Mercedes-Benz is a trademark cars premium class, trucks, buses and other vehicles of the German automaker Daimler AG. It is one of the most recognizable automotive brands in the world. The headquarters of Mercedes-Benz is located in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
The history of this brand is made up of the stories of two well-known automobile brands - Mercedes, produced by the German company Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, and Benz, which were built by the company of the same name. Both companies developed quite successfully independently, and in 1926 they merged into the new Daimler-Benz concern.
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In 1886, a three-wheeled self-propelled cart with a gasoline engine was created. In the same year, on January 29, its creator - Karl Benz- received a patent for this invention (No. 37435). The world's first three-wheeled car is put into mass production.
Seven years later, having lost the championship to Daimler, Karl Benz creates his four-wheeled car, and next year an even more advanced design under the strange name "Bicycle" goes into series.
In 1901, shortly after the release of the new Mercedes-35PS by Daimler, it becomes clear how far Benz is lagging behind progress. To catch up, the shareholders invite French engineer Marius Barbara to join the company. Due to technical disagreements, Karl Benz leaves the company he founded. It soon becomes clear that the Frenchman did not live up to his expectations. Following the logic that German cars should be made by German hands, Fritz Erle was invited to the company for the position of chief engineer. This idea also fails. Only with the arrival of the talented engineer Hans Nibel to the company, things gradually begin to go uphill. In 1909, having created a number of excellent passenger cars, the company built the most famous racing car of that time "Blitzen Benz" with a 200 horsepower engine and a volume of 21,594 cm3.
In the post-war years, many new models were created, most of which were successfully produced until the mid-twenties. In total, from the start of production in 1886 until the merger with Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1926, Benz produced 47,555 vehicles, including cars, trucks and omnibuses.
Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft
In 1890, Gottlieb Daimler founded the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft company in the Bad Cannstatt (Stuttgart) region, deciding to produce a four-wheeled car created four years earlier by himself and, who took an active part, Wilhelm Maybach. After a series of not very successful attempts, which nevertheless found their enthusiastic customers, the designer V. Maybach in 1901 managed to create successful sample. At the insistence of the consul of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Nice and part-time head of the Daimler representative office in France, Emil Jellinek, the car was named after the Virgin Mary of Mercy (fr. Maria de las Mercedes (from the Latin "merces" - "gifts")), in honor of which all his children are also named, including the notorious daughter of the consul Mercedes, and property (yachts, houses, a hotel and a casino).
The first Mercedes-35PS had a four-cylinder engine with a working volume of 5913 cm3, a classic arrangement of the main units and a beautiful (at that time) appearance. A year later, the world saw a more advanced design called the Mercedes-Simplex. In addition, the range has expanded. The most famous representatives of this series bore the proud names of Mercedes-40 / 45PS and Mercedes-65PS, having engines of 6785 cm3 and, accordingly, 9235 cm3, which allowed speeds up to 90 km / h.
Prior to the First World War, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft managed to produce a wide range of its cars with different engines (from 1568 cm3 to 9575 cm3), designed for different consumers, including luxurious, almost silent cars, using valveless gas distribution engines manufactured according to patented by the American company Knight.
Immediately after the war, Paul Daimler begins to experiment with a compressor that allows one and a half times to increase engine power. Ferdinand Porsche, who came to the post of chief engineer in 1923, brought the experiments to their logical conclusion, creating in 1924 one of the most outstanding cars world - "Mercedes-24/100/140PS" with a magnificent chassis and a six-cylinder compressor engine with a volume of 6240 cm3 and a power of 100-140 horsepower.
By 1926, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft had produced a total of 147,961 vehicles in all of its factories, with peak production being reached in 1918. Despite all the difficulties of this last war year, 24,690 cars were produced.
Competitors united
After the merger in 1926 of Daimler and Benz new the Daimler-Benz concern was able to effectively use the experience and knowledge of the designers of both companies, which were led by Ferdinand Porsche. He completely updated the production program, taking as a basis the latest Daimler models, now produced under the Mercedes-Benz brand. First new development Porsche in 1926 became a compressor series, which included the model 24/100/140 with a six-cylinder engine with a working volume of 6240 cm3. For its great power and speed (up to 145 km / h), it was nicknamed the "death trap". It became the basis for the more famous S series, which consisted of the S (Sport), SS (Supersport), SSK (Supersport Kurz - supersport short) and SSKL (Supersport Kurz leicht - supersport short light) models.
In 1928, Porsche left Daimler-Benz and Hans Nibel took his place. Under his leadership, Mannheim 370 cars with a six-cylinder engine with a working volume of 3.7 liters were produced. and Nürburg 500 with an eight-cylinder 4.9-liter unit, based on latest developments Porsche.
In 1930, the “Big Mercedes” (Ger. Großer Mercedes) or Mercedes-Benz 770 (W07) appeared with an eight-cylinder 200-horsepower engine with a displacement of 7655 cm3 with a supercharger. In 1931, the company made its debut in the sector small cars, where it was represented by the very successful Mercedes 170 with a six-cylinder engine, a working volume of 1692 cm³ and independent front wheel suspension.
In 1933, the passenger Mercedes-Benz 200 and the sports Mercedes-Benz 380 appeared with 2.0- and 3.8-liter engines. The last of them was equipped with a supercharger and had a capacity of 140 horsepower. Based on the sports model, in 1934 they created the Mercedes-Benz 500K with a 5-liter engine, which became the basis for the more famous large compressor car Mercedes-Benz 540K two years later. In 1934-1936, the company released a light Mercedes-Benz 130 with a four-cylinder 26-horsepower rear-mounted engine with a working volume of only 1308 cm3, followed by the 150 roadster and the 170H sedan.
Under the technical guidance of the chief designer Max Sailer, who replaced Nibel in 1935, the popular inexpensive model 170V with a four-cylinder engine with a working volume of 1697 cm³ was created, the world's first mass-produced passenger car with a Mercedes-Benz 260 D diesel engine (1936 ), as well as the new "Big" Mercedes-Benz 770 (W150) (1938) with an oval beam frame and rear spring suspension, which served the Nazi leaders.
During the war, Daimler-Benz produced both trucks and cars. various classes. However, a two-week aerial bombardment by the Anglo-American Air Force in September 1944 reduced the Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft to rubble. The destruction of a large concern was estimated differently, the main workshop in Stuttgart was destroyed by 70%, the engine and body shops in Sindelfingen - 85%, the truck workshop in Gaggenau was completely destroyed. The former Benz und Cie factory in Mannheim was the luckiest with only 20% destruction, and the Berlin-Marienfeld diesel engine factory, bought by Daimler in 1902, is completely razed to the ground. When damage estimates were ready by January 1945, the board of directors ruled that "Daimler-Benz physically no longer exists."
The post-war reconstruction of the destroyed factories took time, so automobile production was only started in June 1946. There was no technical base or funds for the development of new cars, so the W136 sedan - “170V” became the first post-war car. Although the design was developed in the mid-1930s, a small car with an engine of only 38 horsepower was the beginning new history stamps. Since May 1949, a major modernization has been carried out. The engine was increased by 70 cm³ (up to 52 hp; model “170S”), there were options in cabriolet and station wagon bodies (the so-called “A” and “B” cabriolets) and, most importantly, models with diesel engines “170D ".
By the early 1950s, Daimler had major ambitions for the future, but the launch of a new generation of cars required further development production base. Therefore, in the early 1950s, despite the appearance of the new luxurious 300 series (see below), the production of models with obsolete designs continued. Constant modernization and launch of new models continued. So in January 1952, a model with an enlarged body appeared, which received the number W191. But even before that, in March 1951, a six-cylinder engine with a power of 80 hp was installed on the car. instead of 4-cylinder. Along with a new exterior design (for example, the location of the front lights in the fenders), the W187 received a new name "220" and occupied the middle segment between the "170" and "300" mi. It was offered in three body styles (sedan and convertibles "A" and "B").
In just nine years (the release ended in September 1955), 151,042 and 18,514 cars "170" and "220" were built, respectively. Thanks to these vehicles, Mercedes-Benz was able to create a solid foundation on which the company will become a leading car manufacturer in Western Europe.
After successfully rebuilding factories and producing its small cars, by the end of the 1940s Mercedes-Benz was once again rebuilding its pre-war brand as a manufacturer. luxury cars. Given modern breakthroughs in automotive fashion, in November 1951 at the Paris Motor Show, a new executive limousine W186 "300". The car, although it was built in a classic layout (a separate frame and body), was equipped with a powerful 6-cylinder engine of 2996 cm³ with an overhead camshaft.
The car was produced in two bodies - a sedan and a four-door convertible "D" and was a huge success among big businessmen, celebrities and politicians. It was the latter category that gave the car an unofficial name in honor of the first Federal Chancellor of Germany, Konrad Adenauer, who had a personal car and highly appreciated it. Since the assembly of the car was carried out by hand, the interiors were made for the buyers and were equipped with a radio, telephone and many other innovations.
Manual assembly of cars allowed for continuous upgrades, as a result, at the end of 1954, the W186 “300b” series appeared, which received new brake drums and front windows. A year later, it was replaced by the "300c", equipped with an automatic transmission from Borg-Warner. But the biggest step forward was made in the mid-1950s, when the invention of the fuel injection system was made by Bosch. She was equipped with the W188 "300Sc" series from the end of 1955.
