The Star®-May/June 2022

MAY–JUNE • 2022

®

Mercedes-Benz Club of America

1983 W123 300D THE STAR 1-2 • 2020

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AUCTIONS & PRIVATE BROKERAGE

GOODINGCO.COM

310.899.1960

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1937 TALBOT-LAGO T150-C-SS TEARDROP COUPE SOLD for $13,425,000 World Record for the Marque at Auction Most Valuable French Car Ever Sold at Auction Amelia Island Auction 2022

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FRIDAY AUG 19 SATURDAY AUG 20 LIVE AUCTIONS

1963 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER I SOLD for $3,085,000 I Pebble Beach Auctions 2021

SATURDAY 3 SEPT LIVE AUCTION I UNITED KINGDOM

Now Inviting Consignments CONTACT A SPECIALIST TODAY THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

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WHEELS ENGINEERED FOR MERCEDES-BENZ VEHICLES Mandrus Klass Gloss Gunmetal with Machined Tinted Face Available in 17”, 18”, 19”, 20” and 22” sizes. Also available in Gloss Black.

MANDRUSWHEELS.COM 2

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Features 28 38 46 54

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All in the Family A beloved Mercedes-Benz W123 300D

There at the Beginning Taking factory delivery of a 1957 300SL Roadster

Bella Guida!

Pagoda & R107 SL tour around Italy’s Lake Maggiore

Deceptive Beauty The 1936 W25K’s promise fell short, leading to great changes

THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

The Star® (ISSN 0744-155X) is published bimonthly by the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. Mike Regennitter Executive Director and Publisher 1907 Lelaray Street Colorado Springs CO 80909-2872

® MAY–JUNE 2022 • VOLUME 67 • NUMBER 3

Periodical postage paid at Colorado Springs, CO 80909 and additional entry offices.

Copyright © 2022 by Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Printed in the U.S.A.

Old & New 68

Rising Star: Up & coming modern classics: 1998–2005 W163 M-Class

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Auction Spotlight: Market results for notable Mercedes-Benz vehicles

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Car Story: Immaculate 1983 300TDT station wagon

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Eyewitness: Unique 1938 540K Sports Tourer

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Classic Tech: Understanding the 1985 diesel vacuum system

The Star® is a registered trademark of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mercedes-Benz Club of America 1907 Lelaray Street Colorado Springs, CO 80909-2872

Among the Stars 85

Celebrating Amelia Island

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In Memoriam: Remembering Jim Luikens

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Feature Events: Tracks & Tours

94

Section Events: Driving & social events

MEMBERSHIP: To join call 800.637.2360 or visit www.mbca.org Dues are $55 for one year, $107 for two years, or $157 for three years. Foreign dues please add $10 per year.

Membership includes a subscription to The Star®.

Columns & Departments Departments 6 8 8 10 10 12 16 17

PhotoFile: Building the EQS 18 First Drive: S500 4Matic At the Wheel: Appreciate the Moment 20 Inside Line: F1 Report Time to Go Big: Mega Mercedes meet 101 101 Directory: National Board Top Dead Center: The Stars Align 102 Directory: Regions & Sections Contributors Contributors 104 Trading Post: Classified ads Star Report: Electrifying E-Class 110 Index of Advertisers Star Talk: Your letters 111 Last Look: Mercedes-AMG EQE Noted: Teach your Children Well 112 StarryEyed: Steering by the stars

On the cover: 1983 W123 Mercedes-Benz 300D • Image Guy Spangenberg Table of contents: 1998– 2005 W163 M-Class Image Daimler Global Media

ADDRESS CHANGES: Send all changes to Mercedes-Benz Club of America 1907 Lelaray Street Colorado Springs CO 80909-2872 or visit www.mbca.org Opinions, ideas, and suggestions in The Star® are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of MBCA. MBCA neither accepts nor bears any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any such opinions, ideas, or suggestions, or the applications thereof.

Any representations or warranties (express or implied) with respect thereto are hereby disclaimed by MBCA. No inference should be made that the products or services advertised herein have the approval of MBCA, Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz USA, or any other entity.

The trade names & trademarks “Mercedes-Benz,” “Mercedes,” and the three-pointed star in a circle are owned by Daimler AG and authorized for use by its licensees – which include MBCA – exclusively.

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PhotoFile

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IMAGES FROM DAIMLER GLOBAL MEDIA

The EQS is the most advanced battery electric vehicle (BEV) built by Mercedes-Benz. It is both a sign of things to come and an up-to-date snapshot of evolving design and production processes. Driven by the increasing need for sustainable efficiency, Mercedes-Benz has retooled the new vehicle life cycle, combining environmentally conscious design utilizing minimal raw material extraction together with low-impact assembly, user operation and end-of-life recycling.

The EQS clearly illustrates the Stuttgart company's commitment to responsible design and manufacturing: The EQS is the world's most aerodynamic production car. A record-setting CD of .20 offers four to five percent more range than an average electric vehicle.

components in each EQS made from recycled and renewable raw materials weigh 176 lbs., part of the company's effort to decouple resource consumption per vehicle from overall vehicle sales growth by increasing the use of secondary raw materials (recyclates).

The steel used in the EQS is 80 percent secondary steel, most of which is made from recycled steel scrap.

Floor coverings in the EQS use an innovative yarn made from regenerated nylon. One ton of this yarn saves more than 6.5 tons of CO2 compared to all-new material. starting in 2018, Mercedes-Benz set out to create transparency in the often shadowy supply chain for cobalt battery cells, using strict OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) guidelines.

Today's ethically-sourced EQS battery cathodes have a cobalt content of ten percent with a guaranteed vehicle service life of ten years or 150,000 miles. batteries are designed for a second life after use, as part of an energy storage system from Mercedes-Benz Energy, which has already connected three large-scale automotive battery storage systems to the German grid.

Production of these complex lithium-ion batteries at Hedelfingen, part of the Mercedes-Benz StuttgartUntertürkheim complex, will be CO2-neutral from 2022.

Factory 56 – where the EQS is built – uses 25 percent less energy than the firm's other assembly halls.

On the roof, 12,000 photovoltaic cells generate around 30 percent of the plant's annual energy needs. Around 40 percent of the roof is greened with vegetation. The main building was constructed with recycled concrete.

From 2039 at the latest, only parts from component suppliers produced on an overall CO2-neutral basis will be allowed through the Mercedes-Benz factory gates.

Stephan McKeown There are 176 lbs. of recycled and renewable raw materials used in the EQS. 6

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FROM THE

AT THE WHEEL

Julie Bruggner

PRESIDENT

Appreciate the Moment

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here is nothing like that feeling of the first spring day when it’s warm enough to put the top down on the car and take a drive. Sometimes it’s not even spring yet. This year it was March 5, and it was 72 degrees in Fort Wayne, so of course I took advantage of such a glorious day. I almost feel sorry for those of you who live where it’s warm year-round; you don’t have to wait for those days – almost. You don’t get that same “Ah!” feeling after waiting for it for months.

But by the time you read this, it will truly be Spring and I, for one, will be anticipating so many more drives and beautiful days. Can we really hope that our lives are returning to something close to normal? It seems so, for now anyway. So, let’s take advantage of that and get out there again.

I just registered for the Sandhills Motoring Festival, held May 27–29 in Pinehurst, North Carolina – my favorite automotive event. I love the drive down there. The festival is one I highly recommend, an entire weekend of great fun, and great cars, and a great way to spend Memorial Day weekend.

Want to be part of the greatest gathering of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the world? Then join the Greater Washington section on July 17th as they attempt to beat the current record, recently set in China. This is a MidAtlantic Regional event taking place in Lorton, Virginia. More information is below, or visit the website, click on the Community tab, and upcoming events, (Mercedes Benz Extravaganza | MBCA ) to learn more.

I know there are many other great events coming this summer. This is my last year as president and I want to make up for all that I missed when we had to shut everything down. Unfortunately, there just isn’t time. Isn’t that what we all say anyway? There’s never enough time to do all the things we want to do. So, let’s not waste any of it. Let’s appreciate what we have.

Don’t pass up upcoming opportunities to go places and see people and do things. Get out and take part. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Time to Go Big! Greater Washington Section to attempt largest ever gathering of Mercedes-Benz vehicles The Greater Washington Section of MBCA (MBCA-GWS) announces Extravaganza, the largest gathering of Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever attempted. Join MBCA-GWS on Sunday July 17, 2022, at Occoquan Regional Park in Fairfax County, Virginia. MBCA-GWS will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the club’s founding with food, entertainment, a wide array of vendors and camaraderie of this great brand.

Register today for this epic undertaking and be a part of the MercedesBenz legacy. Participants can have their cars photographed by professionals and enter raffles to have a painting done of their car as well as a chance to win the original signed painting for the event’s promotional materials. We invite you to be a part of the famous three-pointed star’s history.

Register now at: http://msreg.com/Extravaganza Sunday, July 17 Occoquan Regional Park 9751 Ox Rd, Lorton, VA 22079 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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The Star® is the official magazine of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. 1907 Lelaray Street Colorado Springs, CO 80909-2872 800.637.2360, 719.633.6427, www.mbca.org President Julie Bruggner, julesslb@msn.com Executive Director and Publisher Mike Regennitter, mike@mbca.org BUSINESS STAFF Administrative Services Manager Cindy Tumbleson, cindy@mbca.org Assistant Business Administrative Manager Ryanne Dias, ryanne@mbca.org Membership Specialist Nicole Noll, nicole@mbca.org EDITORIAL STAFF Editor in Chief Jeff Zurschmeide, jeff@falstaffpubs.com Creative Director & Senior Editor Stephan McKeown Associate Editors Gary Anderson, Rubin Howard European Editors Karl Ludvigsen, Simon Strang Reviews Editor Jason Fogelson Auction Editor Ryan Hemphill Copy Editors Laura Simonds, Richard Simonds Technical Editors Daniel Stahl, Pierre Hedary CONTRIBUTORS David Adams, Joyce Adams, Diego Cassetta, Alex Dearborn, Faris Fetyani, Jason Fogelson, Paul Georg, Ryan Hemphill, Todd Jenkins, Ed Kim, Walter Latimer, Diana Quinn, Jim Robertson, Guy Spangenberg, Cyndi Vander Horn, Magdalena Zajac SUBMITTING EDITORIAL MATERIAL Jeff Zurschmeide 1506 5th Street Tillamook, OR 97141 503-330-3010 jeff@falstaffpubs.com Please query The Star first regarding possible editorial interest. We regret that we cannot always acknowledge or return materials submitted for consideration.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING Kaló Media Charlton Calhoun, charlton@kalomedia.com Weston Kalogeridis, weston@kalomedia.com

CLASSIFIED ADS Trading Post ads to: www.mbca.org/classifieds ADDRESS CHANGES & MISSING ISSUES Ryanne Dias, Ryanne@mbca.org

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EDITOR’S

TOP DE AD CENTER

Jeff Zurschmeide

NOTE

The Stars Align

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ometimes the right idea happens at just the right time. As we prepared the May-June issue of The Star, my son suggested that we enter the Gambler 500 this year.

If you haven’t heard of this event, it’s a two-day non-competitive off-road trek.

The challenge is to clean up litter in the backcountry. It’s a great adventure, does some good for my beloved Oregon, and it ends up at the world’s most boisterous party. Sign me up!

When I read Rubin Howard’s excellent Rising Star on the W163 ML-Class, the wheels in my head started turning. With an ultra-reliable V-6 engine, low-range four-wheel-drive, and plenty of room for trash bags, this SUV is a perfect Gambler ride! We have acquired a thrashable ML320 and we’ll take you along on our Gambler adventure in the July-August and September-October issues.

Contributors

David Adams cut his automotive teeth on 1960s muscle cars while in high school. He spent the next several decades restoring, driving and showing British roadsters. In 2017, he realized a long-held bucket list item when he and his wife Joyce arranged for a Center of Excellence delivery in Sindelfingen. They have been enjoying their Mercedes AMG SLC43 ever since.

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THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

Todd Jenkins is a longtime member and past Board Member of the Central Virginia Section of MBCA. Being raised in a family of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, his first car was a manual 1960 220SEb. This began his lifelong passion for German cars and motorsports which has led to his involvement in racing and collecting contemporary and vintage Mercedes, BMWs, and Porsches.

The Kim family lives and breathes cars and has always been huge fans of cars from the three-pointed star. Ed is president of AutoPacific, a well-known automotive research and consulting firm. Carrie manages special content at Edmunds. com. Daughter Ruby is a car enthusiast in training with a particularly keen sense of what makes a car cool.

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STARREPORT

The Bes t From Mercedes-Benz: NEWS • REVIEWS • PEOPLE • EVENTS

ELECTRIFYING E-CLASS

Mercedes-AMG launches a potent electric option in the heart of its product line ARTICLE STAR STAFF IMAGES DAIMLER GLOBAL MEDIA

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he new Mercedes-AMG EQE delivers performance-oriented driving to the E-Class with two electric motors. The powerful electric drivetrain offers fully variable all-wheel drive, which optimally transmits drive power to the asphalt under all driving conditions.

The AMG EQE produces an impressive power output of 617 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque, or up to 677 hp and 738 pound-feet when equipped with the AMG Dynamic Plus package. The new EQE will accelerate to 60 MPH in 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 137 MPH, or 3.2 seconds and 149 MPH if equipped with AMG Dynamic Plus.

“The AMG EQE focuses on sportiness and impressive driving dynamics. And that’s not the end: stand-alone AMG electric vehicles will follow in the not-too -distant future,” says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board for Mercedes-AMG.

Next-generation battery The new Mercedes-AMG EQE is equipped with a powerful 328-volt high-performance battery manufactured using the latest lithium-ion technology. It has a usable energy content of 90.6 kWh. A major advancement in sustainability has been achieved in cell chemistry: cobalt content is reduced to ten percent. The battery management system is tuned specifically for AMG. In the Sport and Sport+ drive programs, the focus is on performance, in the Comfort drive program the focus is on operating range.

Quick charging times Another advance in the new battery is faster charging times. The energy storage system can charge at up to 170 kW at DC fast charging stations. In this case, enough electricity for 112 miles of travel can be charged in just 15 minutes. The AMG can also be conveniently charged at home or at public charging stations with alternating current.

The battery also stands out for its durability. Intelligent control reduces the battery load during charging, and thus slows down the natural aging process of the battery. Customers can also benefit from the “charging interruption” function: the charging process can be paused at freely selectable times to use cheaper off-peak electricity.

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Standard rear steering The Mercedes-AMG EQE is equipped with rear axle steering as standard equipment. The steering angle of up to 3.6 degrees promotes agile handling. At speeds below 37 mph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This makes the MercedesAMG EQE maneuverable, light-footed and nimble. At speeds above 37 mph, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels. This offers increased handling stability and driving safety at high speeds, during fast lane changes or sudden evasive maneuvers.

High-performance brakes The AMG high-performance brake system with six-piston brake calipers and 16.3-inch brake discs on the front

axle delivers first-class deceleration values with high resistance to fading and excellent durability. The rear axle has single-piston brake calipers and 14.9-inch brake discs.

AMG exterior With its one-bow lines and cab-forward fastback design, the EQE is clearly designed to be visually distinguishable from vehicles powered by combustion engines. The design philosophy is reflected in generously modeled surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions. The exterior design also picks up on characteristic AMG elements.

Sporty interior design The new EQE interior was created to provide a clean and sporty ambience,

including AMG seats with individual graphics and special seat covers in MB-Tex with microfiber and red decorative top stitching. Alternatively, seat upholstery in Nappa leather is optional. In addition, there are AMG badges on the backrests of the front seats and embossed AMG emblems in the front head restraints.

Optional Hyperscreen The AMG EQE can be equipped with the innovative MBUX Hyperscreen. This large, curved screen unit extends all the way across the dashboard. Three screens sit under a glass cover and appear to merge into one. With adaptive software, MBUX adapts completely to its user and offers personalized suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions.

2022 Mercedes-AMG EQE Maximum Horsepower: 617 / 677 (with AMG Dynamic Package) Maximum Torque: 701 / 738 (with AMG Dynamic Package) Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.4 / 3.2 (with AMG Dynamic Package) Maximum Speed: 137 / 149 (with AMG Dynamic Package) Preliminary Estimated Range: 444-518 miles

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I thoroughly enjoyed Brad Purvis’ story about his cross-country trip in his recently acquired 1988 560SEC. (See The Star, January-February 2022.) First off, I am envious, as this is something I have always wanted to do, but unfortunately my cars seem to always be acquired locally in Southern California! Brad, I can relate to the passion you have for the C126 - I have loved these cars since the 80s, and always am amazed by Bruno Sacco’s design of this car, that still gets admiring comments even today – there is something to be said about these pillarless luxury coupes!

The passion for me is real for these beautiful timeless cars, and I finally pulled the trigger and acquired a 1991 C126 last year in Palm Springs, California. I could not be happier. These older Mercedes inspire 16

THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

Viraf admires both Brad Purvis' 560SEC (top) and his own.

MBCA German trips

An interesting article in The Star (January-February 2022) on the R107 50th Anniversary Road Trip. Two auto museums in Switzerland and three in Germany were visited. Members booking our German Trips in 2022 will visit all three German museums. How’s that for value? Trip information is on page 17. See you in Stuttgart!

Jim O’Sullivan Carolinas Section

I have been a club member since 2006, have owned a E350 Wagon, CLS550 and an SLK 350. I truly enjoy The Star magazine and its tasteful articles, photo shoots, great contributions and member input.

In the spirit that members can voice and share our thoughts, I wanted to respond to a feature in The Star March-April, 2021. I enjoyed the article on the GTC run from San Francisco to Big Sur, California. However, what a shame it is that Mercedes-Benz has stopped production of the AMG GT line, last orders being taken June 30, 2021. What a huge mistake! Firstly, why retire the line long before a replacement is available?

Secondly I, along with many gearheads I know, believed AMG GT could have been for AMG/Benz what the 911 has proven to be for Porsche; a classic, around which variations could be launched while keeping, and enhancing, the AMG GT stable.

Indeed, literally everyone I have spoken with agrees this is the best looking 2-seater from Mercedes-Benz in very many years. I own a 2017 AMG GTS and when I pull up alongside my buddies, who own Audi A8, Jag F-Type, and Porsche 911 models, they all agree the AMG GT is a fabulous design which sets it apart from so many other 2-seaters, with great power, reliability and, frankly, a presence rarely found among other Mercedes/AMG vehicles. It wasn't about the engine or the looks, or the price; it was all things pulled together in a complete and original design that was unmistakable. Maybe the guys at the Mercedes and AMG should go on YouTube to find the superb reviews by real world owners and reviewers alike. My dealer implies something great is likely in the pipeline. Well, it will have to be a hell of a vehicle for us to feel it's OK to retire the GT line and that no real loss has occurred.

Michael Skretteberg Toronto Section

M. SKRETTEBERG

Thanks Johnny!

Missing the AMG GT

such confidence, that I drove the 120 miles home without the slightest bit of hesitation, and am happy to report that she performed flawlessly even in bumper to bumper traffic in 95 degree weather. The car continues to be a joy to drive, it has this timeless elegance that’s hard to describe, and every time I take her out its such a special experience. Congratulations Brad, and enjoy Johnny for years to come.

Viraf Pudumjee

Orange County Section

E.J. WRIGHT

2021 started with a very nice surprise – the release of the song "Driver's License" by 17-year-old American singer/songwriter and actress Olivia Rodrigo. The music video begins with the sound of a typical R107 SL V8 engine coming to life. It continues with an aerial shot of a white American-spec 450SL with the coupe roof on, being driven through American suburbs. Driving scenes with Rodrigo at the wheel occur several more times throughout the rest of the video, showing both the exterior and interior of the car. In one scene, Rodrigo hangs acrobatically from the open trunk.

In the accompanying "Behind the Scenes" video, she explains that she always wanted to drive a "white vintage Mercedes" and that her dream is now coming true.

She is so impressed with the car that she jokes she could just steal it off the set and drive away in it.

The song broke several records on Spotify, Amazon Music and the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching #1 in 25 countries, from Canada to Australia. By August, it reached over 1 billion streams on Spotify. She won the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards for "Song of the Year" and "Push Performance of the Year" and the 2021 Apple Music Awards for "Song of the Year" and was nominated in many other competitions.

What better advertisement could you imagine for our classics among the younger generation?

Andrzej Mrozek International At Large Section

V. PUDUMJEE

450SL video breaks records

We want to hear from you. Email jeff@falstaffpubs.com, or write to Star Editor, 1506 5th Street, Tillamook, OR 97141. All letters received are assumed to be intended for publication and may be edited.

