When I’m driving a car that costs as much as a suburban home I often get asked, “Is that car really worth that much?” A surprising amount of the time, the answer is actually “Yes, it is.”

These cars are in a totally different league from the vehicles most of us drive to work each day. For one thing, they’re specialty instruments and the people who own them usually own a full set, as if they were finely crafted tools. They might have a Bentley for family trips to the country as well as a Ferrari for bombing around the open road on weekends. And, for their various intended purposes, these machines are exquisite.

These are some of the super-expensive cars I got to spend time in this past year that prove that, yes, the rich really do get better things.

Lamborghini Aventador SV

The Lamborghini Aventador SV is actually kind of a bargain at $500,000. With 740 horsepower, the lightweight Aventador SV has as much power as the $4 million Lamborghini Veneno.

The relatively cheap Aventador is fun, fast, engaging and gets attention anywhere it goes. In other words, it’s a Lamborghini.

Ferrari California T

The California T is Ferrari’s “entry level” car. The base price: a mere $199,000.

Not really a ripping track car, it’s designed to be a comfortable, but exciting, high-speed cruiser. It would be the ideal car for a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway in its namesake state.

The T in the name is for the turbocharger on the car’s 553-horsepower 3.8-liter V8 engine. Using turbocharging to boost power helps Ferrari to get better fuel economy while still providing the speed and excitement customers are looking for.

Rolls-Royce Wraith

It’s the fastest Rolls-Royce ever, but it’s not exactly a sports car. Weighing about 5,000 pounds, the Wraith is huge for a 2-door car. Even so, the Wraith can hurtle from zero to 60 miles an hour in just 4.4 seconds. And it feels surprisingly well controlled even at high speeds.

The car’s interior, featuring lots of wood grains, was inspired by luxury yachts, according to Rolls-Royce. The roofliner is peppered with fiber optic lights that make it look like a star-filled night sky.

McLaren 650S

This McLaren 650S is a supercar suited for real roads as well as racetracks. At street speeds, the ride is smooth enough but the McLaren still feels agile. And if you get a chance to hit the track, its turbocharged V8 engine can take you from zero to 100 miles an hour in just 5.7 seconds.

It’s light — about the same weight as a Toyota Corolla — and features a super-slippery aerodynamic design.

Bentley Mulsanne Speed

It’s as big and heavy as an SUV, but, thanks to its 530-horsepower engine, the Bentley Mulsanne Speed can pull itself from 0 to 60 miles an hour in just 4.8 seconds. Inside, you can enjoy luxuries like a power-massaging backseat, a refrigerator for your champagne and thick wool carpeting.

But all that power and elegance doesn’t come cheap — be prepared to shell out more than $400,000, including, in this case, almost $70,000 in options.
gallery bentley mulsanne speed

This is a car for people who simply want the ultimate. No matter the price, they want to know there’s nothing better — or faster.

Via: CNN

Currently listed for sale on the website Jameslist is a 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR AMG for a mere $1,490,000. The high price for the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR AMG is expected, being that it was the most expensive production car ever built at that time, selling for over 1.5 million Dollars..

Mercedes-Benz built only 25 units, five of them were roadsters and 20 of them were coupes. This particular car was numbered 17. The power of this exceptionally rare car comes from it’s colossol 12-cylinder, 6.9-liter engine outputting 612 hp (456 kW) and 731 Nm (539 lb-ft) of torque, propelling it to a top speed of 199 mph (320 km/h).

The Mercedes super car, currently for sale at Ferrari-Maserati of Fort Lauderdale, has only been driven 1,492 miles, despite being street-legal, in 13 years. Factory options include Monocoque carbon fibre with integrated steel roll bars, leather steering wheel with airbag, passenger airbag, air-conditioning, audio system, adjustable pedals

And if you’re staring to think this is to good to be true, a rare Mercedes supercar with hardly any miles for less than it’s original price, you would be right. According to WCF, the car for sale was heavily damaged during a storm in Dubai when a roof collapsed on top of the vehicle. It was then sold as a crashed salvage car to someone in Switzerland who repaired it. This is the reason why it’s been on sale for a significant amount of time as anyone who was interested in buying the car did a background check at AMG and found out its rough history.

Rudolf Caracciola was born on 30 January 1901 in Remagen Germany. As a boy he was fascinated by cars, gathered first experience at the wheel of an “elderly 16/45 Mercedes” during the First World War and made up his mind to become a racing driver. When still a trainee at the Fafnir-Automobilwerke in Aachen, he started in the 1922 Avus race in Berlin (fourth place overall and winner in class) and the Opelbahn race in Rüsselsheim (winner). After a scuffle with an officer of the Belgian occupying forces, Caracciola left Aachen and became a Fafnir representative in Dresden. In 1923 he won the Berlin ADAC (the principal German automobile club) race driving an Ego.

In 1923 Caracciola joined Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft as a car salesman at its Dresden sales outlet. He was allowed to enter races with the current Mercedes 6/25/40 hp racing car. The successes he notched up included victory in the touring car class of the 1923 ADAC Reichsfahrt rally. In 1924 he was winner in his class on several occasions and secured overall victory in the Teutoburgerwald race. That was the year he also met his future wife, Charlotte, nicknamed Charly.

In 1925 Caracciola won eight races at the wheel of the Mercedes 24/100/140 hp. In 1926 he won the German Grand Prix in a Mercedes eight-cylinder racing car. It was in this race that he first drew attention to his brilliant driving skills in adverse weather conditions; the victory was a textbook lesson in fingertip control by the “Rainmaster”, as he later came to be known. The prize money gave Caracciola economic security. He married Charly and in January 1927 opened up a Mercedes-Benz agency in Berlin, although he continued to compete in races.

In 1927 Caracciola won the race in which the new 26/170/225 hp Mercedes-Benz S model racing touring car premiered at the Nürburgring. That year he also went on to chalk up eleven overall and class wins. In 1928 Caracciola won five races in the successor model, the Mercedes-Benz SS, and he continued his winning form in the new racing tourer, the 27/180/250 hp SSK model. With the SSK he also opened the 1929 race season for Mercedes-Benz in the Monaco Grand Prix (third place). Caracciola won the International Tourist Trophy in Ireland in a Mercedes-Benz SSK in pouring rain at an average speed of 117.2 km/h.

Winner in Italy

Caracciola finished the 1930 Mille Miglia first in his class. The following year he won the race, the first foreign starter ever to do so, in a 27/240/300 hp Mercedes-Benz SSKL racing sports car. After a 16-hour drive from Brescia to Rome and back he and co-driver Wilhelm Sebastian finally crossed the finish line on 13 April 1931 as winners, posting an average speed of 101.1 km/h. In 1931 Caracciola also won the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring – another rain-affected race – and again captured the title of European Sports Car Hillclimb Champion.

When Mercedes-Benz withdrew from racing, Caracciola went to Alfa Romeo. In the 2.6-litre monoposto he won the German and Monza Grand Prix and the 1932 Eifel race. He became European Racing Car Hillclimb Champion and International Alpine Champion. Then in 1933 Caracciola and Louis Chiron set up the independent “Scuderia C.C.”, but he suffered a serious accident during practice for the Grand Prix of Monaco. This forced him to pull out of his racing appearances for the entire year. That winter his wife was killed in an avalanche.