In January 1952, another series of executive class W188 appeared - "300S", which was produced as a coupe, convertible "A" and a two-seater roadster. The compression ratio of the engine was increased to 7.8:1, and the power was 150 hp. If the assembly of large "Adenauers" was relatively fast (about a thousand a year, given the total capacity of the factories of the brand), then the average production of 300S cars was no more than a hundred pieces a year.
However, if the demand for large Adenauers continued, then the production of small-scale "300S" became impractical after the introduction of SL roadsters and similar two-door pontoon models in the mid-1950s (see below). Further assembly of obsolete cars turned out to be a big burden for the company, so in 1958 the production of all three W188 bodies was discontinued after the release of only 760 cars.
As for the flagship sedans and convertibles "D", in August 1957, a thorough modernization of the car was carried out, which became known as the W189 - "300d". The main external difference was in the tail section of the body, which took the form of a pontoon sedan (see below). Similarly, the shape of the rear of the roof with an enlarged tail glass has also changed. The side glazing also received the opportunity to remove the central pillar, which is very convenient for summer time. In order to successfully penetrate the US market, cars could be equipped with air conditioning and power steering, and their tires were painted in White color. Under the hood of the new Adenauer, there was now a fuel injection system, and the engine could produce 180 hp. With. and accelerate a heavy car to 165 km / h.
The assembly of "Adenauers" continued until March 1962, a total of 8288 W186s and 3142 W189s were built. With this series, Mercedes-Benz fully restored its pre-war reputation as a manufacturer of luxury cars.
In the early 1950s Mercedes-Benz finally has the resources and staff to fulfill its ambitions. As already noted, the 170 and 200 models were already completely outdated by the beginning of the 1950s, and only the elite of that time could afford the 300s. The brand needed a unified series of cars that would be modern, reliable, but at the same time relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.
The way out was obvious - a monocoque body, but here Mercedes-Benz retained the classic lines of the wheel arches and thus introduced the design of a pontoon body into automotive terminology. This was the new car W120 "180", first shown in July 1953. The release continued until the early 1960s. and many models and upgrades were developed. So, in February 1954, the diesel version "180D" appeared, and in March 1956 the more powerful and comfortable W121 "190", to which the diesel modification "190D" also appeared in August 1958. But the most significant model was the sports roadster "190SL", built on a common body with the W121, despite significant external differences(see description below).
The first six-cylinder, so-called. "large pontoons" appeared in June 1954, with the W180 "220a" with an 89 hp engine. With. Like their younger brothers, the cars underwent a number of modifications, since March 1956, the flagship 220S series, similar to the 190th, appeared, which, in addition to the sedan, was produced in the bodies of a two-door coupe and convertible with an engine power of 105 hp. With. The old "220a" was now referred to as "219" under the new body number W105. The final touch in the history of large pontoons occurred in October 1958, when models with the fuel injection system "220SE" (E - Einspritzmotor) appeared for sedans, coupes and convertibles, which were now referred to as W128.
The production of large pontoons of the 220th series continued until September 1959 (sedans) and November 1960 (coupes and convertibles). In total, 111,035 and 5,371 such vehicles were built, respectively. The younger pontoons were produced longer, until October 1962. A total of 442,963 W120 and W121 sedans were built, as well as 25,881 190SL roadsters. A total of 585,250 cars, a scale that made it possible to glorify the brand throughout the world, since they were only officially exported to 136 countries. During the release, a solid base was created for the production of future models, already in 1960, according to Daimlera's analysis, the assembly of one car in Sindelfingen took only 25 hours. But automotive world in the late 1950s - early 1960s. was undergoing rapid changes, and in order to remain competitive in an unequal battle with American manufacturers, new generations of cars were required.
Simultaneously with the production of passenger cars, the company paid a lot of attention to restoring its racing reputation. A whole bureau was engaged in the creation of lightweight aerodynamic bodies. A special success has been Mercedes car-Benz W196, in which the Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio won the Formula 1 championships in 1954 and 1955 (see the Mercedes team in Formula 1). The car itself was built on the basis of the experience of the former Messerschmitt Bf.109 aircraft engine designers and had a fuel injection system and a desmodromic valve drive.
In 1955, an improved version of the car - the Mercedes-Benz W196S (300SLR) numbered 722, driven by the famous English racer Stirling Moss, set the Mille Miglia race record, which has not been beaten to this day. Despite the tragic outcome of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which killed Pierre Levegh and 82 spectators, Mercedes-Benz won the World Championship in 1955. However, after that, the brand left the racing world for many years.
But success could not remain without consequences. Back in 1952 there was racing model The Mercedes-Benz W194, the predecessor of the SLR, was able to finish second and fourth in the Mille Miglia that year, and also competed in the Carrera Panamericana and Targa Florio. The body of the car consisted of tubular frame, covered with sheets made of lightweight patented aluminum alloy and had a lightweight and converted version of the Adenauer six-cylinder engine. The most interesting design elements were the shape of the cab and the doors, which opened upwards for strength and weight savings and gave the car the nickname "gullwing".
In 1953, businessman Max Hoffman suggested that the company create a road version of the W194 for the developing American market. The result was the Mercedes-Benz W198 (300SL). Since its premiere in 1954, its futuristic features, and of course the unusual doors, have guaranteed a complete success. The US elite, where more than 80% of all cars were supplied, bought them up at auctions. Initially, the cars had an engine with a system of three Weber-type carburetors that developed 115 hp, but soon a Bosch fuel injection system was installed, which increased power to 215 hp. and allowed to disperse a light car up to 250 km / h.
The success of the 300SL shocked the firm itself. However, with all its advantages, the complex design and long assembly made its cost inaccessible to the old world. Feeling the potential of the market that opened up for the brand, Mercedes-Benz engineers immediately began to develop a mass model based on the standard Mercedes-Benz 190 (W121) pontoon. At the same time, the car retained much of the 300SL - an independent front suspension and a rear suspension with oscillating axle shafts. In April 1954, the premiere of " younger brother» 190SL. The car was produced as a roadster, either with a removable hardtop or with a folding canvas. Priced almost half as much as the 300SL, the car proved to be very successful, especially among female buyers.
In 1957, the 300SL underwent a major redesign, during which it lost its unique wing-door design. There are several reasons for this: firstly, the car was more of a racing car than the Gran Turismo class, into which it unexpectedly moved. Consequently, in terms of convenience, it had big drawbacks, such as the lack of a trunk, poor ventilation (only due to the rear triangular vents that could open slightly) and the entry and exit of passengers into the cabin, which was very inconvenient, especially for women. Another reason was the high death rate in accidents, due to the fact that it is difficult for passengers to get out of the car, especially when it is overturned. Therefore, in 1957, a new 300SL appeared, which turned into a roadster, similar to the 190SL and was produced both with canvas and with a removable hardtop. At the same time, the car received a new, more comfortable rear suspension, disc brakes (since 1961) and, for the first time for Mercedes-Benz, a new type of vertical headlights was put on it, which will soon become feature all subsequent models of the brand until the early 1970s.
In 1963, the production of both cars was completed. A total of 1,400 first-generation 300SLs and 1,858 second-generation 300SLs were produced. "Pontoon" 190SL built 25,881 units. Both cars opened up a completely new class of cars for the brand, which from now on had the ending SL - Sport Leicht - sports-light.
In the 1950s, Western Europe was emerging from the devastation and poverty that followed World War II. Back in September 1956, when Pontoons had just begun to be produced, Daimler-Benz management began developing a new generation of cars. The main requirements were higher than ever: the safety and comfort of passengers inside, the outside of the car had to be in the form of Italian-style cars, while the front end should be inherited from Mercedes-Benz. Development began in 1957, at a time when the undisputed leader automotive industry was America. American car exterior design was undergoing a revolution that was brought about by the era of jet air and space flight (hence the characteristic "wings" that adorned the rear of the body). At the last moment, the lead design engineer added this detail to the new design. Although the fenders themselves were much smaller and more modest than their American counterparts, their shape gave the characteristic nickname for the entire generation of Heckflosse cars - "fins".
Production began in early 1959. In autumn, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the W111 was shown to the public. Despite the fact that the chassis was the same as the pontoons, outwardly the “fin” looked completely different, having an elegant body, a vertical headlight unit, and of course, the fins themselves. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has gone ahead of the world by patenting front and rear crumple zones that absorb the kinetic energy of a collision, and seat belts. Inside, the cabin was much more spacious, and at the same time, the entire instrument panel and even the steering wheel were lined with soft material. The glazing area has increased by 35%, thereby improving visibility for the driver and passengers. Comfort was also improved by the independent rear suspension.
The W111 replaced the W128 and W180 sedans, with the "220b", "220Sb" and "220SEb" models (b - never externally mentioned, but introduced to avoid confusion with early models). The models differed, in addition to different engine capacities (from 95 to 120 hp), in their layout, and the 220SE was considered a kind of flagship of the line. The release continued until the summer of 1965, when the successor W108 appeared (see below). However, due to its popularity, the production of the 220S model continued, the car received an increased cylinder diameter (power increased by 20 hp) and a pneumatic, self-leveling rear axle. Due to the larger engine size, the car was renamed the "230S" and production continued until January 1968. A total of 337,803 cars of this type were produced.
