Tag: Mercedes-Benz (Page 2 of 2)

IN THE NEWS: Airstream Introduces Sprinter-Based Autobahn Luxury Van

June 5, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

June 05, 2014 – Jackson Center, Ohio

Airstream, maker of the iconic silver-bullet travel trailers, has unveiled its all-new luxury passenger van – the Airstream Autobahn® – a vehicle that delivers a new standard in VIP travel. Through its ongoing collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, Airstream combines its signature quality and design with individualized comfort, convenience and productivity in this new category-creating platform.

First introduced at the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter national dealer meeting this week, the Autobahn stays true to Airstream’s heritage of aircraft inspired design and innovation. Taking cues from the private jet experience, the Autobahn offers a sleek, sophisticated interior, expansive space and handcrafted furnishings. With seating for eight, the Autobahn includes the advanced Airstream Smart Control System™ for a flawless passenger experience.

“Airstream continues to set the industry standard for unparalleled luxury travel, a strategy further enhanced by our partnership with Mercedes-Benz,” said Airstream CEO and President Bob Wheeler. “Whether your VIP is a professional client or family member, we are creating a new category that delivers an exclusive level of focus on individual passenger comfort and convenience.”

With its carefully designed professional and personal functionality, the Autobahn also takes aim at the commercial market, targeting companies that cater to affluent travelers.

Design & Luxury
The Autobahn is equipped with a power entry sliding door that open onto a well-appointed cabin with a stunning array of finishes, materials and amenities including durable wood trim, leather seating, dual refrigerators and individualized controls to enhance the passenger experience.

Each position in the main cabin includes a power footrest, heated seating and power outlets (120v and USB) along with a workspace equipped with a functional desk.

Productivity & Convenience
Autobahn comes standard with the innovative Airstream Smart Control™ System providing centralized control for all main cabin lighting, shades, heating and air conditioning through the user’s smart device. The system also controls onboard entertainment, with state-of-the-art electronics including a 32 inch LCD TV screen, Blu-Ray player, Pandora, and an Apple TV box with Air Play functionality. The Airstream Smart Control System can be operated through the vehicle’s onboard electronics, any web-enabled smart device (including smart phones & tablets) and laptops with wireless capabilities.

Safety
Superior safety features include collision prevention assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, front and rear parking assist, headlight high beam assist and more.

Beyond the reassuring coverage of the three year/36,000-mile warranty, the Autobahn is supported by the premier coast-to-coast Mercedes-Benz dealer network and the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.

Airstream first began its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz with the launch of the Airstream Interstate in 2004. The Interstate remains the top selling Type B motorhome model for the third year in a row.

The Airstream Autobahn is now available and will be sold exclusively through Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealers across the nation. For more information visit www.airstreamautobahn.com or contact your local Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dealer.

PICK OF THE DAY: Well Sorted Mercedes-Benz 450SEL Driver

June 2, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

As a successor to the 300SEL 6.3 of the early ‘70s—credited with being the first German performance sedan, or Q-Ship—Mercedes-Benz engineers borrowed a page from Detroit and employed bigger-is-better. A handbuilt 6834 cc lump was stuffed into the W116 450SEL, but they didn’t stop there. Daimler-Benz saw an opportunity to enter the space where Rolls and Bentley played but needed more than a big motor. Under a license from Citroën, they gave the 6.9 a hydropneumatic suspension, allowing the car to literally float over the road as well as temporarily raise and lower the car. This was the company’s first go at the suspension and most of that system carried over into later generations including the cars of today. In the 6.9 we also saw the first use of a power reclining rear seat as well as elegant touches like burled walnut trim and one of the world’s first climate control systems. It was an indication that this was aimed at a buyer who sought a higher degree of luxury, but with all the engineering, build quality, and German-ness that they’ve come to know as Mercedes-Benz. It was a car that could easily be chauffeured, but also one that could be enjoyed on the autobahn as well as B roads. In spite of its importance in automotive history, the market is yet undecided on its collectibility. It’s certainly a car that a marque collector wants in the garage, but beyond that it’s on par with any other classic Mercedes-Benz saloon and values have remained stable, but relatively flat. The one exception is, oddly, in the driver-quality 6.9s. It seems that while the rest of the market decides on its status, a group of buyers has formed a genuine appreciation for their traits as an excellent road car. Prices for solid, rust-free, well-sorted drivers have nearly doubled since this time last year. Finding any 6.9 that doesn’t require an extensive list of costly repairs for under $10,000 is getting increasingly difficult. Nevertheless that is precisely what we have here. Although it has seen some miles (165,000 assuming no faults with odometer), everything else about the car appears to be in excellent order. An ‘80s bare-metal repaint in its lovely and original Silberblau has held up very well thanks to a long-time California climate. A few minor rust spots are disclosed, but shouldn’t pose a threat if returned to a salt-free environment. Interior has excellent patina with very little wear beyond a small tear in the armrest (common) and rather tired looking rear seat cushion. All power accessories are said to be in working order including windows and sunroof (a rarity in itself) and even its original Becker radio works. But perhaps the most attractive thing about this 6.9 is its service history, with complete documents cataloged back to 1980 under the stewardship of one owner who held the car for 30 years. Service is up to date, including a recent major as well as replacement of the accumulators in the hydropneumatic suspension system (this is where they fail if they’re going to fail). One can’t help but wonder if the buyers of the driver-quality 6.9s aren’t onto something. It just looks inviting to drive. Or perhaps be driven. Find it here on Craigslist in Mariemont OH for an attractive $8,950.