Daimler-Benz signed Caracciola again for the 1934 season. For the new 750-kilogram formula the Stuttgart company launched the W 25 racing car, the first Silver Arrow. At the Italian Grand Prix on 9 April, Caracciola was still troubled by the effects of the injuries sustained in his accident; in first place after 59 laps, he let Luigi Fagioli replace him at the wheel, and Fagioli brought the victory safely home. At the Spanish Grand Prix on

23 September, Caracciola managed a second-place finish. New competition for Mercedes-Benz arrived in the form of Auto Union. These two racing departments would dominate the championship in the coming years.

In 1935, after a long race in sweltering heat, Caracciola won the Grand Prix of Tripoli. This was followed by victories in the Eifel race (16 June) and at the Grand Prix of France (23 June), Belgium (14 July), Switzerland (25 August) and Spain (22 September). A second-place finish in the Grand Prix of Barcelona (30 June) and third place in the German Grand Prix (28 July) rounded off the year. In 1935 he was European and German racing car champion. Mercedes-Benz won nine out of 14 grand prix events that season, with Caracciola accounting for six of them.

His string of successes came to an end in 1936. Although Caracciola opened the season with a victory in Monaco (13 April) – in poor weather he once again demonstrated that his reputation as “Rainmaster” was entirely justified – the redesigned W 25 with short wheelbase increasingly caused problems. “Caratsch” posted his best results subsequent to Monaco at the Grand Prix of Tunis

(17 May, winner), Barcelona (7 June, second) and Tripoli (10 May, fourth). At the German Grand Prix Caracciola and co-pilot Luigi Fagioli could manage only fifth. The star of that season was Bernd Rosemeyer, who won the European championship for Auto Union.

In 1937 Caracciola returned to the pinnacle of European motorsport. The 750 kg formula was extended for another year, and Daimler-Benz developed the new

W 125 racing car specifically for this season. In the monoposto Caracciola secured his second European Championship title. His racing successes that season included victories at the German (25 July), Swiss (22 August) and Italian (12 September) Grand Prix and the Masaryk Grand Prix of Brno (26 September). In addition, Caracciola notched up successes in the international Eifel race (13 June, second place), the German Hillclimb Grand Prix (1 August, third place), in Monaco (8 August, second place) and the Donington Grand Prix (2 October, second place). He was European Champion and also secured the title of German Road Racing Champion.

In the open-formula Avus race in Berlin on 30 May, Mercedes-Benz competed with different vehicle concepts, including three W 25 fitted with aerodynamic fairings. Caracciola won the first race of the competition driving one of these streamlined cars. He married Alice Hoffmann that year.

Record-breaking runs into new dimensions of speed

In January 1938 record-breaking attempts were back on the agenda. Over past years, Caracciola had set several records on autobahns and oval circuits. This time on the Frankfurt-Darmstadt autobahn he attained a speed of 432.7 km/h. To this day it is the highest speed ever attained on a public road. It was a record marred by tragedy, however, since his friend and rival Bernd Rosemeyer would die in an attempt to break Caracciola’s record in an Auto Union car.

A new formula was drawn up for the 1938 races that limited displacement to 4.5 litres without supercharger and 3 litres with supercharger. Daimler-Benz designed the new W 154 racing car for this “3-litre formula”; it developed a maximum output of 453 hp from its V12 engine. In 1938 Caracciola won the Coppa Acerbo (14 August) as well as the Swiss Grand Prix (21 August). He placed second or third in the Grand Prix of Pau (10 April, with Hermann Lang, second), Tripoli (15 May, third), the French Grand Prix

(3 July, second), the German (24 July, with Hermann Lang, second) and Italian Grand Prix (11 September, with Manfred von Brauchitsch, third). Now 37, Caracciola won the title of European Champion for the third time and consolidated his reputation as the most successful racing driver of the era.

In the Grand Prix of Tripoli, for which Daimler-Benz specially developed the 1.5-litre voiturette W 165, Caracciola took second place behind Hermann Lang – a double victory for the Silver Arrows. But the premier racing car of the season was the redesigned W 154, with which Caracciola won the German Grand Prix on 23 July. In 1939 he was German road racing champion; however, the European title that year was captured by the promising young talent, Lang.

Alice and Rudolf Caracciola lived through the Second World War in their adoptive country Switzerland. Caracciola was intent on racing in America after the war ended. However, in 1946 his car crashed during practice for the Indianapolis 500. In 1952 he actively resumed racing and finished the Mille Miglia in fourth position in a

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. But a serious accident during the Grand Prix of Berne in 1952 put an end to his career for good. Caracciola was dependent on a wheelchair and crutches for a long time afterwards.

In 1956 he was given responsibility for the sale of Daimler-Benz cars to Americans and Britons stationed in continental Europe. Aged just 58, Rudolf Caracciola died in Kassel on 28 September 1959. A monument was unveiled in Remagen to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth in 2001, and the banked curve at the Nürburgring was named after him.

Rudolf Caracciola – a racing career for Mercedes-Benz

1901

30 January: born in Remagen, Germany

1922

June: Avus race, Berlin, in 6 hp Fafnir (4th and winner in class)

July: Opelbahn race, Rüsselsheim, in 6 hp Fafnir (1st place)

1923

3 April: Berlin Stadium race in 4 hp Ego (1st place)

11 June: Job with Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) as salesman at Dresden office

4 July: Baden-Baden Automobile Tournament in a 6/25/40 hp Mercedes (2nd place)

5 July: ADAC Reichsfahrt in a 6/25/40 hp Mercedes (1st place)

1924

25 May: Teutoburgerwald race in a supercharged Mercedes 1.5 litre (1st place)

10-19 August: ADAC Reichsfahrt in a supercharged Mercedes 1.5 litre (1st place)

1925

24 July: Kniebis hillclimb in a 24/100/140 hp Mercedes (1st place)

15-16 August: Freiburg hillclimb and flat race in a 24/100/140 hp Mercedes (1st place/touring cars)

1926

16 March: Teutoburgerwald race in a 24/100/140 hp Mercedes (1st place/factory drivers)

30 May: Herkules hillclimb in a 24/100/140 hp Mercedes (1st place/sports cars)

9-13 June: Baden-Baden Automobile Tournament in a 24/100/140 hp Mercedes (winner in sports car and touring car categories)

19-28 June: South German Rally in a 24/100/140 hp Mercedes (1st place/sports cars)

11 July: German Grand Prix in a Mercedes 8-cylinder racing car (1st place)

22 July: Grand Prix of Europe and Grand Prix of Guipuzcoa in a 24/100/140 hp Mercedes (2nd place)

7-8 August: International Klausen Pass race in a Mercedes K (1st place/sports cars)

1927

January: Opens Mercedes-Benz dealership in Berlin

19 June: Inaugural race at the Nürburgring in a Mercedes-Benz S (1st place)

23-30 June: Kartellfahrt race of the AvD automobile club in a

8/38 hp Mercedes-Benz (without penalty points)

5-9 July: Baden-Baden Automobile Tournament in a Mercedes-Benz S (winner in sports car category)

6-7 August: International Freiburg Speed Record Festival in a Mercedes-Benz S (3rd and 1st place)

13-14 August: Klausen Pass race in a Mercedes-Benz S (winner in sports car and touring car categories)

25 September: Teutoburgerwald race in a Mercedes-Benz S (1st place/sports cars)

1928

15 July: German Grand Prix at Nürburgring in a Mercedes-Benz SS (1st place, with Christian Werner)

29 July: Gabelbach race in a Mercedes-Benz SSK (1st place)

5 August: ADAC race at Schauinsland in a Mercedes-Benz SSK (1st place/racing cars)

26 August: Chamonix hillclimb in a Mercedes-Benz SSK (1st place)

10 September: Salzberg race (1st place/racing cars)

16 September: Semmering hillclimb (1st place/racing cars)

1929

16 April: Monaco Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz SSK (3rd place)

19-23 June: Baden-Baden Automobile Tournament in a Mercedes-Benz SSK (winner in racing car category)

