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.

Series production of the 4-door saloon began in August 1959, which made its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in the autumn.

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".