Everyone knows about Mercedes today. They’re one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, and their vehicles have a reputation for precision and performance. They seem to find themselves at the top of the charts in many categories: whether that’s the best van, or the car of choice for pacing in F1 motorsports. This impressive list of achievements actually goes back further than you might think: over one hundred years in fact. Here’s a brief overview of some highlights.
In 1901 the Daimler Company wasn’t doing so well. Their lead test driver had been killed in a racing accident, and the company founder had also passed away. It seemed as if the company’s reputation might die out. But Emil Jellineck turned things around. The strange thing is, he was a customer to begin with. He asked Daimler to build a car to his specifications, bringing in an age of more stable, faster cars. Subsequently he bought shares in the company, and lead it back into the spotlight. And the name of the car he built? The world champion racer was called ‘Mercedes.’
Mercedes G-wagen was another vehicle that defined its times. Built in 1979, it was an off road vehicle that surpassed all others. It made use of a radical system of three fully locking differentials to give it brilliant control. Many car critics still see it as one of the best things that Mercedes has produced, even in the face of all their fancy saloon models. There’s something undeniably charming about the boxy machine, and the fact that it’s used for military purposes all over the globe today shows how respected it is.
The CLK models have defined the new phase of Mercedes renown. These precision built coupes and cabriolets are sleek and efficient, making them the businessman’s choice worldwide. Since 2002 these have been headed up by the 209 series, and a notable offshoot is the AMG, which first showed the world-beating 6.2 litre V8 that went on to be used in the Mercedes SLS: widely regarded as the best saloon car in the world today.
It’s been a long journey, but Mercedes have really taken every challenge that’s been set for them with everything they’ve got.
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