Mercedes-Benz 'Fintail' Models


Book Description

Mercedes-Benz 'Fintail' Models charts the development of the W110, W111 and W112 'Fintail' (or 'Heckflosse') series, the line that helped revive the Mercedes-Benz brand in the post-war years. With a unique combination of exceptional engineering and a timeless beauty, even the most basic of these vehicles has a charm that is difficult to find in the majority of cars today. After outlining the company's history, the book looks at the development of the first of the 'Fintail' models - the W111- and its launch at the 1959 Frankfurt Show. It also looks at the closely related 1.9 litre W110 and 3.0 litre W112 models, with the vehicles sold in the German, US and UK markets covered in detail.




The History of Mercedes-Benz


Book Description

The following list of historical moments in Mercedes-Benz history offers a captivating glimpse into the brand's remarkable evolution over the past century. From its early days as separate entities, Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, to its current standing as a global leader in the automotive industry, each entry on this list showcases a pivotal moment that has shaped the brand's identity. With a legacy rooted in innovation and luxury, Mercedes-Benz has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined automotive excellence. Spanning from the late 19th century to the present day, these moments highlight the brand's unwavering commitment to driving progress. The iconic Motorwagen patent of 1886 by Karl Benz serves as a starting point, setting the stage for a series of groundbreaking achievements. The merger of DMG and Benz & Cie. in 1926 was a pivotal juncture that united two visionary forces under the banner of Mercedes-Benz, a brand synonymous with sophistication and engineering prowess. As we move through the decades, the introduction of iconic models like the 300SL "Gullwing" and the A-Class sedan showcase the brand's adaptability and ability to resonate with changing consumer preferences. From technological innovations such as the introduction of airbags in the early 1980s to the recent electrification efforts with the EQ sub-brand, Mercedes-Benz consistently demonstrates its ability to anticipate trends and set new standards. This list underscores the brand's holistic approach to automotive excellence, blending design, performance, safety, and sustainability. By revisiting these historical moments, we gain insight into a journey defined by resilience, vision, and an enduring pursuit of pushing the limits of what is possible in the world of automobiles.




Mercedes-Benz W124


Book Description

Designed by Mercedes's head of design Bruno Sacco, the W124 range immediately became the benchmark by which medium-sized car models were judged in the late 1980s due to its engineering excellence and high build quality. There was a model to suit every would-be-buyer, from the taxi driver through the family motorist and on to those who were willing and able to pay for luxury and performance. This book covers: design, development and manufacture of all models of W124 including estates, cabriolets and the stylish coupe range; engines and performance; special editions and AMG models and, finally, buying and owning a W124 today. Superbly illustrated with 264 colour photographs.




Mercedes-Benz W114 and W115


Book Description

The W114 and W115 models were enormously successful for Mercedes-Benz, and their sales in nine years of production between 1967 and 1976 almost equalled the total of all Mercedes passenger models built in the 23 years between 1945 and the time of their introduction in 1968. There were many reasons for this success, but perhaps the most important was that Mercedes expanded the range to include a simply vast amount of variants including four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines, four-cylinder diesels; saloons, coupes and long-wheelbase models. With around 200 photographs, this book features the story of the design and development of the W114 and W115 ranges. It gives full technical specifications, including paint and interior trim choices; includes a chapter on the special US variants; gives production tables and model type codes and explores the Experimental Safety Vehicles developed from these cars. Finally, there is a chapter on buying and owning a 114- or 115-series Mercedes.




Mercedes-Benz W123


Book Description

The Mercedes-Benz W123 was launched in 1976 and sales quickly surpassed those of its predecessor, the W114. The W123 went on to become the most successful Mercedes, selling 2.7 million cars. Mercedes-Benz W123 - The Complete Story explores the life of this highly regarded executive car from its initial evolution, development and production to the creation of new models and its success in motorsport. The book features the styling, engineering and technical advances introduced over the lifetime of the three series; full technical specifications together with customer options, equipment and interior trim for each model; production numbers and vehicle number sequences and finally there is a section on the little-known details of the manufacture of the car in China.It is superbly illustrated with 240 colour and black & white photographs. James Taylor is a professional motoring writer with over thirty years' experience and Mercedes-Benz is one of his favourite car manufacturers.




