Singaporeans love their Mercedes, partly due to their high-end status and because they look really nice. It is time to turn back the clock and see these 1971 Mercedes W114/W115 back in their heyday!
The W114/W115 was introduced in 1968, as a replacement for the W110. It was marketed as the New Generation Models, hence their ID plates received the designation '/8' due to the 1968 launch year. It was revamped from the previous generation, where it received an improved, simpler suspension system. The car body was designed by Paul Bracq, a decorated automotive designer: the subtle tail-fin design from the W110 could still be observed. However, the simpler body shape meant that more additional options were available, such as a car radio, electric windows and headrests. As such, a car fully equipped with these add-ons could be 3 times as expensive as a no-frills version. In 1973, it received a facelift, with modifications done to the grille, headlights and bumpers among others.
W114s received the more powerful inline-6 engines while W115s were geared for utilitarian usage, hence it featured inline-4 engines. Initially available as a sedan or limousine (Pullman), the coupe version was introduced in 1969 featuring a 'pillarless' window design (ie there is no bar blocking the driver window and the smaller window at the back). A variety of engines were offered, from 2 litre to 2.8 litre engines, and a choice of petrol or diesel.
The W114 250CE coupe had a 2496 cc M114 i6 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 185 km/h with an acceleration of 10.8 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 4685 mm long and weighed 1390 kg, with a fuel consumption of 13.6 litres/100 km.
The W115 200 sedan had a 1988 cc M115 i4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 160 km/h with an acceleration of 15.2 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 4685 mm long and weighed 1330 kg, with a fuel consumption of 12.3 litres/100 km.
The W114 230 limousine had a 2292 cc M180 i6 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 175 km/h with an acceleration of 14 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 5335 mm long and weighed 1525 kg, with a fuel consumption of 14.6 litres/100 km.
Production of the W114/W115 ended in 1976, where it was replaced by the W123 series. A total of more than 1.9 million cars were made, of which 288,785 were the 200 sedan, 21,787 was the 250CE coupe and only 1,082 were the 230 limousine. There are quite a handful of W114/W115 cars in Singapore, where they were sold by Cycle and Carriage from 1968. Recently, there are increasing numbers of units that have been imported such as this 250CE coupe. Their timeless design continues to attract people, and it is impressive that they have survived for so long. If you happen to see one, just take the time to admire it and see how different they are from the cars of today!
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