PICK OF THE DAY: Banner Big Body Benz

May 29, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

If the 80s were about affluence, power and opulence, there were few cars better suited to express it than the W126 S-Class. It was big. It was luxurious. It was sleek. But it was also smart. Safe. And as the tagline stated at the time, engineered like no other car in the world. In short, it was uncompromising. It was the Flagship of the Mercedes-Benz product line, commanding a sticker price of over $65,000. With an incredible 12-year production run, no S-Class before or since has captured the essence of what it means to be a flagship for longer. It continues to be used in film and popular culture as the iconic Big-Body Benz and doesn’t get much argument when referred to as classic. The top-of-the-line 126, the 560 SEL, still evokes power and panache like few cars throughout history. The 560 SEL presented here is a perfect example of that. It appears to have been revered by its owners—its current one for 26 years—to remain a statement of elegance and prestige, but with a classic presence that simply cannot be found in today’s luxury cars. While it’s true that 560 SELs—like any Mercedes-Benz—have legendary durability, finding one with less than 100K miles is somewhat rare. This one shows just over 80,000 on the clock with some recent service to assure continued durability. It’s to-order white paint appears to be original and, having been garaged throughout its life, is in excellent condition. Wheels appear to free of curb rash or flaking clearcoat. Inside, the burgundy leather appears to show proper patina with no tears, whilst the wood is free of the crackling that plagues Mercedes from this period. It is a well optioned SEL, including the sought-after reclining and heated rear seats. Find it here on Craigslist in Arlington Heights IL for a very reasonable $7,450.

PICK OF THE DAY: One-Owner Original 83,000 Mile Mercedes-Benz 190SL

May 26, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

As the smaller sibling of the legendary W198 300SL, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL was from a time when ‘Sports’ was still a genuine attribute to the ‘Sports Leicht’ model designation. Future generations, while sporting, leaned toward touring and became increasingly less leicht. Although its 1.9 litre inline four-cylinder put out less than half the horsepower of the 300SL (which was at the time the fastest production car in the world), it had much of the same character. Their resemblance, while not identical, is unmistakable. The W121 190Sl was somewhat heavier and less nimble than its contemporaries like the Porsche 356, Alfa Romeo Giulia, or Jaguar XK, but it was better planted and its fully independent suspension with double wishbones and stabilizer at the front, as well as power-assisted brakes delivered a more confident racy feel. This was further enhanced by the high-quality Mercedes-Benz construction. With 300SL prices soaring past the million-dollar mark, it’s no surprise that 190SL prices have been skyrocketing accordingly. Only a few years ago, it wasn’t unheard of to find a driver-quality 190SL for under $30,000. Today, that likely wouldn’t buy a rough project car. Most collector-quality 121s are into six figures. Today’s example appears to be an exceptionally well-kept one-owner 190SL with relatively low miles. It is said to have had a quality repaint in its original Ivory color at some point in the 90s and some of that is beginning to show some age. Its original interior however shows beautifully, as does the original motor (Webbers being used currently but original Solexes are included in the sale). Undercarriage is spotless. As a lifelong New Mexico and Colorado car, what minor rust there was in the boards has been addressed and the car sits today completely free of rust. Although not heavily optioned, it does include the hard top (~$300 in 1956 dollars), which judging from the condition of the soft top, must have been its primary cover. It is also well-document with its original service book, “instruction” manual and several service records including a recent $9,000 service, ensuring that the car is ready to go for its second owner. Find it here at Worldwide Vintage Autos in Denver Colorado with a Buy-it-Now on eBay of $97,000.

