Weren't the fintails some of the first cars to come with radials? I believe if you search for the ponton tire sizing guide that modern radials in 185/80/13 size are virtually identical to the 6.20-13 size originally spec'd. I don't think the revs at speed being experienced now are any different than they were in the 60's.

That said, I COMPLETELY agree about the benefits of a more relaxed ratio and believe the original ratios are overkill on these old Mercedes. Why should my gas 6-cylinder have the same ratio as a diesel 4-cyl with half the horsepower???

Conversely, I find myself driving my girlfriend's 2005 saab with an auto 5-spd in manual mode most of the time so I can hold 3rd or 4th and start out in 2nd. I think cars nowadays have gone too far the other direction for axle ratios. I understand it is for purposes of economy and the turbo in her car helps avoid upshifts sometimes. Regardless of that I find the super low ratio VERY annoying on the highway at regular Boston speeds while the constant shifting of the 5-spd at low speeds is equally annoying as well. I suppose automakers have no other choice in the neverending quest to bring 0-60 times down and economy up. Unfortunately this makes for very distracting day-to-day behavior.

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1967 230S automatic
Boston, MA