Mercedes W111 Overview: Generations, Specs and Which One to Buy
Overview of the Mercedes W111 cabrio (1959–1971): its single generation, 95–160 hp engine range, and which versions stand out based on the data.
The Mercedes W111 is a cabrio produced from 1959 to 1971, offered with engines ranging from 95 to 160 hp, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. It suits buyers looking for a classic open-top Mercedes from the 1960s era rather than a modern daily driver, with performance that remains usable by classic-car standards.
Mercedes W111 generations
1 generation (1959–1971)
The first and only generation of the Mercedes W111 was built from 1959 to 1971 exclusively as a cabrio. All versions use rear-wheel drive, and both automatic and manual gearboxes were offered across five modifications. Power output spans from 95 to 160 hp. Two versions stand out in the range. The Mercedes W111 2.2 MT is the mass-market choice: a 2195 cc engine producing 120 hp, paired with a manual gearbox, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.8 seconds. The Mercedes W111 2.8 AT sits at the top of the lineup: its 2778 cc engine delivers 160 hp through an automatic transmission, and it reaches 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds — the strongest performance in the range.
Which Mercedes W111 to buy
- 2.8 AT (1 generation): the most powerful version with 160 hp and the quickest acceleration in the lineup at 11.2 seconds to 100 km/h, combined with the convenience of an automatic gearbox.
- 2.2 MT (120 hp) (1 generation): the mass-market version with a 2195 cc engine and 120 hp; its manual gearbox and mid-range output of 120 hp make it the typical, most widely produced configuration.
Since every Mercedes W111 dates from 1959–1971, any example on the used market is a classic car well over five decades old. With only one generation and five modifications, the range is simple to navigate: the main choice comes down to engine size (2195 cc versus 2778 cc) and gearbox type, so comparing specific cars is straightforward.
Summary
The Mercedes W111 lineup is compact: one generation, one cabrio body, five modifications, 95–160 hp. The Mercedes W111 2.8 AT (1 generation) leads on numbers with 160 hp and 11.2 seconds to 100 km/h, while the Mercedes W111 2.2 MT (1 generation) with 120 hp and 12.8 seconds represents the volume version of the range. Both are rear-wheel drive, like every W111 built between 1959 and 1971.