Mercedes-Benz has produced luxury vehicles for over 140 years, and the cars keep improving yearly. However, there are some favorites from the past that any driver would love to own. While they may have an EQE, the company’s newest electric model, in the garage, they might also own one of the models listed below simply because they are so amazing.
The 540K
Mercedes introduced the 540K during the 1936 Paris Motor Show as a follow-up to its popular SSK model. Frederick Geiger designed this vehicle, which came in four versions. Drivers could invest in a cabriolet with two or four seats, choose a coupe capable of carrying four people, or upgrade to the seven-passenger limo.
The buyer could customize the vehicle to meet their specific needs. The 5.4-liter eight-cylinder engine could reach speeds of 106 miles per hour. Not only was it one of the fastest vehicles for its time, but it was also one of the most expensive, and people may want to visit mercedes san antonio to see if one is available at an affordable price to own a piece of history.
The 300D
People who see the 300D Mercedes will think of the S-Class vehicles that are popular today. Many referred to this vehicle as the Adenauer, a tribute to Konrad Adenauer, the Federal Republic of Germany’s first Chancellor, because he had six of these vehicles to use for official state business. While this vehicle hasn’t been sold in over 40 years, it still has things drivers love.
The company designed this car to compete with Rolls Royce’s Silver Cloud and Bentley’s S1. Drivers could have their vehicles outfitted with a glass partition to separate the driver and passengers, a phone in the car, and a dictation machine. The 3.0-liter vehicle featured an inline-six engine and three-speed automatic transmission.
The 300SL
Two decades before the 300D launched, Mercedes-Benz offered its 300SL model. This vehicle was initially a sports coupe with room for two. It was easily recognizable for its gullwing doors. In 1957, the company opted to offer this model as a roadster.
The 300SL appeared at the New York City International Motor Sports Show in February 1965. Mercedes offered it for sale in America first rather than in Europe to attract buyers outside of its home country. This vehicle was equipped with a straight-six engine and manual gearbox, which allowed it to reach 164 miles per hour.
600
The Mercedes Benz 600 was a high point for automotive engineering when it was introduced. Political leaders and celebrities invested in this vehicle in the late 20th century because it had so much to offer. It was an ultra-luxurious vehicle offered in two wheelbases. Drivers often opted for the four-door saloon with a short wheelbase, while state entities would invest in the Pullman limo with four-door and a longer wheelbase. Both models came with a 6.3-liter M100 V8 engine.
230 SL
The W113 SL-Class launched with the introduction of the 230 SL class. This vehicle was nicknamed the Pagoda because it featured a detachable concave hardtop. It came with a 2.3-liter six-cylinder engine, and drivers could choose an automatic or standard transmission. Individuals viewed this vehicle as a symbol of the owner’s wealth and power during the 1960s. It offered safety and better steering in an attractive package, and the company sold over 48,000 W113 SL-Class models in the nine years it was manufactured.
R107 SL-Class
Mercedes replaced the Pagoda in 1971 with the R107 SL-Class. While this model was produced, the company offered no other roadsters because it was so successful. Mercedes-Benz is known for updating its lineup frequently, replacing models after a short run. This vehicle was so popular that it is the second-longest model the carmaker has produced. Only the G-Class has had a longer run.
Drivers could choose a coupe or a convertible, although both models only carried two people. When the vehicle arrived on the market, it came with a 4.5-liter V8 engine. Mercedes expanded the lineup to include a 3.8-liter V8 and a 5.5-liter V8, allowing drivers to choose which engine best met their needs.
190E
People fell in love with the 190E when it appeared at the 1982 Paris Motor Show. Today, this vehicle is known as the C-Class, and its popularity continues. Drivers could choose from a range of engines, one of which was the fastest Mercedes offered before the takeover of AMG in the late 1990s.
W124 500E
Drivers today still clamor for the W124 500E, a high-performance model of the popular E-class. They love its muscular appearance, although this vehicle had to be produced by Porsche. The E-class production line couldn’t accommodate the broader body of this model. This model was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission, allowing the vehicle to top out at 168 MPH.
C36 AMG
Mercedes introduced the AMG badge when it launched the C36 in 1994. This car made history because it was the first vehicle produced through the Mercedes-Benz and AMG partnership. In addition, the manufacturer opted to change how it names its vehicles, using letters before the numbers it used solely in the past.
The streamlined C36 features a 3.6-liter straight-six engine, and drivers loved its performance. It easily competed with BMW’s M3. When the vehicle first appeared on the market, it came with a price tag of $155,100. Today, drivers may be lucky enough to find one for a fifth of the original cost. When they do, they need to purchase it before someone else snatches it up.
Mercedes-AMG SLS
Mercedes-AMG vehicles are standard today. The first vehicle completely designed and built by Mercedes’ partner was the SLS, a two-seat grand tourer offered in limited numbers. For example, only 350 of the SLS GT AMG Final Edition C/R197 were available for sale in 2012 and 2013. Mark Fetherston designed this model, which featured a V8 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG. The 6.2-liter V8 M156 engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes continues to make extraordinary cars today. However, many people dream of owning a model from the past, and there are plenty to choose from. Consider all Mercedes models, as a driver cannot go wrong when buying one of these vehicles. They are incredible machines that will remain in demand for years to come.
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