"Ponton" models were replaced in 1959 as sixcylinder (W111 series) and in 1961 as fourcylinder (W110 series) by the "fintail" models. They were also available as partialbody chassis, which were converted by bodybuilders into ambulances, vans or other special versions. A special feature were the "Universal" station wagons, which were produced by the IMA company in Belgium from 1965. The station wagon differed from the sedan by a modified rear axle ratio, 15inch wheels, reinforced springs and a newly developed hydropneumatic compensating spring on the rear axle. The top version was the sixcylinder 230 S Universal, which like the sedan was assigned to the 111 series. With a longer front end, the typical "sixcylinder face" and lush chrome, it had a much more prestigious appearance. The "Universal" were sold in Germany from 1966 to 1968 by the DaimlerBenz sales organization. So they were only in the program for a short time. A total of 2,754 "Universal" station wagons were produced by IMA.

#w111 #universal #fintail #oldbenz
source: Eberhard Thiesen GmbH & Co. KG