The 10 Best Mercedes Benz Models of the 1960s

Whether you consider yourself to be a car aficionado or not, Mercedes-Benz is one of the world’s premier automakers. They have carved out a unique space in the market that cannot be disputed. To this day, these cars are considered to be one of Germany’s finest achievements. Best of all, you do not need to be an expert to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each of these cars….but it helps!

If you are the type of motorist who lives to push it to the limit, these are the cars for you. Mercedes-Benz has ascended to the top of the summit, becoming one of Germany’s most prized exports and for good reason. These Mercedes-Benz models are the best of their time period and we are here to tell you why.

The modern Mercedes-Benz models are certainly standouts in the current marketplace, with stylistic and technological advances that are sure to catch your eye. The modern models push style is certainly a standout. However, there is no overshadowing the older Mercedes-Benz models that we all know and love. These 1960s Mercedes-Benz models provide motorists with the classic look and feel that other automakers are simply unable to match.

While many of the newer Mercedes-Benz models have their own fandom and there is a great deal of excitement about the Mercedes-Benz models to come, there is something about the production values of the 1960s Mercedes-Benz models that are always going to attract attention. The modern models may end up standing the test of time (and come with their own impressive production values) but these older models have already done so.

They are eye-catching cars, for sure. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, these models are valued by car collectors because of their unique craftsmanship. As anyone who truly knows cars can tell you, there is nothing quite like the Mercedes-Benz models of old. This is the beginning of the company’s dominance in the luxury car market.

Interest levels will always remain high, no matter how much time may have passed. So why do these Mercedes-Benz models stand out from the crowd and exist at the top of the market? The answer is a simple one.

They offer a compelling combination of speed, power and beauty. The opulent designs allow them to stand apart from the crowd as well. These Mercedes-Benz models also provide readers with the chance to truly appreciate the evolution that has taken place. To learn more about the 10 best Mercedes-Benz models of the 1960s and how we came up with the list, please be sure to read on.

Our Methodology

When it comes to a list of this magnitude, we like to place ourselves in the shoes of the reader. In this particular instance, we walked a mile in the shoes of the Mercedes-Benz aficionado. Before we continue onto the actual list, allow us a moment to walk our readers through our methodology. After all, full transparency is key when it comes to a list like this one.

Thorough Fact Checking

Lists like these are always going to change and evolve as the years pass. That’s why thorough fact-checking is so crucial. Before any of our lists are provided to the reader, we put in all of the necessary time and effort to ensure their accuracy.

Transparency

We are more than happy to explain our process to any readers who are curious, so that there is no confusion whatsoever. Our objective is a very simple one: we want to make sure that our readers know each and every step that went into the making of our list. There is no reason for a reader to have any further questions once they have seen what we have to say.

Careful Consideration

Once all of the fact-finding is done, we take the time to carefully consider every single piece of information that we come across. Nothing is etched in stone when it comes to our lists. We consider each piece of data that we receive from every possible angle before it is put into print. This is done with the audience’s edification in mind. Now, without further ado, we are here to present a closer look at one of the best car manufacturers that the world has to offer…..

The 10 best Mercedes-Benz models of the 1960s

10. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL

Classic cars do not get any more authentic than with the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL. Designed for speed, the car is a classic roadster with a top speed of 175 km/h. it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds and packs a power of 120bhp. Featuring two doors, an open body, and a long, sleek bonnet, the 190SL is all about luxury and elegance. The interior, on the other hand, is simple yet elegant with plush seats and a neat dashboard.

Fun fact: Mercedes-Benz did not even bother to explain the meaning of SL to buyers when this model was first released to the general public. Decades passed before the company offered any sort of clarification on the matter and it only took place because of a chance finding that took place in the company’s archives back in 2017. There was a dispute at the time as to whether the letters stood for Sport Leicht or Super Liecht. The corporate archive showed that it was called Sport Liecht before it was changed to Super.

9. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220SE

The 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220SE is a faster and more powerful version of its predecessors. It is elegantly long with a length size of 191 inches, and its entire body is covered in compact and sleek metal. It has a top speed of 170 km/h and a power output of 134 bhp. Although it is not exactly a sports car, it packs enough power and speed to meet all your driving needs. The interior is just as elegant and opulent. It features plush seats for utmost comfort, and it is conveniently spacious.

These vehicles also rose to prominence because they caused so many Cadillac owners to switch to the Mercedes-Benz, according to Curbside Classic. This particular model helped to shift the tides and allow Mercedes-Benz to rise to the top of the ranks for American luxury car purchases. Before the 220SE came along, the Cadillac was considered king. This little tidbit is now considered to be ancient history, as Mercedes-Benz now rests comfortably at the top of the luxury car market.

8. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 S

The 1961 Mercedes-Benz S was an improvement from its predecessors in every aspect from looks to speed and technology. It featured more chrome than earlier Mercedes-Benz models, and this made it look more compact and powerful. It also did away with the tail fins as they were considered outdated by then. It recorded a top speed of about 150 km/h, and its moderate engine pumped out about 120bhp of power. Its interior was spacious and classy, but it did not give much attention to technology.

While technology was not the focus, the 300 S was a standout when it was initially released and remains one of the most sought-after Mercedes-Benz models from the time period. Even in the present day, the interior is eye-catching and the improvements that were made are quite noticeable when compared to other Mercedes-Benz models from this particular era. They are a key piece of history.

7. 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190

An ideal piece of motoring history, the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 leans more to the vintage than other classic cars. It gets its vintage look from its elongated and bent bonnet, but it still retains its classical Mercedes-Benz looks. In spite of its small size, this car’s powerful engine is able to propel it to about 135 km/h and gives a power output of 60bp. The interior is simple but comfortable.

As expected, this model appeals to the enthusiasts out there who are looking to combine Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship with something that is a bit more low key in nature. While the 190 is a bit smaller than some of the other Mercedes-Benz models on this list, it certainly does not the get hat classic auto lovers prize. It is safe to say that this model cemented Mercedes-Benz’s place among the top car manufacturers that Americans trusted.

6. 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Coup

The 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250SE Coup was the ideal car of choice for those who could afford the luxury back in the late 60s. Combining a classic look with a powerful engine and plush interior, the car was a favorite among the elite in Europe, and thousands of units were exported to the U.S. and other countries thanks to its popularity.

It features a large engine with a power output of 150 bhp. With a top speed of 189 km/h and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 12 seconds, the vehicle is a true road warrior. Coupled with the luxurious interior, the model caters for virtually every need you may have in a classic car.

5. 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL

A cross between the 300SL and the 190SL, the 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL is formal, luxurious, and elegant. In spite of its formal look, it comes with most of the components of a typical sports car. It features a removable top, four-wheel suspension, and a straight-six multi-point fuel injected engine. It has a top speed of 124 mph, and accelerates from 0-60 mph in about 8.8 seconds.

This model’s formal yet classical look makes it ideal for both formal and informal occasions. Additionally, its removable top beautifully complements its classic appearance. The interior is comfortable and spacious, but it lacks the convenience of modern technology.

4. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 200 D

Although the 1968 version of the Mercedes-Benz 200 D was among the later Mercedes-Benz models to have been chosen for production during the 60s, it did not pack as much power and speed as would have been expected. The body was a simple and classic version of the earlier Mercedes-Benz models, but the interior was optimized for comfort and elegance. Speed and power, however, were not as impressive.

The diesel engines that these Mercedes-Benz models had to offer were great for fuel conservation, but it managed a moderate top speed of 130 km/h and power output of 59bhp.

3. 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600

Designed for the elite and wealthy, the Mercedes-Benz 600 has never lost its rank among the top classic and luxurious vehicles of the 60s. it had a long and sleek body that supported a spacious interior ideal for business traveling, in spite of its big body, this model recorded an impressive top speed of 200 km/h and accelerated from 0-100 km/h in just 9.7 seconds. The petrol-powered engine was strong and provided the necessary reliability as it put out 300bhp of power, which was an awesome amount of torque back then.

The Mercedes-Benz 600’s focus on luxury meant that the interior did not compromise on anything. The seats were made of plush leather for utmost comfort and the car featured all the latest technology of its time.

2. 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

The 280SL was ahead of its time when it came to technology and power. Its most notable feature is its sleek, sports-like body characterized by two doors, a long and curvy bonnet, and an imposing front bumper. It was in deed designed to be a sports car with a touch of luxury and elegance thanks in part to the removable top.

Hosting a spark-ignition four-stroke engine, the Mercedes-Benz 280SL has a top speed of 200 km/h (which is still impressive in the present day) and packed an incredible power of 195 bhp. The interior is not as spacious as the earlier Mercedes-Benz models, but the removable top is a great convenience.

1. 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

Despite being among the earliest 60s Mercedes-Benz models, the 300SL Roadster puts later Mercedes-Benz models to shame with its good looks and sonic speeds. A typical sports car, the model features a gracefully long bonnet and a spacious bending boot that makes it look sleek. The removable top opens up to a comfortable interior with a neat dashboard hosting the latest technology of the time period.

However, although the looks alone are captivating, it is the speed and raw power possessed by this Mercedes-Benz that takes the day. It records a top speed of 250 km/h and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds, which is amazing even by today’s standards. It also has an impressive power output of 240bhp, making it one of the best Mercedes-Benz models for those who enjoy highway driving.

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