Mercedes-Benz W201 (190)


Book Description

The W201 was a compact saloon designed to address both concerns about fuel economy generated by the first oil crisis in the 1970s and competition for sales from the BMW 3 Series. Many doubted that Mercedes could deliver a compact car whilst retaining their traditional qualities. But the W201 soon won them over. For here was a car that was a real Mercedes in the tradition of the time - it was just smaller. With around 200 photographs, the book features the reasons behind the need to build a new compact saloon in the 1980s. It covers the styling, engineering and specification changes introduced over the lifetime of the model; gives full technical specifications, including paint and interior trim choices and production tables and vehicle number sequences. The story of Mercedes' long and exciting struggle to win the German Touring Car Championship with the 190 is covered. There is a chapter on the special US variants and, finally, a chapter on buying and owing a 201-series Mercedes.




The Mercedes-Benz Ponton and 190SL


Book Description

The Pontons may have been Mercedes-Benz's bread-and-butter models of the 1950s, but they were vitally important in establishing the marque as a significant player around the globe. Alongside the saloons that made Mercedes famous world-wide for long-lasting and economical taxis, there were exotic two-door cabriolet and coupé derivatives, and the cars' basic structure was made available too for conversion into ambulances, pick-ups, estate cars and hearses. Not always appreciated is that the 190SL sports model was also derived from the engineering of the Ponton range. The Ponton Mercedes and the 190SL have long enjoyed a strong enthusiast following around the world. Here is their story, from their creation at a time when Mercedes was emerging from the devastation of war, though their success during the German Economic Miracle of the 1950s, to their final days in the early 1960s alongside the first of the 'Fintail' models that would eventually replace them. No enthusiast of these widely respected cars will want to be without this book.




Mercedes-Benz Sport-Light Coupe


Book Description

In the very beginning, the automotive industry was dominated by open-top vehicles whose body shapes were very much based on the horse-drawn carriage, there were open and closed carriages and then there was the Coupe. These were developed from the type of carriage known as the Berlin coach, which was designed as a classic vehicle for individual luxury travel and prestige. This type of carriage offered an intimate atmosphere focused exclusively on the passengers; it did not even have space for luggage, it simply exuded style, elegance and luxury in every way. This first volume of the Mercedes-Benz Coupe book addresses the journey from what was a functional sports car design to what has become the incomparable Mercedes-Benz 'Sports Coupe'; its timeless body design has remained, even today both a dream car and a dream Coupe to anyone whom aspires to follow in the footsteps of the early individualists who chose style and elegance over practicality. With over 300 photographs and illustrations, this book includes: an overview of the early days of 'Sports-Car' design; the influences of aerodynamics on design evolution; early protagonists at Daimler-Benz and how they influenced design of the Coupe shape; how the Racing Coupe influenced what became the production Sport Coupe; the experimental and one-off prototypes, and finally the continuation of the Super Sport Light concept through the 'S-Class' range.




Mercedes-Benz Saloon Coupe


Book Description

First produced in 1928, Mercedes-Benz Coupés became the embodiment of elegance and exclusivity on four wheels. Their design became an experience for all the senses, appealing to every emotion. Hans-Dieter Futschik, the designer responsible for many of the later Mercedes-Benz models, said of the Saloon Coupé: 'A shorter wheelbase compared with the saloons gives it different proportions that are almost sports car-like in character. The passenger compartment is set further back. This gives it a sportier look than a saloon. In addition, the greenhouse is smaller and more streamlined than the basic body. It looks like a small head set on a muscular body, exuding a powerful and more dynamic attitude... Everything radiates power, elegance and agility.' This complete guide includes an overview of early automotive history; pre-merger design from both Benz and Daimler; the historical protagonists and how they influenced the design; how design and fashion change vehicle shape; the continued development of Saloon Coupe design to suit every class and finally, the modern idea of the Coupe.




Mercedes-Benz SL and SLC 107-Series 1971-1989


Book Description

As one of the most remarkable models that Mercedes-Benz has ever created, the 107-series was a sales success for nearly two decades and has been an automotive icon for far longer. Elegant styling, effortless performance and superior build quality are central to the appeal of the Mercedes-Benz R107 SL and C107 SL models. This book details the complete history of the model from its design in the late 1960s, its launch in 1971, its development through the 1970s and 1980s to the end of production in 1989. Accompanied by over 250 archive pictures and original images, Mercedes-Benz SL and SLC 107-Series 1971-1989 - The Complete Story reveals the story behind the racing SLs and the works rally SLCs, and provides a valuable guide to buying and running these cars. Superbly illustrated with 260 archive and original colour and black & white photographs.