J. URANGA

STARTALK

Your Letters

Lots of museum time on the MBCA 2022 trip to Germany.

Michael thinks his 2017 AMG GTS will be hard to replace.

NOTED:

Teach Your Children Well Adam Kołek is 3 years and 2 month old; he lives in Poland. His grandparents Magda and Wojtek Zajac are members of the Connecticut/Westchester Section of The Mercedes-Benz Club of America. Magda and Wojtek send Adam The Star regularly.

Adam loves cars, and Mercedes-Benz in

particular, and he always looks forward to getting his magazine. He told his grandparents that The Star is the best magazine, and he reads it at every opportunity.

Adam's first car is a Mercedes-Benz (push car) and he enjoys washing it after a drive.

Dzięki, Adam!

THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

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ARTICLE JASON FOGELSON IMAGES MBUSA MEDIA

FIRSTDRIVE

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he 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500 Sedan 4Matic may be the most sublime vehicle to ever slip beneath the radar. While SUVs have stolen sales from full-size sedans, executives with taste have never abandoned the S-Class for stealth luxury. Let others attract stares in their tall, lumbering beasts while the sleek sedan slides through the scene.

The new S-Class debuted as a 2021 model and enters 2022 with few changes and upgrades. Officially the seventh generation of S-Class since the 1972 W116, the S-Class has roots in the 1954 Ponton fullsize 220S and 220SE models. The S500 Sedan 4Matic and the S580 Sedan 4Matic make up the 2022 S-Class lineup. Unlike previous generations, Mercedes-Benz has not introduced a coupe or convertible S-Class variant for 2022.

The S500 and S580 differ mainly under the hood. The S500 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, while the S580 packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8. Both powertrains get the EQ Boost mild hybrid system, and each uses a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. The S580, as expected, is faster, more powerful, and

more expensive – but not substantially so in any category. The V-8 is thirstier than the I-6, too.

American drivers will probably find the S500’s 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque more than satisfying, especially when they experience the 4.9-second runs from 0-60 mph it can deliver. Even more satisfying is the S500’s potential range on a tankful of premium gas, over 400 miles thanks to a 30-mpg highway rating – pretty impressive for a full-size luxury sedan with all-wheel drive.

Standard Airmatic air suspension conveys comfort and confidence on the road. Dynamic drive modes allow drivers to fine-tune the ride, from suspension to steering to throttle to transmission.

Our test vehicle added optional ($1,300) 4.5-degree rear-axle steering, a feature operating in the background making lowspeed maneuvers sharper and highway driving smoother.

Though we’ve described the S-Class as “stealth,” it is a gorgeous car from stem to stern, inside and out. Fit and finish on our test car were exemplary, as expected from Mercedes-Benz. The sedan’s profile places its 126.6-inch wheelbase perfectly in its 208.2-inch body, with a short front

overhang and more extended rear, accommodating a 13.8-cubic-foot trunk. Car designers often point out an extended front axle to dashboard distance as a feature conveying elegance in a luxury sedan, and the S500 certainly has that.

The dashboard’s design surprises and delights, with a waterfall edge allowing for floating infotainment and instrument panel screens. Unlike several other current Mercedes-Benz models, the two screens are separate, not sharing the same housing. The digital instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch LED screen. At the same time, the infotainment display is a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen, the first time Mercedes-Benz has used this high-resolution technology in a production vehicle. The latest version of the MBUX interface powers the infotainment and navigation setup, with “Hey, Mercedes” voice control integrated. A Burmester 3D Surround Sound System is standard, with an optional 4D surround system that uses transducers in the seats to deliver sound vibrations directly into the listener's body.

As an executive sedan, the second row has excellent legroom and headroom, comfortable and supportive seating, standard powered side and rear sunshades,

Sublime 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500 4Matic

TYPE: Five-Passenger Full-Size Sedan CONFIGURATION: Front engine/4Matic All-Wheel Drive ENGINE: 2,999-cc turbocharged inline-6 • EQ Boost • electric auxiliary compressor POWER: 429 hp @ 5,500 – 6,100 rpm • TORQUE: 384 lb-ft @ 1,600 – 4,500 rpm TRANSMISSION: 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic OVERALL LENGTH: 208.2 in • HEIGHT: 59.2 in

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and more. Choosing the S580 with the Executive Line trim package (not available on S500; an additional $11,400 on S580) adds seating luxury and entertainment options to the second row.

The available ($3,000) 3D Technology package will delight and fascinate the right buyers, with mind-blowing instrument panel graphics and a head-up display using augmented reality (AR).

Nested in the MBUX system’s apps, there’s a built-in dashcam system, requiring only the addition of a USB stick to activate. Unfortunately, the operator must engage the dashcam each time the car restarts – this should be automatic, Mercedes. Still, it’s better than having an aftermarket camera with a dangling cord hanging from the windshield.

The S500’s doors open widely, great for entry and exit from the vehicle, but shorter drivers and passengers may struggle to reach the inside door handles once they’re fully open.

The obvious answer to this minor issue – hire a tall chauffeur and drive the S-Class for pleasure on the weekends.

The sublime 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500 Sedan 4Matic starts at $111,100 ($128,130 as tested).

... executives with taste have never abandoned the S-Class for stealth luxury.

THE THESTAR STAR 5-6 5–6 •• 2022

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MOTOR

INSIDE LINE

Simon Strang

• SPORT

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he 2022 Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 E Performance represents the first in a new bloodline of F1 contenders, a bold new race car designed to a prescriptive set of regulations aimed at closing the gap between the fastest and slowest cars on the grid. Whether or not that will be achieved remains to be seen. As The Star went to press we had not yet seen the start of the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Much rides on the success of the new car. In a season of wholesale change following the biggest rules shake-up in decades, building a successful new platform is no small ask. Whenever there is a massive regulation change, there are almost always new winners and losers, as though a hard reset has taken the sport back to square one.

But that’s not quite true in this case, because behind this beautiful machine (arguably the most attractive MercedesBenz Grand Prix car since the 1955 W196 Streamliner) is the very same brilliant team that won the FIA Formula 1 World Championship for the past eight seasons, and so narrowly missed out on an eighth world crown for its legendary talisman, Lewis Hamilton.

BRAVE NEW WORLD

New year’s resolution Hamilton, now 37, arrived at the mid-February Silverstone launch fresh and full of resolve, armored with positive-thought one-liners that made it seem he may have spent time on a beach with Tony Robbins. That said, he needed a reset of his own after the public humiliation bestowed upon him in the Abu Dhabi finale last December. As the FIA investigation continued into that debacle, Hamilton took himself out of the social media spotlight and vanished without a trace.

What returned from that desert island was a man with a carbon-strong resolve not to allow things to fall out of his control again in 2022. “I refuse to let it define me,” he told the press. “So, I focused on my training, and placed every ounce of my energy and time into making sure I am the best you’ve ever seen.”

If that wasn’t a clear enough message to his rivals, chief among them his current nemesis and reigning world champion Max Verstappen, he had this warning: “If you think that what you saw at the end of 20

THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

With a new year, a new car, and a new driver, anything is possible for Mercedes-AMG

IMAGES MERCEDES-AMG F1

'... I focused on my training, and placed every ounce of my energy and time into making sure I am the best you’ve ever seen.'

Lewis Hamilton THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

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INSIDE LINE last year was my best, wait until you see this year.” That’s some statement when you think back to the climactic Brazilian Grand Prix, where Hamilton overcame a 25-position deficit between qualifying and race to claim an extraordinary career-high victory.

Enter George Russell It’s not just Hamilton’s hopes that ride on the W13. This year George Russell finally gets his shot at the big time. The 24-year-old has played master’s apprentice for three seasons at Williams – except for that one stand-out performance with the champions at Bahrain in 2020 when Hamilton was sidelined with COVID-19.

However, many a promising career has been dashed by a car that has come up short in the development race, and never have there been more question marks over which team has got it right than now. But, once again, we point you to the savvy Mercedes-AMG team, and the combined knowledge of Hamilton, Technical Director Mike Elliot, Managing Director of Mercedes AMG HPP Hywel Thomas and Chief Technical Officer James Allison.

Gone are the days when an uncompetitive car remains at the back for an entire season. Even as long ago as 2009, Red Bull developed its way back into championship

contention after starting on the backfoot while others used a clever blown diffuser.

By the end of that era, Red Bull was the master of that technology. Allison admits that there might well be a technical arms race in 2022 unlike anything we have ever seen before.

Russell, described by the great Fernando Alonso as one of the best of his generation, must put his faith in the team, get his head down and race. It’s generally agreed that Russell is as talented as his contemporaries Max Verstappen, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris, but thus far he has had little opportunity to prove it. However, they’re all racing against the greatest driver of all time, whose furious resolve will brook no quarter in his search for redemption.

It would be a challenge for any driver to measure up against that comparison.

But where previous incumbent Valtteri Bottas now admits he was not the equal of Hamilton, Russell is fueled by the hope of youth and backed up by a rare and precocious talent of his own. It is as much Mercedes’ responsibility as it is Russell’s mission to curate that talent carefully as he seeks to find his own place among the greats. What is beyond question however, is that with Hamilton and Russell, Mercedes now has the driving strength

Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 E Performance

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THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

to match, if not overpower, any team on the grid.

A level playing field Verstappen clinched the 2021 title in controversial circumstances, having successfully lobbied the FIA chief steward Michael Masi to make an unprecedented judgment call and reactivate a Safety Carneutralized race against protocol with just a lap to go. Verstappen was a worthy champion in unworthy circumstances. He was crowned wrongly through the errors of the sport’s officials, while Hamilton was rendered helpless to defend a lead he’d earned on old tires.

The FIA’s new president Mohammed bin Sulayem has vowed to ensure such a thing will not happen again to any driver, and Hamilton has resolved to hold the governing body to task on this. “I think accountability is key,” Hamilton says, “but I’m not looking backwards.”

The unfortunate Masi, a friendly, thoughtful and resourceful man caught in the fire of an explosive moment, has been removed from the position and replaced by the FIA World Endurance Championship steward Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich, who performed the same role for the DTM German Touring Car Championship. It was also decided

Russell is fueled by the hope of youth and backed up by a rare and precocious talent of his own.

George Russell THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

23

INSIDE LINE that conversations between senior team members and race officials would no longer be subject to public broadcast.

The new Silver Arrow Which brings us neatly back to the new car, the shining Silver Arrow which Mercedes has crafted for Hamilton and Russell to drive in 2022.

Born to a rule-set philosophy that encourages ground effect as its most powerful downforce producer, the floor of the car is by far the most powerful aerodynamic device in use today. Using venturis that draw air in and under the car from the sidepod entry and behind the nosecone at the keel, this air is then forced through tunnels and accelerated out the back of the car’s diffuser to create a low-pressure area, sucking the car closer to the floor and generating significant grip without the cost of so much drag.

The rule-makers have outlawed many of the untidy aero devices and winglets that adorned last year’s car, hoping to reduce the messy air wake they left behind and allow cars to follow, and therefore race, more closely. Ground effect is nothing new; it was outlawed in the 1980s because of dangerously high cornering speeds and drivers’ complaints that F1 cars had become barely-guided projectiles.

The sport is trying out the concept again. In pre-season test at Barcelona, early signs were that cars were travelling faster along straights and through highspeed turns, while they were slower and more unwieldy through chicanes and hairpins. Nevertheless, by the end of the three days, Hamilton was fastest. However, he was barely a second faster than the cars had been travelling at the same venue less than eight months previously.

This year’s tires will look very different than what we’re used to, as F1 finally switches from 13-inch wheels to the 18-inch wheels that the rest of the motorsport world had long-since adopted. These new tires have grown from 660 mm to 720 mm in diameter and have completed more than 25000 km of testing prior to the season. Still, it was impossible to know which team had got the best handle on them.

Power gains When Liberty Media bought the rights to run Formula 1 back in 2016, it did so with 24

THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

a vision of bringing the series into the new century and spicing up the competition.

Ross Brawn, formerly the Mercedes team principal, was among those tasked with finding ways of making the racing closer and allowing lean years to be more survivable for teams.

And so this season we will see the introduction of a $140-million budget cap that teams can spend across the season, tighter aerodynamic restrictions with a sliding scale that allows the trailing teams more days of access to wind tunnels than their more successful rivals, and an engine design freeze through 2025.

What does that mean for Mercedes?

For starters this year’s M13 E Performance 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine has received a final performance upgrade, with another ERS system change allowed at the beginning of September. “The project we took on for 2022 was large, and it is a very broad upgrade across the different elements, to get every last bit of performance, efficiency, and reliability,” says Thomas.

Like so much else that is completely new this racing season, it was a step into the unknown. The engine’s requirements will be different, thanks to the changed shape of the car and the way it travels through the air and around the circuit.

Powerbands, rev-ranges and torque requirements are all very different from what they were in 2021.

There’s also the new E10 fuel with 10% ethanol. “The most obvious changes [to the 2022 cars] are on the chassis, but things like the E10 fuel, the freeze until 2026, those are some really important things to get right,” says Thomas. “Have we done enough? That’s at the forefront of our minds, which is exciting and scary all at the same time.”

What happens next By the time you read this, we will all know who got it right at the start of the season. Last year we saw the most astonishing season on record, closely and acrimoniously contested by two great teams and two breathtaking talents. That may be too much ask for again in 2022, but what we will see for sure is new ground being broken, new technologies being tested, and a renewed fight to bend the will of fate. Much indeed rests on the performance of the W13.

... with Hamilton and Russell, Mercedes now has the driving strength to match, if not overpower, any team on the grid.

Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 E Performance THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

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27

PRIDE

E

ven as a child, I knew there was something very special about Mercedes-Benz cars.

Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, the majority of cars on American roads were from the Detroit automakers, and they weren’t exactly doing their best work during the so-called “Malaise Era.” While Japanese cars were making inroads into North America and were built to a much higher standard than the domestic cars of the time, their early reputations of being somewhat tinny and flimsy weren’t unwarranted.

But then there was Mercedes-Benz.

Unlike many automakers of the time, Mercedes-Benz was doing some of the company's most legendary work, with icons like the W116 and W126 S-Class cars, the R107 SL roadster, and even the W201 190-series compact sedans all showing the world what build quality and innovative engineering looked like at a time when gutless carbureted V-8 engines, three-speed automatics, solid rear axles, and shoddy assembly were the norm.

My family didn't have the means to own a Mercedes-Benz when I was growing up, but my parents had quite a few friends who were fortunate enough to own one.

On the lucky occasions I got to ride in a Mercedes-Benz, I knew these were not like other cars. It was the way the doors slammed shut with solid authority. It was the way nothing rattled or creaked even on rough roads, with big bumps smothered by the suspension with a muted thump. It was the firm yet springy seats. It was the regal and composed ride quality, quite unlike the floaty and bobbing suspensions in American cars of the time.

Who could forget the one-of-a-kind sound of the OM617 five-cylinder diesel, common in many popular Mercedes-Benz cars of that era? It wasn’t exactly silent but still managed to sound refined in a pleasantly mechanical way. These cars were engineered to a standard that even a child could appreciate, and so my lifelong admiration for the iconic German automaker was cemented.

Focusing on the W123 The model that was most common among our family friends was the W123, and specifically the 300D. That model remained an object of desire for most of my life. Friends and family alike recall 28

THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

ARTICLE ED KIM IMAGES GUY SPANGENBERG

All in the

Family Our beloved 1983 Mercedes-Benz 300D

THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

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Even as a child, I knew there was something very special about Mercedes-Benz cars.

30

THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

how I’ve always admired these cars, ogling every one I’d see happily chugging away down the road long after their competition made their final trips to the scrapyard. Eventually, my wife Carrie decided to have a chat with me one evening, declaring that it was time for me to fulfill this childhood dream and get one for ourselves! Naturally, I was absolutely elated and in full agreement with her declaration, and so the search began.

There were plenty to be found in Southern California, where it’s still common to see W123s going about their daily business. It's a testament to their toughness and durability. But with even the newest examples being well over thirty years old, we wanted to find one that was mechanically strong and had been well maintained, and this took priority over cosmetics.

It took a few months to find “the one,” of course. No car, no matter how well-built and engineered, is immune to

neglect or misuse. To be sure, there were a lot of duds out there that suffered various maladies from lack of maintenance and poor bodywork repair. On one car, my index finger went right through paint and filler when I pushed on a quarter panel.

Then one day I saw a Craigslist ad for a clean-looking Astral Silver example from 1983. The W123 looked to have been well cared for but was being sold at a slightly shady looking used car lot. It also had 291,000 miles on the clock. We decided it was still worth a look.

The 300D had been sitting in the back of a warehouse attached to the lot, and the salesman had to move several vehicles to get the car out for a better look. Despite having sat there for what the salesman said had been weeks, the OM617 diesel fired right up and quickly settled into its distinctive idle. An extended test drive revealed that it was mechanically very stout, with the engine pulling strongly (for an OM617), transmission shifting

smoothly, and the suspension ironing out the road in a way that only a vintage Mercedes-Benz can.

But how did it look? Truthfully, it was a little rough around the edges, but it looked honest. The paint was still shiny but there were well over three decades worth of small scratches, and the entire hood was peppered in rock chips. The finish on the 14-inch “Bundt”-style alloy wheels was pretty much all gone. The interior was pretty clean and looked gloriously period-correct with its deep blue seats, carpet, and dashboard. Even the wood on the center console was shiny and uncracked – a rarity in these cars. However, the dashboard was badly cracked and the door cards exhibited the wrinkling that most W123s of this vintage suffer.

Nonetheless, this particular example spoke to me. It turned out that it was a one-owner car, well-cared-for by a gentleman in Pasadena until he couldn’t drive anymore. The stack of service

With the encouragement of his wife, Carrie, Ed Kim finally found “the one". The W123 was mechanically robust and well-cared-for, if cosmetically a little rough around the edges.

THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

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Driving our newly acquired W123 home felt like being transported back to my childhood.

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THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

receipts showed that he maintained the mechanicals meticulously over its nearly 300,000 miles and 35 years on the road. He clearly enjoyed long trips with the car as evidenced by the peppering of rock chips, a stick-on liquid-filled ball compass attached to the windshield, and, somewhat hilariously in a car not exactly known for speed, an 80s-era Whistler radar detector.

Though the car was visually far from perfect, I loved its appearance. It had the sort of patina that showed this was a wellused but also much-loved car. The patina reflected its long history with its first owner, who cared for the car very much but didn’t baby it. Its visual imperfections were a testament to its many years of reliable service, and they suggested that the first owner really had a connection to this car. Why else would one keep a car for well over three decades?

With all that in mind, we decided that this was the one. As this was our very first vintage car purchase, we did have a little trepidation. We’ve all heard the saying, “There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes,” and this one was offered at price that was less than what we

were prepared to pay. But with its seemingly solid mechanicals, we decided to take the plunge.

Joining the family Driving our newly acquired W123 home felt like being transported back to my childhood. The sound of the diesel engine and that distinctive smell common to old Mercedes-Benzes with MB-Tex upholstery particularly stood out during that drive. The lack of interior rattles in a 39-year-old car was laudable.

Being an ’83 model, this 300D packed the turbocharged version of the OM617 under the hood. While it's no fireball, it certainly had no trouble keeping up with traffic, especially with the surprisingly smooth four-speed automatic. Others I had driven tended to shift hard. Even the air conditioning pumped out cool air, and the period-correct Blaupunkt cassette radio that the prior owner had installed at some point was still working flawlessly.

Shortly thereafter, I set about thoroughly detailing the car to remove many of the blemishes and get the paint – most of which was original – as shiny as possible. It has been said that you really get

With a masterfully compliant suspension and the ability to keep up with modern traffic, the 300D is a joy to drive.

THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

33

to know a car when you wash it, and that was certainly true here. It was during the detailing that I noticed so many features we take for granted in modern cars that were present in the W123, a car that debuted all the way back in 1976.

Here are just a few examples: the doors wrap around the rocker panel so that your pant legs or skirt don’t get dirty when you get in or out. There are prominent gutters around the rear window so that rainwater flows around the glass, not over it, which helps rear visibility in bad weather. The instrument cluster consists of three large and legible circular gauges arranged in a manner much like modern cars. Even the shape and layout of the dashboard is very similar to that of a modern automobile, with a prominent center stack containing audio and climate controls that flows down into a center console that contains the shift lever and some storage. It’s very apparent just how much and for how long the W123 and other Mercedes-Benz models of this period influenced automobile design.

