1. The Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing (1955)
The Mercedes Benz 300SL, also affectionately known as the “Gullwing”was the first “Sport Leicht”model which is a trend within Mercedes that is still alive today. Max Hoffman, an american importer, claimed to sense an market for stylish cars emerging amongst the rich and famous after the second world war. Under the hood it was based on the early racing models of the fifties being the first production car that used direct fuel injection. Its tubular frame made the Mercedes Benz Gullwing extra rigid which was crucial for control when driving at high speeds. It was these same tubes that meant the design of the doors had to open upwards instead of outwards. This then became the main signature feature of this classic motor.
2. The Blitzen-Benz (1909)
The Blitzen-Benz, also known as “Lightning-Benz”by Mercedes was a 200hp thunderbolt of a vehicle that signified the the start of the 20th century in style. The Blitzen-Benz was designed to break records. In 1909 it became the first car ever to break the 200km/h mark and then went on to hold the land speed record of 141.7mph for eight years from 1911 to 1919.
3. The Mercedes Benz C111 (1969)
In 1969 Mercedes introduced a rather unusual vehicle to the public. An experimental model by Mercedes the C111 was created to test the most innovative technologies of the time such as diesel engines and air conditioning. Its extreme “sliver”shape gave it a futuristic feel while brightly painted colours (usually yellow) covered a fibreglass body that was reinforced with plastic. The Mercedes C111’s reported top speed was 180mph.
4. The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG (2010)
First produced in 2010 the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG was described by Mercedes as the “Spiritual Successor”of the 300 SL Gullwing. The Mercedes SLS AMG is a perfect mixture of sophisticated open top driving combined with absolutely outstanding driving dynamics and a blistering top speed of 197mph. Developed by Mercedes AMG as a luxury grand tourer vehicle the SLS AMG is manufactured with Dodge Viper body panels fitted over an aluminium chassis that was developed by Dodge SRT (Street Racing Technology).
5. The Mercedes Benz 600 Pullman (1963)
In 1963, after seven years in development, we were given the Mercedes Benz 600 Pullman. Also known as the “Grand Mercedes” The engineers and design team at Mercedes were told not to worry about time or cost for the project but to create the most luxurious and best car in the world. Filled with innovation, a one-of-kind hydraulic suspension system that operates almost everything within the car. It was also the first Mercedes to ever be built in an “armoured”version as it was sold to governments worldwide. It also boasts the loudest horn ever manufactured on a production vehicle.