In 1968 Mercedes Benz waved goodbye to their “Fintail” 230 sedans, bringing in the 250 in their place.

The 250 Series were the first of the 108-chassis vehicles to roll off the production at the brand-new Mercedes-Benz plant in Stuttgart.

The Mercedes Benz 250, from the front, still bore a great resemblance to the 220- and 230 series, although its overall shape was all-new, distinguished by vertical headlight units setin the wings, incorporating both the sidelights and indicators.

The 250’s unitary construction body was without a single fin to be seen, although once again topped off by the ubiquitous upright grille, a feature that had become standard and conventional for every Mercedes model from the mid-Sixties.

Engine displacement for the 250 was increased slightly, with Mercedes Benz having fitted the 250 saloon W114 with a 2.5-litre (153 cu in) engine. The CE versions of the range came with fuel injection meaning additional power.

The new range of smaller-sized entry-level Mercedes proved both durable and highly successful throughout its eight-year production lifespan, becoming a particular favourite of taxi and fleet operators through West Germany and the rest of Western Europe.

As the model progressed into the Seventies, Mercedes continued to expand the choice of engines that could be specified for the 250 sedans. These included a number of diesel options, as a result of increasing demand as fuel prices began to shoot up in the early Seventies.

Mercedes Benz also began to expand their choice of models for the 250, including a limousine version, with an extra-long wheelbase, was also available, as well as a coupe version and an estate car.

None of these permutations faired particularly well in the market, with the possible exception of the Combi estate that proved to be a willing workhorse to its owners.