7-12 August: International Alpine Rally in a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg (1st place)

17 August: International Tourist Trophy in Belfastin a Mercedes-Benz SSK (1st place)

1930

12-13 April: Mille Miglia in a Mercedes-Benz SSK (winner in class)

12 July: Shelsley-Walsh hillclimb in a Mercedes-Benz SSK (1st place/sports cars)

18-19 July: Irish Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz SSK (1st place)

9-10 August: Klausen Pass race in a Mercedes-Benz SSK (1st place/sports cars)

24. August: Mont Ventoux hillclimb in a Mercedes-Benz SSK (1st place)

8 September: Grand Prix of Monza in a Mercedes-Benz SSK (2nd place/sports cars)

European Hillclimb Champion 1930

1931

12-13 April: Mille Miglia in a Mercedes-Benz SSKL (1st place)

17 May: Hillclimb near Rabassada in a Mercedes-Benz SSKL (1st place)

31 May: Königsaal-Jilowischt hillclimb in a Mercedes-Benz SSKL (1st place)

7 June: Eifel race in a Mercedes-Benz SSKL (1st place)

19 July: German Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz SSKL (1st place)

2 August: Avus race in a Mercedes-Benz SSKL (1st place)

16 August: Tatra hillclimb race in a Mercedes-Benz SSKL (1st place)

30 August: Mont Ventoux hillclimb in a Mercedes-Benz SSKL (1st place)

20 September: Drei Hotter hillclimb in a Mercedes-Benz SSKL (1st place)

European Hillclimb Champion 1931

1932

17 April: Monaco Grand Prix in an Alfa Romeo (2nd place)

22 May: Avus race in an Alfa Romeo (2nd place)

30 May: Eifel race in an Alfa Romeo (1st place)

16 July: German Grand Prix in an Alfa Romeo (1st place)

7 August: Klausen Pass race in an Alfa Romeo (1st place)

4 September: Mont Ventoux hillclimb in an Alfa Romeo (1st place)

11. September: Grand Prix of Monza in an Alfa Romeo (1st place)

European Hillclimb Champion in racing car category 1932

International Alpine Championship 1932

1934

5 August: International Klausen Pass race in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (1st place)

19 August: German Hillclimb Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (2nd place)

9 September: Italian Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (1st place)

23 September: Spanish Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (2nd place)

28-30 October: Speed marks set in Hungary in a Mercedes-Benz record-breaking car

10 December: Speed marks set on Avus course in a Mercedes-Benz record-breaking car

1935

12 May: Grand Prix of Tripoli in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (1st place)

16 June: Eifel race in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (1st place)

23 June: French Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (1st place)

30 June: Grand Prix of Barcelona in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (2nd place)

14 July: Belgian Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (1st place)

28 July: German Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (3rd place)

25 August: Swiss Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (1st place)

22 September: Spanish Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (1st place)

European Champion 1935

German Champion 1935

1936

13 April: Monaco Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (1st place)

10 May: Grand Prix of Tripoli in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (4th place)

17 May: Grand Prix of Tunis in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (1st place)

7 June: Grand Prix of Barcelona in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (2nd place)

26 July: German Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 25 (5th place)

26 October: Record runs on Reichsautobahn Frankfurt am Main–Heidelberg

11 November: Record runs on Reichsautobahn Frankfurt am Main–Darmstadt

1937

9 May: Grand Prix of Tripoli in a Mercedes-Benz W 125 (6th place)

30 May: International Avus race in a streamlined Mercedes-Benz (1st in first run)

13 June: International Eifel race in a Mercedes-Benz W 125 (2nd place)

25 July: German Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 125 (1st place)

1 August: German Mountain Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 125 (3rd place)

8 August: Monaco Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 125 (2nd place)

22 August: Swiss Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 125 (1st place)

12 September: Italian Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 125 (1st place)

26 September: Masaryk Grand Prix of Brno in a Mercedes-Benz W 125 (1st place)

2 October: Donington Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 125 (2nd place)

European Champion 1937

German Champion 1937

1938

28 January: Record-breaking runs on Reichsautobahn Frankfurt am Main–Darmstadt

10 April: Grand Prix of Pau in a Mercedes-Benz W 154 (2nd behind Hermann Lang)

15 May: Grand Prix of Tripoli in a Mercedes-Benz W 154 (3rd place)

3 July: French Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 154 (2nd place)

24 July: German Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 154 (2nd place, with Hermann Lang)

14 August: Coppa Acerbo in a Mercedes-Benz W 154 (1st place)

21 August: Swiss Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 154 (1st place)

11 September: Italian Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 154 (3rd place)

European Champion 1938

1939

8-14 February: Record-breaking runs on Reichsautobahn at Dessau

7 May: Grand Prix of Tripoli in a Mercedes-Benz W 165 (2nd place)

21 May: International Eifel race in a Mercedes-Benz W 154 (3rd place)

23 July: German Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 154 (1st place)

20. August: Swiss Grand Prix in a Mercedes-Benz W 154 (2nd place)

Pan-German Champion 1939

1952

3-4 May: Mille Miglia in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL/W 194 (4th place)

18 May: Grand Prix of Berne in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL/W 194 (retired due to accident)

1956

Caracciola takes over sales of Mercedes-Benz cars to British and American soldiers stationed in Germany

1959

28 September: Died in Kassel, Germany

Once each year in August, 175 of the most prized collector cars in the world roll onto what is often called the best finishing hole in golf — the famous eighteenth fairway at Pebble Beach. Tire meets turf and transformation occurs: the stage is set for one of the most competitive events in the automotive world. The occasion is the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

This year, Mercedes-Benz celebrates its super sports car heritage with eight iconic vehicles on display at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance weekend including a privately owned 1902 Simplex that is being driven 1,500 miles to Pebble Beach and a 300SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe” from the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. From August 12-15, 2010, the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge also showcases the entire line of E-Class vehicles, a Sony Gran Turismo 5 gaming sled, and Maybach display in addition to SLS AMG test drives and a selection of Mercedes-Benz Classic Center vehicles that are available for purchase.

Eight Super Sports Cars Span 108 Years of Mercedes-Benz History

Starting with a 1902 Mercedes Simplex, the lineup of super sports cars includes a 1929 SSK; 1952 W194 300SL; 1955 W196 300SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe;” 1956 W198 300SL; 1970 C111-II; 2011 SLS AMG; and the 2011 SLS AMG GT3 that is expected to hit race circuits later this year.

The Mercedes Simplex, first launched in 1902, quickly became the leading high-performance vehicle of its day, competing and winning numerous hill climbs and road races. With three horsepower ranges – 20, 28, and 40 – the Simplex was enjoyed in competition and leisure. The 1902 on display at the Star Lounge is fitted with a 28 horsepower engine and is the oldest known Simplex on the road today.

Built from 1928 to 1932, the Mercedes-Benz SSK, short for Super Sport Kurz, was loud and fast. Known as the “White Elephant” for its brute force, the SSK had a commanding presence and dominated road races due to its shorter wheelbase, Roots blower, and large displacement 300 horsepower motor, which boasted an impressive top speed of 120 miles per hour.

The 1952 W194 300SL, built in just nine months, marked the debut of the SL moniker, meaning “Sport”and “Light.” While many chassis components were derived from a sedan model, its rigid tubular spaceframe forced developers to create its iconic ‘gullwing’ doors.

