1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 Heckflosse – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

The 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 Heckflosse was the final and most refined iteration of the “fintail” era, marking the end of Mercedes’s upright sedan design before the sleeker late-’60s models.

Inhalte Verbergen

1 Technical Details:

2 Design:

3 Historical Significance:

4 Quirks and Pop Culture:

5 Display and preservation:

6 Conclusion:

7 Sources:

Technical Details:

The Mercedes-Benz 230 S Heckflosse was a mid-1960s sedan offering solid engineering and accessible luxury. Powered by a 2.3 L inline-six with twin carburetors, it produced 120 hp and reached 100 km/h in about 13 seconds. Transmission options included a 4-speed manual or optional automatic. It featured front disc brakes, a durable coil-spring suspension, and safety innovations like crumple zones. As the final version of the W111 chassis, the 230 S benefited from years of refinement, delivering a balanced mix of performance, comfort, and reliability.

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Model Name: Mercedes-Benz 230 Heckflosse
Year of Manufacturing: 1966

Design:

The 1966 Mercedes 230 Heckflosse blended mid-century German engineering with subtle American flair. Its signature tailfins echoed U.S. styling trends but were scaled down for Mercedes’s refined aesthetic. The upright grille, round headlamps, and boxy yet elegant profile gave it a dignified look. Inside, the 230 S featured quality materials like MB-Tex or optional leather, real wood trim, and a distinctive vertical speedometer. With generous space, six-passenger seating, and thoughtful details like wide doors and large windows, the design emphasized practicality and understated luxury—classic Mercedes, with a hint of playful charm.

Historical Significance:

The 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 Heckflosse was the final and most refined iteration of the “fintail” era, marking the end of Mercedes’s upright sedan design before the sleeker late-’60s models. Built from 1965 to 1968, it carried forward safety innovations like crumple zones and showcased the brand’s push toward accessible luxury. As one of the last models produced with tailfins, it symbolized a stylistic transition. With around 41,000 units made, the Mercedes-Benz 230 Heckflosse was both successful and durable—widely used as taxis and family cars. It stands as a bridge between Mercedes’s postwar heritage and its modern luxury direction.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Mercedes-Benz 230 Heckflosse has endearing quirks, like a hidden fuel filler behind the license plate and a column shifter that allowed for a front bench seat. Known as the “Fintail” or “Finnie,” it often appears in 1960s-set films, reinforcing its period charm. Though an executive car, it proved tough—echoed by Ewy Rosqvist’s rally win in a related model. Many Mercedes-Benz 230 Heckflosse sedans were exported and used for decades, especially as taxis in developing countries. Today, enthusiasts celebrate its legacy with vintage touches and affectionately refer to it by its German nickname, “Heckflosse.”

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2022. Set in the elegant spa gardens of Baden-Baden, this open-air event is one of Germany’s most atmospheric classic car gatherings. The 2022 edition marked the 46th year of the meeting and featured over 350 carefully selected vintage vehicles from across Europe. With its picturesque backdrop and festive ambiance, the event draws thousands of visitors who stroll among historic automobiles, enjoy live music, and take in themed displays. In 2022, American classics and convertibles were especially well represented, reflecting the event’s continued celebration of both international and domestic automotive heritage.

Conclusion:

The 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 Heckflosse captures the elegance and engineering of 1960s motoring, bridging classic design with modern safety and reliability. As the last of the finned sedans, it marks the end of an era for Mercedes. Beloved by collectors for its durability and charm, the 230 S remains a popular classic—equally at home in rallies or weekend drives.