Life with the W123

The 300D's elegant interior with MB-Tex upholstery still feels modern; the lack of interior rattles in a 39-year-old car is impressive. The 1983 model is powered by a turbocharged OM617 diesel paired with a smooth four-speed automatic.

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THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

Given its robust mechanicals and incomparable style, the 300D eventually became my daily driver. I just couldn’t stop driving it and eventually I stopped trying to fight it. After all, what good is it to anyone just sitting in the garage?

Besides, in our experience, parts availability has never been a problem with the W123, so while there have been some necessary repairs here and there, we never had to go through the pain of tracking down unobtainable parts, a chore that so many vintage car owners regularly have to suffer. The W123 is vintage, but because so many still thrive in daily service, there continues to be a strong market for parts.

That makes it a realistic proposition to use a W123 as an everyday car.

We really haven’t had to do much to our new 300D. On a cosmetic level, we replaced the worn Bundt alloy wheels with a downgrade option: the standard steel wheels with color-matched wheel covers. I honestly prefer this look to the extra-cost alloys that most 300D turbo models were equipped with, so we went that route rather than refinishing the stock alloy wheels. Because uncracked blue replacement dashboards are very rare and expensive, we made do with a

Who could forget the one-of-a-kind sound of the OM617 five-cylinder diesel common in many popular MercedesBenz cars of that era?

THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

35

carpeted dash mat, which actually doesn’t bother me because that was a very popular period accessory in the ‘80s.

Of course, we’ve had to have repairs and maintenance done since we acquired the car, but most of the work has been routine and affordable. The only really catastrophic event was when the fuel tank corroded, and flooded the trunk and garage floor with diesel. To this day, we can still smell the occasional whiff of diesel inside the W123.

The best or nothing Using our 300D as a daily driver is a joy. Complete strangers constantly stop us to admire and comment on our elegant old Mercedes-Benz, whether at stoplights, on the road, or in parking lots. Many of them share their own Mercedes-Benz stories from the past as they pore over the car. Recently, our 'tween daughter’s friend requested that we only drive them around in the old Benz rather than in our other, much more modern, car. Yes, even today’s 11-year-olds understand how cool this car is. Of course, we are more than happy to oblige her.

On the road, the 300D is simply lovely.

The ride quality is wonderful even by today’s standards and the vault-like solidity is impressive, especially after nearly four decades on the road. I love that the car is slow by modern standards; in today’s world, the 300D’s pace is like a big

German middle finger to the endless rat race happening outside.

I’ve even embraced the terrestrial radio and cassette player that has inspired me to build a period-correct cassette collection. I’ve been asked why I don’t replace that radio with a more modern unit with Bluetooth capability. Honestly, Bluetooth is the last thing I want in this car. It’s a car from the pre-connected world and being able to disconnect and not be barraged by phone calls and messages just like back in the day is truly a luxury today.

There’s a saying that you should never meet your heroes because you’ll likely be disappointed. Our experience with our 300D, one of the definitive automotive heroes of my childhood, would certainly suggest that’s not always true. MercedesBenz engineers in the 1970s created one of the most durable and well-engineered vehicles of all time, and four decades and hundreds of thousands of miles have not worn out our car’s luster.

While W123 prices have been steadily climbing (with wagon pricing having gotten particularly out of control), decent sedan examples can still be had for well under $10,000, making classic MercedesBenz ownership not only attainable, but its durability and parts availability make it a classic car you can actually drive and enjoy regularly. And if you own a classic Mercedes-Benz you’ve coveted since childhood, isn’t that the point?

The stylish 300D is cherished by the Kims and much admired by complete strangers. Family friends just want a ride.

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1983 Mercedes-Benz 300D (W123) TYPE: four-door, five-passenger sedan ENGINE: OM617 2,998cc, turbocharged, overhead camshaft I-5 TRANSMISSION: 4-speed automatic POWER: 120 hp at 4,350 rpm TORQUE: 170 lb-ft at 2,400 rpm LENGTH: 190.9 in • CURB WEIGHT: 3,450 lbs FUEL EFFICIENCY: 22 mpg (EPA est.)

PERFORMANCE – ZERO-60 mph: 13.2 sec TOP SPEED: 103 mph

THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

37

2

1

3

There at the Beginning My father's postwar automotive adventures included taking factory delivery of a 1957 300SL Roadster – a car that's still with our family today ARTICLE & IMAGES TODD JENKINS

A

lfred Peyton Jenkins – my father – was born on May 11, 1900 in Richmond, Virginia, just fifteen years after Karl Benz created the Benz Patent Motorwagen. Pete, as he was called by his friends, was the youngest of five children of a highly successful book manufacturer. His first car was a 1920 Mercer Series 5 Raceabout that he drove back and forth to the University of Virginia, where he graduated in 1922.

My father’s first European sportscar was a very attractive ivory 1937 AC 16-80 Competition Roadster, one of only 27 examples manufactured. He purchased the car new from the AC stand at the New York Auto Show in October of that year. After 10 years of ownership, he sold the AC to Frank Lloyd Wright, who kept it until his death in 1959.

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THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

A few years after the war, my father began traveling to England and the Continent on a regular basis. In the early 1950s, he began spending summers at the Brenners Park Hotel in Baden-Baden, Germany with friends from Palm Beach. Thus began the story of our 300SL Roadster.

While in England during the summer of 1952, my father saw a newspaper advertisement for the 1951 Lancia Aurelia B50 Pininfarina Cabriolet Geneva Motor Show Car. The ad had been placed by the estate of a woman who had purchased the car from Lancia after the 1951 show. After purchasing it, my father and his wife, Kathryn, used the car to travel through Britain and Europe; this included a trip to Germany where he toured the Nürburgring and AVUS circuits. This trip may have been when he first became interested in Mercedes-Benz.

PRIDE

4

5

9

At the auto show, he witnessed the world premiere of the 300SL Gullwing.

6

8

7

1-2. My father with his 1937 AC Roadster. 3. His Lancia Aurelia at the Nürburgring, 1952. 4. Friend Briggs Cunningham (dark shirt, right foreground) in the pits at Sebring. 5. Dad (on right) with his 300S at Baden-Baden's Brenners Park Hotel. 6. Dad (dark fedora, left) and his wife (in fur coat, perched on Gullwing's door sill) try out the sensational new Mercedes-Benz sports car. 7. My father took photographs of the Gullwing's premiere at the 1954 New York International Auto Show. 8. The Sebring start/finish line, 1955. 9. My father at Sebring, 1955.

After attending the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953, my father traveled to Germany again, where he purchased his first Mercedes-Benz, a silver over green leather 1953 300S Coupe, from the Mercedes-Benz agent in Münich. This 300S remained in our family until 1997 when it was purchased by Dan Davis and is now a part of the Brumos collection in Jacksonville, Florida.

Sports car racing had come to post-war Florida with races in Palm Beach Shores in 1950 and 1951; and at the 12 Hours of Sebring, Nassau Speed Week, and the Cuban Grand Prix. While spending winters at his home in Palm Beach, my father became friends and socialized with a number of fellow automobile and motorsports enthusiasts. Among these were Jim Kimberly, Bill Spear, Harry Schell, Commander Jack Rutherford, and Briggs Cunningham. As a result of these friendships, Pete and his wife

attended many races as part of the various teams, chronicling the action through his photographs.

In pursuit of a Gullwing In February 1954, my father and his wife traveled to Manhattan to attend the New York International Auto Show as a guest of Mercedes-Benz to witness the world debut of the 300SL Gullwing. Apparently, it was love at first sight and he immediately wanted one. On February 5, 1954, the same day he saw the car during the pre-show Press Day, he wrote the factory expressing interest in purchasing one.

The factory responded to his letter on March 11, 1954 in which they confirmed his interest in a Gullwing. Although they indicated that production “will be initiated now”, they were unable THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

39

11

10

... he had unfettered access to the pit lane at the Nürburgring, allowing him to ... spend time with the Mercedes team drivers ...

13

12

10. My father's photograph of the Gullwing prototype driven to the Nürburgring from Untertürkheim by Rudolf Uhlenhaut. 11. Team driver Karl Kling giving the new 300SL his stamp of approval. 12. Team manager Alfred Neubauer holds forth over coffee. 13. Neubauer checks with team driver Hermann Lang at the wheel of W196 No. 21.

to commit to having one available for him in June 1954 when he was returning to Germany for the summer. They did, however, apparently place him on the waiting list.

Pete Jenkins was nothing if not persistent. On March 16, he inquired about a July delivery of a 300SL in Germany. Once again, the factory indicated that they could not commit to a summer 1954 delivery. In fact, the first customer car did not leave the factory until August 23, being delivered to his friend, Briggs Cunningham, in New York on September 15. This car would ultimately play a role in my father’s decision to purchase a Roadster.

From Gullwing to Roadster My father did return to West Germany for the 1954 summer season. While there, he attended the European Grand Prix held 40

THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

at the Nürburgring on August 1 as a guest of Daimler Benz. As a result of his background in publishing and his skills as a photographer, he had been recently appointed European Fashion editor for Gentry Magazine, a monthly upscale gentleman's publication during the 1950s. This enabled him to acquire press accreditation to the event as well.

Now able to avail himself of his personal connections to executives at Mercedes-Benz, as well as employ his official press credentials, he had unfettered access to the pit lane at the Nürburgring, allowing him to take some wonderful photographs and spend time with the Mercedes-Benz team drivers – Juan Manuel Fangio, Hermann Lang, Karl Kling, Hans Herrmann, as well as team management, including legendary racing director Alfred Neubauer.

14

15

16

17

... my father had lunch with Karl Wilfert, Head of Body Testing in Sindelfingen and driving force behind the new 300SL Roadster.

14. Pit crew pushing Fangio's car out for practice. 15. Juan Manuel Fangio. 16. A guest of Daimler Benz at the 1954 European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, my father had lunch with the company's Karl Wilfert, who divulged first hints about a possible 300SL Roadster. 17. Fangio won the 1954 European Grand Prix driving a Mercedes-Benz W196.

Over the course of the race weekend, a number of significant events occurred in relation to his eventual 300SL acquisition.

First, he saw a Gullwing prototype at the circuit – this exotic vehicle had been driven to the Nürburgring from Untertürkheim

by Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Second, my father had lunch with Karl Wilfert, Head of Body Testing in Sindelfingen and driving force behind the new 300SL Roadster.

It was during this luncheon that my father became aware of the development of a 300SL Roadster prototype. On June 2, the Mercedes-Benz Board of Management had given the green light to building two test cars and one presentation car.

At the end of the summer my father sailed back to the United States without a 300SL but more determined than ever to eventually own one.

Change of heart During the fall of 1954, Mr. Cunningham’s brand-new 300SL Gullwing made its way back to his West Palm Beach race shop.

When my father returned to Palm Beach for the 1954-1955 winter season, he had an opportunity to spend time with his friend Cunningham and drive the Gullwing. It became clear to my father that the Gullwing was more suited to winning races on the track than for driving to lunch at the Bath and Tennis Club or golf at the Everglades Club. It was at this point that my father decided to forego purchasing a Gullwing. Instead, he decided to hold out for the 300SL Roadster he had learned about from Herr Wilfert.

Although the new W198 was still on my father's mind, several months passed before he corresponded once again with the factory in Untertürkheim about acquiring a 300SL Roadster.

THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

41

21

20 19

22

18 Voluminous correspondence between Alfred Jenkins and executives at Mercedes-Benz spanned the 1950s. Shown here are a few examples. 18. Confirmation of his order for a 300S Coupe, 1953. 19. Letter from 1955 stating the company has no intention of building a Roadster. 20. Letter with envelope from August 1956 acknowledging receipt of $500 deposit for the purchase of a 300SL Roadster. 21. Letter confirming Jenkins' order of a Roadster for the price of DM 32,500, May 15, 1957. 22. Bank transfer receipt for purchase amount, 1957.

Meanwhile back in Stuttgart, the Roadster project continued.

Earlier in 1955, Herr Wilfert had procured one of the 1952 300SL race cars (chassis no. W194/009) for use in building the prototype. The test mule (possibly a static version) was reportedly completed in mid-September 1956.

Once again – with uncanny timing – on October 6, 1955, my father wrote a letter to Director Otto Richter inquiring about the possibility of acquiring a Roadster version of the 300SL. Herr Richter's response in his October 24 letter to my father is quite interesting.

"In regards to the 300SL there is…no mood to build an open body, which is only to be used at the 300SLR." The timing of this response from the company is also noteworthy, as an internal memo dated November 28 indicated that 42

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the prototype had actually been completed on October 29 and less than a week later – on November 2 – the 300SL Roadster prototype was shown to the Board of Management for the first time.

The board's response to the prototype was reported to be very favorable. Although not yet approved for series production, they did greenlight continued development in the Special Construction Department.

One can only imagine if my father’s recent inquiry had played a supporting role in this change of heart.

Roadster order placed Once again, many months passed before there is a record of communication between my father and Stuttgart. Despite lack of such evidence, there must have been correspondence and/

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... this was one of the first – if not the very first – confirmed orders for a 300SL Roadster.

23. Telegram from the Mercedes-Benz factory requesting final details of the specification for Jenkins' 300SL Roadster. 24. Informational booklet offered by the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Baden-Baden. 25. Telegram to Alfred Jenkins announcing that his new 300SL Roadster will be available for pickup on July 19, 1957 at the factory in Untertürkheim.

26-27. Jenkins paid a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Untertürkheim, 1957.

or meetings between them as he was in Germany during the summer of 1956 and most likely saw the prototype for the first time during one of his trips to the factory. It was also during this time, July 15 to July 21, that David D. Duncan took his famous photographs of “The Secret (300)SLS" at the Stelvio Pass.

I am not sure exactly how my father formalized his order at the time, it could have been written or verbal. However, based on the Confirmation of Order sent to his Palm Beach address on May 15, 1957, the order date was July 19, 1956.

This would be three months prior to the first pictures of the 300SL Roadster being publicly seen in the October issue of Collier's magazine; almost eight months prior to its public unveiling on March 3, 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show; and ten months before series production of the Roadster was scheduled to begin.

Based on this information, we can assume that this was one of – if not the very first – confirmed orders for a 300SL Roadster.

What we do know is that Herr Will sent a Special Delivery letter dated August 21, 1956 to my father at the Brenners Park Hotel in Baden-Baden. The letter confirmed receipt of Mr. Jenkins’ letter dated August 19 and acknowledged his $500 deposit for a 300SL Roadster. Notable in the letter is that the productions dates were unknown, however, they requested his "exact specification for your car".

Decisions, decisions A letter from Stuttgart dated December 7, 1956, confirmed that the company had received my father’s letter of November 27 in which he indicated that he wanted his Roadster to be delivered THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

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... my father made his way directly to Germany to pick up his new Roadster.

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28. Alfred Jenkins picks up his 300SL Roadster. 29. Owners and their new cars at the factory. 30. After taking delivery, the Jenkins toured Europe. While in Austria, they attended the Gaisberg Hillclimb. 31-32. The Roadster still has all its documentation. 33. Jenkins' international driving license. 34. Stopping at a boutique hotel in Europe, summer 1957.

in “red DB 520 paint finish and leather natural beige 1068 and top beige 702”. The December 7 letter also included a press photo of the Roadster prototype and stated that "As per your request we certainly shall enter for you one of the first cars that are being produced of this model."

Decisions regarding the Roadster specifications continued into 1957. Based on the factory's March 15 response to his letter date March 1, it appears that he asked about gear ratios and had second thoughts about his previously selected color choice, as he inquired about color samples from the prototype - Light Blue Metallic (DB535) with Blue Leather interior (333) - the combination he ultimately chose.

The letter also mentions the available gear ratios and associated top speeds, as well as noting the engine’s SAE rating of 250 44

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horsepower. Further, the car’s final price had still not been set.

To put this in context, this was only two days before the car's Geneva unveiling.

As delivery day for the 300SL approached, correspondence between my father and the factory intensified. In the letter dated April 11, Herr Wilfert stated “the price of our model 300SL roadster will be DM32,500” and that production “will start in June or July”. Once again, “you may rest assured that one of the first cars will be delivered to you.”

Insight into the first production Roadsters can be gleaned from this letter. First, the car “will only be delivered with the standard cam”, although Gullwings and later, Roadsters were available with the sport cam. Second, “our engineers suggest that you take the rear axle ratio 1:3,42” - a taller gear than the 3.89

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35. At the pier in Le Havre, the 300SL Roadster is swung down into the hold of SS Liberté in preparation for the voyage to the United States. 36. The Jenkins' "Automobile as Baggage" shipping permit for transit on the SS Liberté. 37. Still stunning after all those years: The 300SL Roadster and 300S pictured in the 1980s.

ratio my father indicated to the factory he favored. A week later, on April 15, Herr Will sent a letter redacting the preferred ratio, stating “The most suitable rear axle ratio for all around road use is 1:3,89, and not, as stated in our previous letter…1:3,42”.

At long last, on July 12, 1957, the factory in Untertürkheim sent a telegram to my father stating his car would be ready for pick up on July 19 in Stuttgart. Arriving in Le Havre, France aboard the French Line's SS Liberté on July 17, my father made his way directly to Germany to pick up his new Roadster.

Delivery day On Monday morning, July 22, 1957, my father and his wife drove from the Brenners Park hotel in Baden-Baden to Stuttgart to take delivery of his new Roadster. When the car was presented

to him, he had a commemorative photograph taken of the longawaited moment using his ever-present Minox camera. That evening, my father drove back to Baden-Baden at the wheel of his superb new car after three and a half years of waiting.

Thereafter, my father drove the 300SL on a holiday throughout Europe for the remaining days of the summer before once again returning to the United States onboard the Liberté. Along with him on the homeward voyage were his very special new car and numerous boxes of spare parts, all listed as personal baggage and secured safely in the ship's hold.

A second part of the ongoing story of Alfred Jenkins's 300SL Roadster will appear in a later issue of The Star.

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PASSION

Bella Guida!

The MBCA's David Adams treats us to a travelogue of his four-day Mercedes-Benz Classic Tour of Lake Maggiore, Italy

IMAGES

JOYCE ADAMS DIEGO CASSETTA WALTER LAIMER

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ur 2020 travel plans were dashed by COVID. However, with improving conditions and the introduction of the Green Pass in the EU, we saw a window of opportunity to take part of that delayed vacation without being subjected to unreasonable restrictions. In late August of 2021, Joyce and I took a four-day Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Tour around Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy.

The trip is offered by Nostalgic Driving Experience, based in Munich, Germany. For four days we drove classic Pagoda and R107 SLs along the shore of Italy’s second largest lake and through mountain passes and medieval towns.

What’s not to like?

After arriving in Milan, we were met by a private car, which transported us to the Grand Hotel Dino, which has been owned and operated by the same family since 1870 and is one of only five hotels on the shore of Lake Maggiore.

After a meet and greet to get acquainted with our fellow travelers, we received our tour books and were off on a drive along the lakeshore to “get acquainted” with the Pagoda. Never having driven a Pagoda before, I became familiar with the amazing sound and driving dynamics of “my” 230SL. A 5-course dinner that

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... we drove classic Pagoda and R107 SLs along the shore of Italy’s second largest lake and through mountain passes and medieval towns.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Lakeside drive along Lake Maggiore; a Manganese Brown 280SL driving up the serpentine road to Mt Mottarone; San Giulio island in Lake Orta; Pagodas and R107s in front of the hotel awaiting the start of a new day of touring.

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The Monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso can be accessed only by boat or on foot; 250SL in front of the tour’s base camp hotel; view above Lake Maggiore from the southwest; moss-green 280SL with Italian Alps in the background.

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Drivers on the tour traded cars every day, so day two found us in a 280SL ... evening was hosted by Nostalgic on Isola Bella, one of the four islands in Lake Maggiore and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the boat ride to the restaurant, we had a great view of Palazzo Borromeo, a renaissance palace built in 1580.

Drivers on the tour traded cars every day, so day two found us in a 280SL heading south to Mount Mottarone where we climbed to 4500 feet, downshifting around each bend on the serpentine road to reach our cappuccino stop with views of the snow-covered Swiss Alps, Lake Maggiore and Lake d’Orta. As hard as it was to leave this breathtaking spot, we continued to lunch at Orta San Giulio.

Here we opted for gelato and a walk through the picturesque cobblestone alleys. Others chose to visit a church built in the fourth century and expanded in the Middle Ages. The drive back to Hotel Dino took us through two more nature preserves until we reached the shore of Lake Maggiore and followed it back to the hotel.

