The top-of-the-range model of the tail fin series from Mercedes-Benz was built from 1965 to 1968. The 230 sedan of the Mercedes-Benz W 111 model series was also called the “big (tail) fin” among enthusiasts. The tail fin was intended to serve as a parking aid, which is why they were also called “Peilstegen” by the manufacturer.

The W 111 replaced the large pontoon models of the W 180 series in 1959 and provided the technical basis for Mercedes models until the end of the 1960s. The W 111 was basically superseded by the W 108 in 1965; only the 230 S continued to be produced from 1965 to 1968 as the only sedan in parallel with the W 110 and W 108/109 models. The 230 S model dispensed with the complex fuel injection system with the two-stage pump and two triple distributors. It achieved the additional output of 10 hp compared with the otherwise largely identical carbureted 220 S model with an increase in displacement to 2.3 liters.