Mercedes-Benz W111 saloons were nicknamed “Fintail” because of their pointed rear fins.
The W111 was introduced in 1959 as a full-size Mercedes-Benz saloon. Its restrained, American-influenced tailfins were much smaller than the extravagant fins on many contemporary U.S. cars, but they were visually distinctive enough to define the model’s popular nickname. In German, the related term was Heckflosse, meaning “tail fin.”
Mercedes-Benz officially described the fins as Peilstege, or guide bars. They were intended to help drivers judge the car’s rear corners while parking, rather than serving as major aerodynamic devices. The styling therefore combined fashion with a practical visual reference.
“Ponton” refers to the rounded predecessor body style, while “Gullwing” describes the 300 SL’s upward-opening doors. “Pagoda” belongs to the W113 SL roadster’s concave hardtop. Also, Fintail is used broadly for the W110, W111 and W112 saloon series, though the W111 is the best-known example.