Following the W111, development began to replace the rest of the pontoon cars, in particular two-door coupes and convertibles. When developing the appearance, Mercedes-Benz tried to give the car a more sporty character with the same front and rear design from the future SL "Pagoda" (see below), however, only the rear part of the design reached the coupe and convertible, due to which their "fins" lost chrome underline. In March 1961, the 220SEb, two-door, pillarless cars made a splash at the Geneva Motor Show.
Simultaneously with work on replacing the pontoon two-door 220s with fins, work was underway to create a mass budget version of the fins, which would replace the W120 and W121 four-cylinder sedans. In the summer of 1961, the W110 car appeared in two models: "190c" and "190Dc". As before, the cars were almost the same as the W111, but had a more modest front design (14.5 cm shorter). The W110 was more economical, especially the diesel "190D", which became the favorite car for many taxi drivers. Station wagons, ambulances, etc. were built on the basis of the W110. expensive units flagship sedan on the W110, for example, seat back adjustment, ventilation, external chrome decor, but most importantly, engines. In 1965, with the launch of a new generation of engines, the 190s became the 220 and 220D. But the main model was the "230", which arose by installing a six-cylinder engine from the W111 "230S" in the body of the W110. In January 1968, Mercedes-Benz stopped its production, having produced 628.282 cars by that time.
The final touch on the history of fins was made in the same 1961. As noted above, Mercedes-Benz completed the production of not only pontoons, but also the top league of hand-built cars W189 Adenauer "300". Work on replacing the high-end limousine has just begun, and the completion of the outdated frame limousine has created a niche in the lineup. Mercedes-Benz solved the problem in the simplest way by putting a large three-liter engine in a regular W111 sedan. The result was a vehicle with much improved dynamic characteristics. By adding air suspension, an automatic transmission, a luxurious interior and doubling the amount of chrome exterior trim, Mercedes has recreated the luxury of a limousine in a conventional sedan. However, knowing that many of the upper echelons of buyers may not accept this "hack", Mercedes-Benz decided to further tear the flagship "300SE" model from the main line, and even allocated a separate factory index W112. And in 1963, a model with an extended wheelbase "300SEL" appeared. As expected, not everyone reacted positively to the replacement of a hand-built car with a mass-produced luxury car. However, in the short period of its release (until 1965), 5.202 "300SE" and 1.546 "300SEL" were produced. Breaking the taboo of succession, in March 1962 Mercedes-Benz took the next logical step and put the same engine on two-door fins. This W112 "300SE" differed from the W111 "220SE" in similar ways to the sedans (more exterior chrome, walnut panel trim, etc.). A total of 3.12 were released through 1968
By the early 1960s, the fashion for fins had already gone out of fashion. automotive design, but the renewal of the car fleet continued, and in the summer of 1963 it was the turn to replace the sports SL series. Until the end of 1962, the mass production of four-cylinder W121 "190SL" roadsters and the manual assembly of luxury W198 "300SL" Gran Turismo cars continued simultaneously. Similar to how W111 and W112 combined different sedans 220 and 300 series, the new W113 combined both SL classes. The development of the car followed the same path, deep modernization pontoon body. But at the same time, it already had not a four-, but a six-cylinder engine. Having a simple compact body, independent suspension and, of course, the ability to remove either a hard or canvas roof, new roadster The 230SL quickly became a popular car, especially among women. It was the unusual shape of the roof that gave it the nickname "Pagoda" during its premiere. Subsequently, the car was upgraded twice with rear disc brakes and more powerful engines "250SL" (1967) and "280SL" (1968-71). A total of 48.912 such cars were produced
The following year, 1964, finally solved the problem of replacing the Adenauers. As already noted, the W112 "300SE", although it was equipped with an order of magnitude better than standard fins, it still remained a mass car, and was a temporary solution to replace the W189. A real successor to Adenauer, the W100 limousine was almost 5.5 meters long, had air suspension, a boxy body and inside could be equipped with any comfort details, up to a TV. But its engine became the main one: the old three-liter engine was no longer suitable for a car weighing three tons, and after the W112 series it had already managed to go down from exclusivity to the masses, and Mercedes-Benz returned the first V-shaped eight-cylinder engine to its range. The M100 engine with a volume of 6.3 liters, having 250 hp, could accelerate a huge car to 205 km / h, thereby making it the second fastest car in Germany (after the Porsche 911). Model "600" could be produced, in addition to the standard limousine, in the configuration of an elongated (by 74 cm) "Pulman" or semi-cabriolet "Landole", which were purchased by the heads of state for ceremonial purposes, as well as by the Vatican as the Popemobile. In general, the car became so successful that its assembly continued until 1981 (2.677 cars were produced).
The 600th completed the renewal of the entire model range. The years of production of these cars just coincided with the heyday of Germany as a new economic force in Western Europe, which speaks both of the scale of production and the export success of cars. By the mid-1960s, Mercedes-Benz had established itself as a leader in the German automotive industry. Of course, the fin era did not end with the launch of the 600, but the ability to unify the model range made it possible to save a huge amount of material and human resources.
Pontoons and SL Mercedes managed in 10 years to turn from a company that was in 170th place in the production of cars before the war, into a manufacturer of the best European cars. Models were exported to many countries of the world and purchased by both celebrities and politicians. But by the end of the 1950s, the image of modern cars, like Western society, was changing dramatically, and Mercedes became the avant-garde in this era. In 1959, a new family of the executive class W111 went into production, which received elegant load-bearing bodies with vertical headlights, a huge luggage compartment and independent suspension of all wheels (models 220, 220S, 220SE, 230S, 250SE, 280SE and 280SE 3.5). They have demonstrated the highest technical level cars of this brand. The main symbol of the new era was a square body, but with a clear American influence in the form of "fins" on the rear fenders. The car also had coupe and convertible versions. Flippers also made their way to the mid-range W110 in 1961. In 1961, Mercedes released a luxury version based on the 111 300SE W112, which also had coupe and convertible versions.
But the fin trend was gone as quickly as it came, and Mercedes continued to introduce new and more luxurious models. In 1963, two new models appeared. The first was the SL "Pagoda" with a unique roof (its middle part was below the sidewalls). The car was produced in three series: 230SL, 250SL and 280SL. And at the end of 1963 appeared Mercedes-Benz limousine W100 600. The car had a 6.3-liter V8 engine with 250 hp, an automatic 4-speed gearbox, and air suspension wheels. The main thing is that the car had almost no competitors, and not only in prestige - despite its huge size, it could reach a maximum speed of up to 205 km / h. There were also extended versions of the Pullman (including six-door versions) and semi-convertibles - landole.
At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1965, a range of models of the so-called S-class (W108) was shown for the first time - the most prestigious (after the 600 limousine) cars of the company. It included models 250S and 250SE with 6-cylinder engines of 150 and 170 hp, according to their technical parameters superior to competitors. Over time, they received engines of 2.8 liters, and since 1968: 3.5- and 4.5-liter V8 engines. The most powerful and comfortable model of this series was the extended W109 300SEL, including the flagship 300SEL 6.3 with a 6.3-liter engine from the 600th, with a top speed of 220 km/h. Since then, the S series has become a symbol technical advances Mercedes-Benz company.
In 1968, new models of the middle class W114 and W115 appeared, differing in a set of engines. The latter (230, 250 and 280) had six-cylinder engines, the first (200, 220 and 240) had four-cylinder ones. Diesel versions of these models have also gained wide popularity. The car was produced in coupe, station wagon and extended sedan versions. A feature of the series was the fact that its body was completely developed from scratch, unlike the previous ones, which in one form or another were borrowed from previous models.
If the brand was able to occupy a niche in post-war Europe by the end of the 1950s, then by the end of the 1960s the whole world knew about it, both in terms of the scale of production and the quality of cars. In the early 1970s, Mercedes adopted a new car classification system, where the prefix W was added to R (roadster), C (coupe), S (station wagon) and V (long wheelbase). Also appeared new standard styling, which has become more masculine and charismatic, giving new cars a more elegant, but, nevertheless, strict and sporty outline.
The first novelty of the decade was the new SL R107, which replaced Pagoda in 1971. The success of the car can be characterized by the fact that it was produced for 18 years (until 1989). Although there were models entry level with six-cylinder engines (280SL and 300SL), but mainly the R107 was equipped with an eight (V8), which successfully conquered the American market on the 350SL, 380SL, 420SL, 450SL, 500SL and 560SL models. The latest model was not available for Europe at all.
In 1972, the 108th was replaced by a new generation of the S-class W116, which received the world's first anti-lock braking system (ABS), as well as hydropneumatic suspension and a three-speed automatic transmission. Like its predecessor, the car had two bases, short and long (V116). The lineup also mainly consisted of the "eights" 350SE / SEL and 450SE / SEL. But, in addition to the "six" 280S and 280SE / SEL, there was also a diesel model 300SD with a short base (for the North American market), and the flagship was the 450SEL 6.9 with a huge 6.9-liter V8 engine.