ON THE BLOCK: What to Watch Friday at Auction America Auburn Spring

May 9, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Lot No. 2098 – 1978 Ferrari 308 GTB
Estimate: $ 45,000 – $ 55,000

Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1975, the Ferrari 308 was a replacement for the successful 246 Dino line. It sported a Pininfarina styled body that was available in only a GTB coupe variant early on, and then in 1977, Ferrari introduced the GTS (Targa Top) model. Its iconic wedge shaped body lines were designed by Leonardo Fioravanti who had been famous for his previous work; the 365 Daytona and 246 Dino. The early carbureted cars such as the one offered here, sport the standard 2.9-liter mid-engine V-8 which produced about 240 horsepower fitted to a five-speed manual transmission. Ferrari went on to produce fuel injected 308’s making the GTSi, GTBi available starting in 1980, and the Quatrovolve, in 1983. Total production numbers for all variation were 12,149 in a span of ten years, 1975 to 1985. Although being the highest production model Ferrari in existence, the 308 is a must have for any collector or enthusiast. In particular, the early carbureted cars prove to be the most valuable among the Ferrari community with the GTB being the ‘drivers car’ as opposed the open GTS variant.

This car, chassis number F106AB25879 is an early carbureted car finished the classic Ferrari color combination of Rosso Corsa over a contrasting Tan interior. Sold new out of sunny Florida, it spent the majority of its life under the care of the first owner until being acquired by the second owner, a Pennsylvania based Ferrari collector, in 2006. Between its two owners, it gathered a mere 28,910 miles from new, always being serviced and cared for along the way. The most recent 30K service was completed just 3 years ago under the second owner’s discretion. The paint is extremely presentable as is the interior and engine bay confirming its low mileage and caring ownership. This example is also complete with tools, jack, and spare making it a complete package for the discriminating enthusiast. The Ferrari market has risen to levels unlike any other marque making the brand a centerpiece for the collector car world. 308’s have seen recent value hikes but currently remain very affordable as an investment that can be enjoyed. A low mileage GTB in the best color combination, with 2-ownership history and great accessories is surely an opportunity not to be missed.

Lot No. 2101 – 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 SEb Cabriolet
Estimate: $ 40,000 – $ 60,000

This Mercedes-Benz was originally purchased by a young doctor in Marin County, California and given to his bride as a wedding present. She drove it for 20 years, albeit with complaints of having to use a stick-shift; eventually the good doctor replaced it for her with a 450SL. From this ownership it was bought by a gentleman in Mill Valley, California, where he spent four years performing an “over the top” restoration. Although the car was rust-free, the car was completely stripped of all paint and undercoating. He then applied new undercoating and 20 coats of Havana Brown lacquer to all visible sheetmetal. Being a true fanatic doing the work; the car also had three coats of Havana Brown applied to the undercarriage. The 2,195-cc, 120-hp six-cylinder engine was completely rebuilt and the car received a new four-speed transmission, new clutch, new brakes, new top, new wool headliner, re-chromed bumpers and more. This includes a dashboard that is burled Carpathian elm and is “as fine as you are likely to see.” The restorer/owner bought two additional Mercedes-Benz’ to obtain the leather for the seats he was redoing, and they are now presented in the rare two-tone Palomino and Tan combination. Among the equipment on the car are a Becker Mexico AM/FM radio, air conditioning; power top, windows, steering and brakes.

The current owner has owned the car for 28 years and when he heard of it being for sale, he contacted an appraiser to look the car over. The appraiser was so impressed with the quality of work; he had the restorer/owner work on his own cars. When purchased by the current owner, it arrived in Chicago with 81,023 miles on it – during the ensuing years, it now has a total of 85,110 miles. After driving it 1,000 miles over the first two years of ownership, it now spends most of its time under a car cover in the owner’s garage. It is now mainly used for early Sunday morning drives on Lake Shore Drive, but only if it is sunny weather. This lovely car has never seen snow, and it has never been parked and left unattended in the last 28 years. The Mercedes-Benz comes with a folder filled with letters and notes from the restorer/ex-owner that includes diagrams on how to oil and grease the car, as well as the locations of tiny drain holes that allow the car to go out in the rain and properly drain any falling moisture. The car is also accompanied by multiple documents, owner’s manual and tools.

