Mercedes-Benz emerged from World War II as an automaker in the early 1950s with the expensive 300 Adenauers and exclusive 300 S grand tourers that gained it fame, but it was the simple unibody Pontons which comprised the bulk of the company's revenues.

The basic Ponton cabin was widened and squared off, with a large glass greenhouse improving driver visibility.

All models shared the 2195 cc M127 straight-six engine carried over from the previous generation, producing 95 hp (71 kW) at 4800 rpm and capable of accelerating the heavy car to 160 km/h (155 if fitted with optional automatic gearbox).

It was visually identical to the 220S,[citation needed] with a modernised 2306 cm3 M180 engine with twin Zenith carburettors producing 120 hp (89 kW) at 5400 rpm.

Mercedes chose the work of engineer Paul Bracq, which featured a more square, subtle rear-end treatment, more evocative of the later squarish styling of the subsequent W108/W109 than the sharp-edged tailfins of the saloon.

[4] Production began in late 1960, with the coupé making its debut at the 75th anniversary of the opening of Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart in February of the next year.

Unlike the previous generation of two-door ponton series, the 220SE designation was used for both the coupé and convertible; both received the same version of the 2195 cc M127 engine.

Options included a sliding sunroof for the coupé, automatic transmission, power steering, and individual rear seats.

It was distinguished by a chrome strip, and featured air suspension and a higher level of interior trim and finish.

With a concept car of the first S-Class was shown in 1967,[citation needed] Daimler declined to develop a two-door W108/W109 vehicle, instead continuing production of the aging W111/W112 with modest changes.

Visible changes include new 14-inch wheels, which came with new hub cabs and beauty rings accommodating the larger disc brakes and new rear axle from the W108 family.

Inside, the car received a wood veneer option on the dashboard and other minor changes, including door lock buttons and different heater levers.

As one of several changes to modernize the aging design a lower, wider grille was incorporated and the facelifted model is often by the Germans referred to as the "flachkühler".