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25 Classic Mercedes-Benz Cars
14 Mar 2025
To celebrate the new 25-plate season, we're taking a look at 25 classic Mercedes-Benz models.
1. Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (1954-1957)
The 300SL Gullwing is one of the most iconic sports cars ever made. It was the first production car to feature fuel injection, significantly boosting its performance. The car's distinctive gullwing doors and lightweight tubular-frame construction made it a standout. It was the fastest production car of its time, capable of reaching speeds up to 162 mph.
2. Mercedes-Benz 190SL (1955-1963)
The 190SL was a more affordable, stylish alternative to the 300SL. It shared many design elements with its more expensive sibling but was powered by a 1.9-litre inline-four engine. The 190SL became a symbol of elegance and was popular among celebrities and affluent buyers.
3. Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 (1968-1972)
The 300SEL 6.3 was a high-performance luxury sedan that combined the comfort of a limousine with the power of a sports car. It featured a 6.3-litre V8 engine from the Mercedes 600, making it one of the fastest saloons of its time. This model set the stage for future high-performance saloons.
4. Mercedes-Benz 600 (1963-1981)
Known as the "Grosser Mercedes," the 600 was the epitome of luxury and was favoured by celebrities, politicians, and royalty. It featured advanced technology for its time, including air suspension and a hydraulic system that powered everything from the windows to the seats. The 600 was a symbol of status.
5. Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda (1963-1971)
The 280SL, part of the W113 series, was known for its distinctive concave hardtop, earning it the nickname "Pagoda." It combined elegant design with advanced safety features, making it a favourite among collectors.
6. Mercedes-Benz 220SE (1958-1960)
The 220SE was part of the "Ponton" series and was one of the first Mercedes models to feature fuel injection. It was available in saloon, coupe, and cabriolet body styles, and was known for its luxurious interior and advanced engineering.
7. Mercedes-Benz 230SL (1963-1967)
The 230SL was the first of the W113 series and introduced the "Pagoda" roof design. It was a significant model for Mercedes-Benz, combining sporty performance with luxury. The 230SL was well-received for its balance of style, comfort, and driving dynamics.
8. Mercedes-Benz 250SE (1965-1967)
The 250SE was part of the W108 series and was known for its robust engineering and luxurious features. It was powered by a 2.5-litre inline-six engine and was available with both manual and automatic transmissions. The 250SE helped solidify Mercedes-Benz's reputation for building high-quality, reliable cars
9. Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet (1969-1971)
The 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet was one of the last hand-built Mercedes models and featured a 3.5-litre V8 engine. It was known for its elegant design and luxurious appointments, making it highly sought after by collectors. Only a limited number were produced, adding to its exclusivity.
10. Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 (1975-1981)
The 450SEL 6.9 was the high-performance version of the W116 S-Class. It featured a 6.9-litre V8 engine and was the first production car to be equipped with a modern anti-lock braking system. The 450SEL 6.9 was known for its impressive performance and advanced technology
11. Mercedes-Benz 500E (1990-1994)
Developed in collaboration with Porsche, the 500E was a high-performance version of the W124 E-Class. It featured a 5.0-litre V8 engine and was known for its blistering acceleration and excellent handling. The 500E is considered a sleeper car due to its unassuming appearance.
12. Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 (1984-1988)
The 190E 2.3-16 was a high-performance version of the W201 series, developed with input from Cosworth. It featured a 2.3-litre 16-valve engine and was designed for motorsport. The 190E 2.3-16 achieved success in touring car racing.
13. Mercedes-Benz 300D (1976-1985)
The 300D was part of the W123 series and was known for its durability and reliability. It featured a 3.0-litre diesel engine and became popular for its fuel efficiency and longevity. The 300D is often regarded as one of the most reliable cars ever made.
14. Mercedes-Benz 560SL (1986-1989)
The 560SL was the final and most powerful version of the R107 series. It featured a 5.6-litre V8 engine and combined luxury with performance. The 560SL remains a popular classic car due to its timeless design and robust engineering.
15. Mercedes-Benz 300CE (1987-1993)
The 300CE was a coupe version of the W124 series and was known for its elegant design and advanced technology. It featured a 3.0-litre inline-six engine and was praised for its smooth ride and luxurious interior.
16. Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II (1990)
The 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II was a limited-edition high-performance version of the W201 series, designed for homologation in motorsport. It featured a 2.5-litre 16-valve engine and distinctive aerodynamic enhancements. The Evolution II is highly sought after by collectors.
17. Mercedes-Benz 280E (1976-1985)
The 280E was part of the W123 series and was known for its robust engineering and luxurious features. It featured a 2.8-liter inline-six engine and was available with both manual and automatic transmissions. The 280E was praised for its reliability and comfort.
18. Mercedes-Benz 300TD (1979-1985)
The 300TD was the station wagon version of the W123 series and was known for its durability and practicality. It featured a 3.0-litre diesel engine and was popular for its fuel efficiency and spacious interior.
19. Mercedes-Benz 500SL (1989-2001)
The 500SL was part of the R129 series and featured a 5.0-litre V8 engine. It combined luxury with performance and was kitted with advanced technology, including an automatic roll bar and adaptive damping system.
20. Mercedes-Benz 600SEC (1992-1993)
The 600SEC was a coupe version of the W140 S-Class and featured a 6.0-litre V12 engine. It was known for its luxurious appointments and advanced technology, making it one of the most prestigious cars of its time.
21. Mercedes-Benz 300SE (1965-1972)
The 300SE was part of the W108 series and was known for its luxurious features and advanced engineering. It featured a 3.0-litre inline-six engine and was available with both manual and automatic transmissions. The 300SE was praised for its smooth ride and elegant design.
22. Mercedes-Benz 220S (1956-1959)
The 220S was part of the "Ponton" series and was known for its robust engineering and luxurious features. It featured a 2.2-litre inline-six engine and was available in saloon, coupe, and cabriolet body styles.
23. Mercedes-Benz 300S (1951-1958)
The 300S was a luxury grand tourer that featured a 3.0-litre inline-six engine. It was known for its elegant design and advanced technology, including a fully independent suspension.
24. Mercedes-Benz 170V (1936-1955)
The 170V was a pre-war model that featured a 1.7-litre inline-four engine. It was known for its durability and reliability, making it a popular choice for both civilian and military use.
25. Mercedes-Benz 540K (1936-1940)
The 540K was a luxury grand tourer that featured a supercharged 5.4-litre inline-eight engine. It was known for its impressive performance and elegant design, making it one of the most prestigious cars of its time.