If all S-classes had coupes, then the W116 was an exception, and to replace the already obsolete C111 in 1972, the new C107 SLC model came, which was developed on the basis of the R107. Unlike the roadster, the coupe had a hardtop and an enlarged interior with rear seats.
1973 was a severe test for the company - the beginning of the oil crisis seriously reduced the sale of cars, especially with large engines. But thanks to the W114 / W115 series and the efforts that the concern has made in terms of improving quality and developing more economical engines since the mid-1970s, in 1975 Mercedes introduced new mass-produced car models - the W114 / W115.
The new car W123 turned out to be one of the most reliable in the history of the brand. There was also a station wagon version (since 1976), a coupe and a limousine (since 1977). The car was simple and economical. In many countries, W123s are still in service today.
In 1979, Mercedes launched its new S-Class W126, whose success can be compared to the huge number of innovations it brought to the automotive world. In an instant, his predecessor was obsolete by a whole generation. The new car had a revolutionary design: thanks to the famous Italian designer Brunno Sacco, for the first time, the emphasis was on aerodynamics. In total, about 840 thousand cars were produced - a record not broken by any S-Class since then, as well as a production duration record of 12 years. The new flagship models of the S-class 500SEL and 560SEL finally made it possible to complete the production of the heavy W100 limousine.
Unlike the W116, the W126 expanded its lineup from 1981 with the new C126 coupes, which replaced the C107 SLC. But the era of the sports coupe still affected the appearance of the new car. The postless car proved to be just as successful as the sedan, especially the powerful 500SEC and 560SEC versions.
But the success of the new S-class was not enough for the company, and in the early 1980s it opened up two completely new markets. The first of these is the 460 series SUV, known as the Geländewagen. The all-wheel drive car was born thanks to the order of the Iranian Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, who was a shareholder of Daimler-Benz. The revolution in Iran in 1977, after which the shah lost power, made its own adjustments: left without a customer, Damler-Benz turned a military vehicle into a civilian SUV, which became famous for its high cross-country ability and reliability.
The Mercedes-Benz brand received a powerful challenge in the late 1970s from its archrival BMW and its success with the 3 Series, which quickly swept the mass car pendulum. Daimler-Benz had the only way out, and in 1982 the premiere took place compact sedan W201 190. The car, despite its modest size, had excellent sports design, thanks to the same Brunno Sacco, a wide range of engines (1.8-2.6 with a power of 75-185 hp) and, most importantly, the price was available to a wider range of customers. The success of the car is evidenced by the numbers: in just 11 years, 1.8 million cars were produced. The car, nicknamed "Baby Benz", completely returned the competitiveness of the brand.
The main models of Mercedes-Benz, sedans and wagons of the W123 series, became obsolete by the mid-1980s, and in 1984 the W124 appeared. The car once again showed the ability of the brand to create stylish and modern cars, but at the same time make them durable and reliable. New row It was produced in four versions: sedan, station wagon (S124), coupe (C124) and convertible (A124). If the 123 was a work machine, the 124 added elegance to that quality. Also in the late 1980s, many tuning companies appeared, such as Brabus, AMG, Carlsson and others, so for the sake of experiment in 1989, Mercedes, together with Porsche, creates a sports special series 500E with a 5-liter V8 engine. In total, over 2.7 million W124 cars were produced, including about 10,000 500Es.
In 1989, on the eve of a new decade, a period begins to replace the legendary R107 SL. It is being replaced by the new Mercedes-Benz R129. The car, which had to make up the gap in a whole generation, coped with its task. With a modern racing look, the R129 quickly put the company back on the market. sports cars.
In the period 1990-91, Mercedes updates its Geländewagen with models 461 and 463. The first model actually remained an all-wheel drive SUV, which was produced in small series, but latest model has already become an urban off-road vehicle, which, on order, could be supplemented with various options, up to armored corps. The production of this car continues to this day.
In 1991, Mercedes showcases the new S-Class W140, a huge car that ushered the brand into the computer age. But the main thing is that it was the first where the V12 engine was installed. The flagship was named 600SEL in honor of the legendary limousine, which was already inferior to the new W140 in many dimensions. The V12 engine was also installed in the R129 (600SL) and the new C140 600SEC coupe in 1992.
In 1993, a radical change in the nominal system of cars takes place. The classification, which was based mainly on engine size, including one or two models, had already exhausted itself by the beginning of the 1980s, when up to ten engines were offered on the same body. A striking example of this is the W201, called the 190, although it was equipped with the same two-liter M102 engine as the Mercedes-Benz 200 of the 123 family. To avoid such intersections with other engines, the concern had to give the W201 cars with 2.5-liter engines a different name - 190E 2.5. It was also with the flagship S-classes, for example, the V116 car with a 6.9-liter M100 engine was 450SEL 6.9, so as not to mix it with the W100 600 limousine. This system was used in the American market, where all models of the 124 series were designated as Mercedes- Benz 300 with engine size. 1993 put an end to the confusion: Mercedes now divided its cars into classes, each with its own body. In general, the system has developed over the years, since most models had their own letters in the designations. So, Sonderklasse (special class) became the S-class, Sport Leicht (light sports) became the SL-class, Geländewagen (SUV) became the G-class. Difficulty arose with the W124 and W201 cars. While the rest of the cars already had one or another classification, the 124 series, like its predecessors, remained “basic” and there were no letter indices for it. The letters referred to the type of engine: E (Einspritzmotor) meant fuel injection instead of a carburetor, and D corresponded to diesel. However, after 1989, carburetor engines were no longer installed on the 124 series, and most of these sedans had the designation E. During the reform, instead of fuel injection, this letter received the value Exekutivklasse. In connection with the advent of the W201, more solid representatives of the 124 series have become less massive. The assignment of the new designation "E-class" also coincided with a significant modernization of the car.
At this time, the successor to the W201 - W202 appeared. It was no longer a cheap alternative to the middle class, but a car designed for the mass (for the Mercedes-Benz brand) market. Mercedes-Benz relies on quality and variety. The series receives the designation Comfortklasse. Unlike the W201, the wagon version appears here - S202. Apart from large selection engines, the model was offered in different performance lines, differing in external and internal details.
In 1995, Mercedes demonstrates the new E-class W210. The car was the first on which the brand applied a new styling standard in the form of four headlights. Diesel engines with the new Common Rail technology were used as the main engine design. The car, like the C-class, had a station wagon version (S210) and different performance lines.
In the mid-90s, the brand radically changes its policy regarding new cars. The determining factors were economy and availability, which directly affected the quality of cars. The concern introduced three new classes in 1996-97.
First class: SLK-class (model R170). SLK - Sport-Leicht-Kurz, or "sport-light-short", was a lighter version of the "heavy" SL. The compact roadster had the first all-metal top in the history of Mercedes, which automatically retracts into the trunk in 25 seconds.
The second novelty was the new W163 M-class off-road vehicle, which was partially produced in the USA as part of the group's production globalization program.
The third novelty was the new compact A-class W168, designed for middle-class consumers. The car had excellent fuel economy data, and despite the small external dimensions, quite roomy interior. However, the reputation of the car was severely undermined when the car overturned on a moose test at a speed of 37 km / h. In order not to undermine its prestige, the concern had to withdraw more than 130,000 vehicles in order to put ESP on them. In 2001, a long wheelbase variant of the V168 was launched. In total, 1.8 million of these cars were produced.
Simultaneously, in 1996, Mercedes decided to further rationalize its classification system. The first "victim" was the S-class coupe - CL-class (Comfort Leicht - "light comfort"), which just coincided with the C140 cosmetic update. But then, in 1996, to replace the E-class coupe and convertible (C124 and A124), the CLK-class (Comfort Leicht Kurz - “light comfort shortened”) appears, and with it the W208 model. And although outwardly the new coupe and convertible were stylized as the W210 E-class, in fact both cars had the body of the W202 C-class as the basis.
In 1999, another historic event happens for Mercedes, he buys tuning company AMG, which has been an official tuner since 1992, and during that time has released a range of sports cars, including 190E 3.5 AMG (92-93), C36 AMG (1993-1996), E60 AMG (1993-1995) , E36 AMG (1993-1997), SL60 AMG (1993-1995), etc. Since then, many classes have had AMG versions as expensive alternatives for those who wanted a sharper, sportier ride. At the same time, AMG is helping to create the first version of Gran Turismo based on the C208 CLK coupe. The result is racing. mercedes-benz car CLK GTR, (which was available only to very wealthy customers), which had a 6.9-liter V12 with 612 hp. and developed a maximum speed of more than 320 km / h.
Mercedes is ending the decade with the launch of two new S- and CL-class cars, separated in 1998. The W220 was able to fully embody the new concept of compactness combined with economy. The car was almost 300 kg lighter and 120 mm shorter than its predecessor, but at the same time, the internal volume was increased through the use of more compact devices and further rationalization of their location. The engine range was also generally weaker than the W140, especially the flagship S600, featuring lower fuel consumption and much more environmental friendliness. The profile of the new CL-class C215 was similar to that of a sedan. However, externally, on the example of the coupe, a number of details were used in order to distinguish the cars (in particular, the four-headlight layout in front of the car). Both cars demonstrated another standard for future models of the 21st century brand - saturation with electronics.
