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MERCEDES-BENZ a reference in terms of elegance 50 years ago, in full revolution of 1968 – in January 1968, the "Stroke Eight" sedans of the 115 and 114 series defined new technical and stylistic standards.
Now, the 114-series coupes round off the high-end of this first independent, mid-range top-of-the-line series from Mercedes-Benz, and are the tradition of today's class E Mercedes-Benz coupes.
The third bodywork variant "Stroke Eight" to be followed in December 1968 was that of long-wheelbase sedans and, later, chassis for special bodies.
Experts are impressed by the two-door long-distance vehicle, equipped with high-quality interior equipment, including carpet and an elegant wood veneer on the dashboard.
Professional Magazine auto motor und sport wrote: "The coupe also offers the level of comfort that is lacking in the living room.A touch of luxury is offered in a functional package at an acceptable price."
Technically, the coupe looks a lot like the sedan. However, its design clearly distinguishes the sporty and elegant touring car from the four-door model; the front and rear windows are flatter than the square and, with the 45 mm lower roofline, create a dynamic silhouette.
There are also frameless and fully retractable side windows at the front and the back. Removing Pillar B creates generous open areas. The overall style is harmoniously complemented by the bumper that extends to the section of the rear wheels.
By the end of production in August 1976, Mercedes-Benz had built more than 67,000 "Stroke Eight" coupes from the 114 series. The most successful model, with 21,787 units, is the 250CE. The high-end model, the 280CE, is built 11,518 times.
About 60% of the cuts are exported. Today, the coupes are among the most sought-after classics of Mercedes-Benz Classic Dealer All Time Stars.
From standard body to "Stroke Eight" coupe
In 1968, Mercedes-Benz not only established the tradition of E-Class coupes with those of the 114 series, but also advanced the differentiation of the range.
After the Second World War, the Stuttgart-based brand initially opted to use standard passenger car bodies from the 180 series (W120) to the 220SE (W128).
This means that many identical pressed parts can be shared, including windshield frames, front doors and chests – the foundation of effective production.
The possibility of using contoured body construction techniques is even more applied in the 110 and 111/112 model series, in which the vehicle bodies resemble the windshield up to the trunk.
In 1960, Professor Fritz Nallinger, responsible for development, proposed to subdivide the series of passenger car models into two areas.
Thus the family of "Stroke Eight" model series was created, named after the abbreviation "/ 8" of the year; it was unveiled as a mid-range independent series (1968).
The four-cylinder models are grouped in the 115 series, while the six-cylinder variants form the 114 series and also lay the foundation for a coupe.
The contract for the development of the elegant two-door model based on sedans was awarded on December 11, 1964.
As early as September 3, 1965, Nallinger introduced two coupe models to the board of directors.
The fact that the "Stroke Eight" coupe, launched in November 1968, is at the top of the family makes the choice of engines clearer. In sedans, Mercedes-Benz uses only the six-cylinder carburettor engine borrowed from the first 250. (130hp).
The variant of the M114 engine with electronic fuel injection Bosch D-Jetronic 250 CE (150 hp) is reserved for coupes.
This more powerful variant quickly becomes the star of the new cuts.
German magazine of the car trade Motor-Rundschau as good as auto motor und sport measured a top speed of 198 km / h for the 250 CE and the Swiss automobile magazine Automobil Review in Bern, it measured 199 km / h.
The car has almost reached the magic mark of 200 km / h, which was still outstanding for passenger cars at that time. It goes without saying that Mercedes-Benz chose the Hockenheim circuit to present its coupes 50 years ago.
Starting in 1969, the 250C with a M130 2.8-liter (130 hp) low-flow engine is offered for export to North America.
Starting in 1972, this engine became the standard for the 250C, when Mercedes-Benz introduced the new 280C (160hp) and 280CE (185hp) models.
In 1973, Mercedes-Benz introduced the mid-range mid-range coupes. The company has kept the 250C, 280C and 280CE engines.
The other changes are all the more important as some are borrowed from SL and SLC sports cars.
Here, the focus has been on safety, which translates to adjustable exterior exterior mirrors from inside, anti-fouling trim on the A-pillars and anti-fouling rear lights.
As early as 1973, the 114 series coupes are equipped as standard with the four-spoke safety steering wheel of the S-Class, head restraints and automatic seat belts for the front seats.
The revised design simultaneously includes elements from the S-Class 116 series of models introduced in 1972, such as a low and wide grille and a redesigned front apron.
The introduction of the 250C and 250CE models in late autumn 1968 marked the beginning of a successful story that continues today.
The current E-Class coupe of the C 238 series of models advances this excellent history by impressing with its wide range of models and regularly recording the best sales figures for new sports car registrations in Germany.
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