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.
6. The Mercedes Benz Lotec C1000 (1995)
Back in 1990 German car company Lotec, who created aftermarket and performance parts for Mercedes Benz servicing from 1983, were commissioned to build a sports car for a rich Arab oil baron who wanted to own the fastest, individually owned, car in the world. Five years later; fitted with two turbochargers for a total 1000bhp, produced with a Mercedes Benz 5.6L V8 engine and with a reported top speed of 268mph the Mercedes Benz Lotec C1000 was born.
7. The Merecedes Benz R107 SL (1971)
The Mercedes Benz R107 SL was produced from 1971 until 1989 and, for those two decades, it was the sports car to own. The SL version was a two-seat convertible sports car with a folding rear bench. Although the specifications weren’t that great with 222hp and there were faster cars about; it was still a fast, elegant and stylish automobile. The R107 SL went on to become one of the longest running Mercedes Benz models ever produced.
8. The Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren (2003)
The Mercedes SLR McLaren held the title of the fastest production car in the world until the Geneva Motor Show 2012 which is when Bugatti launched its Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse. With a top speed of approx 207mph. Combining Formula 1 technology with Mercedes style the SLR McLaren was an automobile bred from a passion for motor racing. The body of the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren is made entirely from carbon fibre which allows it to be very strong and very light. Mercedes also released a special “22”version in 2006 and a “Roadster”edition in 2007. With specs like these, it’s easy to see why the SLR fast became one of the most expensive cars in the world to own.
9. The Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG (2012)
There is a very good reason the new ML63 AMG has made this list of the Top Ten Mercedes Benz Models Ever; Customer demand for this high performance, mid-sized luxury SUV from the Mercedes M-Class range is very strong. The reason for this is probably because it differs visually from its counterparts. The front and rear fascias are joined by side skirts that give the Mercedes ML63 AMG a sporty look. The front fenders are bigger, this is to accommodate the AMG alloy wheels. In the heart of this family-friendly automobile is a massive 5.5 litre V8 engine. The Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG comes equipped as standard with lots of extras including a sat nav, real time weather and traffic updates, a surround sound system that allows bluetooth streaming, a HD radio, a USB port and parking assist.
10. Mercedes Benz W154 Grand Prix Silver Arrow (1938)
The Mercedes W154 was designed as a grand prix racing car in 1938 and 1939. The frame was constructed of nickel-chrome molybdenum and the body of aluminium metal which was left unpainted. This earned them the nickname of “Silver Arrows” The 1939 version of the W154 was the first Mercedes racing car ever made with five gears. The 1939 Grand Prix was never completed due to the outbreak of WWII.
Well that was a grinding eye-sore of an advert for the latest SUV. And why no 190E, the full-size comfortable Benz that was affordable to buy and made 45 MPG? Not even the 190E Cosworth?
Pft.
On the 300 gullwing
” the first production car that used direct fuel injection”
No. First consumer car to use fuel injection but it was not ‘direct injection’. Mechanical, indirect.
i collect benzes from the bruno sacco era.
his watershed cars started with the 126 series. the 560sel[sedan] and the 560sec[coupe] may be considered the most successful production automobiles of the last century.
the A124 cabriolets, i continue to consider the best looking convertibles benz ever offered after ww2. i have a 1995 E320 CABRIOLET. still gorgeous, whether the top is up or down.
i have never been able to like the roadsters. but the coupes, yes. and my daily driving favorites are the last from the bruno sacco design bureau: the 215 series. especially those from the last year, 2006.
in my view they are the best looking benzes ever designed and manufactured. i prefer the v8’s. the CL500’s for fuel economy. my CL55 AMG for roaring down any road. at speed.
A few of those choices are obvious; some (an R107????) ML63?
Too silly for words.
Certainly a 300Sc or 300 Adenaur should be in this list.
Interesting as a sidebar many years ago I think the chairman of Daimler-Benz was asked what his all time favorite Mercedes was – the answer? It surprised me.
A W123 240D (circa 1977-1983) – simple, robust, and decades later some are still working around the world as taxis.
Incidentally the first car to use the Bosch fuel injection was not the 300SL – learned this in our club magazine, the MBCA’s Star – it was some forgettable and long-gone German car.
The system, incidentally, came straight from their DB600 series of WW2 airecraft engines – and inverted, supercharged V12.
Every Veyron built is capable of hitting 408 kmh, or 253 mph.
Thus right with the introduction of the first 16.4 in 2005. the SLR McLaren with “only” a 207 mph top had to have ceased being the fastest production car, not just when the Grand Sport Vitesse was introduced in 2012.
No G-Wagen? this list is flawed.
Also, what about the SL73? Probably one of the biggest reasons the zonda was such a success…