MERCEDES-BENZ The W111 and W111C: From the 220b Sedan to the 220SEb Cabriolet

Mercedes W111: The Complete Guide to Sedans, Coupés & Cabriolets – 2026 Edition An extensively updated guide to the Mercedes W111, now featuring a greatly expanded buyer’s guide. Introduced in 1959, the Mercedes W111 marked an important new chapter in the history of Daimler-Benz. Its elegant styling, modern engineering, and Béla Barényi’s pioneering safety concepts helped establish new standards and made the W111 one of the company’s most important postwar model series. This large format, expanded 2026 edition is devoted exclusively to the W111 Sedans, Coupés, and Cabriolets. In addition to the history, technical development, specifications, and numerous detailed photographs, it now includes a substantially expanded buyer’s guide covering the areas that matter most when evaluating one of these cars today. With more than 180 color photographs, including detailed views of chassis components, interiors, suspension, and other important areas, the book is intended not only for enthusiasts and collectors, but also for anyone considering the purchase of a W111. Inside you’ll discover: • A substantially expanded buyer’s guide – Detailed advice on rust, bodywork, originality, engines, transmissions, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, interiors, documentation, and the most important points to check before buying. • The complete model history – From the 220b Sedan to the 230S and the elegant W111 Coupés and Cabriolets. • Safety and technical innovations – How Béla Barényi’s pioneering ideas influenced automotive safety and shaped the development of the W111. • VIN and data card decoding – Practical guidance to help identify a car’s original specifications, equipment, colors, and other factory details. • US-market versions – The differences in regulations, equipment, styling, and specifications of cars built for the United States. • Original colors and interiors – Factory paint and upholstery information to help assess originality. • Rare coachbuilt cars and motorsport history – Special-bodied W111 models and the role these cars played in competition. • Complete specifications and production figures – Engines, performance data, dimensions, production numbers, and other essential reference information. A dedicated chapter on Béla Barényi provides additional insight into the man whose revolutionary safety concepts had such a profound influence on the W111 and on Mercedes-Benz automobiles for decades to come. Whether you already own a W111, are considering buying one, are restoring a car, or simply appreciate these elegant Mercedes-Benz classics, this 2026 edition combines historical background, technical information, detailed photographs, and practical buying advice in one comprehensive volume. Bernd S. Koehling has been involved with classic Mercedes-Benz automobiles since the 1970s and is the author of more than 20 books on the marque. Additional photographs and sample pages from the book appear farther down this product page.