Mercedes-Benz debuted its new W114/115 line of mid-priced sedans in 1967 but the first ones didn't hit dealers until January, 1968 to the /8 designation which simply referred to the first year on sale. For Mercedes, the rear-drive unibody design was conventional except for the diagonal swing-axle rear suspension that promised better road handling without sacrificing ride comfort.
Along with a wide range of gasoline engines, Mercedes also referred several diesel variants in both four- and five-cylinder configurations, diesels being branded with a D on the trunk. The company also built a limousine variant of the W114/115 with three rows of seats and seating for eight on a chassis that was stretched by 650 mm (2 feet, 1.5 inches). The stretched version was popular with taxi companies (much like car and van insurance in those days), airlines and other upscale livery services and around 10,000 were built.