The 1955 300SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe,” named after Mercedes-Benz chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, was a closed roof version of the famous 300SLR racecar, designed to provide the most comfort for demanding long-distance races. Only two Uhlenhaut Coupes were ever built as it debuted the same year that Mercedes-Benz discontinued its racing program.

The 1956 W198 300SL is the standard production version of the 1952 W194 racecar. Insipired by the race car’s unique styling and impressive performance, the 300SL ‘Gullwing’ coupe was brought to market through the efforts of USA-based Mercedes-Benz distributor Max Hoffman who guaranteed an order of 500 units. Built from 1954 to 1957, only 1400 300SL ‘Gullwing’ coupes were produced and today are one of the most sought after collectible vehicles.

Over a period of ten years from 1969-1979, Mercedes-Benz developed multiple C111 concept and experimental vehicles representing the future of Mercedes-Benz sports cars – where comfort, luxury and performance were not mutually exclusive. The C111 vehicles were a technological tour-de-force and claimed nine speed records. Several technical and safety innovations made their deput on the C111s ranging from ABS, advanced front suspension later integrated into the S-Class, and turbo diesel engines.

The tradition of developing super-sport cars throughout Mercedes-Benz history and setting new standards along the way continues with the 2011 SLS AMG, the first supercar produced entirely by AMG. The SLS AMG is a modern super sports car with exceptional comfort and timeless style with all of the luxury and safety features expected in a Mercedes-Benz. Its aluminum space-frame body, front-mid engine and rear-mounted transaxle provides a low center of gravity and race-car-like handling. The carbon-fiber driveshaft is mated to a 563-horsepower AMG V8 engine capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The performance is combined with luxury designo styled interior, full COMAND system and iconic gullwing doors, ushering in a new era of supercar leadership.

Displayed alongside the US spec street version will be the 2011 SLS AMG GT3 racing version, which has been conceived as a customer sport vehicle for participation in race series based on FIA GT3 regulations. Meticulous lightweight construction and optimized chassis, brakes and aerodynamics, deliver uncompromising dynamics.

Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge

Positioned on the third fairway at Pebble Beach, the elegant Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, a grand display distinguished by its transparent front entrance, provides a striking view of the Pebble Beach course and offers an interactive luxury experience for all ages. For those who want to continue driving a classic, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center will have five elegant examples for purchase including: a fire engine red 1955 300SL Gullwing, a graphite grey 1956 300Sc Cabriolet with a dove grey interior, a strawberry red 1957 300SL roadster, a dark green 1966 230SL, and a moss green 1958 180D.

The Star Lounge is open to the public from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM Thursday, August 12th through Sunday, August 15th.

Mercedes-AMG is accepting the challenges of motoring of the future: the SLS AMG E-CELL is evidence of the state-of-the-art development of an exciting super sports car featuring a zero-emission high-tech drive. Boasting a power output of 392 kW and 880 Nm of torque, the technology vehicle from AMG is able to offer exceptional performance. The gullwing with electric drive is part of the company strategy entitled “AMG Performance 2015” which aims to continually reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

With the SLS AMG E-CELL, Mercedes-AMG is providing a glimpse of its latest development project – a powerful and locally emission-free super sports car. Finished in fluorescent “AMG lumilectric magno” paint, the gullwing offers the prospect of a possible small series production run and at the same time reflects the innovative strength and development competence of the AMG performance brand.

“We take social responsibility very seriously and with the SLS AMG E-CELL we are demonstrating a further milestone in our “AMG Performance 2015″ strategy. It is our goal to continually reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of new models in the coming years, while at the same time enhancing the core brand value of performance”, explains Ola Källenius, chairman of the board (from 1 July 2010) of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. With the SLS AMG E-CELL, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz is launching a totally innovative drive solution for super sports cars and as such is among the pioneers in this market segment.

The ground-breaking drive system of the technology vehicle boasts some outstanding features: powerful traction is provided by four synchronous electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm. The four compact electric motors each achieve a maximum rpm of 12,000/rpm and are positioned near to the wheels. As a result, compared with wheel-hub motors the unsprung masses are substantially reduced. One transmission per axle transmits the power.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds

When it comes to dynamics, the electrically-powered SLS AMG makes a statement: the gullwing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4 seconds – which almost puts it on the same high level as the SLS AMG with 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW (571 hp), which can accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Further exciting touches are provided courtesy of the agile accelerator response and the straight-line performance: unlike the combustion engine, torque build-up with an electric motor is instantaneous – maximum torque is available virtually from a standstill. The spontaneous torque build-up and confident power delivery – which does not suffer from any interruption of tractive power – are combined with engine running characteristics which are totally free of vibration. Four motors, four wheels: the intelligent and permanent all-wheel drive of the electric SLS guarantees driving dynamics at the highest level, while at the same time providing the best possible active safety. Perfect traction is therefore ensured for all four driven wheels, whatever the weather conditions.

This very special gullwing is therefore able to “electrify” the driver with a completely unique, effortlessly superior and emotional super sports car driving sensation – and this is just at the prototype stage. In brief: the SLS AMG E-CELL is a true AMG too.

High-voltage lithium-ion battery provides 400 v and 40 Ah

The SLS AMG E-CELL drive incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery featuring a modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh and a

capacity of 40 Ah. The maximum electric load potential of the battery, which consists of 324 lithium-ion polymer cells, is 480 kW, which is an absolute best value in the automotive sector. Another technical feature of this considerable performance is the intelligent parallel circuit of the individual battery modules – this also helps to maximise the safety, reliability and service life of the battery. The 400-volt battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whilst the car is being driven.

Key data at a glance:

• Max. output – 392 kW
• Torque – 880 Nm
• 0 – 100 km/h – 4.0 s
• Rated capacity – 40 Ah (at 400 V)
• Energy content – 3 x 16 kWh = 48 kWh

High-performance electronic control as well as effective cooling of all components

A high-performance electronic control system converts the direct current from the high-voltage battery into three-phase alternating current which is required for the synchronous motors and regulates the energy flow for all operating conditions. Two low-temperature cooling circuits ensure that the four electric motors and the power electronics are maintained at an even operating temperature.

A separate low-temperature circuit is responsible for cooling the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. In low external temperatures, the battery is quickly brought up to operating temperature with the aid of an electric heating element. This helps to preserve the overall service life of the battery. In extremely high external temperatures, the cooling circuit for the battery can be additionally boosted with the aid of the air conditioning system.

Optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity

The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase when the gullwing model was being developed. It is ideally packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way of example, the four electric motors and the two transmissions can be positioned as close to the four wheels as possible and very low down in the vehicle. The same applies to the modular high-current battery, whose modules are located in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats. Advantages of this solution include the vehicle’s low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum handling, which the electrically-powered SLS AMG shares with its petrol-driven sister model.

The installation of the drive components required no changes whatsoever to the gullwing model’s weight-optimised aluminium spaceframe. And there were just as few constraints when it came to maintaining the excellent level of passive safety and high degree of long-distance comfort that are hallmarks of Mercedes cars.

New front axle design with pushrod damper struts

The additional front-wheel drive called for a newly designed front axle: unlike the series production vehicle with AMG V8 engine, which has a double wishbone axle, the SLS AMG E-CELL features an independent multilink suspension with pushrod damper struts. This is because the vertically-arranged damper struts in the series SLS had to make way for the additional drive shafts. As is usual in a wide variety of racing vehicles, horizontal damper struts are now used, which are operated via separate push rods and transfer levers.