The longest driving day was the third where we got to enjoy a 250SL. After heading north along the lake, we followed rugged gorges and lonely mountain valleys to a cappuccino break at an ancient church, after which we entered Switzerland. Our mid-day stop was in the lakeside artist colony of Ascona, where

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several of our group had lunch on the promenade along the shore of the lake.

After lunch our route was about 40 miles along the western shore of Lake Maggiore to reach our hotel.

On day four we drove a 280SL south to Castel Angera, a beautiful medieval fortress owned by one of Italy’s most prominent families. After a guided tour we climbed 150 steps to the watchtower and were rewarded with a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

After a hosted lunch we boarded a ferry to cross to the western shore and complete a short drive to the hotel and the end of an unforgettable four day experience.

The adventure may now be over, but the memories are just beginning. We will not soon forget the sound and feel of driving a classic Pagoda through one of the most scenic areas in the world on a first-class tour where every detail is taken care of. As I asked earlier, what’s not to like?

Nostalgic also offers other four-day trips through France and Italy which can be booked in both the W113 "Pagoda" and R107 Mercedes-Benz SLs. Prices start at about €2,095 per person, double occupancy. Similar driving tours in Alfa Romeos and classic Volkswagen Beetles are also available.

Find out more at www.nostalgic.de

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The adventure may now be over, but the memories are just beginning.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Breathtaking views from mountain road between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta; Isola dei Pescatori, one of three Borromean Islands; an easy-tofollow driving guide book and vintage driving gloves for each guest comes with the tour.

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DECEPTIVE

BEAUTY

Evolved from the successful Mercedes-Benz W25, the handsome and innovative 1936 W25K held great promise. However, mechanical failures and racing losses would force a major overhaul of Grand Prix car development at Untertürkheim

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HERITAGE

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he 1935 Grand Prix season was excellent; the best against strong and varied opposition that Mercedes-Benz enjoyed in the second year of the new 750-kilogram G.P. formula. In its second season the W25 was fully proven and raced as part of a team that was at last operating as a team. The Mercedes-Benz cars were driven by two absolute aces: Rudy Caracciola and Luigi Fagioli.

Caught napping by the Germans, who had been quicker to see the potential of the new rules, Alfa Romeo and Maserati introduced new and faster cars in 1935 that threatened to be sterner rivals in 1936.

And the meteoric Bernd Rosemeyer was displaying uncommon skill at the wheel of his Auto Union. Major changes in the Mercedes-Benz equipment for the formula’s third year were clearly needed.

Building a better W25 For the 1936 Grand Prix season, the plan was to build an “SSK” version of the W25, a car that would be lower and shorter, especially at the rear. This would make it inherently lighter so it could use a new and more powerful engine without exceeding the weight limit. Conceived for this purpose by the Albert Heess engine group was a 60-degree V-12 using the same construction techniques as the M25 eight. Cylinder blocks were welded steel with integral four-valve heads.

The first of these D-series engines was designated DAB because it had the same dimensions as the latest eight, the M25AB, 82 x 88 mm for 5,577 cc. The design office estimated that it would deliver 516 horsepower on 2B fuel, the usual racing blend, and 598 horsepower on W.W. – racing fuel made of pure alcohol.

In the late summer of 1935, the first DAB engine was found disappointing, not in its power but in its weight. It scaled 650 pounds, almost 250 more than the various M25 eights. This only confirmed that the steel-cylinder construction, so suitable for the straight eights, would be too heavy with the V-12 design. After this discovery, dynamometer development of the DAB engine was slowed. In 1936 an early test report showed that it developed 570 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, close enough for comfort to the design-office forecast.

In spite of the V-12 engine’s heft it was installed in a new 1936 chassis to find out if the resulting racer could be

1. With its sleek body, the radically lowered 1936 W25K had minimized apertures; its supercharger air intake is visible behind the grille. Tires were still relatively narrow.

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ARTICLE KARL LUDVIGSEN IMAGES DAIMLER ARCHIVES LUDVIGSEN PARTNERS

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under the weight limit. Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut said that it could, but it was not well-enough balanced to be a successful road-racer. “Although the new car was within the 750-kilogram limit, it had too much weight at the front end. It was quite good for setting records on a straight road but quite unsuitable for the Nürburgring, for example.”

A new engine

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... the plan was to build an “SSK” version of the W25, a car that would be lower and shorter, especially at the rear.

2. Pictured training at the ‘Ring before the Eifel race of June 14, 1936, the new W25K – with Manfred von Brauchitsch driving – was the most gorgeous racing car yet. The DAB V-12 engine originally intended for the W25K was powerful but heavy – and its weight was too far forward for good handling. Its true métier was record-breaking. 3. Instead, engineers built a bigger version of this M25B straight eight engine for 1936. The new 4.7-liter ME25 gave between 450 and 470 hp.

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A straight-eight would have to be the solution. Jumping to the next letter of the alphabet, a decision was taken in mid-September 1935 to build an E-series engine, altering the letter/number sequence of its designation to make it the ME25.

By the end of November, the Heess staff had completed work on this final expansion of the original M25 engine within its 95 mm cylinder-bore spacing. Stroke, crankshaft, connecting rods and bottom end generally remained at the maximum to which they had already been stretched in the M25C while the bore was enlarged by 4 mm. Its dimensions were 86 x 102 mm for 4,740 cc. New cylinder forgings for

this larger-bore engine allowed a valvesize increase to 37 mm.

A new supercharger was designed with an enlargement in rotor diameter from 106 to 125 mm. Blowers of both 240 mm and 255 mm rotor lengths were prepared.

The smaller 240 mm blower was considered the standard size. They continued to use steel rotors while experiments with light-alloy rotors proceeded. New larger 36 mm intake manifold sets were also readied for the ME25. The blower boosted through two carburetors and manifolds that were available in different diameters to tune the cars to specific circuits.

Orders were issued for the production of six of these new engines with six spare crankshafts, the parts to be ready on January 20, 1936 and dynamometer testing to begin on February 15th. Though a late effort with a high element of risk, it was the only course open to the team. A later order increased the number of ME25 engines to be made to ten. As a backup, all the available M25B and M25C engines were also made race-ready for 1936.

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This was a solid axle with a difference.

Designing the W25K M25C power units were used in tests to propel the first of the five new racing cars that were built, called the “Model 1936” or more familiarly, the “short car” or the “W25K.” Two chassis were assembled and two were in component form in early October 1935 when testing began.

Ex-Benz man Max Wagner continued to oversee chassis design, directly under chief racing engineer Max Sailer and his still-youthful deputy, Fritz Nallinger.

Seconded to Alfred Neubauer’s Sports Department to give liaison and technical assistance was an Untertürkheim veteran: ex-riding-mechanic Jakob Krauss.

The W25K incorporated several major changes. Its wheelbase was shortened by more than 10 inches to 97 inches, front and rear track remaining at 58 and 56 inches.

This was made possible by a completely new transaxle design that had been in the works since the winter of 1934-35.

The new transaxle further lowered the car’s propeller shaft by placing the two gearbox shafts in a transverse plane below the final drive gears – a radical departure from the normal longitudinal shaft axis. Stacking these shafts one above the other and laterally beneath the differential cleared the space ahead of the

5 4. Mercedes-Benz chassis expert Max Wagner oversaw development of the W25K's revolutionary new transverse-shaft transaxle. An antiquated characteristic of the new transmission was its use of sliding gears to select gear ratios. 5. Another Max Wagner innovation for the W25K was a modified de Dion rear suspension, depicted here in Wagner's patent application from April 16th, 1936. He patented its design with a pivot point at the tail and quarter-elliptic rear springs.

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rear axle that the transmission had occupied, allowing the driver's seat to be lower.

The drive from the propeller shaft entered the gearbox at the center of its bottom shaft through a pair of bevel gears that could be varied one tooth or so either side of a one-to-one ratio. Four speeds and reverse were spaced along the two transmission shafts, to the left and right of the central bevel, still selected by sliding the gears into engagement with each other.

At the center of the upper shaft a pair of spur gears took the drive to the differential. These gears provided the normal ratio reduction, for example 3.69:1. On the W25K the differential choice was between a fully locked rear end, with no differential action at all, and the ZF self-locking cam-action diff.

Testing the W25K First runs in the chassis took place in the late summer of 1935 in a W25-based mule at the ‘Ring and Bern circuits. The tests showed that the transaxle tended to become too warm. Attention was given both to its cooling, by means of ducting, and to its oil capacity, which initially was slightly more than half that of the 1935 transaxle. Monza trials also showed the need for a redesign giving higher torque capacity throughout the gearbox.

The W25K had an entirely new rear suspension. No longer were heavy pivots for swing axles attached to the sides of the differential. Toward the end of 1935 the W25 was finding it increasingly difficult to apply its steadily greater power to the ground. The shorter wheelbase of the

W25K was intended to help by shifting more weight rearward.

The added power also aggravated another attribute of the earlier W25: if the rear end broke away in a corner it was extremely difficult to catch. The swing axles, judged at least partially at fault, were given up in favor of a design that had worked well enough before: a solid axle.

The rear axle This was a solid axle with a difference. To these Daimler and Benz men, with roots deep in the origins of motoring, it was an axle like those used on their Grand Prix models of 1908, like the racing Mercedes of 1913 and the Blitzen Benz. It was a dead axle, joining together wheels which were driven not by chains, this

The W25K was one of the most handsome racing cars ever built.

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7 6. Designer Josef Müller drew a sleek and low body around the radically lowered W25K chassis, fully enclosing the front and rear suspensions and adding a long, slim tail to 58

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achieve low drag. 7. Artist Louis Sugahara captured the profile of the W25K, with added louvers behind the firewall to improve driver cooling in the unusually cramped cockpit.

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Thanks to all of the changes, the car’s center of gravity was lowered by a remarkable 5.9 inches.

time, but by open shafts, each with two universal joints. It was an independent re-invention of what later generations would come to call “de Dion” rear suspension after the French producer that used it in production models in the early years of the century.

The axle was fabricated of steel tubing in the shape of a broad-topped Y. The upper arms of the Y reached out, in plain view, to the wheel hubs, while the tail extended rearward to a ball pivot anchored to the rear end of the frame. The tail tapered inward to a point at that junction. This pivot was a critically important location point, taking both braking torque and transmission-drive thrust.

This unique de Dion configuration was adopted, said Rudolf Uhlenhaut later, because “Mr. Wagner wanted a good-looking car.” This was so well achieved that the dead axle was completely concealed.

Indeed, many observers still believe that Mercedes-Benz adopted the de Dion axle for racing in 1937 rather than 1936. It only became visible in a new design in 1937.

An additional means of guiding the solid axle was needed to cope with the lateral forces experienced in cornering.

This guidance was supplied by a vertical fin fixed to the back of the transaxle casing. Within the crotch of the axle Y, riding up and down the sides of this fin, were two rubber-faced rollers attached to the axle tube.

Under the supervision of Dr. Maruhn, a theoretician who ran a general research department at Untertürkheim, a rig was built to test the rollers for durability.

Under moderate load the first one lasted only 12 minutes. During tests of the first car at Monza in December they continued to be troublesome, leading to suggestions for armoring the rubber, enlarging the rollers and isolating the guide fin from the heat of the differential.

During the 1936 season the rollers were abandoned in favor of a steel-sided slot in the back of the transaxle, in which slid a bronze block attached to the crotch of the axle Y by a projecting ball pivot. This would set a style for de Dion lateral guidance that would last well into the 1950s.

Chassis development The W25K’s low exhaust, back and under the suspension, replaced the W25's high piping – a complete departure from traditional practice. 8. Although the W25K's career was short, designers had time to try several front-end variations.

Quarter-elliptic leaf springs with friction shock absorbers were retained at the rear of a chassis founded on an extensively THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

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9

Rudolf Caracciola tiptoed through an extremely rainy race to take victory ... lightened box-section frame like that of the 1935 model. The front suspension was carried over almost unchanged within its tubular crossmember. Thanks to all of the changes, especially the new transmission, the car’s center of gravity was lowered by a remarkable 5.9 inches.

Brakes, to which screened cooling-air inlets and outlets were added during 1935, were also transferred to the W25K. For better cooling, the rear-brake vents were fitted with a coarser mesh screen. Drums were given finer finning. Each brake was equipped with two grades of Iurid lining corresponding to the different workloads of the two shoes.

Beautiful and functional

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9. In his first race for Mercedes-Benz at Monaco, the Monégasque Louis Chiron checked on what his mechanics were doing during practice. He qualified on pole but crashed on the second lap. 10. Chiron, who lived in Monaco, led Rudi Caracciola during practice on the drenched track. 11. At the start of the Monaco Grand Prix, April 13, 1936, the two new W25K Mercedes bracketed the Scuderia Ferrari Alfa Romeo of Nuvolari. They were sensationally lower and sleeker than the Alfa.

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Designed by Josef Müller, the new body wrapped around this radically lowered car had an almost circular cross section, a long, slim tail and deep fairings concealing the front suspension and the adventurous new rear suspension. The W25K was one of the most handsome racing cars ever built. When the cars first appeared for a presentation at the Berlin Auto Show in February they had a single oval radiator air entry. After testing this was supplemented by two additional grilles in the front fairings.

The left-hand grille was enlarged early in 1936 to accommodate an oil cooler, fitted to a Mercedes-Benz G.P car for the first time. It was judged so successful that oil coolers were added to the 1935 cars that were being carried over to the new season.

Exhaust piping was newly positioned down at ground level, sweeping back on the left below the rear axle.

One reason the 1935 W25s were still on hand, apart from their value as training and backup cars, was that the cockpit of the shortened Model 1936 was so tight that Manfred von Brauchitsch couldn’t drive it comfortably. “In a car calculated down to the gram,” said Alfred Neubauer, “additional reserves for an extra-large driver are naturally impossible.” Offered one of the older cars for the season, von

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12. Although chased by two Auto Unions at a drenched Monaco in April 1936, Rudi Caracciola kept the lead and won at an average speed of 51.7 mph, the slowest winner since 1930. 13. The Daimler-Benz propaganda department lost no time in posting the results. “The First Start a German victory!” Later there would be less grist for posters. 14. Two W25K Mercedes ran in the 237-mile race on local roads in Tunisia on May 17, 1936. Here Chiron tackles one of the three new chicanes in Tunisia in his W25K. He ran well but he retired with fuel-pump trouble. Rudi Caracciola won at a speed of 99.6 mph.

Brauchitsch instead contrived to squeeze himself into the new one except in the Eifelrennen, in which he drove a modified 1935 car.

After the first trials, changes were made to the body to give the drivers more protection from the wind. One W25K went to the Zeppelin wind tunnel at Friedrichshafen for an aerodynamic evaluation. Monza tests showed the need for an enlargement of both the main grille opening and the radiator itself.

The ME25 proves itself These early tests were carried out with M25C engines. In late February the first ME25 went on to one of Georg Scheerer’s two dynamometers for a durability test.

Its uncorrected output was recorded as 430 horsepower on the normal fuel blend, equal to 449 horsepower at 5,000 rpm with the standard corrections applied.

With a compression ratio of 8.65:1 and the 255 mm supercharger, the ME25 gave its best-ever power of 473 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, recorded during the summer of 1936. Its typical output as prepared for racing with the 240 mm blower and a compression ratio of 8.17:1 was 453 horsepower at 5,800 rpm with maximum torque of 465 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm. This was achieved on a boost pressure of 14.5 psi, exactly 1.0 bar.

That level of output was excellent from an engine that – at 465 pounds – was even lighter than the M25C. For the first time a Mercedes-Benz racing engine produced more than one horsepower per pound.

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The 1936 racing season To spectators at Monte Carlo on April 13 for the first Grand Prix of 1936 nothing seemed to have changed except the smooth shape of the silver cars on the front row of the grid. Rudolf Caracciola

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At Barcelona, Nuvolari’s Alfa beat the new cars in a straight fight.

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15. At Barcelona for the June 7th Gran Premio de Penya Rhin, Caracciola’s W25K was decanted from its truck. He finished second, 3.4 seconds behind Nuvolari’s Alfa. 16. The Mercedes-Benz racing team set up shop at the Nürburgring for the 142-mile Eifelrennen on June 14th. Chiron’s car in the foreground was one of four brand-new W25Ks in attendance. 17.

During practice, all four were in the pits. Of the two W25Ks entered, only Chiron’s survived to finish in lowly sixth place.

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tiptoed through an extremely rainy race to take victory after most of his teammates were sidelined by crashes at the course's chicane.

Not until they arrived at the fast, hot Tripoli circuit in May did the drivers have a chance to fully extend the W25K with its new ME25 engine. Comparing it with the same engine in the 1935 chassis and body, albeit with slightly different gear ratios, both had the same 175 mph maximum speed.

Caracciola complained of understeer, which was reduced by replacing the locked differential with a ZF unit. The drivers were generally dissatisfied with both the roadholding and the steering, which still mustered a strong steering wheel kickback.

The Tripoli race was as inconclusive as Monaco. One of the 255 mm blowers failed in practice so all the cars were switched to the 240 mm unit for the race. One car, that of new man Louis Chiron – a Monegasque and a close friend of Caracciola – suffered minor troubles that retired it.

The uncomfortable von Brauchitsch stopped on the circuit when his tank failed to feed all its fuel, a problem noted in the Monza trials but not rectified. And both Fagioli and Caracciola lost their front brakes after a pipe failure caused by the new mounting of the front-circuit master cylinder on the right-rear engine bearer.

The drivers found their cars very sensitive to the windy conditions on race day. Observing out on the course, Jakob Krauss thought they looked less steady on the turns than the Auto Unions. “Perhaps,” mused Neubauer afterward, “the longer chassis is better for fast courses.”

A victory was achieved in another race in North Africa, at Tunis, when the leading Auto Unions crashed and burned. It was the last win to fall to Rudy Caracciola and the W25K Mercedes Benz.

Trouble begins At Barcelona, Nuvolari’s Alfa beat the new cars in a straight fight. Here the sharp

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... completely new cylinders and blocks were made for the all-important German Grand Prix in late July.

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18. Three W25Ks entered the 155-mile Hungarian Grand Prix, held on June 21. In his car, von Brauchitsch received a tender touch from Tazio Nuvolari that caused a spin and bent a steering arm; von Brauchitsch recovered but the steering arm later broke, forcing him to retire. Both of the other W25Ks retired with engine trouble. Not a good day. 19. The 312mile German Grand Prix was crunch time for the W25K, now with its bigger engine. Num-

ber 12 was for Caracciola, 14 for von Brauchitsch and 18 for Chiron. 20. During practice for the 1936 German race Manfred von Brauchitsch watches rectifications to his mount.

Its changeable-diameter inlet manifolds are visible. 21. Hermann Lang was running second in the early laps before team orders presented his car to Caracciola, whose Mercedes-Benz had retired. Rear-tire sizes increased greatly during the W25K’s brief career.

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... in charge was a handsome young man who had been with the company only five years. pitching tendency of the shorter chassis was especially bothersome. Pitching was also a problem at the subsequent Eifelrennen that saw all but two of the cars retire and the two holdouts finishing well back. Engine trouble struck there and in the subsequent race at Budapest, where all the Mercedes-Benz cars failed.

The new engine, pushed hard at last, had revealed a critical frailty. Cylinders in the forward block were too weak to handle the high specific output and had begun to fail. First the existing parts were strengthened, then completely new cylinders and blocks were made for the all-important German Grand Prix in late July. Before that race several of the engines were switched from 240 mm to 255 mm superchargers, two of which subsequently broke. Chiron crashed and one car limped home sixth.

After such a run of disasters any sporting team determined to be victorious would call a rapid halt and make some changes. That's what happened with Daimler-Benz. The organization that had served it so well since automobile racing began was apparently no longer equal to the pace and intensity of Grand Prix racing in the 1930s.

The arrival of Uhlenhaut The liaison between Alfred Neubauer’s Sports Department and the engineers in the central design office had always been direct. This changed with the creation of a new technical body that was specifically concerned with the racing cars. An offshoot of the Experimental Department, it was named the Rennabteilung, the Racing Department.

Placed in charge was a handsome young man who had been with the company only five years. Born of a German father and British mother, he had joined Daimler-Benz directly from engineering school as a carburetion specialist in the Experimental Department. The young man, whose arrival on the scene can only 64

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22

23 and requirements, expressed from midbe described as marking a turning point in the racing history of Daimler-Benz, was 1936 onward in a blizzard of reports, memos and analyses generated by the Rudolf Uhlenhaut. new Rennabteilung.