The latest novelty of the 1990s was the new W203 C-Class, which borrowed a lot from the W220 S-Class in terms of styling. In particular, this applies to the concept of compact design (externally reduced, internally enlarged). In addition to the station wagon, the car also had a 3-door liftback version (CL203). Like its predecessor, several different performance lines were available with a wide choice of engines, from the most economical Common Rail diesels to AMG sporty eights.
In ten years, Mercedes-Benz has doubled its model range (if in 1993 there were only five classes of cars, then in 1999 there were already ten). But at the same time, the constant search for cheap funds was reflected in the fundamental feature of the brand - quality. Sophisticated devices used on cars of the second half of the 90s often broke down, and by the beginning of the new millennium, the brand's reputation had fallen sharply.
The first model of the new millennium was the long-awaited replacement of the SL-class R230 in 2001. This car, like the SLK, had a top that folded into the trunk. The most successful model was the SL55 AMG version with a 5.5-liter V8 engine with a power supercharger of almost 500 hp, which provided the car with good performance: acceleration to 100 km / h in 4.5 s, maximum speed (when the limiter was removed ) - 300 km / h. The car held the record for several years as the most fast car with automatic transmission, and this despite the fact that the SL55 was inferior to the SL65 AMG model with a V12. In 2008, the car receives a major update of the design of the front (new version of the AMG SL63). On the basis of the Formula 1 safety car, a so-called. "black series" - SL65 AMG.
Released in mid-2002 new E-class W211. Unlike the W210, the car is bigger on the outside and inside (especially considering it's built in the same compact layout as the W220 and W203) and much more upscale, fitting in perfectly with the business class definition. For example, luxury details such as leather upholstery and wood interior trim (formerly an expensive option) were "standard" on the W211. Like its predecessor, the car was produced in the form of a sedan or wagon, the last largest in the history of the brand.
In May 2002, the premiere of the new CLK-class W209 took place. The appearance of the car combines the heritage of a sports coupe (as well as a convertible) and the younger brother of the CL (for example, the star has moved to the center of the grille). Like its predecessor, the bodywork was borrowed from the W203 C-Class but styled after the W211 E-Class. If the W208 became famous for its special CLK-GTR series, then the W209 had two of them. AMG launched a special edition of 100 CLK-DTMs in 2003, which was based on the DTM racing version. In 2007, the so-called. the black CLK63 AMG series, based on the Formula 1 safety car.
In the mid-2000s, Mercedes releases about ten new models, including replacements for those introduced in the mid-1990s. In 2004 appears new A-class W169. In 2004, the premiere of the "ladies" roadster R171 SLK-class, which was slightly larger than its predecessor, also took place. And in 2005, the M-class was updated with the new W164 model.
In 2005, it is time for the launch of new models of S and CL classes - cars W221 and C216. Cars have shown a new look at the appearance of the brand. The exterior is distinguished by retro elements (wide wheel arches and larger volumes), and the interior has become larger. The car is equipped with latest technology and hardware. The flagships of the series are the S65 and CL65 AMG with powerful V12 engines.
After updating the S-class, it was the turn of the C-class and at the beginning of 2007 the premiere of the new W204 took place. The car has traditionally been styled as a small version of the S-Class, but even here the build quality excels. As with previous generations, sedan and station wagon versions were offered. But three lines of execution, the differences between which were previously only noticeable to an experienced eye, began to differ greatly in the taste of the buyer. Standard Classic, luxurious Elegance (featuring more luxurious leather interior and technology) and sporty Avantgarde, which can be easily identified by the star located at the center of the grille. In 2008, the range was replenished with a new CLC-class (CLC - Comfort-Leicht-Coupe or light comfortable coupe). Despite the fact that the body remained the same - CL203, the appearance was updated to the standard of the 204's.
In the second half of the 2000s, the company introduces two new classes of SUVs. The first model of the GL-class SUV (X164) is extended version W164 M-class. The car was originally intended to replace the Geländewagen SUV, but due to the success of the latter, the idea was abandoned, and the car was further increased in size (GL - Geländewagen Lang, an elongated SUV), making it three-row (capacity from seven to nine people). And in 2008, a mid-size GLK-class SUV (X204) appeared, developed on the basis of the S204 C-class station wagon (GLK - Geländewagen-Leicht-Kurz, that is, a shortened light SUV).
Mercedes repeatedly tried to enter the almost closed world of Gran Turismo, but until 2004 its success was limited. But when Daimler bought a 40% stake in the British company McLaren in 2000, a unique opportunity arose. McLaren, which is predominantly Formula 1, has produced successful GTs such as the McLaren F1. After the purchase of McLaren, the designers of both companies teamed up to work on a new project, for which McLaren developed a powerful V8 engine with a 617 hp supercharger. In 2004, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren supercar was ready. The C199 was named after the legendary 1955 W196 300SLR World Sports Car Championship winner. In total, by 2009 it was planned to produce 3,500 cars. The car has been constantly updated with the 722 (641 hp, named after the winning car's W196 300SLR race number) and 722 GT (671 hp). It is planned to complete the series with 75 SLR Stirling Moss cars, named after winning driver Stirling Moss, which will have gull-shaped doors (as on the 300SLR).
Mercedes ended the decade with the launch of the new W212 E-Class in early 2009. With the new sedan, the E-coupe (C207) took the place of the CLK-class as part of the E-class (which was developed on the basis of the W204 C-class). And in August of the same year, the S212 station wagon appeared. The A207 convertible will be launched in 2010. Herself new family The E-class has achieved tremendous success in terms of economic and environmental performance. Supercharged petrol engines, which opened the range, were replaced by engines with a new type direct injection fuel (CGI - Stratified (Charged Gasoline Injection)) twin-turbo, and all but the flagship 8-cylinder models wear the BlueEfficiency badge.
In 2014, the brand was valued at $34.338 billion, holding second place (after Toyota) among car manufacturing companies and tenth place among all brands in the world. According to BrandZ in 2015, the brand ranks 43rd with a value of $21.786 billion.
Back in 1900, one well-known Austrian businessman Emil Jellinek, who was a co-owner of a company that produced cars, proposed name a new batch of cars after his nine-year-old daughter, Mercedes.
Mercedes is the nickname given to the girl at home. Her real name is Adriana Manuela Ramona Jellinek. In translation from Spanish Mercedes means "mercy, grace", from Latin - "gift".
In 1901, a Mercedes car came out - a 35 hp model, which Emil Jellinek presented at an exhibition in Paris next to a huge portrait of his daughter. This is how it started "era of mercedes".
However, Mercedes itself did not express any interest in the cars of the same name. She was more interested in music and singing. All honors and glory on behalf of went to the cars and ... the girl's father. In 1903, Mr. Jellinek took his daughter's name as his second surname - Emil Jellinek-Mercedes.
Mercedes - racing car
How did the history of the Mercedes brand begin? In the 1890s, Emil Jellinek met Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. By that time they already had their Daimler Motoren Gessellschaft (DMG) for the manufacture of engines for boats, airplanes and cars. Emil became one of the directors of this company and began selling cars in Austria-Hungary, where he was then consul.
The first car of the brand "Mercedes" was designed specifically for racing. Mr. Jellinek, under the name "Monsieur Mercedes", has repeatedly taken part in races and even won prizes. However, he did this anonymously, since the work of a diplomat was not entirely combined with a passion for auto racing.
Mercedes Benz
In 1926, the trademark "Mercedes-Benz" appears.. DMG teamed up with Benz & Cie, a car manufacturer. The result is a new company, Daimler-Benz, and a new car brand, Mercedes-Benz.
A new company needs a new logo. dmg used star with treme rays- a symbol of what their engines use on water, on land and in the air. Benz logo& Cie first had a steering wheel, which later changed to laurel wreath - a symbol of victory. It was decided to combine two logos! Today, Mercedes use a star with three rays, framed by a ring.
For many years, Mercedes cars have not only not lost popularity, but have repeatedly topped the list of the most expensive cars in the world.
That's how the name of the little girl Mercedes turned into a famous global brand.
The world's oldest manufacturer of trucks (since 1896) and diesel vehicles (since 1924) Daimler-Chrysler AG has existed in its current form since 1998. Then the German concern Daimler-Benz AG (since 1926) took over the third largest American manufacturer Chrysler Motors (since 1924), creating the world's fourth largest transnational concern. DC is the third largest truck manufacturer in the world. The largest German automotive division produces all types of trucks and commercial vehicles with a gross weight of 2.7 to 33 tons.
The first half of the 90s was marked by the struggle to reduce the toxicity of exhaust gases and the preparation of fundamentally new trucks. Models of the light series "T2" ("609/814") and the new medium range "LK" ("711/1517"), having received "clean" diesel engines with a capacity of 105-170 "horses", became known as "Ekoven" (Ecovan) and "Ecoliner" (Ecoliner), respectively. Heavy series "MK" and "SK" (models "1417/3553") were produced in 55 basic versions (4 × 2 / 8 × 8 with engines with a capacity of 165-530 "horses", with six types of cabs. Since 1992, on saddle tractors "SK1844 / 1944LS" installed a more spacious and comfortable cabin "Eurocab" with an internal height of 2110 millimeters.