Thanks to this sophisticated front-axle design, which has already been tried and tested in the world of motor sport, the agility and driving dynamics of the electrically-powered SLS AMG attain the same high levels as the V8 variant. Another distinguishing feature is the speed-sensitive power steering with rack-and-pinion steering gear: the power assistance is implemented electrohydraulically rather than just hydraulically.

AMG ceramic composite brakes for perfect deceleration

The technology vehicle is slowed with the aid of AMG ceramic composite brakes, available as an optional extra for the series production model, which boast extremely short stopping distances, a precise actuation point and outstanding fade

resistance, even in extreme operating conditions. The over-sized discs – measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x 32 mm at the rear – are made of carbon fibre-strengthened ceramic, feature an integral design all round and are connected to an aluminium bowl in a radially floating arrangement.

The ceramic brake discs are 40 percent lighter in weight than the conventional, grey cast iron brake discs. The reduction in unsprung masses not only improves handling dynamics and agility, but also ride comfort and tyre grip. The lower rotating masses at the front axle also ensure a more direct steering response – which is particularly noticeable when taking motorway bends at high speed. The ABS and ESP® systems have been adapted to match the special application spectrum of the permanent all-wheel drive.

Full-LED headlamps and automatically extending front splitter

The purist, exciting design of the technology vehicle boasts a number of minor yet extremely effective modifications. At the front, the dynamically shaped full-LED headlamps with integrated daytime driving lights immediately catch the eye: they help to optimise the vehicle’s energy efficiency, since they require less power compared with regular bi-xenon light systems. The wider radiator grille also has a new look, and now comes with transverse slats instead of a diamond-pattern grille. The air outlet openings on the bonnet and the vehicle sides have also been modified for enhanced aerodynamics. All trim and detachable parts, which are finished in chrome or silver shadow on the standard SLS AMG, are now finished in matt black.

The front apron has not only been brought further forward, but also helps to guarantee an optimised airflow in the area of the underbody. This improves air resistance while reducing downforce. An extendable front splitter enhances this effect: in parallel with the automatic rear spoiler, it extends downwards by seven centimetres at speeds above 120 km/h and helps to further accelerate the air which travels beneath the car. When it reaches the area of the rear axle, the air enters the rear diffusor which, due to the lack of an exhaust system, features a steeper angle, thus increasing downforce at the rear axle and in turn further enhancing the aerodynamic balance. The vehicle’s AMG 10-spoke light-alloy wheels featuring a new, smooth-surfaced design are fitted with 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres.

Interior with new display instruments for electric drive

The transformation from petrol to electric super sports car also called for some specific changes to the interior. As a result, the AMG instrument cluster and centre console in particular both feature a new design. The new AMG instrument cluster provides information on speed, charge status of the battery and the estimated range. The newly designed centre console now houses a 25 cm touchscreen, which driver and passenger can use to conveniently operate all of the audio, climate and navigation functions, and also obtain information on the flow of power from the four electric motors.

The AMG Drive Unit, which is angled towards the driver, houses buttons for starting the motor, and the ESP® functions, the AMG memory function and the extendable front splitter and rear spoiler. Using three new buttons, the driver can switch simply between P, R and D. The park setting is also enabled automatically by switching the electric motors off.

The interior appointments are dominated by high-quality nappa leather in a black/white colour combination – it has been used not only on the sports seats, the performance leather/alcantara steering wheel and the door linings, but also on the broad centre tunnel which runs towards the back of the vehicle between the seats.

The Vision SLR was introduced to the world public in 1999, at the IAA in Frankfurt as a concept study of a supercar. Equipped with a 5.5 liter 8-cylinder mid-engine producing 557 horsepower, a car body made of carbon fiber and doors hung on the A-pillar, the vision Sporting Light Racing car reaches speeds over 186 mph. Six years later the vision became reality, in the form of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

At the ADAC Eifel Race at the Nürburgring, Mercedes-Benz was presented for its outstanding sports car history. From June 18 to 20, 2010, six super sports cars were in the Nurburgring paddock behind the Rundbogenzelten for all to admire. On Saturday and Sunday the cars put their fascination potential at the test at three demonstration runs on the Grand Prix circuit.

Since 1922 the ADAC holds a race in the Eifel-Region near Aachen and Koblenz. The legendary Nuerburgring is the place where the first Eifelrennen took place on a race track in 1927. It was the premier opening race of the news race track. Until 1927 the Eifelrennen was held on public roads as a Targa-Florio – like race since 1922.

Four years ago the Eifelrennen returned to the Nuerburgring as a historic revival. Main part of the racing days for classic cars are the Grand-Prix-Track and the legendary Nordschleife with 21 km length for one lap. A lot of the history of the Nuerburgring is based on the famous races on the Nordschleife – a competitive track for ambitious drivers.

Mercedes Supercars define the automotive superlative, they set the standard in terms of performance and innovation. Super Sports Cars are not primarily intended for racing, but are sold as exclusive vehicles for road use. Mercedes-Benz has continued to set new standards with such a high-performance vehicles for customers. They arouse the passion of a particular form of car culture.

The super sports car family includes some of the Mercedes-Benz SSK Models (1928 to 1932, W 06) and the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (1954-1957, W 198). Examples from the recent past are the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR (C 297) in 1997 and 2004 appeared Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG. Also in 2004, is the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (C 199) in the super sports car segment on the market.

These cars feature all – the mirror of its time – by impressive levels of performance and technical proximity to the racing off. Super Sports Cars are a way to give incentive for the developers in the current competition of motor sport vehicles and also help to obtain the latest results from laboratory and research in their work. Such exclusive and fascinating automobiles in small quantities occur with an extremely high level of sporting aspiration. These exceptional originals are also characterized by the fact that they are manufactured with a large proportion of manual work.

The balancing act between competition use on the racetrack and the sporty driving is on the road to the classical virtues of this class of vehicle. Because super sports car from Mercedes-Benz recorded a number of racing successes.

In particular, the Mercedes 35 hp and its direct successor, and the Mercedes-Benz SSK in their time even offered both as powerful models for top sporting private drivers as well as a successful competitive vehicles used.

The appendix to the supercar shows in the history of Mercedes-Benz but also in series studies and experimental vehicles that are not in production. This applies, for example of the legendary family of type C 111 rotary engine in the years 1969 and 1970 and for the C 112 of 1991.

Record vehicles and racing prototypes have enriched the genes of the super sports car from Mercedes-Benz as well. These include the 1953-built prototype of the W 194 racing coupe and the so-called “Uhlenhaut coupe” of the racing car 300 SLR (W 196 S).

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG continues this unique tradition. It celebrates the international press today as a contender for the title of “Sports Car of the 21 Century “.

With no less than 17.2 percent of the votes cast, the SLS AMG left all the other super sports cars trailing in its wake. The win – over 13 competitors from Germany, Italy, Japan, Great Britain, the USA, Sweden and France – underlines just how popular the SLS AMG is amongst the readers.

The very best series-production and performance-tuned vehicles compete against each other on an annual basis in the sport auto readers’ poll; taking part this year were 260 vehicles in 25 categories. A total of 10,000 readers cast their vote. Not only did the super sports car from Mercedes-Benz win over the judges’ hearts – it was also victorious when put to the test. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication and 420 kW (571 hp) plus a torque of 650 newton metres, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with a transaxle configuration – not to mention its athletic double-wishbone sports suspension – add up to a unique high-tech blend, ensuring driving dynamics of the highest calibre.

These were very much in evidence at the “super test”, too, which is very highly regarded amongst the sport auto readers and industry experts alike: a lap time of 7.40 minutes on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring is an impressive performance indeed. “Respect! The Mercedes sports brand AMG has put a magnificent machine on the road” was the reaction following sport auto’s “super test”.