Uhlenhaut’s new group was made It was too late to do much about the fully responsible for assembling, preparing and testing the cars, then turning W25K, which Uhlenhaut tested extenthem over to Neubauer’s sporting depart- sively at the Nürburgring. Race entries at Montenero and Pescara were abandoned ment for racing. Reporting directly to to try to get the cars ready for the Swiss Fritz Nallinger, who headed the main G.P. on August 23rd. There Fagioli broke Experimental Department, he was a connecting rod, Caracciola broke the assigned the services of Jakob Krauss right side of his rear-axle tube and von in charge of car construction and Georg Scheerer as head of testing and inspection. Brauchitsch had cooling failure initiated “Naturally we had a good design office,” by a piece of newspaper caught in front of the grille. Newcomer Hermann Lang eked Uhlenhaut said, “but the people there were cautious and our opinions often dif- out a finish in fourth place.

Caracciola had taken and held the fered. However, if I wanted something I lead – until Rosemeyer motored past him. said so and they would generally let me have it.” He and his colleagues said what “The drivers declared themselves as by and large satisfied with the roadholding, they wanted in their recommendations

24

Entries for the Italian Grand Prix, the European season’s final event, were withdrawn.

with empty as well as with full tanks,” Uhlenhaut recorded. “In this race it was clearly evident that the power of the Auto Union in the middle and upper speed ranges is far superior. To be able to hold the pace to some extent our drivers must constantly strain the engine to the limit and moreover attempt to gain back in the turns what they lose on the straights.

“Further participation in racing with the E motor seems to be useless,” Uhlenhaut concluded.

Daimler-Benz management agreed with him. Entries for the Italian Grand Prix, the European season’s final event, were withdrawn. It was a heavy decision for the proud company. But the light shined on the technology of racing by Uhlenhaut’s new group would bring brilliant results in coming years.

25

26

22. Chiron's car on the ‘Ring with the larger grille pushing air to the oil cooler. 23. In the fiasco for Mercedes-Benz at the German Grand Prix, Chiron crashed and retired. Best W25K was fifth. 24. After major changes under the head of the new racing department, Rudy Uhlenhaut, four W25Ks mustered for the Swiss Grand Prix on August 23. Mighty effort won pole for Caracciola. 25. The Swiss race on the demanding Bern circuit showcased Hermann Lang’s strengths. Lang held second and third before withdrawing with a painful hand injury. 26. In March, 1937 two of the previous season's W25Ks joined the new W125 at Monza for drivers to get up to speed. New team hire Dick Seaman took advantage – before crashing.

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Rising Star

ARTICLE RUBIN HOWARD IMAGES DAIMLER ARCHIVES DATA DANIEL STAHL

Up & Coming Modern Classics

Game-Changer B

eginning in 1997, Mercedes-Benz redefined the luxury car segment by introducing the M-Class; a new midsize luxury SUV that would appeal to the masses.

The ML was initially conceived as a replacement for the antiquated G-Wagen, which had been Mercedes’ only SUV offering since the G-Class inception in 1979.

When the new ML was launched, it was unlike anything seen before. The design was functional, an excellent translation of Mercedes-Benz design language into a more utilitarian form.

Mercedes-Benz began developing the ML in 1993, while simultaneously seeking a location to build a manufacturing facility.

Ultimately, Vance, Alabama, was chosen as the new home of Mercedes-Benz United States International (MBUSI). Meanwhile, the design of the ML was finalized in Sindelfingen in late 1993 and approved by the Mercedes-Benz board in early 1994. The ML would become the first Mercedes-Benz to be built and sold in the United States.

We believe the ML makes an excellent case for itself as a Rising Star, given that the model is currently extremely undervalued and these are incredibly durable vehicles. Mercedes-Benz now has a very deep-rooted history with SUVs thanks to the engineering ingenuity of the first-generation ML. Enthusiasts might also find that the ML becomes much more appealing once they learn all of the impressive abilities of the platform.

What makes the ML special?

Several appealing design elements make the first-generation Mercedes-Benz ML a great SUV. First, the platform is a bodyon-frame design. Internally known as the W163, the platform is capable of handling anything thrown its way. From treacherous terrain to heavy payloads and high towing capacity, the ML is up to the task. Secondly, the W163 was designed with an advanced permanent four-wheel-drive system. The 4Matic system in the W163 features a two-speed dual-range transfer case with reduction gearing. Mercedes-Benz’s new Four-Wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS) is a traction control system that is able to simulate the effect of having three differential locks by individually braking one or more spinning wheels.

Alongside these advanced traction systems, the ML was also designed to be safe. The W163 was the first SUV to be sold with side-impact airbags and electronic stability control, bringing peace of mind to ML owners. The crash structure was designed using the principle of partner protection; essentially the structure of the ML was designed with a lowered frame to compensate for any impact energy from another vehicle. The W163 underwent extensive crash testing during development to ensure that the new platform was as safe as possible. Not only was the ML tested for crash worthiness, but the platform was also comprehensively tested for 18 months across various regions and terrains. The W163 was deemed the safest SUV of its time.

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1998-2005 W163 M-Class

History The W163 was launched in 1997 as the ML320, powered by the 3.2-liter M112 V-6 engine. The M112 was rated at 215 horsepower, and brought the ML to 60 miles per hour in 9.5 seconds. While that's nothing to brag about, the SUV's power feels adequate and longevity is guaranteed. In 1999, the ML430 was launched with 268 horsepower from the 4.3-liter M113 V-8. In 2001, the ML430 was replaced by the ML500, featuring increased displacement of 5.0 liters in the M113. In 2002, the ML320 was replaced by the ML350, which increased rated horsepower and marginally lowered the 0-60 time.

Regardless of engine choice, each vehicle featured a 5G-Tronic five-speed automatic transmission. Every engine choice in the ML is considered to be outstandingly reliable and durable. In 2001, the W163 received a facelift, addressing styling cues such as the front and rear bumpers, headlights and tail lights, new wheel options for most cars, new side-mirrors, as well as a very noticeable increase in interior fit and finish.

ML55 & special editions No true Mercedes-Benz range would be complete without the option of an AMG variant. The ML55 AMG satisfied the need for a high-performance sports utility vehicle. Featuring an AMG-built 5.4-liter M113 V-8 rated at 342 horsepower, the ML55 is able to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds.

Apart from the engine and technical upgrades, the ML55 is distinguished by a wide-body kit and special wheels and sport bumpers. The icing on the cake Is the designo Cognac Edition which finishes the ML in a beautiful shade of Designo Bourbon Metallic, paired with a two-tone Charcoal and Dark Brown Nappa leather interior trim on the seats, door panels, shift knob, steering wheel, as well as Natural Poplar veneer trim.

Buying a W163 ML Any first-generational ML is extremely undervalued in today’s used car market. Clean examples of all models can be found within the $5,000-$7,000 range. The price difference between V-6 and V-8 cars is nominal, and both displacements are satisfying. The decision is yours to make, whether you prefer increased power or efficiency.

Those seeking the exhilaration of the ML55 would be surprised to find that a tidy ML55 can be found for only a few thousand more than the previously quoted numbers.

Later-year models benefitted from many great improvements not only in the design of the vehicle, but also in fit and finish.

Earlier examples seemed to suffer from sub-par interior quality and materials. That being said, the design of a pre-facelift ML is much more robust. Facelift ML examples strived to correct the definition of what a luxury SUV should offer its customers, featuring more refined interior surfaces and cosmetic upgrades.

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1998-2005 W163 M-Class

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U.S. Market W163 M-Class Specifications • 1998–2005 MODEL

YEARS

CHASSIS

ENGINE

(U.S. Model Years)

TYPE

POWER

TORQUE

(SAE Net hp)

(SAE Net lb-ft)

TRANSMISSION

PRODUCTION (World Totals)

ML320

1998–2003

163.154

112.942

V6, 3.2 L, SOHC, 18V

215

229

5A

282,614

ML430

1999–2001

163.172

113.942

V8, 4.3 L, SOHC, 24V

268

295

5A

50,354

ML55

2000–2003

163.174

113.981

V8, 5.4 L, SOHC, 24V

342

376

5A

11,089

ML500

2002–2005

163.75

113.964

V8, 5.0 L, SOHC, 24V

288

325

5A

32,720

ML350

2003–2005

163.157

112.970

V6, 3.5 L, SOHC, 18V

232

255

5A

69,201

1998-2005 W163 M-Class

The biggest plague of the W163 ML is rust, so if you are looking for a car in a four-season and salted climate, make a rustfree body your top priority. To best represent the price spectrum of the W163 ML, The MB Market sold a 2001 ML320 for $6,250 whereas a 2001 ML55 sold for $13,250.

Media acclaim Prior to the W163 M-Class launch, Mercedes-Benz provided pre-production vehicles to the film The Lost World: Jurassic Park.

If you have seen the film, the ML320s are camouflaged and reinforced with off-road bumpers, beefy steel framing, and roof mounted equipment.

The ML’s film service provided an excellent launch for the range's marketing and publicity. Apart from being a movie star, the W163 ML also received call sheets for many film sets. The W163 platform (particularly the ML55) was converted for camera 70

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use featuring a “Russian Arm” to aid in capturing smooth highspeed footage needed to make many great films.

The motoring press was similarly enthusiastic. In 1998 the W163 received Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year award, as well as The North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In 1999, the ML was also awarded the World Car Award. Finally, an W163 ML also served as the Popemobile for a considerable length of time.

Affordable and destined for classic status The W163 ML is a great choice if you want an affordable, capable Mercedes-Benz SUV. In future years, we believe the remaining quality examples of this vehicle will gain value and respect from both Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts and the collector vehicle market at large. Now is the perfect time to make an investment in an ML.

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THE MB MARKET TheMBmarket.com

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AUCTION Spotlight

Auction results for notable Mercedes-Benz vehicles

1993 600 SEC

2006 S350

1951 170 DA OPT Police Special IMAGES COURTESTY & COPYRIGHT: THE MB MARKET & MECUM

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1993 Mercedes-Benz 600 SEC, 53k miles, The MB Market: This 1993 Mercedes-Benz 600SEC is reportedly 1 of only 307 examples manufactured by Mercedes-Benz for the 1993 model year. This rare automobile is powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 paired with a fourspeed automatic transmission. The car has also been fitted with AMG-style bodywork, AMG exhaust, and BBS-made 18-inch AMG Aero II wheels. Additional original equipment includes heated and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear window shade, a sunroof, and a factory stereo.

Lot 1216 was sold by The MB Market in an online auction for $44,500 on Jan 7, 2022. Ryan’s take: On the brink of the auto industry migrating away from high displacement, naturally aspirated power plants, the M120 V12-powered Mercedes from the '90s remain true flagships. This example has undergone one of the most thorough and attentive restorations I've ever seen on a 140 chassis; not to mention the addition of some sought-after goodies like the BBS wheels and AMG-style body kit. Couple that with a "five-figure" repaint and low miles and you've got a super coupe that’s worth the top dollar price paid here, and one that’s sure to appreciate in style.

2006 Mercedes-Benz S350, 23k miles, The MB Market: This one-owner 2006 Mercedes-Benz S350 is among the rarest W220 S-Class automobiles ever sold in the United States. Features include soft-close doors, Airmatic suspension, a chestnut wood steering wheel and shifter, glass electric moonroof, heated windscreen washing system, and an original Comand head unit with navigation. Lot 1237 sold by The MB Market in an online auction for $21,000 on November 4, 2021. Ryan’s take: It’s difficult not to love an S350 given its position in the American market. While our European counterparts are accustomed to this model, the market in the United States saw this car for only one model year under extremely limited production. The S350 was available only as a short wheelbase and could be had with virtually no options; making it nearly a taxi-spec Mercedes. While this may seem like an odd buy, it should be noted the S350’s $60k MSRP could be outweighed by some E-Classes of the era; making the S350 a very tempting choice. This is a solid choice for those considering low mileage W211s but who want a larger cabin and more power.

1951 Mercedes-Benz Type 170 DA OTP Police Special, Mecum: One of the scarcest Type 170 variants was the 170 DA OTP, also known as the Police Special, which was a four-door open tourer with a folding windshield. It was the first 170 model to have an outside trunk lid, a feature that was immediately seen as so useful that it was adopted for the civilian market as well.

This is car #506 of the 531 Police Specials built between 1948 and 1951. Lot W279 sold for $42,900 at the Mecum Kissimmee 2022 Auction on January 12, 2022. Ryan’s take: This car is special because NONE of the above information was available in the auction listing. In fact, the buyer assumed it was just another type 170 before discovering it was one of the rarest 170 variants ever produced. The fact that the new owner was able to uncover the car’s rich history is a testament to the love of Mercedes-Benz lineage that we all share. Kudos to the buyer on paying attention and giving this former fleet servant its proper retirement dues.

RYAN G. HEMPHILL Co-founder, The MB Market – The world’s first online auction platform exclusively for Mercedes-Benz vehicles

1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 4-Speed, Bring-a-Trailer: This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is equipped with a four-speed manual transmission. Features include a tan soft top, a replacement body-color removable Pagoda hardtop, chrome front and rear bumpers, polished exhaust finishers, and 14-inch steel wheels with polished covers. This listing sold for $70,500 in an online auction on February 2, 2022. Ryan’s take: I’m not sure what was happening on Saturday February 2nd, but everyone was apparently too busy to bid on this spectacular 280SL. This car checks all the boxes for a W113: manual transmission, color, a nice cosmetic restoration and the receipts to back it up. Ignoring my familiar cheerleading of the “green premium” which should have driven the price for this one over the top, this car should have brought six-figures (or close to it) on any other day. On a personal note, I almost bid on this car when I got the alert that it was ending soon but opted to ignore it under the assumption that it would easily crest $100k. Boy, do I feel blue for missing out on this green!

2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic Wagon, Bring-a-Trailer: This 2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic wagon was purchased new by the seller in December 2019. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, a 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, and a limited-slip rear differential. Lot 65904 sold in an online auction for $99,000 on February 15, 2022. Ryan’s take: A seller or buyer’s fortune can turn on the makeup of the auction for each individual lot that crosses the block. Surprisingly, the seller let this one fly for a good 25 percent under market value. New AMGs are nearly impossible to find due to chip shortages and the near-elimination of the Mercedes-Benz V-8 engine for 2022. This new reality has accordingly driven the used AMG market through the roof with similar models to this one being regularly retailed at well over $130,000. Here, however, this one-owner, under-warranty example went to the new owner as a bargain buy. With 2-3 months of wait time to get a car listed for auction on this site, it appears that auction fatigue is setting in for both buyers and sellers on some sites.

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1982 Mercedes-Benz SL Trans-Am race car, Mecum: A bonafide Trans-Am Race Car driven in period by Loren St. Lawrence, this 1982 Mercedes-Benz was commissioned by Neil DeAtley – then an owner of a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Lewiston, Idaho – who wanted to promote the performance image of the brand through visibility in motorsports. This is a purpose-built race car with only its engine block, cylinder heads, duplex camshaft chain-drive and tail light lenses being of Mercedes-Benz origin. Lot F233 failed to meet reserve at the Kissimmee 2022 Auction for $200,000 on Jan 14, 2022. Ryan’s take: This is one of the coolest lots I’ve seen cross the block this year. Seeing a tried-and-true Trans-Am race car cutting the SL silhouette is just too rare not to fall in love with. While the $200,000 bid for this beauty is no chump change, I’m not surprised the seller stopped short of sliding it into new hands. A race car this unique – and with the well documented history this one possesses – is not replicable. This would truly be an incredible addition to someone’s serious collection if it finds a new home soon.

1982 SL Trans-AM race car

1969 280SL

2020 Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic Wagon IMAGES COURTESTY & COPYRIGHT: MECUM & BRING-A-TRAILER

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CARStory

D

uring the fall of 2019, I purchased two matching Mercedes-Benz diesels out of Canada at the behest of one of my partners. My partner had been in Toronto looking at another collection of Canadian barn finds when he happened across an ad for the cars.

To be fair, the ad photos looked extremely promising and the storybook prospect of purchasing this pampered pair from the steadfast, long-term, octogenarian owner named Milton was too good to resist. Besides, as Milton touted in the original ad, the cars “come with service records.” Service records are a critical component to any confident purchase of an aging Mercedes-Benz.

However, I would later discover that Milton’s simple statement regarding records was – all hyperbole aside - the understatement of Milton’s 84 years on this planet.

OBSESSION This immaculate 1983 300TDT is the result of an entirely new level of detail-oriented ownership

A perfect wagon Of the pair, the car that really piqued our interest was the W123: a beautiful 1983 300TDT Station Wagon in Petrol Green Metallic (877) over Mushroom Leather (255). The wagon came with European headlamps and dealer-optioned goodies such as Bosch Yellow Fog lights, Rial Honeycomb wheels and Zebrano wood horn pad cover. Despite owning this 1983 car since 1984, we were surprised to learn that Milton was not the original owner. car with Option Code 463 “Instrument Milton purchased the car in September Km/H For Canada”. Thus, solving the 1984, virtually as-new from a German mystery of the seemingly mismatched citizen who had emigrated earlier that international combination spec (aka the year. Milton purchased this practically “NAFTA-Spec”). brand-new Mercedes for $36,500 (or A treasure trove $84,174.89 adjusted for inflation).

After agreeing on a price, my partner This car sports the rare Option Code 820 “Toursiten-Fahrzeuge” or “Tourist and our mechanic Steve drove both Vehicle.” Additionally, the Order Number/ diesels in tandem from Toronto to New Destination further confirms this as: York City without a hitch; a confidence-inspiring testament to the overall condition “#0340202003 (Destination: Tourist of these twins. Upon arrival, we dis(Except for USA).” One quirk about this car covered a cardboard box in the 300TDT is the presence of European Headlights containing the “records” that Milton and a European-style speedometer (in spoke about in his ad. We expected to find Km/H) matched with the larger, U.S.-spec some interesting documentation given bumpers. The bumpers were originally thought to have been an aftermarket his long-term ownership, but nothing change made by Milton but, as the data would prepare me for the deluge of ink and carbon paper that we uncovered. In card confirms, this is not so. This was actually an Option Code 491 “U.S. Version” total, following nearly a full week spent 74

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sorting, serializing, stacking, sleeving, deciphering, and photographing the contents of the box, we discovered that Milton had amassed over 1,200 detailed pages of notes and records tallying up the well-documented $100,000 he spent caring for his ride.

Standing alone, this is an incredibly well-kept example of the best, most efficient and most durable car that Mercedes offered in the 1980s; arguably a peak production era for the brand. It drives tremendously and performs as intended 100 percent of the time; a terrific testament to what obsessive ownership can gift you in the form of a classic Benz. Even after sitting idle more than a few months this past winter in our warehouse, the car fires up forcefully, immediately and authoritatively; ready and waiting to be driven and enjoyed again, as before.

OLD & NEW

ARTICLE RYAN G. HEMPHILL IMAGES FARIS FETYANI

I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying this wagon for a little over two years at this point and, after toiling through the history of prior ownership, in excruciating detail, I truly feel like I’ve known it forever. So, to Milton and all the similar-such owners gripped in the throes of their own particular torrid love affair with their Mercedes-Benz machines – regardless of value, collectability, credence or condition – we salute you and encourage continuance of the tradition of care and curation that we all know they, and we, deserve.

Be sure to get a receipt If you've been dreaming about finding an obsessively maintained W123 wagon like this, Milton's car will be offered for sale, with records, on TheMBMarket.com in May, 2022. Don't miss it!

Milton's wagon is an incredibly well-kept example of the best, most efficient and most durable Mercedes-Benz of the 1980s.

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EYEWITNESS

L

incoln Homecoming Weekend was held August 14-15, 2021 on the grounds of the Gilmore Museum, in Hickory Corners, Michigan, and is a must-see for any car lover. This was a national show celebrating 100 years of Lincoln Motor Cars. I presented my 2008 Lincoln Mark LT pickup truck and came home with two national awards. I was the only double winner at the event, but that's not the story for this publication.

After the awards banquet on Saturday evening the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra was celebrating their 100-year anniversary and was set up on the grounds of the Gilmore for a concert. What I didn’t expect was the unbelievable MercedesBenz automobiles that they used to bring the guest artists to the stage. I took many photos as this was a very special end to a very special day.

