, identical to later W111 coupes/ convertibles, like the 3,5
*Later style brake booster with brake warning sensors in the master cylinder reservoir and supporting wiring
*Interestingly enough, the engine has a "smog pump" air injection system, too! If memory serves, 1968 was the first year that required cars to meet certain emissions standards. There's an original tag for it by the number code plate by the radiator, too, so it's not just a later engine that's been transplanted.

So, all appearances would indicate that it's an early '68 (built after 1. August of 1967) and one of the *supposed* 80 230S cars built that year.

BUT*** the VIN is 111.010-12-108173, which is 2,625 cars before what heckflosse.nl says is the end of production here:
Identification

If this is a "mistitled 1967" as so many 1968 Heckflossen are reputed to be, then why does it have all this 1968- on stuff on it? i have a customer's June 1967 W108 250SE here right now, and this w108 seems to have way more Fintail- era parts on it than my 230S does- early ign. switch with the chrome ring right flush with the wood, "hooded" courtesy lamp, pre- "safety" steering column, shifter, and wheel, no side markers, Early brake booster, no warning sensors.

The price on the Finnie was right for what it is, so if it's a '67, and I think it is, I can live with it, LOL. It looks like crap ("patina"), but it's solid, pretty rust free- WAY better than 90% of them out there- and the dash is decent and it runs and drives nicely. The interior is that rare lighter "ice blue" MB Tex that you can't seem to get covers to match anymore- bummer, as it's JUST damaged enough to bug me. I'd like to keep the interior blue, but change the white exterior to Blaugruen, or Mittleblau. If I have to buy seatcovers and a carpet set and can't find any good used in the original color, I'll change the interior to red and keep the white exterior. I just detest white on blue.

(If ANYONE out there in Peach Parts Land has an excellent correct front seat back cover and a rear seat upper cover in this exact color, I'd love to hear about it.)



So, what do you think? '67 or '68?

[wbain5280]

The 230S was built into early 1968 and you have a rare car indeed especially with the safety updates. There may be an ID plate with the 1968 style information on it. 1968 was the start of many automotive changes due to DOT mandates.

[jackson101]

Mines a 67 and looks nothing like you indicate. Sounds like you have that 230S, that was in it's ackward adolescent years. Not quite 114, but not 111.

[tram]

Originally Posted by jackson101

Mines a 67 and looks nothing like you indicate. Sounds like you have that 230S, that was in it's ackward adolescent years. Not quite 114, but not 111.

Yes, I need to get some pics up when I have time. How is yours coming? You never did Email me back about the body manual. A LOT to scan!

Wonder if the Classic Center could confirm or deny this being an actual 1968? I don't see how it couldn't be... except for that darn VIN!

[wbain5280]

Just so you know, the chassis number is a continuation of the 220b which was the low cost fintail. It looks like a 220Sb but they stopped in 1965. You can get a copy of the build card from the Classic Center.

[jackson101]

It's coming along, a little slow now, because of the holidays. Working on a complete rebuild of the engine now. Most of the parts are now "on hand", but just a matter of getting time. Don't worry about the manual, I can get by without it,...I know your bust as well. Thanks for your help earlier!

[tram]

Originally Posted by wbain5280

Just so you know, the chassis number is a continuation of the 220b which was the low cost fintail. It looks like a 220Sb but they stopped in 1965. You can get a copy of the build card from the Classic Center.

Yes, I had a 1960 220b years ago. Great car- sort of like the Fin version of the '219'... W111 in the front, W110 in the rear. A Fintail mullet!

[mercmad6.3]

Actually not rare when produced they are known internally as a W111 /1A
Information about the W111, 230 S sedan

Model W 111 / I A
Description 111.010
Production 07.1965 - 01.1968
Includes production start-up pre-production series / standard production - end of production

Units produced 40.766
Prices 08.1965: DM 13.750,00
04.1966: DM 14.000,00
Manual 4 speed was std but the usual automatic was an option which slowed the 0-60 dash by 2 seconds. A top speed of 170kmh was pretty good then too.
So in 1966 they were an expensive car but I wonder who on earth would order one in 1967? I remember us getting a new 230 W114 which made the finnys look like archaic .