Since its world premiere at the 2009 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, the SLS AMG has already been showered with lots of major awards:

• “Red Dot Design Award”
• “iF product design award 2010”
• Design Award 2010 (Auto Bild)
• Plus X Award
• “Golden Steering Wheel 2009” (Bild am Sonntag and Auto Bild)
• “The Best Cars”, super sports car category (auto motor und sport)
• “Auto Trophy 2009” and “Design Trophy” (Auto Zeitung)
• “TOPauto 2010” (Motor Information Service)
• “Best New Product 2009, International Motor Show in Frankfurt” (AutoScout24)
• “GT Car of the Year” (Top Gear, GB)
• “Best Dream Machine” (MotorWeek TV’s Driver’s Choice Award, USA)

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, as the latest Mercedes-Benz contribution to super-sports car history, harks back to a very special tradition of high-powered automobiles over the last four decades: the AMG era. The successful collaboration now operating as Mercedes AMG GmbH had also created two previous super-sports cars: the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR and Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG.

AMG was founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, establishing a reputation as a pioneer in the motorsport and vehicle tuning sectors. After signing a cooperation agreement with Daimler-Benz AG in 1990, AMG became increasingly integrated with what was then DaimlerChrysler AG in the years from 1999. Its acquisition as a wholly owned subsidiary took place on 1 January 2005.

The collaboration has resulted in a number of racing sports cars and high-performance models, with many examples of cross-fertilisation between the two areas of AMG’s activity. For example, Team AMG 1997 won the FIA GT championship in 1997 with the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR racing sport prototype, and AMG then produced a road-registered model based on the racer – the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR super-sports car, presented in April 1997. The coupé was equipped with a 6.9-litre V12 engine, developing 450 kW. Innovative details implemented by the engineers in this vehicle included the carbon fibre composite body. The super-sports car also came with air-conditioning, a hi-fi system and leather upholstery, in contrast with the racing vehicle designed exclusively for power and handling attributes.

Yet the CLK-GTR remains true to its racing lineage at all times: the super-sports car delivers outstanding driving performance ratings, and the compact cockpit provides an authentic racing feel for both driver and passenger. This vehicle highlights all of AMG’s skills and experience in technology transfer from sports racing to sophisticated production cars with outstanding sports performance. A total of 25 CLK-GTR cars were made.

AMG repeated the feat of transferring purebred racing technology onto the public roads in 2004, with the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG. As before, the road driving model is derived from one of the most successful racing cars of its time, the racing version of the Mercedes-Benz CLK. This is the car that gave Bernd Schneider the German Touring Cars (DTM) championship title in 2003.

The production version of the vehicle has a 428-kW AMG 5.5-litre V8 Kompressor engine, along with a new chassis design, optional sports tyres and aerodynamics optimised in the wind tunnel. The new super-sports car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically controlled at 320 km/h.

The interior features two leather-upholstered AMG sport bucket seats with four-point safety belts, an oval AMG racing deerskin-upholstered steering-wheel, and the AMG instrumental panel with speedometer reading up to 360 km/h. The production run of the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG was limited to 100 units.

AMG is now established as the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars. Other standout high-performance vehicles in the AMG range since 2006 include the “Black Series” models, where AMG has been totally committed to its motto of “technology transfer from purebred motorsport”. This family of top performers so far includes the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series (2006), Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007) and Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series (2008), AMG’s most powerful car at that time at 493 kW.

Another high-performance sports car launched in the same year as the CLK DTM AMG was the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. First unveiled in 1999 at the Detroit Motor Show as the Vision SLR, it incorporates numerous innovations and features carried over from the Formula 1 vehicle. Standout features include the distinctive front end with its arrow-shaped tip and the characteristic double wing. Examples of functional refinements are the carbon-fibre body, ceramic brake disks and pneumatic brakes.

The Vision SLR proved such a sensation that it was decided to put the vehicle into series production. The first Mercedes-Benz SLR cars for sale to customers arrived on the market in 2004. Their AMG Kompressor engine developed 460 kW, for a top speed of around 334 km/h. The open-top version followed in 2007, and there were also two special models with engine power ratings boosted to 478 kW, the SLR 722 from 2006 and the SLR Stirling Moss from 2008. Production of the SLR McLaren ended in 2004.

Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR (C 297)

In production: 1997

Units produced: 25

Engine: 12-cylinder, V arrangement

Displacement: 6898 cc

Power: 450 kW

Top speed: 320 km/h

Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG

In production: 2004

Units produced: 100

Engine: 8-cylinder, V arrangement

Displacement: 5439 cc

Power: 428 kW

Top speed: 320 km/h

Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR

In production: 1999

Units produced: 1

Engine: 8-cylinder, V arrangement

Displacement: 5496 cc

Power: 410 kW at 6500 rpm

Top speed: 320 km/h

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (C 199)

In production: 2004 to 2009

Engine: 8-cylinder, V arrangement

Displacement: 5439 cc

Power: 460 kW at 6500 rpm

Top speed: 334 km/h

If you’re one of the millions of consumers that have jumped on the Apple iPhone and/or iPad bandwagon, the Mercedes-Benz Museum has just launched a new iPhone and iPad app that’s worth checking out.  It’s called the Mercedes-Benz Super Sports Car app, and it features technical information on a variety of historical Mercedes models that were on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum last month in their special “Super Sports Car Exhibition”.  Select models highlighted include the 1929 Mercedes-Benz SSK, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Coupé, the 1976 Mercedes-Benz C 111 II-D and the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, to name a few.

Unfortunately, I dropped my antiquated 1st generation iPhone last week and am still iPhoneless, so I haven’t had a chance to download it for myself and can’t comment on its functionality or coolness factor.  Nevertheless, for those of you looking to add a little more Mercedes to your favorite Apple device, it’s free, so it doesn’t hurt giving it a test run to see what you think.  To download the Mercedes-Benz Super Sports Car iPhone and iPad app, you can head over directly to the Apple App Store and grab it for yourself.

The “Gullwing” era began in 1952, when the Mercedes-Benz W 194 racing coupé notched up victory after victory. An enhanced version followed in 1953, with a petrol-injection engine delivering an extra 29 kW, bringing the power rating up to 158 kW. The transaxle design provided a more favourable weight distribution and better vehicle dynamics. The sharp corners of the front of the vehicle earned it the in‑house nickname of “Hobel” (or “plane”). This unique model was never raced, since all available capacity was diverted to the company’s entry into Formula 1 planned for 1954, but the car was a significant milestone on the path towards the 300 SL production sports car. And incidentally, the prototype with its transaxle construction also forms a parallel with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198) production “Gullwing” model was clearly a close relation of these racing vehicles, since it took the engineers just one-and-a-half years to create the new design on the basis of the W 194 racing sports car. This was the first true production sports car to be developed by Mercedes-Benz following the Second World War. The design project was started in September 1953, in response to requests from Maximilian Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz’s importer in the USA. The 300 SL was first presented to the public at the International Motor Sports Show in New York in February 1954.

The signs of the coupé’s allegiance to the racing sports car are clearly evident, from the ultra-light tubular lattice frame to the distinctive body contours and the “gullwing” doors, perpetuated in the popular name of the car in English-speaking countries. The decision to use this unusual form of access, more characteristic of racing-car designs, was no gimmick designed to grab public attention, however. The doors hinged on the car roof were a purely structural requirement, since the lattice frame carried over from the racing SL did not allow the use of conventional front-hinged doors.

