Posts Tagged ‘series’

January 15th, 2012  Posted at   Classic Cars
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The Mercedes Benz 190c/200 fintail (1961 – 1968)

When the first fintail four-cylinder model in the history of Mercedes Benz was launched in 1961, it was the logical continuation of a new concept introduced already two years earlier with the six-cylinder Mercedes Benz 220b series. A whole new line of vehicles was to be built on the same platform and with a body that was identical on all cars from the A-pillar backwards. That not all customers were willing to follow that idea was initially not really anticipated.

Internally the new 190c and 190Dc Benz were called W110 and compared with their ponton predecessors they were now fairly big cars. The bodies of the four- and six-cylinders differed only in the length of the front, which was shorter on the smaller vehicles, as their engines needed less space.

It was the first time in the past of Mercedes Benz that owners had complained that the four-cylinder versions looked too close to their own more expensive six-cylinder models. This had happened with Mercedes Benz ponton owners. In order to avoid similar complaints with the new fintail and its uni-body style, Daimler-Benz made the front look different by installing instead of the signature vertical headlights single round ones. Designers also used the four-cylinder ponton’s indicators on top of the fenders. And the bumpers looked now different, as they did not have the over-riders of the six-cylinder Benz.

Design considerations aside the public loved the new Mercedes Benz vehicles for their space, comfort and superior road holding capabilities This was naturally no surprise as the chassis was shared with the larger 220b series. All the latest safety features, a hallmark of the six-cylinder Benz, were of course also incorporated into the design of the 190 series. The closeness of the different line of cars caused a bit of unwanted internal competition, as the 190c was almost as fast yet much cheaper than the entry-level six-cylinder 220b. Except for the front both cars were otherwise absolutely identical. (more…)

December 19th, 2011  Posted at   Classic Cars
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The Mercedes Benz 300 Adenauer (1951 – 1962)

In today’s automotive world, the number 300 might not mean too much anymore, but a few decades back it had a very special appeal. Chrysler used it in the US for its famous and fast Chrysler 300 series, which was first introduced in 1955 as the C-300. It used a V8 hemi 331 cu in engine and was called 300, because it developed 300 hp.

In Germany, the name 300 was made famous by Daimler-Benz, who used it for their top luxury car introduced in 1951, the 300 Adenauer Benz. Here the name 300 was not used because of its horsepower but because of the 3.0 l (183 cu in) engine displacement. When it was launched in April 1951 at the Frankfurt Automobile Show the Benz caused such a sensation that mounted police had to be called in to manage the enthusiastic crowd.

But it was not only the general public who liked the car, it was the press who said after testing it that it should be considered as “international automotive extra class”. That impression was supported by the lucky customers, who were able to afford the Mercedes Benz 300. Because at a price of 19,900.- DM ($4,720.-) it was certainly also from a financial point of view extra class. In the US the 300 was introduced in 1953 and cost around $6,500.-. The priciest sedan in the US was at that time the Cadillac Series 75 Fleetwood. At “only” $5,820.- it must be considered a bargain, given the fact that it had a 5.4 l (331 cu in) V8 engine with 210 brake horsepower and an overall length of 6.0 meters (236.5 in).

The Mercedes Benz, in comparison, delivered with its six-cylinder engine 115 DIN hp and offered an overall length of 4.95 meters (194.9 in). Nevertheless, its breathtaking price offered exclusivity and some of its famous owners such as Errol Flynn, Gary Cooper, Yul Brunner, Anthony Quinn, King Gustaf Adolph of Sweden, Frank Lloyd Wright and the Aga Khan sure didn’t complain about it. Pope John XXIII even had a special Pullman Landaulet delivered to his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo in 1960. It was not the first time in the history of Mercedes that a pope had ordered a special built vehicle and it was also not the last time. The most famous owner must have been the first German chancellor Konrad Adenauer, who had during his tenure six of them. As a matter of fact the Ben was so closely associated with the chancellor that the whole series is still today called the 300 Adenauer. (more…)

December 5th, 2011  Posted at   New Cars, Used Cars
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Used cars have always been a big part of the car market as most are a first choice for many people across the United Kingdom. This is because most are reliable and stylish and well kept even though they are older and cheaper than their newer models.

Due to the size of the used car market many of the big name brands are being advertised straight into the used car dealers and magazines after just one year from new purchase. One of these new major car brands includes Lexus that have placed their used cars on the market. But it is not only the manufacturers themselves that place their used cars on the market but it is also private owners that have had a used Lexus, or any other used luxury car, for a period of time and then want to sell it on. This, in fact, is mostly what makes up the used car market, the private owners, and you will see this advertised in any used car magazines bought today.

For many years, the BMW was a popular used car on the garage forecourts. BMW have always had something of a status symbol attached to them due to their reputation and performance. They also never lose their style and new or used, are always admired by passers by.

those who would like to own a Jaguar have been lucky in finding them on a used car forecourt. The Jaguar is one car that is instantly recognisable and that never goes out of fashion. It also comes with a high position in the status stakes. Once you have purchased your used car, nobody else knows that you haven’t had it from new and this is something that makes them more appealing to the people who cannot afford a brand new car.

Lexus is a popular brand in the used car market because they are known for their comfort and reliability. This means that many families across the United Kingdom choose the used Lexus saloons as they know that there is a low risk of the car failing and it will be comfortable for everyone who uses it. This means that the used Lexus sector of the market is slowly increasing due to the fact that nearly all vehicles sell in quick time within the car being placed on the market. For those who prefer a different type of status symbol there are other used cars on teh market, such as used Porsche or used Ford Fiesta. (more…)


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