The star of the show was an extraordinary Mercedes-Benz, a 1938 Mercedes 540K Offener Tourenwagen (Sport Tourer), of which only two were ever built. This sole surviving example is on loan exclusive to the Gilmore Car Museum. This ultra-rare motorcar was originally exhibited during the 1938 Berlin Auto Show and was immediately purchased by a local mining company.

The car’s whereabouts during World War II are unknown, but at some point it was concealed in a bunker-like basement

of a home, in Dresden where it remained for decades. Rediscovered after the fall of the Berlin Wall, this remarkable survivor had been entombed behind a sealed-off brick wall. Outside doors and windows had been bricked up and everything hidden by a rose garden.

It’s amazing to think that a unique automobile of this extraordinary caliber and historical importance managed to survive both the cataclysm of World War II and decades of state repression in Soviet-controlled East Germany. The supercharged 540K, built between 1936 and 1940, has become legendary around the world for its exquisite beauty and breathtaking performance. Prior to World War II, Mercedes-Benz was one of the world's most prestigious automakers: the cars of kings, captains of industry, and the rich and famous alike.

Many historians, automotive journalists, and collectors consider the Mercedes-Benz 540K as the finest automobile made during the pre-war era, and the zenith of motorcar luxury. Worldwide auction house RM-Sothebys describes the 540K Special Roadsters as “among the most instantly recognizable, valuable and desirable of all automobiles of the Classic Era.”

ARTICLE & IMAGES PAUL GEORG

Find out more about the Gilmore Car Museum at gilmorecarmuseum.org

Spotting a unique 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Sport Tourer in Michigan

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... this remarkable survivor had been entombed behind a sealed-off brick wall.

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Classic TECH

ARTICLE & IMAGES PIERRE HEDARY

Keeping the Air Out Understanding the 1985 Mercedes-Benz diesel vacuum system

T

he other day, as I was working on a 1985 300CD, I began to wonder if an in-depth article about the MercedesBenz 1985-only diesel vacuum system had ever appeared in The Star. After looking through my library, I found very little information about the Mercedes-Benz 1985 W123 and W126 series automobiles. I am sure there are skeptics wondering “why the heck would anyone care about the vacuum system on an old ‘85 300 diesel."

For those of you who can’t relate, here is why this matters: Most aspiring W123 and W126 diesel owners want a 1985 model year example. They had more power, shifted better, ran better, and they are the last year of production (whatever that counts for as an advantage). There's only one drawback: these vehicles had a more complex vacuum system. This system is so poorly understood that I have only seen a few that were hooked up correctly.

While we don’t have the space to go over every single line connection, we’ll cover all of the major components in the system.

Major changes for 1985 The vacuum system on the W123 turbodiesel was re-engineered for 1985. Gone were the little plastic valves with delicate flaps on the valve cover. The transmission now used a device called a pressure converter to create seamless gear changes. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve was now electronically controlled, and to help improve turbo lag and emissions an air flap was incorporated into the turbo. These were controlled by an EGR relay in the right fender, accessible from the interior, as well as a new over-voltage relay, mounted inside the dash to the right of the glovebox insert. Almost every item on ‘85 model year cars was redesigned or repurposed, with the vacuum pump and brake booster/vacuum distribution line being the exception.

Transmission pressure converter The new pressure converter was mounted on the left inner fender, taking the place of the somewhat wear-prone valve cover vacuum control system. The pressure converter used turbo boost (taken from a line attached to the ALDA – German acronym for altitude compensator – on the top of the injection pump), EGR input and atmospheric pressure to modulate vacuum going to the transmission. It is a simple, durable part with no adjustments (that I know of) and with the right extra parts it can be adapted to earlier models. I have seen these leak from their casing, so if you have an ‘85 with strange vacuum issues, this is worth checking.

If you look closely at the converter, you will see the words “TRA” and “VAC.” If you are chasing an issue, the “VAC” port should have about 9-12 inches of vacuum with the engine running. The “TRA” port should hold vacuum perfectly, as it goes straight to the modulator on the transmission.

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1

1. The vacuum system on the W123 turbodiesel was re-engineered for 1985; seen here is the car's new vacuum pressure converter, now mounted on the left inner front fender.

EGR Valve and turbo air flap Some of us still need to have an EGR valve to pass emissions.

This valve used to be controlled by a simple thermo-vacuum switch but this is no longer the case. Instead, a temperature switch on the cylinder head tells the EGR relay to open the respective vacuum control valve on the inner left fender, and vacuum is sent to the EGR. This system works with the turbo air flap, because the air flap was originally designed to help draw exhaust gases into the intake. The turbo air flap is a simple diaphragm on the side of the turbo (see image 4, page 80) that helps alter the air current inside the short distance between the turbo and the air pipe. Even without the EGR working, it is applied under acceleration by a rack position sensor on the injection pump to help create better bottom end torque.

(Continued on page 80)

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3

5

4

2. The EGR valve on the intake manifold on Federal versions of 1985 and earlier models. 3.

The location of the diesel vacuum pump. 4. This shows the blue and gray line that goes to

the turbo air flap control and its connection on the turbo. 5. The vacuum lines for the central locking system (yellow) the climate control (green) and shut off (brown) on the W123.

What you should note here is the EGR failure mode. Low power, black smoke, awful fuel economy, stumbling or stalling off the line and rough starting are all signs the EGR may be stuck open or may be getting a signal to stay open when it is not supposed to. For testing, you can simply disconnect and plug the EGR vacuum line.

Failure of the turbo air flap control is more subtle, but like an EGR leak, it can produce a subtle vacuum drain, especially when under throttle.

vacuum for the pressure converter, EGR and turbo air flap control.

The vacuum control valve on the ‘85 can still be linked to shifting abnormalities, but not as obviously as it was on older W123, 126 and 116 models

Injection pump vacuum control valve Remember the little white vent valve on the back of the injection pump? Well, it is still there, but instead of dumping excess vacuum for the transmission circuit, it now dumps excess 80

Interior vacuum controls On the W126 and 123 the interior vacuum controls are mostly untouched. The 126 still uses a connection in between the two firewalls for the climate control (red and green) and engine shut off (brown and blue).

The 123 still uses the same layout: Base yellow for locks, with a gray and yellow for the reservoir, green for the climate control and brown for the shut-off control. Coupes also have a blue line for the seat-back lock. The complication on the W123 is that (Continued on page 82)

THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

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THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

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OLD & NEW

1985 DIESEL VACUUM SYSTEM the interior vacuum systems are also tied to the EGR and pressure converter systems, making finding a leak anywhere in the system a time-consuming process.

Troubleshooting for leaks I felt a good addition to this article would be a leak testing guide. Low vacuum can cause hard shifting, unresponsive vacuum locks and climate controls and slow shut off.

First, you will need the 1985 Introduction to Service manual to get a good explanation and diagram of the vacuum system.

Second, you will need a vacuum gauge and some golf tees.

The best way to troubleshoot a vacuum system is by working backwards until you find a strong vacuum supply, and then branching out until you find the vacuum drain.

Here's an example: Let's say a 1985 300D has a rough shift, with banging on upshifts and downshifts. This is certainly a vacuum issue, so I would start by plugging my gauge into the “VAC” port on the pressure converter with the engine running. If the gauge reads less than nine inches of vacuum (let’s say it reads 2-3 inches), then we do indeed have a vacuum supply issue. Now I must work backwards. I must go to the point of origin for the “VAC” line, which is the vacuum booster line.

If I hook up my gauge there, I get a reading of eighteen inches.

Not bad, but still a bit low. At this point, I clean out the little orifices where the rubber lines connect to the booster line, as they can get blocked with crud from the EGR system. A retest shows 19 inches at the orifice on the main booster line. An improvement, but not by much. So now I must block off individual vacuum lines, one by one, while looking for a vacuum drain.

Then I move my gauge back to the “VAC” port, since I know the vacuum pump is working. I get to the EGR line, remove it and block it off, and my gauge shoots up. Here is a smoking gun. The gauge on the “VAC” port produces a reading of 10 inches. This is better, and now I can isolate the issue to the EGR circuit! Working backwards to the EGR vacuum controller on the left inner fender, I see that one of the connectors is damaged. While repairing it does not yield much of a result, I notice the inside is dirty.

This tells me something is contaminating the system, namely EGR soot. I reconnect the EGR line at its origin, and plug it at the EGR valve itself. Presto – vacuum levels at “VAC” port are good now, with 10-11 inches as long as the EGR vacuum line at the EGR valve itself is plugged.

I used this example to demonstrate that most vacuum issues on 1985 model year cars are EGR issues, with the EGR valve either getting vacuum when it should not, or with the diaphragm in the valve rupturing. Any worn vacuum connectors should be replaced with the correct part from Mercedes (and not generic silicone vacuum tubing!). All vacuum issues are diagnosable with a diagram and a gauge, and by plugging off different ports until the vacuum drain is found.

6

A unique system For all its complexity, the 1985 vacuum system is a thing of wonder. It took the Mercedes-Benz W123 and W126 diesels from firm and rigid shifting to flexible and smooth shifting, with torquey acceleration uninterrupted by gear changes. So, if you do not own one of these cars yet and are wondering about buying one, yes, it is definitely worth the extra trouble.

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7

6. The 1985 W123 Turbodiesel's green vacuum capacitor attaches to the vacuum control valve. 7. Shown here are the vacuum line connections at the vacuum booster hose.

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CELEBRATING AMELIA ISLAND Lorenzo Triana • 300SL

THE THE STAR STAR 5–6 5–6 •• 2022 2022

ALEX DEARBORN

Winner Craftsman Phil Hill Award

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STARSTRUCK

ARTICLE & IMAGES ALEX DEARBORN

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CELEBR ATING OUR PASSION FOR MERCEDES-BENZ

CELEBRATING AMELIA ISLAND T THURSDAY, MARCH 3 – SUNDAY, MARCH 6 • 2022 he annual Amelia Island car week was full speed ahead for 2022. Under new ownership of the Hagerty Group, the Cars & Community, Concours d'Lemons and RADwood displays were held on Saturday on various fairways of the Ritz-Carlton hotel golf course. Sunday's Concours d'Elegance was held as usual on the same turf, with 225 automobiles ranging in age from 1903 to the present gleaming under blue skies. Among the award winners was Lorenzo Triano, who took home the Craftsman Phil Hill Restorers Award for his lovely 1957 300SL Roadster.

Driving events and seminars provided entertainment in between the car display events, with Indy team owner Chip

Ganassi the guest of honor, supported by Ricky Rudd, Geoff Brabham, Scott Pruett, Bobby Rahal, Kyle Petty and other racing luminaries. The cars on the Concours field continued founder Bill Warner's tradition of making this event America's racing car concours. Featured vehicles were Gurney Eagles, NASCAR machines, and vehicles commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Sebring race course.

Perennial Amelia sponsor Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA was sorely missed this year, as the company HQ was being moved to a new location in California. Fewer than usual Mercedes-Benz examples were on hand, but quite a number of personalities from MBCA were in attendance.

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Joiner of Southern Stars Section displayed their 190SL at the Cars & Community gathering.

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Donald Glisson, Jr. of Southern Stars section brought his 280SE 3.5 convertible to the MBCA's Amelia Island Cars & Community event.

Parts king Art Thumwood celebrating four decades helping 300S and 300SL owners.

Concours d'Lemons: These guys piled into this 300D and camped at the funky concours.

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Lew Bednarczik’s 2005 Mercedes SLR McLaren on the Amelia Island Concours show field before the crowds arrived.

Jeffrey McDowell of Southern Stars Section displayed his elegant 280SE 4.5.

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MBCA Directors at Large Jim Roberts of Alabama/NW Florida Section and Cliff Reyle of Memphis Section with Roberts’ 380SL.

The MB Market's (L-R) Ryan Hemphill, Ben Everest, and Blakley Leonard at their vendor tent.

Bob Platz of Delaware Valley Section and MBCA Chief Concours Judge emeritus.

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In Memoriam C CLU LUB BN NEEWS WS

MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA

Jim Luikens

J

im Luikens of Hudsonville, Michigan, age 74, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, February 18, 2022.

Jim’s love of Mercedes-Benz vehicles goes back to when he originally discovered the marque via magazine pictures of a 300SL Gullwing when just 10 years old. It would be a few more years before he could afford to purchase his first MercedesBenz, but when he did he fell in love with all things Mercedes.

Jim acquired his first Mercedes-Benz in 1981, a 300D, and he remained faithful to the marque, especially his favorite SL and wagon models. Over the years, Jim owned more than a hundred MercedesBenz vehicles, including station wagons, sedans, coupes, diesels, roadsters, AMGs,

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and even a 300SL Gullwing. Jim took part in the company's German Delivery program and visited Germany and the Mercedes-Benz factory (the first of several trips, where he picked up a 1986 300E.) Shortly after his first purchase, Jim joined the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. He was recently honored locally for his 40-year membership anniversary in the club. He held positions within the club including local Section President, Secretary, and Newsletter Publisher as well as positions on the National Board as Secretary and Regional Director-atLarge. In 2006 he was selected as Editor of The Star, a position he held until 2008.

In 2017, Jim was honored with the Silver Star Award from Daimler AG of Stuttgart, Germany.

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HEIMATFEST

IS BACK! Tour the expanded Mercedes-Benz factory at Vance, Alabama on Friday, June 10, 2022 Morning and afternoon tours plus visits to Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Hotel & meals arranged by Alabama NW Florida Section Register: www.motorsportsreg.com More information: Jim Roberts jertoothsaver@bellsouth.net

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ARTICLE & IMAGE JIM ROBERTS

Tracks & Tours The MBCA offers high-performance driver education events to build your skills and enriching tours to satisy your curiosity

TWO MBCA SECTIONS ARE PRESENTING DRIVING EVENTS that include performance driving with experienced MBCA instructors on race tracks, along with classroom and in-car instruction: Mercedes & Friends, Watkins Glen, New York, May 30 - June 1 Heimatfest, Talladega Grand Prix, Alabama, June 10-11 Both will also offer challenging drives on local roads to interesting sights of international interest.

The Watkins Glen track has been the site of the U.S. Grand Prix Formula One races, one of the first road course races, and many current IMSA and NASCAR races. Don’t miss this chance to drive both the current track and the original 1948 course that used public roads. The nearby mountains are very similar to the German Black Forest near Stuttgart. The Finger Lakes also have challenging roads and multiple excellent wineries. We are arranging bus transportation for those who wish to taste several vintages. The Corning Glass Museum just 20 min from Watkins Glen is something that can take up most of a day. Also, Dave Tobin, contributor to The Star, is located nearby. He will share his expertise on MercedesBenz values and perhaps allow some perusal of his current stock.

Register at: www.clubregistration.net (Listed as a Lotus, Ltd-MBCA event) $425 for Performance Driving Education at Watkins Glen $125 for the Performance Driving Experience 92

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On the Heimatfest drives, we will visit the fascinating MercedesBenz US International Factory in Alabama as well as spend time at the highly acclaimed Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama. We will also tour the inspiring United States Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville. The Talladega Grand Prix Raceway is a great track-driving experience for novices and a challenging layout for experienced drivers. The road from Talladega Grand Prix Raceway to the Summit of Mt. Cheaha has as many turns as the Tail of the dragon, and then it continues twice again as far along the crest.

Register at: http://msreg.com/MBCAatTGPR2022 $300 for Performance Driving Education – includes 5-6 20-minute full-speed sessions plus two classroom sessions. $100 for the Performance Driving Experience – instruction at a more relaxed pace. Includes two classroom sessions, moderate speed ride with instructor driving, then driving with an instructor riding along for coaching.

Registration and hotel information is available for individual parts of each event. We are working on driving routes to each event; you could even connect the two for a memorable vacation!

For more information on these events contact: Jim Roberts jertoothsaver@bellsouth.net Gary Edwards performancedriving@mbcapeachtree.com

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Restorations worthy of a museum exhibit.

We understand it’s not always easy to trust a shop with your pride and joy. At Automotive Restorations, Inc. we put communication & transparency as our first priority in customer service, and that’s one of the reasons why we’ve been successfully restoring vehicles year after year since 1978. It’s also the same reason why museums choose us to restore their vehicles for exhibit, like this 1959 Volkswagen Beetle.

203 - 377 - 6745 | 100 Lupes Drive, Stratford, CT, 06 615 www.automotiverestorations.com

Donate

any make or model of car, truck, motorcycle or boat – running or not – to support the

Mercedes-Benz Club of America Educational Foundation (MBCAEF) MBCAEF supports automotive education, defensive driving for young people, and technical documents

DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

To schedule your donation, contact MBCAEF board member Steve Dierks: steve.dierks@gmail.com

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YOUR CLUB • YOUR EVENTS

SectionEvents

Driving & Social Events

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EDITED • STAR STAFF

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SECTION, PERFECT CHINESE CUISINE, JANUARY 22. A good turnout gathered in Milpitas, CA, at the Perfect Chinese Food restaurant on Saturday, January 22, to devour ten high-end surprise both from their huge and profusely illustrated menu. John Goode OZARK SECTION, ERHLICH MOTORWERKS, JANUARY 22. Nineteen dedicated car enthusiasts from our section took the opportunity to learn about Porsche. We spent time with Erlich's owner Mike Butler and manager Patrick Ossenkop to take a deep dive. Kathleen Menold ROAD STAR SECTION, VISITI TO THE MANATEES AT MANATEE LAGOON, JANUARY 22. On a cold and windy Florida morning (cold for spoiled Floridians, that is) enthusiastic members of the Road Star Section met up for a fascinating visit to the famous Manatee Lagoon Florida Power and Light Eco-Discovery Center. It was a good day to visit the Discovery Center, as Manatees seek warm water when the water temperature gets cool. William Browney LOS ANGELES SECTION, THE INTERNATIONAL PRINTING MUSEUM, JANUARY 22. The International Printing Museum has one of the largest collections of antique printing presses in the United States. It offers educational programs and also has a Ben-Franklin-type printing press. Brigitte Trapp

FROM THE TOP: Desert Stars Enthusiast Dinner; Ozark Section visits Erhlich Motorwerks.

LONE STAR SECTION, TECH SESSION - EUROCHARGED, JANUARY 22. Members of the Lone Star Section met for a tour of the new Eurocharged facility in Round Rock, TX. and a following Q&A. After the session, members proceeded to Cover 3 for lunch. Ginny Pitzen

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY SECTION, NEW YEAR DINNER, JANUARY 29. We celebrated the New Year with a dinner at Lemongrass Thai Restaurant. We have had a good turn out with this restaurant in the past. We also welcomed new member James Sandoz. Charles Dove

SOUTHERN STARS SECTION, OCEANFRONT BREAKFAST, JANUARY 22. We dined at Sunrise Cafe, located at Omni Amelia Island Resort. We met some new members and reconnected with some members who have been with us for a few decades. David Wommer

DESERT STARS SECTION, ENTHUSIAST DINNER, JANUARY 29. The annual wrap-up of auction week in Scottsdale is the Mercedes-Benz Enthusiast Dinner.

Local members held the annual People's Choice car show. The top spot went to Chuck Stanford with his 1970 280SL. Mark Ichiyama

NIAGARA SECTION, ANNUAL WINE TASTING, JANUARY 23. Participants brought a wine which they talked about and explained why that particular wine was chosen. After the sampling of the wines, everyone enjoyed some food. Deborah Boehm

SEATTLE SECTION, GRIOT'S MOTORS SNEAK PEEK, JANUARY 29. Members took a private tour of Griots Motors and Richard Griot's private collection.

Members went behind the scenes to visit Griot’s newest venture, Griot’s Motors and see some of Richard’s prized cars. Tony Andrews

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SectionEvents HOUSTON SECTION, AUTO AND BOAT SHOW, JANUARY 29. The Houston Section sponsored an information table at the Houston Auto and Boat Show.

With nearly 500,000 visitors each year, the show is known for its ride & drive feature. Erroll Hines SACRAMENTO SECTION, FIRST SUNDAY DRIVE, FEBRUARY 6. We took some back roads off Historic Hwy 49 to Bridgeport, which is the site of one of the country’s longest covered bridges. William Brandt SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SECTION, FIRST SUNDAY DRIVE, FEBRUARY 6. Nearly 50 people took this lovely drive and dined at a charming cafe specializing in freshly caught oysters with pizza and beer. John Goode LONE STAR SECTION, PRE-VALENTINE'S DAY LUNCH, FEBRUARY 12. Twenty-six members of the Lone Star Section caravanned to lunch, in extreme wind, for a Pre-Valentine's lunch at Kreuz's Market. After lunch some of the member's continued to downtown Lockhart. Welcome new members John and Carol Davis. Ginny Pitzen

FROM THE TOP: Superb 300SL won Best in Show at Road Star Section's annual Concours.

