IAA vehicle anniversaries: From the 300 SE (W 112, 1961) to the cabriolet of the 124 model series (1991)

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• The industry event is an important innovation platform for Mercedes-Benz
• Premiere 60 years ago: 300 SE (W 112), cabriolet of the W 111 model series, saloon of the W 110 model series
• 1981: 380 SEC and 500 SEC of the 126 model series
• 1991: Cabriolet of the 124 model series

Stuttgart. The list of vehicle premieres and innovative technologies at the International Motor Show (IAA) introduced to the world’s public for the first time by #MercedesBenz and its predecessor brands at this exhibition is long. In 2021, several vehicles of the brand are celebrating significant anniversaries of their IAA presentation. The IAA is the largest trade event in the German-speaking region and has international importance. It can trace its history all the way back to 1897.

This year IAA Mobility is taking place in Munich with a new and exciting concept (7 to 12 September 2021). Under the motto “What will move us next”, the event organised by the German Association of the #automotive Industry (VDA) considers itself a global stage, showing the way to climate-neutral mobility.

60 years ago: Top-of-the-range 300 SE (W 112) model

The luxury-class top-of-the-range 300 SE model was one of the new #MercedesBenz vehicles at the IAA in Frankfurt am Main 60 years ago (21 September to 1 October 1961). The S-Class predecessor – like the “tail fin” models 220, 220 S and 220 SE (W 111) introduced before it in 1959 – had the safety body with crumple zones and a rigid passenger compartment, a milestone in #automotive technology. The 300 SE (W 112) expanded its range upwards: its six-cylinder engine had 118 kW (160 hp), plus it had air suspension and the new automatic transmission, developed in-house by #MercedesBenz, as standard equipment. The long-wheelbase version of this model appeared in 1963 and founded a new tradition in the luxury-class saloon portfolio of #MercedesBenz: the 100-millimetre-longer wheelbase offered passengers in the rear significantly more legroom and travelling comfort.

60 years ago: The luxury-class W 111 model series cabriolet

Another major attraction at the 1961 IAA was the cabriolet of the W 111 model series. The open-top luxury-class vehicle not only drew attention with its impressive design and its timeless elegance, but also with its four fully fledged seats and generous spaciousness. As early as the spring of 1962 #MercedesBenz had already expanded the model range with the 300 SE Cabriolet (W 112). To this day, the open vehicles – along with the respective coupés – count among the most beautiful #MercedesBenz vehicles and are considered to be some of the most sought-after classics worldwide. The designs proved so perfectly timeless that the coupé and cabriolet stayed in production for eleven years. In addition, they had a lasting influence on the design of the W 108/W 109 model series of luxury saloons built from 1965 onwards, and were built in parallel with them until 1971.

60 years ago: The E-Class predecessor W 110

Mercedes-Benz also had a third new passenger car at the 1961 IAA: the “tail fin” model series (W 110). Its accomplished combination of spaciousness, comfort, power, price/value ratio and economy were considered ideal. In the luxury mid-range series, too, the rigid passenger compartment with crumple zones at the front and rear set standards in safety. Furthermore, the “tail fin” models spoiled their occupants as early as the mid-1960s with amenities taken for granted today such as automatic transmission, power steering, electric windows, steel sliding roof and air-conditioning system. Initially the four-cylinder saloons of the 190 and 190 D model were available. Further models successively became available, up to the 230 model with a six-cylinder engine.

40 years ago: The 126 series coupé

A much-noticed world premiere was celebrated at the IAA from 17 to 27 September 1981 by the 380 SEC and 500 SEC Coupés of the 126 model series. They were based on the S-Class Saloon, which had been presented two years earlier. The sub-frame was admittedly shortened by 85 millimetres, yet they were fully fledged four-seaters. The bodyshell was designed to reflect the latest safety research findings. The design was created under the aegis of Bruno Sacco, who is proud of the result to this day. An interesting item of equipment of the coupés were the electrically operated seat belt feeders, which came as a standard feature in the SEC models. An airbag for the driver and a belt tensioner for the front passenger were also available upon request. In 1985, the 560 SEC with a 5.6-litre engine became the new top-of-the-range model.

Further information in the press release to download