Since the mid-1990s, Mercedes-Benz has been complete replacement throughout its European program. In early 1996, the MB100 series was replaced by the Vito front-wheel drive range with a gross weight of 2.6 tons (108D / 114 models) with transverse engines of 79-143 horses. In January 1995, at the Brussels Motor Show, the Sprinter delivery vehicles of the new light TIN range were presented, awarded the Van of the Year title. By 2001, it consisted of several dozen options from "208D" to "616CDJ" (79-156 hp) with bodies with a capacity of 7-13.4 m3.
The T2 series in 1997 was replaced by the Vario range with a gross weight of up to 7.5 tons (512D / 815D models) with low-toxic diesel engines of 115-136 horsepower, disc brakes and ABS. The title "Truck of 1997" was given to the new heavy range "SKN" or "Aktros", consisting of targets "1831/4157" with a V6 and V8 engine (313-571 hp) with electronic control, air suspension, disc brakes, ABS and ASR, three types of cabins with an internal height of up to 1960 millimeters. In 1999, the title "Truck of the Year" was given to the Atego car of a new medium range (models "712/2628") with engines of 122-280 "horses" and 14 wheelbase sizes.
In 1998, the NAV plant began manufacturing Ekonik low-frame chassis with a 4-seater cab, diesel or gas engines, automatic transmission and electronically controlled air suspension. At the end of the 20th century, Mercedes-Benz remained the world's largest truck manufacturer. It owns 14 factories in Germany and 25 enterprises worldwide. The volume of annual production exceeds 420 thousand cars. On May 7, 1998, Daimler-Benz strengthened its position by merging with the American Chrysler Corporation and creating a new transnational concern Daimler-Chrysler (Daimler Chrysler).
(Western Star). In the 21st century, its staff reached 273,216 people (as of December 31, 2008), and the total income was 1.4 billion Euros (2008).
©. Photos taken from publicly available sources.
Mercedes-Benz is a brand of premium cars produced by the German concern Daimler AG. One of the top three car manufacturers from Germany selling the largest number premium cars in the world.
For some time, two automakers - Benz and Daimler - developed in parallel. In 1926 they merged into the Daimler-Benz concern.
The birth of the Benz brand dates back to 1886, when Karl Benz created the world's first three-wheeled car with an internal combustion engine running on gasoline.
He was a talented engineer who already had considerable experience with mechanical machines. Since 1878, Karl Benz has been intensively developing the two-stroke engine to create a vehicle without horses.
He received his first motor on the eve of 1879. This was followed by a series of changes in business partners, with whom Karl parted, most often because of their skepticism about the idea of \u200b\u200bcreating a car.
January 29, 1886 Benz received a patent for the invention of a three-wheeled car. The horizontal single-cylinder four-stroke engine weighed about 100 kg and was very light for the time. Its volume was equal to 954 cubic meters. cm, and a power of 0.55 kW at 400 rpm. He had the same structural elements, which are typical for internal combustion engines today: crankshaft with counterweights, electric ignition and water cooling. To drive 100 km, the car needed about 10 liters of gasoline.
First Mercedes-Benz car (1886)
In 1893, Benz produced the first four-wheeled vehicles based on a three-wheeled design. They were a little old fashioned, but practical, durable and affordable.
Later, Benz began to equip his cars with two-cylinder engines. In 1900, his firm ran into financial difficulties, so first French and then German engineers were invited.
Over time, four-cylinder engines began to be installed on cars, and the company's business went uphill.
In 1909, the Blitzen Benz appeared, an aerodynamic racing car equipped with a 21,500 cc engine. cm and a power of 200 hp.
Another company, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, was founded in 1890 by Gottlieb Daimler. She immediately began to produce a four-wheeled car created 4 years earlier. Daimler himself and the auto designer Wilhelm Maybach were engaged in its design.
At first, the company did not produce anything remarkable, although the cars sold well. In 1901, the Mercedes-35hp appears, the engine power of which was incorporated in its name. This model is considered the first representative of a modern car. It was originally developed as a racing vehicle and later developed as a road vehicle.
The name of the car was at the insistence of the head of the Daimler representative office in France and the consul of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Nice, Emil Jellinek. He proposed to name the model in honor of the Virgin Mary of Mercy, which in French is called Maria de las Mercedes.
The machine was completed four-cylinder engine with a volume of 5,913 cubic meters. cm. After many revisions, the Mercedes-35hp developed 75 km / h, which amazed the then motorists.
Mercedes 35 HP (1901)
The history of the brand in Russia began almost immediately after its appearance on the automotive horizon. In 1890, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft supplies its engines to Russia. In 1894, the first car benz, designed for two passengers, with a 1.5 hp engine. A year later, the first Benz car is sold in St. Petersburg, on the basis of which a serial vehicle of Yakovlev's Gasoline and Gas Engine Factory is being developed.
In 1910, the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft company opened its first salon in Moscow, and two years later became a supplier to the imperial court.
Prior to the outbreak of the First World War, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft formed a wide model line, which included cars with an engine from 1,568 to 9,575 cubic meters. cm, as well as luxury cars that used engines with valveless gas distribution.
After the war, Daimler began to work on the creation of a compressor that would increase engine power by one and a half times. The work was completed with the help of Ferdinand Porsche, who joined the company in 1923. He designed the Mercedes 24/100/140 PS with a six-cylinder compressor engine of 6,240 cc. cm and power from 100 to 140 hp. After the merger of Daimler and Benz, the car became known as the Mercedes-Benz Type 630.
In the same year, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft opens a representative office in Moscow. The brand takes first place in the All-Russian test run.
Mercedes 24/100/140 PS (1924-1929)
The economic situation that prevailed in Germany after the First World War forced longtime competitors - Benz and Daimler - to start negotiations on cooperation. As a result, in 1926, a new automotive company appeared - the Daimler-Benz concern. The companies began joint development of cars, and Ferdinand Porsche became the head of the design bureau.
He began to work on the improvement of compressor cars, in particular, the 24/100/140 model, which became the ancestor of the S series. This family of cars combined comfort, luxury and sporting performance. They were stronger, lighter and more manoeuvrable. Their appearance in racing competitions immediately brought the car company a double victory. For their color and size they were called "White Elephants".
Mercedes-Benz SSK (1927-1933)
In 1928, Porsche left the company, deciding to found his own company, and engineer Hans Nibel took his place. He continues to develop the developments of his predecessor, releasing cars Mannheim 370 with a six-cylinder 3.7-liter engine and Nürburg 500 with an eight-cylinder 4.9-liter power unit.
In 1930, a luxurious Mercedes-Benz 770, or “Big Mercedes”, appears, which belonged to the Pope, Emperor Hirohito, Adolf Hitler, Paul von Hindenburg, Hermann Goering and Wilhelm II.
It was equipped with a 7,655 cc inline eight-cylinder engine. cm, which developed 150 hp. at 2800 rpm. With supercharging, its power increased to 200 hp, and the maximum speed was 160 km / h. The motor was aggregated with a four-speed gearbox.
The second generation of the model was equipped with a 155 hp engine. naturally aspirated and 230 hp supercharged. From 1940 to 1943, armored versions of cars weighing 5,400 kg and with a maximum speed of 80 km/h were produced.
Mercedes-Benz 770 (1930-1943)
Under the leadership of Hans Niebel, very successful models are being created, including the small car 170 with independent front wheel suspension, the 380 sports car with a 140-horsepower 3.8-liter supercharged engine, the 130 with a rear-mounted 1,308 cc engine. cm.
In 1935, Max Seiler became the chief designer, who oversaw the creation of an inexpensive model 170V, a diesel 260D and a new generation of 770, so fond of the Nazi leaders.
Mercedes-Benz 260 D was the first passenger car with a diesel engine. It was presented at the Berlin Motor Show in February 1936. Until 1940, when the Daimler-Benz concern had to devote production entirely to military needs, about 2,000 units of this model were produced.
It was equipped with a four-cylinder 4-liter engine with overhead valves, which was aggregated with a four-speed gearbox. Mercedes-Benz 260 D received an independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes.
Mercedes-Benz 260D (1936-1940)
During World War II, the concern focused on the production of trucks and cars for the army. The enterprises worked until September 1944, when they were almost completely destroyed as a result of the bombardment. In January 1945, the company's board of directors ruled that Daimler-Benz no longer had physical assets.
In the post-war years, automotive production recovered extremely slowly. Therefore, Daimler-Benz built mainly already produced models with obsolete designs. The first car produced after the war was the subcompact W136 sedan with a 38-horsepower engine. Then came the W191 with an enlarged body and the 80-horsepower W187, which was later renamed the 220. By 1955, the production of the 170 and 220 models had reached such volumes that the company could count on a successful and uninterrupted activity in the future.
The concern makes deliveries of its cars to the USSR. So, from 1946 to 1969, 604 cars, 20 trucks, 7 buses, and 14 Unimogs were exported to the Soviet countries.
Amid the financial and engineering challenges associated with wartime destruction, the marque never forgot its ambitions as a luxury car manufacturer.