Lot No. 2117 – 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Estimate: $ 65,000 – $ 75,000

This Mustang is reported as a rotisserie-restored California car with 55,705 actual miles per its verification by a Marti Report. It is finished in Bright Yellow (sometimes referenced as Grabber Yellow) with a black interior and runs with a 302-cid, 290-hp V-8 engine with a four-speed manual transmission and 3.91 gearing in a correct V-code Traction-Lok rear end. The drivetrain is reported as correct to the car. Other desirable features include this being a factory shaker car, rear decklid spoiler, Sports Slats, AM radio, power brakes and Magnum 500 wheels. It has been signed by racing legends Parnelli Jones and George Follmer, who as teammates in 1970, took their Bud Moore-prepared Boss 302 Mustangs to the coveted Trans-Am manufacturer’s title.

Lot No. 3037 – 1969 NSU Ro 80
Estimate: $ 10,000 – $ 14,000

The Ro 80 was considered to be a technologically advanced automobile produced by the West German firm of NSU from 1967-1977. Most notably was the drivetrain consisting of a 113 horsepower 995-cc twin-rotor Wankle engine with front-wheel drive. It also featured a fully independent suspension with rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes. This special example is finished in bright lime green with a black vinyl interior. It also has a manual transmission, bucket seats, sunroof, AM/FM radio and alloy wheels. The appearance of this sedan is very original within the engine compartment and interior and is likely one of the best examples to be found in America.

Lot No. 3055 – 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster
Estimate: $ 40,000 – $ 45,000

Once again the Sports Roadster made an appearance at the top of the Thunderbird lineup. At $5,563 it was also the most expensive T-Bird available that year. There were minimal changes in styling as this was the final year of the third generation of Thunderbird styling introduced in 1961. Known as the bullet birds, the reference referred to the look of the rear taillights. The Thunderbird found itself to have competitors with the introduction of the Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Riviera, Olds Starfire and the Studebaker GT Hawk. As a result, sales dropped nearly 20-percent from the year before. It is one of just 455 Sports Roadsters of a total of 63,133 Thunderbirds produced for 1963.

Painted in classic Rangoon Red over a contrasting red leather interior, this T-Bird is equipped with the 390-cid V-8, automatic transmission, power steering and brakes and AM/FM radio and chrome wire wheels.

PICK OF THE DAY: Exemplary Mercedes-Benz 560 SL

May 8, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

For most of the 70s and 80s, the Mercedes-Benz SL (R107) was the embodiment of a lifestyle that evoked achieving a certain status in life while still being able to enjoy it. They were the cars of the stars and the country club set. They were sporty without being sports cars, with refined elegance and graceful performance. Over its remarkable 18-year run, the 107 SL never lost any of its appeal and many would agree that it hasn’t to this day. Its final iteration, between 1986 and 1989, was the 560 SL. The 560 SL was in response to US customers who sought performance that was comparable to the European market 500 SL (in the early 80s, only the 155-hp 380 SL was available though US dealers). Not since the pre-emissions 350 and 450 SL of 1972 and 1973 had a US-market SL eclipsed 200 horsepower. Furthermore, a significant increase in torque made it the most drivable SL ever. Today, the 560 SL’s enduring caché combined with modest prices make it a perfect example of “look rich cheap.” As such, they’ve held up well in a soft economy and are beginning to climb as market conditions improve. There is no shortage of 560 SLs for sale at any given time, but the market narrows significantly when looking for those with less than 100K miles. It gets tighter still when adding originality to the criteria. Then if we add a classic color combination without unnecessary chrome or gold accents, there are actually only a handful that stand out. Today’s pick is exactly what a proper 560 SL should be. The original Arctic White paint presents beautifully and, combined with the original Burgundy leather, is striking and uncommon (most interiors are blue, black or Palomino (tan)). It’s being offered by its second owner who has had it for 22 years, using it sparingly to cover a mere 58,000 miles. Original interior is said to be and appears to be like new, as does the exterior. Wheels appear to be in excellent condition, without the peeling clearcoat that commonly occurs (and often necessitates polishing to a chrome finish that was never suited to car’s understated elegance). Both tops, Becker Grand Prix radio and First Aid Kit complete some of the 560 SL prerequisites. Ready for summer cruising, top up or down, it’s a perfect example of what the R107 was meant to be. Find it here on Craigslist in Sanford NC for a very reasonable $13,750.

