The Mercedes-Benz C111 is a series of experimental automobiles produced by Mercedes-Benz in the 1960s and 1970s. The company was experimenting with new engine technologies, including 3 and 4 rotor Wankel engines, diesel engines and turbochargers. The C111 platform was the testbed for these technologies. Further experimental features included multi-link rear suspension, modern gull-wing doors and a luxurious interior with leather trim and air conditioning.
The first version of the C111 was completed in 1969. The car used a fiberglass body shell and with a mid-mounted three-rotor direct fuel injected Wankel engine (code named M950F). The next C111 appeared in 1970. It used a four-rotor engine producing 257 kW (350 hp). The car reportedly could reach a speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).
The company decided not to adopt the Wankel engine and turned to Diesel experiments for the second and third C111s.
Below is a selection of images from our collection of original photographs documenting the Wankel C111 series of experimental Mercedes vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz experimental 4-rotor Wankel engined C111. At top with doors down at speed, at bottom with “gullwing” doors up. 1970.
Top Photo: The C111 cars, looking suspiciously like a race team! Alas, that is only wishful thinking. Bottom Right: The latest C111 with the first test car in the background.
COPY EMBARGO! Not for publication before morning papers, Wed. March 11, 1970. The four-rotor Wankel engine of the new Mercedes-Benz C 111 research and development Coupe, is seen here compared with the earlier three-rotor version (left). Power to weight ratio of the new unit is just over 1lb per hp – even better than that achieved on the Mercedes-Benz W 196 Grand Prix cars of 1954/5. Fuel injection is by four-plunger mechanical pump and transistorized ignition has been installed. With Compliments: Erick Johnson, Mercedes-Benz (Great Britain) Ltd. END COPY
At Top: The 3-rotor Wankel engine (1969). At Bottom: The 4-rotor Wankel engine (1970).
Bottom Left: Front suspension of the first series C111, in 1969. Bottom Right: Rear suspension of the first series C111, in 1969. At Top: Interior of 4-rotor C111.
COPY Mercedes Wenkel 101 Whether our photojournalist Worner Streckenarbeiter or as a harmless visitor to a recent exhibition taking place in the Hockenheim motodrom did the pictures of the Daimler-Benz Project C 101, he did not tell us. We are pleased about our readers clear photos of the new sports coupes, if still camouflaged to show. END COPY
COPY Mercedes Wenkel 101 Rear end of the Daimler-Benz C 101 with removed rear wheel covers and striking wide rear-wheel wheels. COPY
Mercedes C111 Photo Gallery