In November 1951, during Paris Motor Show, debuts the 300 executive limousine with a powerful six-cylinder 3-liter engine with an overhead camshaft. Thanks to its striking appearance, hand-made high-quality assembly, the presence of radio, telephone and other technical innovations, the model has become a huge success with politicians, celebrities and big businessmen. One of the copies belonged to Konrad Adenauer, the Federal Chancellor of Germany, after whom the cars began to be called "Adenauer".
The model was constantly modernized, as it was assembled by hand. In 1954, the 300b comes out with new brake drums and front windows, in 1955 - 300c with automatic transmission, as well as 300Sc with a revolutionary fuel injection system.
Mercedes-Benz 300 (1951-1958)
In 1953, the Mercedes-Benz 180 debuted, which was supposed to replace the outdated 170 and 200, but at the same time be more affordable than the chic 300. The car was based on a monocoque body with classic lines of wheel arches, which became known as pontoon. "Ponton", as it was called, was distinguished by a roomy and comfortable interior and was equipped with a gasoline or diesel engine. The 190 was later released with a more luxurious interior and powerful engine, as well as a roadster.
Large pontoons with six-cylinder engine 220a began production in 1954. Two years later, the flagship appeared - 220S with a 105-horsepower engine.
"Pontoons" were exported to 136 countries and glorified the brand throughout the world. A total of 585,250 units of the model were produced.
Mercedes-Benz W120 (1953-1962)
Along with road cars, the company enthusiastically designed racing cars. The 1950s were marked by a series of high-profile victories for the sporty Mercedes-Benz W196. However, after the tragic death of driver Pierre Levegh and 82 spectators in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mercedes-Benz left the world of sports competition despite winning the championship title.
In 1953, businessman Max Goffman suggested that the company create a road version of the W194 sports car for the American market. The latter featured a futuristic body shape and doors that opened upwards to reduce weight and increase strength.
The premiere of the Mercedes-Benz W198 (300SL) took place in 1954 and meant an unprecedented success: 80% of all cars of the model were delivered to the USA, where they were bought up at auctions. The car was equipped with an engine with a Bosch fuel injection system, which developed 215 hp. and allowed her to accelerate to 250 km / h.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL (1955-1963)
In the late 1950s, a family of cars appeared, called "fins" because of the characteristic body design elements borrowed from American cars. They were distinguished by elegant lines, a spacious interior and a 35% increase in glass area, which improved the visibility of the car.
In 1963, the "Pagoda", the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL, is released - a sports car with a durable interior and a passive safety system. It was especially popular among women, who appreciated the automatic transmission and the ease of driving. A copy of the model, which belonged to John Lennon, was sold in 2001 for almost half a million dollars.
Mercedes-Benz 230SL (1963-1971)
At the end of 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 600 limousine debuted with a 6.3-liter engine with 250 hp, an automatic 4-speed gearbox and air suspension. Despite the length of almost 5.5 meters, the car could accelerate to 205 km / h. This model was used by the Vatican as the Popemobile and purchased by the heads of other countries.
In 1965, the S-Class debuts, the family of the brand's most prestigious cars after the 600 model. And three years later, new middle-class cars come out - W114 and W115.
In 1972, the S-Class W116 was introduced, which was the first in the world to receive an anti-lock braking system. It was also equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension and a three-speed transmission. Special attention When designing the car, safety was given. So, he received a reinforced body structure, high-strength roof and door pillars, a pliable dashboard and located above rear axle fuel tank.
Mercedes-Benz W116 (1972-1980)
In 1974 Mercedes-Benz the first among foreign automakers to open its representative office in Russia.
In 1979, the new S-class W126 appears, the design of which was developed by the Italian Brunno Sacco. It became truly revolutionary and was distinguished by excellent aerodynamic characteristics.
In 1980, the first SUV of the 460 series appeared, and in 1982, the W201 190 compact sedan debuted, designed to compete with the BMW 3 Series.
In 1994, CJSC Mercedes-Benz Automobiles was founded in Russia, a year later a technical center and a spare parts warehouse were opened in Moscow.
In 1996, the SLK-class debuts - a lightweight short sports car with an all-metal top that stows in the trunk.
Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996)
In 1999, the company buys the tuning company AMG, which becomes its subdivision for the production of more expensive versions of cars for sports driving.
In 2000, new classes appear, among which there are SUVs that are gaining popularity. So, an elongated GL-class appeared with three rows of seats and a capacity of 7 to 9 people.
Mercedes-Benz GL (2006)
In the 2000s, cars of the C, S and CL families were updated, the automaker's model range was significantly expanded. The company is developing the direction of environmentally friendly transport, as well as improving the technological “stuffing” of its cars in order to continue to occupy a leading position in automotive market when the next revolution in the development of vehicles comes.
November 22 is the birthday of perhaps the most popular car brand in the world. Exactly 110 years ago, the very first Mercedes was assembled at the Daimler Motoren Gesellshaft factory. In honor of the significant date, we decided to remember how it all began...
Formally by the author first Mercedes(still without the prefix Benz - it will appear only after the merger of the two German companies Daimler and Benz in 1926) is considered to be Wilhelm Maybach, a brilliant German designer, and later the founder of his own car company. But it would be in the highest degree it is unfair to ignore the role of Emil Jelinek, a German businessman who lived most of his life in Austria and France. It was with his light hand that the beautiful word Mercedes became a brand of car, which decades later is extolled all over the world.
Every family has its black sheep
Jelinek, who was born in 1853 in Leipzig, can be considered a rich man, an eccentric, and an idler, but it would be more accurate to call him a child who refused to grow up. The middle of the three sons of an influential rabbi, Emil, just like in Russian folk tales, grew up a fool, while his brothers were smart and quick-witted. The younger one, Max-Hermann, became a well-known linguist throughout Europe, and the elder Georg, a teacher of law no less respected in the Old World and, by the way, one of the authors of the Declaration on the Rights of Man. Well, Emil turned out to be a shaped blockhead. He did not like studying, having changed several schools at once, but he loved to play on the nerves of pious parents. At the tender age of 17, Jelinek, the middle, to the unspeakable surprise of the family and the obvious indignation of his father, got a job as a clerk in the local railway company. Not that Emil was seduced by the prospect of working honestly for one salary. God forbid! However, a low-prestigious position opened up interesting opportunities for the young man. At night, he, along with the same stunners and daredevils, arranged ... races on steam locomotives, taking illegal bets on the outcome of the races. When the authorities found out about this "innocent" hobby, Emil flew out into the street with a bang. Out of harm's way, the parents sent the 19-year-old loafer to France, and soon the father, taking advantage of his connections, placed his son on a diplomatic mission in Morocco.
The young man reacted calmly to the exile to the end of the world. Moreover, it was in Africa that he laid the foundation for his carefree future. After beguiling the Spanish Jewess Rachel Goggman, the daughter of a local tobacco planter, Jelinek soon began exporting tobacco to Europe. In addition, by chance, he took a vacant position in the local branch of a large French bank, and a successful game on the stock exchange increased his capital.
Along the way, having slacked off from military service - for health reasons, how, how! - After some time, Jelinek returned to Europe already a rich man. He bought a house in Austrian Baden, and from autumn to spring rolled off to the French Riviera, where a whole bunch of European aristocrats and wealthy idlers spent the winter. The boredom that accompanies any well-fed life, Emil dispersed with the help of the most expensive and trendy hobby of the late 19th century - the love of cars.
Who calls the music
Emil, who followed all the automotive trends, was well aware that most of the races held at that time were won by cars equipped with Daimler engines. Therefore, he immediately ordered two cars with a capacity of 4 and 9 hp at once. The latter, according to the company, could develop more than an impressive 40 km / h on a good road (and only with a fair wind)!
In fact, the 9-horsepower Daimler Phoenix moved no faster than 25 km / h. Convinced of insufficient speed, Jelinek told Stuttgart that he would buy four more cars, provided that their maximum speed was about 50 km / h.
If I can't go much faster on a self-propelled carriage than on horses, then why buy a car at all?! he called to common sense Daimler and Maybach.
German designers, on the contrary, considered the increase in power to be dangerous. But the paid order for 4 cars was too serious a promise to refuse it.
Having received a quartet of more powerful Phoenix, Emil cheered up. "Exactly what is needed!" he telegraphed to Stuttgart. And leaving one copy for himself, Jelinek decided to sell the remaining three. In Nice, a real land of millionaires, it was not difficult.
Baron Arthur Rothschild, like many representatives of the establishment, who killed winter boredom on the Cote d'Azur, had a habit of taking car walks around Nice in the morning. “Thus, I amuse the commoners,” he told his friends, laughing, rejoicing at his own wit. What was the baron's surprise when, one fine morning, his Pahnard was boldly and, as they say, without a chance, bypassed a stranger in a brand new Daimler. Arthur found out that the high-speed car belongs to a certain gentleman hiding under the pseudonym "Monsieur Mercedes". Of course, it was Jelinek himself. Rothschild tracked down the "offender" and immediately ... bought his car.