Instead of the M 194 six-cylinder in-line carburettor engine with a displacement of three litres and 129 kW power rating, the W 198 model series had the 158-kW M 198 engine with mechanically controlled direct injection. This was the first Mercedes-Benz production vehicle to be fitted with a petrol-injection engine, which delivered 29 kW more power than the carburettor-based racing version of the engine.

The engine was set at an angle, resulting in a particularly flat front end with outstanding air-flow characteristics. The consistent focus on a lightweight structure helped to provide some extremely impressive performance characteristics, with top speeds of up to 250 km/h, according to the rear axle ratio. The chassis was essentially based on the 300 model saloon (W 186), but with suspension settings more focused on sporty performance qualities.

The appearance of the super-sports car has been refined to create a more elegant and dynamic look in comparison with the racing sports vehicle. The visual design qualities and concessions to passenger comfort did not, however, limit the car’s performance qualities. The 300 SL duly continued the motorsport tradition of its namesake, with top placings in many competition events. These included winning its class in the 1955 Mille Miglia race, and in that same year Olivier Gendebien and Pierre Stasse drove a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL to victory in the Liège–Rome–Liège rally.

The car also delivered championship titles for three drivers in Europe and America: Werner Engel won the European touring cars championship in 1955, and Walter Schock in 1956. And in the USA, Paul O’Shea won the category D American sports car championship in 1955 and 1956, finishing well ahead in the ratings.

Some 1400 units of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL were built at Sindelfingen from August 1954 to May 1957, including 29 cars with a light-alloy body, and even one experimental car with a plastic body.

In 1955, the company also built two coupé versions of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W 196 R) racing sports car. These were specifically designed for long-distance races, to provide somewhat more comfortable conditions for the driver than in the open version. Externally, the car looked similar to the 300 SL, but with purebred Formula 1 technology under the bonnet. These cars did not find their way into any customers’ hands, but one fortunate individual was able to enjoy the attributes of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR: its designer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut. On the cancellation of the sixth Carrera Panamericana race in 1955, in which the coupé was to be used for the first time, and since Daimler-Benz AG withdrew from racing at the end of that season, Uhlenhaut was allowed to drive one when travelling on business – and he made extensive use of this privilege. Accordingly, the car has become known as the “Uhlenhaut Coupé”.

Many fans of the 300 SL expected Mercedes-Benz to unveil the C 111 as a foretaste of the next generation of a super-sports car with a star on the bonnet in 1969, at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main. This breathtaking experimental vehicle was a lightning-fast, wedge-shaped car with gullwing doors, driven by a futuristic-looking rotary engine (Wankel engine).

Hopes of series production really started to rise for an enhanced version of the car, the C 111-II, which was unveiled just six months later at the Auto Show in Geneva, generating feverish enthusiasm among the automotive community. However, the vehicle with its super-sports car genes and 257-kW four-disk rotary engine was to remain a near-production concept study. Arguments against series production included the comparatively low efficiency of the engine and stricter exhaust regulations.

Similar reactions were prompted by the Mercedes-Benz C 112 in 1991. This amazing sports car concept study had a six-litre, twelve-cylinder engine delivering 300 kW. The C 112 anticipated some of the technical innovations that were to flow through to Mercedes-Benz series-produced vehicles over the next few years – including Active Body Control (ABC) and the DISTRONIC proximity control. The C 112 was influenced by the C 11 Mercedes-Benz racing sports car of the time, in which Jean-Louis Schlesser won the Group C sports car world championship for Mercedes-Benz in 1990.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing sport prototype (W 194 011)

In production: 1953

Units produced: 1

Engine: 6-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 2996 cc

Output: 158 kW at 5960 rpm

Top speed: 250 km/h

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198)

In production: 1954 to 1957

Units produced: 1400

Engine: 6-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 2996 cc

Output: 158 kW

Top speed: up to 250 km/h

Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupé” (W 196 S)

In production: 1955

Units produced: 2

Engine: 8-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 2982 cc

Output: 222 kW at 7500 rpm

Top speed: 290 km/h

Mercedes-Benz C 111-I

In production: 1969

Units produced: 5

Engine: 3 rotary pistons

Chamber volume: 1800 cc

Output: 206 kW at 7000 rpm

Top speed: 260 km/h

Mercedes-Benz C 111-II

In production: 1970

Units produced: 6

Engine: 4 rotary pistons

Chamber volume: 2400 cc

Output: 257 kW at 7000 rpm

Top speed: 300 km/h

Mercedes-Benz C 112

In production: 1991

Units produced: 1

Engine: 12-cylinder, V arrangement

Displacement: 5987 cc

Output: 300 kW at 5200 rpm

Top speed: 310 km/h

The integral connection for Mercedes-Benz between motor racing and exclusive vehicles for the customer was still in evidence in the late 1920s. A good example is the Mercedes 24/100/140 hp model K, launched in 1926. Its top speed of 155 km/h made it the world’s fastest touring car, and it was also entered for motorsport events. “K” stood for “kurz”, the German word for “short”, since this high-performance sports car with a supercharged Kompressor engine had a shortened version of the 24/100/140 hp model chassis.

Soon afterwards, a whole family of special Kompressor sports cars was launched on the market, comprising the S, SS, SSK and SSKL models. The most sophisticated of all these racers also sold to customers was the SSK, presented in 1928.

The exclusive lineage of this super-sports car is clear even from its name, since SSK stands for the “super-sports short” in German. The SSK was a logical extension of the “S” model from 1927 and the SS (standing for “short” and “super-short”, respectively). Both of these models were already outstanding examples of exclusive and high-performance sports cars, but the SSK took these attributes to a whole new level.

Like the SS, it was propelled by a new 7.1-litre engine (with the in-house code M 06) with a mechanical supercharger. Power ratings rose from 147 kW at the start of the production period to 184 kW in the vehicle’s most sophisticated development stage. The SSK was designed for maximum manoeuvrability, with a shorter wheelbase than the SS (2950 millimetres rather than 3400 millimetres), and a correspondingly shorter chassis.

Technical innovations introduced in 1928 included wet cylinder bushes, which allowed the cylinder bore to be increased to 100 millimetres, bringing the displacement to 7.1 litres. Then crankshaft with four main bearings was fitted with an oscillation damper, and power was increased with a racing camshaft for racing purposes. A further power boost was provided with a Kompressor supercharger activated when the accelerator pedal was pressed right down to the floor. As a special option, it was also possible to order a Kompressor with larger vanes for even higher engine power. Private motorists could also order racing Kompressor devices and camshafts for their SSK.

Mercedes-Benz S, SS and SSK Kompressor cars notched up many victories in motor races, with the SSK proving particularly successful. In 1929, racing driver Rudolf Caracciola was the overall winner of both the Prague mountain race from Zbraslav to Jiloviste and the International Tourist Trophy in Ireland in a Mercedes-Benz SSK. In that same year, August Momberger and Max Arco-Zinneberg won the Grand Prix des Nations on the Nürburgring track in the class for the over three-litre displacement sports car category.

Caracciola then became the European sports car hill climb champion for the 1930 season in a Mercedes-Benz SSK. In 1931, the Mercedes-Benz engineers created a purely racing version of the SSK super- sports car, also known as the SSKL (super-sports short light). It was at the wheel of an SSKL that Caracciola won the Italian “Mille Miglia” long-distance race from Brescia to Rome and back in spring 1931 – the first non-Italian to achieve this feat.

As well as being raced by the works team, the Mercedes-Benz SSK was entered in many events by private drivers, with considerable success. This clearly validated the concept of designing a super-sports car that would also be competitive on the racetrack. However, not all customers buying an SSK intended to race the vehicle. Some wealthy clients wanting sports quality performance ordered the ex factory chassis with a cabriolet body, so they could enjoy driving their SSK as a fast sports car on the road.