Southern Stars displayed Mercedes-Benz vehicles at the Jacksonville International Show.

ROAD STAR SECTION, ANNUAL CONCOURS, FEBRUARY 12. The weather was perfect to view some beautiful vintage, intermediate and contemporary Mercedes-Benz automobiles followed by a very nice luncheon at the club. Best in Show was presented to the owner of a 300SL Mercedes-Benz Gullwing. William Browney

SEATTLE SECTION, SWEETHEART DRIVE, FEBRUARY 13. We drove the Green Valley Road as it meandered along the Green River in Auburn. The valley farmlands are beautiful, and we were fortunate to be welcomed at the historic Canter-Berry Farms. Debbie Ward

SOUTHERN STARS SECTION, CAFFEINE AND OCTANE, FEBRUARY 12. We had a terrific turnout in Jacksonville, with nearly 20 Mercedes-Benz automobiles parked together in the town's Central Lot alone – not bad considering the reported possibility of inclement weather and some overcast skies! David Wommer NIAGARA SECTION, VALENTINE'S DAY BRUNCH, FEBRUARY 13. Section members gathered at the Knox Family Mansion, which is now part of the Knox Farm State Park in East Aurora. Our celebration started with a large selection of drinks from a sparkling cider, wine, a Bloody Mary to Champagne. Bruce & Deb Hamilton

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Spotlight Event

SOUTHERN STARS SECTION, JACKSONVILLE INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW, FEBRUARY 18. We were invited by the Jacksonville International Show Marketing Director at The Paragon Group to share half a dozen Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the public representing historic eras.

This was a great event! David Wommer PITTSBURGH SECTION, PITTSBURGH AUTO SHOW, FEBRUARY 19. Although Mercedes-Benz did not have a display at the Pittsburgh Auto Show, local dealer Bud Smail had a selection of Mercedes and graciously let the club take some photos at its display. Susan Grunewald

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MBCA Eastern Region Presents High Performance Driver Education

June 11, 2022 Talladega Gran Prix Raceway - Munford, Alabama

One-day High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) co-hosted by Peachtree and Alabama/NW Florida Sections.

A wonderful track for novices, only 5 turns in 1.4 miles with minimal elevation changes and wide, smooth runoff areas, but challenging enough to be fun for advanced drivers. We will provide both classroom and in-car instruction. Only $300. Also offering the Performance Driving Experience (PDE) $100 which includes classroom and highway speed on-track instruction.

For more information and to Register: http://msreg.com/MBCAatTGPR2022

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SectionEvents MISSISSIPPI SECTION, VALENTINE DINNER, FEBRUARY 20. Members from Mississippi Section enjoyed a belated Valentine's dinner party on February 20 at Kathryn’s steak/prime rib and seafood in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Scott Boone NORTH TEXAS SECTION, FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP LUNCH, FEBRUARY 20. The North Texas Section kicked off the new season at Aboca’s Italian Grill.

Fourteen of our members gathered to share stories and have lunch on a great warm February Texas day. Ron Seifert

Spotlight Event

BRITISH COLUMBIA SECTION, CARS & COFFEE, FEBRUARY 20. BC Stars is very pleased to say that we were able to hold our first in-person event for the 2022 driving season. Our section plans to hold this kind of event on the 3rd Sunday of each month, rain or shine, so mark your calendars for the future. The B.C. Section is actively searching for a location for our premier event, our annual Show & Shine. Jeff Shindler

NIAGARA SECTION, PAINTLESS DENT REMOVAL TECH EVENT, MARCH 5. It was a very successful Tech event Saturday, March 5 at Jonny Dents. Owner Jon Koller demonstrated Paintless Dent Removal. Deborah Boehm SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SECTION, FIRST SUNDAY DRIVE, MARCH 6. We met in Pt. Richmond to begin a First Sunday Drive through historic WWII memorials. The winding harbor and port roads led the convoy of shiny Benzes to the SS Red Oak Victory, the only surviving WWII ship built at the Kaiser Shipyard. John Goode EASTERN OKLAHOMA SECTION, EQS WALKAROUND, MARCH 8. Twenty-five section members and guests attended a tech session and viewing of the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS BEV (battery electric vehicle). Mario Varon and Dillon Cole performed a walk-around on the company's all-electric new EQS 450+ sedan. John Kushnerick

ABOVE: A misty morning at British Columbia Section's first Car & Coffee of the new year.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SECTION, VINTAGE, CLASSIC AND COFFEE, FEBRUARY 26.

A fabulous day with the Vintage, Classic and Coffee event sponsored by the San Francisco Bay Area Section. Our younger members with latest AMGs came to support the event. John Goode HOUSTON SECTION, GERMAN CAR CLUB BOWLING TOURNAMENT, MARCH 5.

Houston Section gathered at the Del Mar Lanes bowling alley to win back the German Car Club Bowling trophy. The trophy had been in the possession of the BMW Car Club since 2019. The BMW, Porsche and Audi clubs did not show up, so we won by default. Erroll Hines

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Section Event Reports in The Star are based on materials uploaded to the MBCA website. Deadline for the next issue is May 15. Visit mbca.org, select the Star Magazine tab and click on Submit Event Notice or Submit Event Report to publicize your section’s upcoming activities, submit reports and pictures, and learn what other sections are doing.

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?

Want to see your SECTION EVENT REPORT in the pages of The Star?

Section Event Reports seen here are compiled from write-ups and pictures submitted to the MBCA club website, www. mbca.org, that features an improved system for submitting and displaying reports. Visit the Star Magazine area of the club website to publicize your upcoming events, post event reports with pictures, and learn what other sections are doing.

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THE STAR 5–6 • 2022

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S ’ D LL A U T BCAN DO• I

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ORDER FROM OUR NEW ONLINE CATALOGS!

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm est 7773 W. Strickland St. Douglasville, GA 30134

All issues of The Star for the years 2011-2019 are still available from the MBCA National Business Office. Consult the online index for contents before ordering.

Many issues for the years 1999 to 2010 are also available.

Please contact the office to find out if your requested issue is still in stock. Call:

800.637.2360 Easy Buying Tips: • You don’t need to be a club member to order magazines • Credit card or check accepted • Shipping is included within continental United States • Individual copies $10.50 each • Call to check on the availability of specific issues • International Orders: Call for details & shipping costs

Mail your order with payment to: MBCA-Store 1907 Lelaray Street Colorado Springs CO 80909-9283 or call 800.637.2360 or order online at mbca.org

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MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA

NationalBoard

President (2022)

Vice President (2023)

Julie Bruggner Three Rivers Section 5526 Thornbriar Lane Fort Wayne, IN 46835 260.348.1369 (h) julesslb@msn.com

Doug Geganto Peachtree Section 3211 Black Gum Lane Gainesville, GA 30504 404.754.9955 dgeganto@charter.net

Treasurer (2022)

Charles Woods Central Oklahoma Section 3708 Bonaire Place Edmond, OK 73013 charlesbwoods1@gmail.com

Secretary (2022)

Cliff Reyle Memphis Section 9658 Dove Meadow Cove East Germantown, TN 38139 901.754.8574 (h) 901.251.4808 (o) cliff.reyle@youthvillages.org

N AT I O N A L BOA R D

DIRECTORS AT LARGE

“To elevate the MercedesBenz experience through knowledge, camaraderie, and exceptional events.”

NATIONAL BUSINESS OFFICE

Director at Large (2022)

Director at Large (2023)

PAST MBCA PRESIDENTS

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Awards

Ernie Fancy Minuteman Section 1 Butterworth Road Holland, MA 01521 508.377.8286 (c) fancyer@cox.net

1955-1957 1957-1959 1959-1960 1960-1961 1961-1962 1962-1964 1964-1966 1966-1968 1968-1970 1970-1972 1972-1974 1974-1976 1976-1977 1977-1978 1978-1979 1979-1981 1981-1982 1982-1984 1984-1986 1986-1988 1988-1990 1990-1992 1992-1994 1994-1996 1996-1998 1998-1999 1999-2001 2001-2003 2003-2005 2005-2007 2007-2009 2009-2011 2011-2013 2013-2017 2017-2019

Dr. Milton Allen= Dr. Ken Bartlett, Jr.= L. B. Kirkendall = Arthur G. Rippey= Allen G. Bishop= John W. Burnside= Walter G. Vartan Frank S. Baker= Harger W. Dodge= J. Chadwick Hunt= Otto Saborsky= Allen Funkhouser= Tracy Williams= Thomas Doherty= Fred Lustig= Phil Parrino= Ferne Gardner= Grant Elford= Hyatt Cheek Murdoch Campbell= Virginia Turner Robert Beltz Robert A. Martin= Kathy Kennel= Walt Anderson W. Robert Nitske= H. Peter Watson Donald Leap= Richard Simonds Jim O’Sullivan Peter Lesler Rodger Van Ness Steve Dierks Terry Kiwala Gene Jurick

James E. Roberts, DMD Alabama Section 2301 Arlington Avenue S #200 Birmingham, AL 35205 205.529.0071 (c) jertoothsaver@bellsouth.net

Ginny Pitzen Lone Star Section 304 Legends Parkway Kingsland, TX 78639 ginnypitzen@yahoo.com

Budget

Charles Woods Central Oklahoma Section 3708 Bonaire Place Edmond, OK 73013 charlesbwoods1@gmail.com

Election Committee Gene Jurick North Texas Section 6008 Bracknell Drive Parker, TX 75002 972.461.1981 gjurick@tx.rr.com

Enthusiasts

Josie Lesler Southwest Florida Section 2314 Queens Way Naples, FL 34112 216.403.2216 (c) jqlesler@aol.com

Driving Skills

Jason Burton Chicago Section 175 E Delaware Place #4925 Chicago, IL 60611 312.224.1787 jb@jasonburton.com

Director at Large (2023) Jason Burton Chicago Section 175 E Delaware Place #4925 Chicago, ll 60611 312.224.1787 jb@jasonburton.com

Past National President Gene Jurick North Texas Section 6008 Bracknell Drive Parker, TX 75002 972.461.1981 gjurick@tx.rr.com

Executive Director

Mike Regennitter Pikes Peak Section 1907 Lelaray Street Colorado Springs, CO 80909 800.637.2360 mike@mbca.org

Administrative Services Cindy Tumbleson Pikes Peak Section 1907 Lelaray Street Colorado Springs, CO 80909 800.637.2360 cindy@mbca.org

MBCA APPOINTEES Membership

Doug Geganto Peachtree Section 3211 Black Gum Lane Gainesville, GA 30504 404.754.9955 dgeganto@charter.net

National Concours

Pete Lesler Southwest Florida Section 2314 Queens Way Naples, FL 34112 216.403.2951 (c) w113sl@aol.com

Personnel

Cliff Reyle Memphis Section 9658 Dove Meadow Cove East Germantown, TN 38139 901.754.8574 (h) cliff.reyle@youthvillages.org

Leadership

Julie Bruggner Three Rivers Section 5526 Thornbriar Lane Fort Wayne, IN 46835 260.348.1369 (h) julesslb@msn.com

Governance

Laura Simonds 650.703.2656 Lsimonds97520@gmail.com

Performance Driving

National Events

Social Media

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION President

Arno Pitzen 304 Legends Parkway Kingsland, TX 78639 512.736.5203 arno.ginny@gmail.com Andrew Opicka Wisconsin Section 1221 Bay De Noc Ct Green Bay, WI 54311 andrew@opicka.com

Strategic Planning Julie Bruggner Three Rivers Section 5526 Thornbriar Lane Fort Wayne, IN 46835 260.348.1369 (h) julesslb@msn.com

Technical Information George Murphy Smoky Mountain Section 233 Briarcliff Avenue Oakridge, TN 37830 865.482.9175

David Abarr 625 4th Avenue SE Albany, OR 97321 541.981.1919 mbcapdxdave@comcast.net

Bryan Gunning bgun@sprynet.com

MERCEDES-BENZ USA Customer Assistance 800.367.6372 (U.S.) 800.387.0100 (CANADA)

Classic Parts & Information

866.622.5277 classicparts@mbusa.com

Editor, The Star

Jeff Zurschmeide Portland Section 1506 5TH Street Tillamook, OR 97141 503.330.3010 jeff@falstaffpubs.com

Legal Counsel Thomas James

Raffle Legal Counsel

C. Robert Beltz International Stars Section 810.908.1979

perfanalysis@comcast.net

Technology

Jason Burton Chicago Section 175 E Delaware Pl #4925 Chicago, IL 60611 312.224.1787 jb@jasonburton.com

=

Deceased

Send contact information updates to: ryanne@mbca.org THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

101

MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA

SectionGuide

REGIONS LISTED EAST TO WEST

SEC TION GUIDE

NORTHEAST REGION

SOUTHEAST REGION NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND STAR

Jordan Brammer PO Box 2125 Campton, NH 03223 603.721.2083 jordanrbrammer@gmail.com

HUDSON-MOHAWK

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Drew Webb PO Box 473 Salem, NH 03073 508.662.4900 rdswebb@gmail.com

ATLANTIC CANADA

Contact Regional Director

MINUTEMAN

Dean Coclin 781.789.8686 mbca.minuteman@gmail.com

James R. Wright 26 Crystal Lane Delmar, NY 12054 518.281.3406 hudsonmohawkmbca @gmail.com

NIAGARA

Joanie Long 8561 Falls Rd West Falls, NY 14170 716.655.4515 joanielong@verizon.net

CENTRAL FLORIDA

FINGER LAKES

Donald C. Klug, Jr. 518 Sherman Street Watertown, NY 13601 315-785-8800 donklug@twcny.rr.com

Robert Hartmann 781 Summer Oaks Court Oviedo, FL 32765 407.913.6134 (h) hartmann.r@att.net

Mike McKinnon 213 Denise Crescent Carleton Place, ON K7C 0C4 Canada 613.257.1913 benzowner@bell.net

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Michael J. Chrusch 10945 Ravel Court Boca Raton, FL 33498-6761 561.990.7886 (h) 954.260.6466 (c) michaelchrusch@hotmail.com

SOUTHERN STARS

Barry Paraizo 11758 Lake Shore Place North Palm Beach, FL 33408 561.310.8957 ferrbp@bellsouth.net

MONTREAL

TORONTO

Peter Spitzer 4425 No 1 Sideroad Burlington, ON L7M 0X4 Canada 905.599.5770 mbca@spitzerinc.com

Hank Webb 2224 Lookout Landing Fleming Island, FL 32003 904.294.5650 hankwebb58@bellsouth.net David Wommer 904.534.7319 davidwommer@gmail.com

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

SOUTH JERSEY

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Bill Fisher 53 Winfield Circle Sewell, NJ 08080 609.221.2633 BillFisherMBCA@yahoo.com

CONNECTICUT/ WESTCHESTER

Winthrop E. Baum 25 Van Zant Street, Ste 19C East Norwalk, CT 06855 203.858.6300 win@winbaum.com

Ernest Schirmer PO Box 6429 Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 609.895.1611 eschirmer@ieee.org

NASHVILLE

NEW YORK CITY & LONG ISLAND

Oliver Seligman 760 Holden Avenue Ext. Cutchogue, NY 11935 917.763.0178 (c) 212.510.8293 (h) mogs05@aol.com

KEYSTONE

Marty Rexroth 1060 Detwiler Drive York, PA 17404 717.764.0624 marstang@aol.com

NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Mike Ziegler 437 Auburn Street Allentown, PA 18103 610.504.5370 (c) mikez@zieglersrv.com

DELAWARE VALLEY

Michael Parlato 113 Blackwell Road Pennington, NJ 08534 609.577.5931 m300cab@gmail.com

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Brad Purvis 757.566.1546 bradpurvis@mac.com

VIRGINIA

Donald LaBar 1274 Christian Court Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757.226.0048 dlabar3@verizon.net

TRIANGLE

Diana Quinn 442 Chowning Pl NW Marietta, GA 30064 770.635.8112 dianaquinn@me.com

Bill Faison 108 Royal Club Drive Cary, NC 27513 919-469-9228 drcbill@aol.com

Rugger Smith 3709 S. George Mason Drive T5E Falls Church, VA 22041 703.861.0402 prsmith3@msn.com

William L. Parrish, Jr. 828.719.6140 parrishwl@retired.appstate.edu

GREATER WASHINGTON

Roger Brummett Box 3783 Carmel, IN 46032 317.721.2784 roger@metroelevator.com

George Murphy 233 Briarcliff Ave Oak Ridge, TN 37830 865.482.9175 perfanalysis@comcast.net

Rick Siefert 846 Nardin Drive Chesterfield, MO 63017 314.435.1903 (c) Rick.siefert@att.net

Bill Sudekum 561 Long St Southaven, MS 38672 sudekumwa@msn.com 662.429.3407

Mike Marsh 533 Madeleine Court Brandon, MS 39047 601.946.1950 (c) mike_marsh@bellsouth.net

SMOKY MOUNTAIN

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Ken Koehler 6168 Ruthven Drive Noblesville, IN 46062-6722 317.669.2072 (h) skkoehler@att.net

BLUEGRASS STARS

Gary Rumrill 6801 Switch Bark Ct Louisville, KY 40228 502.592.7736 g.rumrill@twc.com

INDIANAPOLIS 500

Randy Bibb 330 Whitworth Way Nashville, TN 37205 615.259.1349 rbibb@lewisking.com

MEMPHIS

ST. LOUIS GATEWAY

MISSISSIPPI

CINCINNATI

Tyler O’Brien 513.477.3056 tylerob1@gmail.com

GREAT LAKES REGION

EASTERN REGION

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

ROAD STAR

CENTRAL REGION

MID-ATLANTIC REGION Valerie Cristiano 908.369.0793 mercedeslady1@verizon.net

TAMPA BAY

Gary Dolin g.dolin@verizon.net

SOUTH FLORIDA

OTTAWA

David Peebles 2601 Yearling Dr St Lazare, QC J7T 2A1 Canada 514.941.5320 unimog@securenet.net

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Contact Regional Director

TARHEEL

CAROLINAS

CENTRAL OHIO

Jane Martinez 1375 Whispering Oaks Ln Matthews, NC 28104 505.270.3851 Jsmartinez.mb550@gmail.com

Michael Mizesko 614.776.5667 7614 Brandon Road New Albany, OH 43054 mbcacos@gmail.com

Gary Edwards 2060 White Rock Rd Lincolnton, GA 30817 757.831.9556 edwardsgw@nu-z.net

Branton Pardee 419.215.1696 techdada@yahoo.com

PEACHTREE

ALABAMA-NW FLORIDA

Jim Sparacio PO Box 530185 Birmingham, AL 35253 jim506@charter.net 205.243.7727

CENTRAL GEORGIA

Thomas Couch 478.741.9014 tommycouch@live.com

NORTHWEST OHIO

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Ron Harshman 3200 Loop Road #97 Orange Beach, AL 36561 218.213.4967 rharshman1943@gmail.com

PITTSBURGH

Sandra Turko 612 Pennsylvania Boulevard Jeanette, PA 15644 742.527.0838 mbcapghchapter@gmail.com

INTERNATIONAL STARS

Don MacDonald 248.647.8430 don.macdonald1@gmail.com

WESTERN MICHIGAN

Matthew Short 269.760.7204 mshort2@gmail.com

WESTERN RESERVE

Rod Thompson 3175 Roundwood Road Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 440.247.2853 renold.thompson@ clevelandship.com

THREE RIVERS

Contact Regional Director

Send contact information updates to: ryanne@mbca.org

102

THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA

SectionGuide

REGIONS LISTED EAST TO WEST SOUTHWEST REGION

MIDWEST REGION Bruce Hamilton 4225 Southwyck Drive Janesville, WI 53546-2120 608.754.6066 n12em@sbcglobal.net

John Jacobson 1820 Kolff St Newport, MN 55055 651.690.5115 benzboy@comcast.net

Gretta Glimm gretaglimm@yahoo.com

Bob Young PO Box 716 De Soto, IA 50069 515.229.3870 bobyoung@inbox.com)

CHICAGOLAND

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Andrew Opička 1221 Bay De Noc Ct Green Bay, WI 54311 andrew@opicka.com

MINNESOTA

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Patricia D. Kellogg 4607 Thornhill Drive Peoria, IL 61615 309.688.8000 (h)

CHAPARRAL

KANSAS CITY

Rich Carlson Rich@kcmbca.org

Michael Cooper michaeldenise1212@gmail.com 760-650-6206

Robert Hellriegel 8260 Sweetwater Creek Way Las Vegas, NV 89113 702.768.7530 Hello_rjg@yahoo.com