Why did Jelinek hide behind a pseudonym? Call it a whim of the rich or just a desire to avoid publicity, but at that time wealthy gentlemen often used fictitious names. Let's say another member of the Rothschild family of multimillionaires, Henry, was announced at the start of racing competitions as "Dr. Pascal". Jelinek chose his pseudonym for a reason. Perhaps because of his strong affection for his half-Jewish, half-Spanish wife, Emil had an extremely warm feeling for all things Spanish. He was fluent in this language, and, according to his son, "everything that was connected with this country occupied a special place in his heart." Well, the female name "Mercedes", that is, "merciful", according to Jelinek's deep conviction, brought happiness to his family. So in the home circle, Emil called his daughter Mercedes, although her real name is Adrianna Marrieta Ramona Jelinek. In the same way, our hero also christened ... a house in Baden, and his two villas in Nice are known as "Villa Mercedes - 1" and "Villa Mercedes - 2". Subsequently, numerous boats and yachts of Emil will bear the "merciful" name, and the final apotheosis of a slightly unhealthy habit will be the change of his own surname to Jelinek-Mercedes.
However, we are getting ahead of ourselves. Having sold the first Daimler to Rothschild, “Monsieur Mercedes” did not calm down. Jelinek went to Stuttgart, where the mechanics of Daimler Motoren Geselsahft slightly tuned his Phoenix. Two weeks later, Emil, without a twinge of conscience, repeated the trick with overtaking, again furnishing the baron's car.
Rothschild would have been offended by such a sophisticated form of swindle, but instead he again took out his checkbook. Having learned from Emil that even more powerful models are being developed at the Daimler factory, generous Arthur promised to buy them too ... Without delay, Jelinek placed an order for 6 more cars.
By that time, his business reputation and acumen allowed him to literally dictate terms to the owners of Daimler Motoren Gesellshaft, personally insisting on certain technical solutions. Emil ordered that four-cylinder engines be installed on a new batch of cars (previous models had only two cylinders), and the engines should be located in front of the car. At the end of the 19th century, such a solution did not at all seem as obvious as it is today.
But think for yourself, because the horse is always in front of the carriage, - twirling his mustache, Jelinek admonished his partners from DMG. - Well, since the motor, in fact, replaces the horse, then he must pull the car along with him!
No matter how banal and primitive these explanations and arguments may seem, today there is no doubt that Jelinek was right and far-sighted. Then in Stuttgart, shrugging their shoulders, yielded to the wishes of a generous customer. Truly: who pays, he orders the music.
As before, Emil kept the first car from the new batch for himself, deciding to show up at the start of the Nice Car Week - perhaps the most prestigious race of the turn of the century. The pathos event, which took place every spring, gathered the entire beau monde of the Côte d'Azur and consisted of three parts: a high-speed hill climb, a one-mile sprint and an endurance race of about 200 miles. To help his successful sales agent, Daimler sent experienced mechanic Wilhelm Bauer to help Jelinek. But "Monsieur Mercedes" on the 28-horsepower Phoenix could not shine in any of the three disciplines. Even worse: exactly one year later, in March 1900, a real tragedy broke out during the next Automobile Week. At the start of a high-speed 1-mile race, the same Wilhelm Bauer, this time driving himself, lost control and crashed into a stone wall in the first turn. The rider died the next day in the hospital.
A new beginning
Just a few days before this tragedy, Gottlieb Daimler also died unexpectedly, so that depression and pessimism reigned at the plant in Stuttgart. In his heart, Maybach decided to retire from motorsport forever. The talented designer had no doubt: the pursuit of horsepower will only lead to more sacrifices. And, of course, he blamed Jelinek for all the sins, who unleashed an arms race.
He, in turn, thought differently. “Refusing to race is tantamount to suicide for the company,” he urged Maybach. “No one will buy a car of a brand that does not win competitions and does not get into the pages of newspapers!”
In addition, Jelinek believed, and, in general, also not without reason, that the main cause of the Bauer disaster was not so much heavy duty - as much as as much as 28 hp, have you forgotten?! - the motor, how much the design of the machine itself. Daimler Phoenix with a high center of gravity not only looked awkward, but also had a tendency to roll over. In the end, Maybach was convinced of the need to create a completely new car.
This happened, however, not earlier than Jelinek promised to buy out the entire batch of 36 cars with a total value of 550 thousand marks. In return, he got a seat on the DMG Supervisory Board, and also insisted on one more condition - the model must have a new name.
The name Daimler is poorly perceived outside of Germany, Emil assured. - Meanwhile, the name of the machine must be sonorous and memorable in all languages. Why not name the car Mercedes?
Maybach didn't argue. First, the logic in the words of Jelinek, of course, was present - in France, say, the largest car sales market at that time, the rights to the Daimler trademark were held by Pahnard Levassor. And most importantly, there was no time left for disputes - according to the contract, the car should be ready by October 15th. If it was a simple upgrade of the Phoenix model, then there would be no problems, but a completely new design was on the agenda: from wheels to seats.
In addition, the work was complicated by constant telegrams from Jelinek, who continued to gush with ideas and rationalization proposals. By some miracle, Maybach, who worked on the car together with Gottlieb Daimler's son, Paul, managed to almost meet the deadline. The first assembled Mercedes was completed on November 22, 1900.
For the beginning of the century, the design turned out to be simply avant-garde, from a frame made of pressed metal to the first honeycomb radiator in history, which required significantly less water for efficient cooling motor. More importantly, in order to increase the power potential, Maybach went in an unconventional way for those years. He did not significantly increase engine power, focusing on reducing the curb weight of the car.
Mercedes 35 hp, as you might guess from the name, developed 35 horses, was only slightly more powerful than the same 28-horsepower Daimler Phoenix, but the Mercedes weighed a little more than a ton, while its predecessor weighed all two! Not surprisingly, the car accelerated to almost 100 km / h. At the same time, the 6-liter engine itself, by the way, with an aluminum crankcase, double camshaft and dual carburetor, was installed as low as possible in the frame, significantly improving stability at high speed.
After a short road test and some fine tuning, the first Mercedes was delivered to the Villa Jelinek in Nice. And for the traditional March starts of the Automotive Week, the Daimler plant sent a factory team to the Cote d'Azur - driver Wilhelm Werner and mechanic Herman Braun.
Jelinek and Maybach could not dream about what happened later even in their sweetest dreams. The new Mercedes 35 hp literally stomped on all rivals, winning in the sprint race, and climbing the hill, and in the 244-mile endurance race. By the end of the week, the name Mercedes was on the lips of the wealthy of the Riviera, as well as on the pages of newspapers and magazines.
At the request of Jelinek, Werner and Braun were given a bonus of 1000 marks each, and at the plant in Stuttgart they urgently installed a spacious four-seater body on the chassis of the 35th to show the public that the best racing car of the year can already be bought. And the sales started. But how! Among the first owners of the car are the names of all the major millionaires of the era: Rockefeller and Astor, Morgan and Taylor. Money rained down on the Daimler Motoren Geselshaft.
My friend, Maybach wrote to Jelinek. - I must admit that your merit in the appearance of this car is no less than mine. Together with you, we can equally be considered the creators of Mercedes!
Alas, the idyll did not last long. How more cars assembled in the workshops of Daimler Motoren Gesellshaft, the more thoughtful they became in Stuttgart. After all, Emil, as an exclusive importer, bought cars at the factory price, and resold them with a very tangible profit, which settled exclusively in his pockets. At one time, the tobacco and banking business, together with stock exchange fraud, made Jelinek just a wealthy person, but trading in Mercedes cars turned him into a millionaire buying up real estate, casinos and yachts almost in bulk. Moreover, fabulous wealth did not change his bad character at all. Jelinek's demands and proposals eventually began to resemble blackmail. (“I won’t take another car until you make the gearbox work silent. Everyone knows that Daimler put the noisiest transmissions!”)
Full of mutual accusations and attacks, the relationship between DMG and Jelinek lasted for several more years. After Maybach left the firm in 1905, Emil completely went off the rails, in private conversations speaking of the company's engineers only as "these donkeys." After another demarche, the patience of the company's management snapped and the contract with Monsieur Mercedes was terminated.
Instead of an afterword
As is customary to say in such cases, the parties parted to mutual satisfaction. By then, the success of the 35, anchored by the simpler and more affordable Simplex, had made the Mercedes brand synonymous with automobile superlatives.
Jelinek retired from the automotive business after his divorce from Daimler Motoren Geselshaft, resuming his diplomatic career. He served in the Austro-Hungarian consulate in Nice, then in Mexico, and then in Monaco, where he acquired several casinos along the way. But with the outbreak of the First World War, difficult days came for Emil. The Austro-Hungarian government suspected him of being a French spy, and Emil moved to France with his family, where he was immediately accused of spying for Germany. In the end, Jelinek moved to neutral Switzerland, where he died in January 1918 at the age of 64. All his French property was confiscated.
Even sadder was the fate of Adrianna Marrieta Ramona Jelinek, whom the whole world knows as the girl in whose honor the Mercedes is named. Emil's daughter got into the pages of the press only on scandalous occasions: she got married twice and both times were extremely unsuccessful. She was not even forty when Mercedes Jelinek died of cancer in 1929.
Danila Mikhailov