According to the official factory records, a total of 33 cars of the legendary SSK and SSKL models were built from 1928 to 1932, twenty of them in 1929 alone. While the SSKL was never available to private customers, the SSK remained officially available through until February 1933. After that time, it no longer appears in the Mercedes-Benz price list.

Mercedes 24/100/140 hp model K

In production: 1926 to 1929 (including successor models)

Units produced: 150 (including successor models)

Engine: 6-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 6240 cc

Output: with Kompressor supercharger, 118 kW at 3100 rpm

Top speed: 155 km/h

Mercedes-Benz 26/120/180 hp model S

In production: 1927 to 1928

Units produced: 146

Engine: 6-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 6800 cc

Output: with Kompressor supercharger, 132 kW at 3000 rpm

Top speed: 160 km/h

Mercedes-Benz 27/140/200 PS model SS (W 06)

In production: 1928 to 1933

Units produced: 111 (all engine variants)

Engine: 6-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 7065 cc

Output: with Kompressor supercharger,147 kW at 3300 rpm

Top speed: 170 km/h

Mercedes-Benz SSK (W 06)

In production: 1928 to 1932

Units produced: 33 (including SSKL)

Engine: 6-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 7065 cc

Output: up to 184 kW

Top speed: up to 192 km/h

The first modern car was designed by Wilhelm Maybach, chief designer of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, in 1900. The state-of-the-art 1000-kilogram car with a characteristic low centre of gravity was made for Emil Jellinek, as the first vehicle to bear the “Mercedes” name. Standout features of the new car included the visionary contours, marking the final break from coach construction, and the powerful drivetrain. The Mercedes was propelled by a completely new 27-kW light-alloy engine, cooled by Maybach’s new honeycomb radiator. These ingredients combined to make the 35 hp the first super-sports car in the history of our brand, at least when fitted out as such, since the car was supplied in a range of body styles according to customer preference, as was normal practice at the time.

The car’s top speed was 75 km/h, or just under 90 km/h with the light sports body. These figures were superior to any other vehicle of the day – and the DMG 35 hp Mercedes proceeded to dominate the Racing Week event in Nice, winning the hill climb, street race and one-mile sprint titles.

Wilhelm Maybach’s design also created the culture of Mercedes-Benz super-sports cars, since as well as being a highly successful racing car, the vehicle was also sold as an exclusive car for customers looking for a superior sports car. Emil Jellinek clearly had such ambitions when he commissioned this outstanding car from DMG. He had been operating in Nice on the Côte d’Azur as an independent car dealer since 1897, selling Daimler automobiles to the rich and famous. His customers included members of the Rothschild family and other VIPs of the day. By the time of Gottlieb Daimler’s death in 1900, Jellinek had sold 34 cars in this way – a respectable figure in an age of very low production runs.

Jellinek finally convinced Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach to build him a powerful car. The new DMG vehicle was to enter the Nice races under the name of “Mercedes”. Jellinek and his team had entered races under this pseudonym since 1899. Even then, he realised that, as well as being powerful advertising tools for their manufacturer, high-performance sports cars also provided a foretaste of series-production cars of the future: “I want the car of tomorrow!”, he told the DMG engineers. He placed a bulk order for 36 cars for a total price of 550,000 Mark.

The first new 35-hp car was delivered to Jellinek on 22 December 1900, and already on 4 January 1901 there was a report in the Côte d’Azur car magazine “L’Automobile-Revue du Littoral” reading as follows: “The place to see the latest trends at the moment is not Paris, but Nice. The first Mercedes car built in the workshops at Cannstadt has just arrived in Nice, and thanks to the kindness of its owner, Mr Jellinek, all our motorists have been able to try it out. We make no bones about it: the Mercedes appears to be a very, very good car. This remarkable vehicle will be a fearsome competitor in the 1901 racing season.”

These words were borne out in no uncertain terms during the Nice Racing Week in March 1901. The new Mercedes returned home with four first places and five second places to their credit, in such diverse events as the endurance race, the hill climb and the one-mile race. After watching these successes, Paul Meyan, General Secretary of the Automobile Club de France, coined the phrase “Nous sommes entrés dans l’ère Mercédès” (“We have just entered the Mercedes era”).

Maybach’s conviction that there would soon be customers for the exclusive high-performance sports car was proved right, with a list of buyers for the DMG Mercedes during 1901 including a string of American billionaires: Rockefeller, Astor, Morgan and Taylor.

The Mercedes 35 hp marks the beginning of a creative process that led to the production of numerous powerful and exclusive cars over the next few years, particularly the the models in the Simplex family. These were the fruit of Wilhelm Maybach’s tireless efforts to produce an even better successor for the first generation of Mercedes models. This project started in autumn 1901 and resulted in the top model of the 1902 year: the Mercedes-Simplex 40 hp. This car dominated the Nice Racing Week in April 1902 just as the first Mercedes had done one year before.

The next development stage of the race-winning super-sports car was the Mercedes-Simplex 60 hp of 1903. This vehicle enjoyed its hour of stardom as a racing car, but only as the result of a disastrous accident. In 1903, the Daimler factory in Cannstatt was largely destroyed in a fire. The casualties included the three Mercedes 90 hp cars to be raced in the Gordon Bennett race. So DMG decided to replace its factory racing vehicles with Mercedes-Simplex 60 hp cars, which the manufacturer borrowed back for the race from customers who had already received cars. One of these cars was driven to victory against very strong international competition by the Belgian racing driver Camille Jenatzy. So it was that the Mercedes-Simplex 60 hp came to stand for one of the most legendary motorsport successes of the Mercedes brand.

Other outstanding DMG models that can be regarded as forerunners preparing the way for contemporary super-sports cars include the six-cylinder Mercedes 75 hp (1906), the Mercedes 37/90 hp featuring three-valve technology, double ignition and encapsulated drive chains (1911), and the Mercedes 28/95 hp, powered by a six-cylinder engine inspired by aircraft technology, with overhead camshaft, V-shaped overhead valves and steel turned cylinders (1914).

Benz & Cie., a competitor of DMG up until the merger of the two companies in 1926, also made a little piece of super-sports car history in 1909 with a very famous car: the Benz 200 hp, which as the “Blitzen-Benz“ (or “Lightning Benz”) set numerous records and entered the technology history books as the fastest car of its time. It had a 21.5-litre engine developing an output of 147 kW, and definitely belongs in the ranks of the super-sports cars. In contrast with the experimental cars and “record-breaking cars” of later years, the Benz 200 hp was both sold to customers and entered in motorsport events.

Mercedes 35 hp

In production: from 1900 to 1902

Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 5913 cc

Output: 26 kW at 1000 rpm

Top speed: 75 km/h

Mercedes-Simplex 40 hp

In production: from 1902 to 1903

Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 6785 cc

Output: 29 kW at 1100 rpm

Top speed: 80 km/h

Mercedes 75 hp

In production: from 1906 to 1911 (including successor models)

Engine: 6-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 10,180 cc

Output: 55 kW at 1300 rpm

Top speed: 95 km/h

Mercedes 37/90 hp

In production: from1911 to 1915 (including successor types)

Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 9,530 cc

Output: 66 kW at 1300 rpm

Top speed: 115 km/h

Mercedes 28/95 hp

In production: 1914 to 1924 (all models)

Engine: 6-cylinder, in-line

Displacement: 7280 cc

Output: 69 kW at 1800 rpm

Top speed: 130 km/h