PICK OF THE DAY: Clean Mercedes-Benz E320 Touring

May 5, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Credited with being among the last tank-built Mercedes-Benz models (with a signature “thunk” when closing the doors), the W124 was also among the last to score consistently high on customer satisfaction surveys. It, and the BMW 5 Series of the time were the ones all others were chasing. It was also one of Bruno Sacco’s last designs, which some refer to as unpretentious elegance, while others find it taxi-cab humdrum (his final two, the W210 and R230 would be more revolutionary). A subtle facelift in 1994, coinciding with the company’s revised nomenclature (Class first, Engine/Model second), smoothed out much of the ‘80s-ness to where they are a clean, unassuming look 20 years later. The Touring (wagon, estate) in particular has purposeful yet graceful lines that are well proportioned to the 124s basic aesthetic. It lends itself exceptionally well to sibling-inspired tuning with shorter springs and AMG Monoblock wheels from the Coupé’s Sportline. Some go one step further with the fender flares, Recaro seats and aerodynamics to envision a touring version of the Porsche-built E500, which never existed—but should have. This E320 is an excellent basis for such tuning or looks stately in its factory setup. It has traceable ownership through friends and family and has covered a mere 77,000 miles. Both exterior and interior finishes look meticulously cared for. It is said to have been regularly maintained all its life and in “practically perfect” condition. Given how practical the W124 Touring is, it may indeed be perfect. Find it here on Craigslist in Jamestown NC for a very reasonable $6,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Exemplary 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbodiesel

February 25, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Today we have a well-preserved one-owner 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300D Turbodiesel that’s been dealer maintained for all its mere 53,000 miles (or roughly five percent of this motor’s projected lifespan). Seller states an earlier repaint that appears to have been done to a high standard. Otherwise looks to be a very original example of a nice driving Turbodiesel. Furthermore, given comparable CD (coupé) or TD (wagon) prices would approach or even eclipse the $20,000 mark, the seller’s asking price of under $7,000 seems fair. Find it here on Craigslist in Richmond VA.

ON THE BLOCK: Ex-Fangio Mercedes-Benz W196 Highlights Bonhams Goodwood Sale

April 22, 2013 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The double Formula 1 Grand Prix-winning Mercedes-Benz W196 which helped five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio to his second drivers’ championship in 1954 is to be offered for sale by Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday 12th.

Fangio’s victories in the 1954 German and Swiss Grands Prix were the first to be achieved in succession by the frontier-technology Mercedes-Benz factory Formula 1 team in its postwar racing come-back.

During just 14 months of Formula 1 racing before it was retired from racing by the German factory team at the end of 1955, chassis 00006/54 contested five World Championship-qualifying Grand Prix races. Driven first by Fangio, it was later assigned to junior driver Hans Herrmann for the 1954 Italian GP, where it finished fourth.The car was then used in just one 1955 Grand Prix – the Italian event – when, driven by Karl Kling, it ran in second place behind Fangio’s sister Mercedes-Benz before suffering gearbox failure.

The car was then re-prepared to full race standard and consigned to the Daimler-Benz Museum on December 22, 1955.

In June 1965 it was exhibited in Munich and during 1966 it was shown at both Le Mans in France and Hockenheim in Germany. It then appeared at the 1967 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, before being run in a tire test at the Unterturkheim factory test-track, and displayed in Berlin. In November 1967 it was exhibited at Stuttgart University.

Further public appearances followed in 1969 in Luxembourg, Berlin and Hamburg. A Daimler-Benz Museum archive document records that as of November 5, 1969, the car “should be available at any time for R. Uhlenhaut” – the company’s illustrious chief engineer – “…for testing purposes”.

On June 24, 1972, the car ran in engine tests at Unterturkheim before on May 22, 1973, Mercedes-Benz officially presented it to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire, England.

In the 1980s the car was sold into private hands. It was preserved first in the UK by Anthony – now Sir Anthony – Bamford of JCB Excavators, then in France with Jacques Setton. It passed subsequently into the ownership of a German businessman in whose care the car was run at the Monaco Historic meeting; at Goodwood; and in California from 1999-2000.

Today, after many years out of public view, stored in a warehouse, Mercedes-Benz W196 chassis 00006 is offered for sale by Bonhams.