Peter Samaha 1600 Hobart Street Camarillo, CA 93010 805.890.8489 psamaha@msn.com

LAS VEGAS

IOWA HAWKEYE

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Steve Ross 16151 Fruitvale Road Valley Center, CA 92082 619.508.3925 inewsx@sbcgIobaI.net

DESERT STARS

Debbie Ichiyama 6502 E. Evans Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254 480.268.9535 (h) dichiyama@me.com

SAN DIEGO

John Peters 520.425.5058 petersjr@comcast.net

CHANNEL ISLANDS

LOS ANGELES

Amir Rudyan 28051 Balkins Dr Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818.707.3518 amir@avmindustries.com

ORANGE COUNTY

Contact RD

SOUTH-CENTRAL REGION OZARK

DJ de Jesus 4159 Charron Lane Fort Worth , TX 76116-8160 817.732.8773 (h) djdejesus@charter.net

Jeff Leatherock 904 N Miller Oklahoma City, OK 73107 405.306.9495 leatherock@aol.com

Erroll Hines P.O. Box 2261 Kingwood, TX 77252 eahines@aol.com

CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Brett Jurick 2024 Palace Way Allen, TX 75013 214.773.7820 bjurick@tx.rr.com

NEW ORLEANS

Sandy Downing 219 Garden Road River Ridge, LA 70123 504.813.3086 sandown60@aol.com

FORT WORTH

Dennis Anderson 15175 Putman Road Rogers, AR 72756 479.295.8008 dt.anderson@cox.net

EASTERN OKLAHOMA

Brian Johnson 6414 E 94th PL Tulsa, OK 74137 405.311.1488 brianjohnson1227@gmail.com

NORTH TEXAS

Ron Seifert 339 Pine Valley Dr Fairview, TX 75069 972.824.0464 rseifert@grandecom.net

Steve Dierks 2381 Shrider Road Colorado Springs, CO. 80920 719.593.9557 steve.dierks@gmail.com

HOUSTON

LONE STAR

Yvonne Lazear 805.402.2322 ylazear@gmail.com

Gail Wells 1230 Mineral Flat Road Reno, NV 89506 blackswan342@gmail.comt

Alan Syme 520 Davis Mountain Circle Georgetown, TX 78633 210.827.8308 alansyme424@gmail.com

CENTRAL COAST

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Contact National VP

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Don Dionisi 1503 Wild Peak San Antonio, TX 78258 830.438.5539 don.dionisi@yahoo.com

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

John Goode 650.215.3402 goode4me@gmail.com

NORTHWEST REGION PIKES PEAK

IDAHO

Robert Heath 5429 W. Clearview Ct Boise, ID 83703 208.599.3334 rwheath75@hotmail.com

Sandy Dose 1331 S. 184th Circle Omaha, NE 68130 402.334.8126 (h) doses@stifel.com

Jo Chase 6338 Antares Road NE Albuquerque, NM 87111 505.220.3267 farmgal229@aol.com

David Glass 10901 176th Circle NE #4618 Redmond, WA 98052 425.869.6706 davidr.glass@att.net

MILE-HIGH

SIERRA NEVADA

Kathryn Splivalo 4800 N Van Ness Boulevard Fresno, CA 93704 559.289.0578 kaspliv@gmail.com

Andrew Nelson 1027 Adams Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719.217.9481 Ottobahn2@gmail.com

Stan Rios 3222 W 96th Circle Westminster, CO 80031 720.404.6362 rican6987@gmail.com

SACRAMENTO

David Michael 302 Stage Stop Court El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 415.939.9000 demichael@gmail.com

Lee Elrick 1440 N. Gatewood #51 Wichita, KS 67206 316.634.2088 leeelrick@me.com

EASTERN NEBRASKA

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

HAWAII

Shawn Merrill PO Box 492658 Keaau, HI 96749 650.255.8202 hicmdo1@gmail.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION WICHITA

WESTERN REGION

NEW MEXICO

SEATTLE

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Jeff Shindler #9-11291 7th Ave Richmond BC V7E 4J3 CANADA 604.271.1829 (h) 604.910.1829 (c) Jeff.shindler@telus.net

PORTLAND

David Abarr 625 4th Avenue SE Albany, OR 97321 541.981.1919 mbcapdxdave@comcast.net

ALBERTA

Satellite to British Columbia Section

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Leigh Gayman 1815 Crawford Rd North Vancouver, BC V7K 1R8 CANADA

lgcars@shaw.ca

VANCOUVER ISLAND

Robert Watson #518-6880 Wallace Drive Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1N8 CANADA 250.652.5667 (h) mbca.visland@gmail.com

Send contact information updates to: ryanne@mbca.org THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

103

SEC TION GUIDE

WISCONSIN

TRADINGPOST

Submit ads to: www.mbca.org/create-classified-ad

T R A D I N G P OS T

SLs for Sale

1967 250SL 70,000 miles. Over $70,000 restoring to like new condition, including complete engine rebuild. Classic pagoda, hardtop, European headlights, automatic transmission. No rust.

Fully documented. Asking $80,000. Frank Box 808-987-0631 FEBox@aol.com (HI)

1988 560SL White / Blue. 88,900 miles. Excellent condition.

2nd owner (since 1993). All original except replaced soft top 2013. Original paint. Hard top. No salt or snow. Always garage kept. No accidents. $25,000. Dana Twombly: 207-233-9000 dtwombl1@maine.rr.com (FL)

2003 SL55 AMG Black / Black. 53,000 miles. Selling my dream car. I hardly ever drove it. Great shape. Fast car. Asking $29,000.

Joey: 717-873-1040 (PA)

1968 280SL Tobacco Brown / Cognac. 75,094 miles. Current owner 23 yrs. Strong driver, very good condition, no rust, many improvements. 4 speed auto, hardtop, new soft top. Details at www.DML280forsale.com Dave Lamoreaux 973-886-3127, dmljunk@gmail.com, $65k. (PA)

1988 560SL Black / Palomino. 37,200 miles. All belts, hoses, and fluids recently changed. Also, new a/c compressor. New GAHH seat covers and tan conv top. New tires. Incl hard top and stand $30,000 Carl Gibble: 717-808-0425 gibfam54@hotmail.com (PA)

2004 SLK230 Kompressor Silver / Black. 104,000 miles. Special edition, great condition, interior good new motor mounts, CD player, AC. recent brakes and maintenance. Cosme: 510-2822677 cosme.beitia@yahoo.com (CA)

1974 450SL White / Buckskin. 255,770 miles. Solid ride that will turn heads. Hard and soft top. Single owner since 1984. Single mechanic since 2001. Small rust spot at drivers side handle.

Center dash cracked from heat. Precia Harthcock 832-283-2807 prh_intl@hotmail.com (TX)

1988 560SL White / Dark Blue; matching dark blue soft top.

Price is $8,400. Approximately $5,000 in recent documented service work. Looks good at 10 feet but up close shows aging.

Mileage Unknown. Kevin S Jackam: 678-333-8529 ksjackam@ msn.com (GA)

2004 SL500 Blue / Gray. 77,000 miles. All options in excellent condition, always garaged, service done at Mercedes of Macon.

Asking $15k. Linda Mechem: 770-358-4464 Lsmechem@aol. com (GA)

1982 380SL Blue / Blue. 92,100 miles. Everything works properly. No rust, all wear items replaced. Hardtop and cart. Always MB serviced. No winters, climate controlled storage. To good home only. $18,000. Karl Buddenhagen: 337-401-6677 karlbkarl@ yahoo.com (WI)

1989 560SL white / beige. 38,200 miles. Hardtop, Soft top, Metal roof hoist for hardtop removal, Tonneau cover and custom car cover are all included. Impeccable condition. Seon Smyth: 909518-0452 mercedesbenz@bigseon.com (CO)

2005 SL500 Sand/Silver 59,931 miles. Clean, inspected, amazing condition. 2 tone interior. Engine is in excellent condition.

New roof hydraulics. Lots of features. Call for more details. Tiffany: (717)752-0017 (PA)

1988 560SL Cream / Palomino. 64,100 miles. Dark brown soft top. Full custom cover. Hard top rack. 2 owners. Original-very well maintained. $22,500 Bill B.: 404-510-4997 williebexplorer@yahoo.com (GA)

1992 SL500 Blue / Tan 47,500 miles. New soft top, $4,000 in maintenance. CarFax mint condition. $21,000 firm. Raymond.

864-245-0059. (SC)

2007 SL550 Silver / Tan. 80,000 miles. Engine repair needed for crack in cylinder 3. Asking $9000 for this otherwise pristine dream car. Transportation at buyers expense.

Leonard C. Dennis Jr. 732-543-4877 lcdennis4@yahoo.com (NJ)

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THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

SLs for Sale Other Mercedes-Benz Vehicles for Sale

2007 SLK55 AMG Silver / Black. 12,000 miles. AMG V 8, climate controlled garage No snow , rain or smoking. New Michelin Super Sports (less than 200 miles) Valve cover gaskets replaced, air bag recall done, new trunk and hood struts. $45,000 hutweb@ yahoo.com: 603-233-0066 (ME)

2009 SL550 Black / Black. 85,170 miles. Mint Condition. Premium AMG wheel package. Keyless start. $10,000 in recent repairs and maintenance. $25,000 Matt Corsaut: 916-317-1709 mcors@ ranchomurieta.org (CA)

1960 220SE Black / Red. 148,000 miles. Engine rebuilt at 124k.

New wood dash and interior, red leather on seats, and red carpeting. Most chrome is original. Numbers matching car. No smoke James Vargo: 1-434-973-8517 daenix43@gmail.com (VA)

1963 220SE 8k miles on rebuilt motor, new paint, everything in excellent condition. 6 cylinder fuel injected motor. Rebuilt by MB specialist. Asking $85k. Ditmar 352-843-3033 (FL)

To submit a Trading Post Ad, upload your ad, with a good quality image if desired, at: www.mbca.org/create-classified-ad To appear in the July–August 2022 issue of The Star, ads must be active on the website at the end of the day May 15, 2022. Submitted ads are posted immediately.

A club member may post one Mercedes-Benz related ad of up to 250 characters (approximately 35 words) and one photo on the website free of charge, space permitting. Members are charged for additional words and pictures. The online ad may be edited or removed by the member.

All ads are automatically removed after 60 days online unless renewed.

Only ads for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, parts, literature, and related services are accepted.

2014 SL550 Black / Black. 24,500 miles. Calif. car, 4.6 liter V-8 Biturbo with Direct Injection, 429 Horsepower, 516 lb-ft Torque, 2nd owner, always garaged & covered, never driven in snow or rain. $49,700 Firm. Ron: 530-798-6525 or 530-273-4517 bledsoeacres@aol.com (CA)

1963 220SE Blue / Blue. 105,000 miles. original black plate CA car. No rust. No 1 car. Complete resto. Richard A. DeVito: (781)899-2702 x142 radsr@pnpco.com (MA)

Non-members or commercial enterprises may post text ads for Mercedes-Benz related vehicles, parts, goods, and services on the club website.

Ads up to 300 characters $30 per issue with 60 days on the website. Fees must be paid in advance and are non-refundable. Please submit all

Commercial Corner ads to Nicole@mbca. org or call 800.637.2360.

The terms of sale, payment, shipping, and other affairs related to Trading Post ads are the sole responsibility of the buyer and seller. However, if issues arise, write to: editor@mbca.org.

MBCA and the Editor of The Star reserve the right to edit or remove any advertisement without recourse, justification, refund, or compensation.

2014 SLK55 AMG Red / Black / Anthracite. 16,000 miles. Pristine condition, only 400 of these cars built that year, Complete service records, all done by dealership, $55,000 Mike McHann: 901-299-6341 (TN)

1965 220SE Coupe White / Red. A/T PS. Almost complete resto.

New everything. 2nd Place Boston Cup Richard A. DeVito, Sr.: (781)899-2702 x142 radsr@pnpco.com (MA)

Club members without internet access may submit ads by mail to: MBCA National Business Office 1907 Lelaray Street Colorado Springs, CO 80909-2872 Please follow correct ad format when submitting ads by mail. Ad must be typed or clearly printed, and include name, address, phone and credit card information or check. Always include member number. Photographs submitted by mail will not be returned. Trading Post ads automatically expire after 60 days unless promptly renewed.

1957 190 Blue / Brown. 70,000 miles. “Ponton” 4 door sedan in a state of incomplete renovation. Last driven 20 years ago, garage kept. Spare parts included. Needs bumpers and interior upholstery. Best offer. James Millard: (484) 213-6167 jmillard1712@ gmail.com (PA)

1969 250 Blue-Grey / Dark Blue. 0 miles. Complete mechanical restoration. Cosmetic refreshing. Completely rebuilt original engine. Fully serviced original automatic transmission. $17,000 OBO Kevin S Jackam: 678-333-8529 ksjackam@msn.com (GA)

No inference should be made that the goods

and services advertised herein have the endorsement of Daimler AG, MBUSA, or MBCA. THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

105

T R A D I N G P OS T

How to Submit Trading Post Ads

TRADINGPOST

Submit ads to: www.mbca.org/create-classified-ad

T R A D I N G P OS T

Other Mercedes-Benz Vehicles for Sale

NO PHOTO PROVIDED

1971 280S Green / Black. 58,937 miles. Original Owner, Heated rear window, Auto trans floor shift, P/S, Interior Black MB Tex, A/C, Alloy Wheels, Garage kept, Not running, $6000 obo, Diana or Henry Zwick: (973) 214-8133 diana_von@yahoo.com (NJ)

1982 240D Gray / Red. 175,000 miles. 4-speed manual. European spec. Gauges in km. Exceptional, over $15k invested in recent maintenance. Offer from $25k considered. Inspections welcome. Marcus Droege: 954-610-7783 mdroege@pharmaconcepts.com (IL)

1986 560SEL Gray / Palomino. 112,108 miles. Sold w/parts car.

Both are rust free and include framed 100 year poster, magazine and sales literature. Interior in amazing condition has not run in years as keys have been lost. $3,500 Bruce Gorsak: 803-257-2155 (SC)

1978 300CD Green / Palomino. 120,000 miles. Garaged since 2008. Recent service. Records available (including transmission rebuild). $12,000 Janet Tainty: (831) 295-4346 janet95060@ gmail.com (CA)

1983 300CD Ivory / Palomino. 157,000 miles. Rust-free southern car (FL & TX). Original paint, tools, 1st Aid kit. Excellent dash and wood. Recent service, Everything works except tach & clock. Asking $21,500 Larry Taylor: 717-406-8015 larryt543@ yahoo.com (NY)

1986 560SEC Silver / Red. 166,498 miles. Owned for 26 years.

All records from new. $23,700 OBO. Rapidly appreciating. Please call or email .....no text as I do not own a cell phone. Bill Burkhardt: (913)648-1835 wburkhardt@kc.rr.com (KS)

NO PHOTO PROVIDED

1979 6.9 450SEL Blue / Blue. 71,000 miles. Second owner. Very Good to Excellent in & out. Collectible, too good to be a driver.

Sunroof, blue leather. Books, 1st Aid, triangle & tool kit. Needs some work. Best offer. Jonathan Mark: (972) 322-3233 (TX)

1985 500SEL Blue / Beige. 183,000 miles. Classic, made for Europe, shorter wheel base, powerful engine, great restoration opportunity for car enthusiast Diane Moore: 408.306.7356 antiquelinencollector@yahoo.com (CA)

B E WAR E O F S C A M M E R S

Be careful. Online crooks can scam you. It’s best to sell to someone you know, or to confirm the transaction with a mutual friend, like a club member. Note that cashier’s checks are easily faked.

Ask for a direct bank-to-bank transfer and confirm receipt before releasing your car. The most common scam is when the Scammers offers more than your asking price, paying with a cashier’s check, with excess to be used by you to pay for shipping. They’re stealing your car and your money.

!

1987 300TD White / Blue 142,000 miles. Arizona car, no rust.

Second owner. Maintenance records available. New Michelin tires. Good AC. $14,000 OBO. John Groh 520-299-7503 (AZ)

NO PHOTO PROVIDED

1992 300E Gray / Beige. 215,000 miles. 1 original owner, original paint, no rust, interior in very good condition, engine runs great, all maintenance records. $6,995.00. dhightower529@ gmail.com David: 404-227-2979 (AL)

1993 190E Green / Black. 151,000 miles. Limited production Avantgarde. Emerald Green with a green-and-black polka-dot interior & 5-speed transmission. 750 built & none imported. $11,900 Ben Miller: 714-313-8908 CSila@compuserve.com (CA)

106

THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

Other Mercedes-Benz Vehicles for Sale

1995 E320 Red / Beige. 113,000 miles. Convertible with new top and new interior. The car was ordered with all available options including heated seats, traction control. Ratan Shah: 412 610 0429 ratanshah@comcast.net (PA)

2008 ML63 AMG Blue / Gray. 192,600 miles. 3rd owner. Maintained by MB expert: Karl-Heinz Auto Ctr. All receipts/records up-to-date service. Strong, smooth engine/drivetrain. Loaded.

Lots new. Drives great. Extra 20” winter wheels/tires. Stephen Dakis: 248-760-1966 (MI)

NO PHOTO PROVIDED

1993 300CE Cabriolet Black / Black. 39,700 miles. All original.

No accidents/always kept in heated garage/never driven in snow. Excellent Condition $17,000. David Fichter: (630)789-1779 davidfichter@earthlink.net (IL)

2001 ML430 Sport Silver / Black. 33,000 miles. Brilliant silver truck w black leather interior and 30k miles, sturdy, powerful, comfy with plenty of room. PB: 603 866 6111/ 917 440 3534 lempran@yahoo.com (NH)

2014 E350 Cabriolet Black / Tan. 38,126 miles. ABS, Navigation, Harman Kardon/Sirius XM/CD, Bluetooth, All Power, AMG Sport Package, Adaptive Cruise, Heated/Ventilated Seats, LED Headlamps $37,500 Mike Butera: 412-915-6062 mbusaglk350@ gmail.com (PA)

1994 S350TD Black / Grey. 31,000 miles. A superb example of one of Mercedes finest and rare diesel automobiles. $26,000 Michael Olsen: 908-343-7858 olsen4349@aol.com (NJ)

2003 CLK320 Fire Mist / Tan. 183,173 miles. Garage kept. New top about 5 years ago. Looking to find a good home. Selling due to changes in driving needs. $4550 OBO. Looking to buy a newer MB, considering a EQS. Dennis Jones: 703-220-2682 (VA)

2014 E550 Grey / Brown. 38,851 miles. Always serviced at Fletcher Jones Mercedes in Newport Beach. It comes with all options ($18,085 in options) No accidents, and I am the original owner! $36,000 George Hayos : 213-706-0076 Debiha@msn.com (CA)

1994 E320 Cabriolet Green / Beige. 114,650 miles. Brand new top and hydraulics. New AC compressor. 170PSI all cylinders.

Front seats re-upholstered. No rust. $16,500. Bud McIntire: (404)606-0811 bbveloce@comcast.net (NC)

2006 E320 CDI Silver / Gray. 103,000 miles. 2nd owner maintained by MB DLR, COMAND, SAT radio AM/FM CD, SR, htd seats, H-K Surround, DVD Nav, rear window shade, recent B svc, $14,250 OBO G. Long 540-809-6764, george.long@axientcorp. com (VA)

2015 G550 Designo Mystic White / Designo Tan. 59,000 miles.

Custom AG Luxury AG43 22” rims matching Mystic White and Gloss black ($10,000). Upgraded Brembo large rotors and pads ($10,000) $89,950 Josh Gabel: 407-947-0369 joshgabel27@ gmail.com (FL)

1994 E320 Silver / Grey. 45,100 miles. Extensive maintenance records. Upper/Lower wiring harness and head gasket replaced.

Asking $16,500. Bret Saunders: 786-440-2901 bretonsaunders@gmail.com (SC)

2007 E63 AMG Calcite White / Brown 68,800 miles. Maintained meticulously by the previous owner and myself. Maintenance records and additional information/ photos are available. $23,400. BarryR: 843-505-7337 bamara77@icloud.com (SC)

2020 AMG E53 Blue / Black. 1,340 miles. I bought new from MB Greenwich but health now prohibits driving. Has all options with list of $96,000. Garaged from purchase and in as new condition.

Asking $90,000. Dodge Olmsted: 703 836 8306 (MA)

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1993 300D Silver / Beige. 52,000 miles. Rust-free southern car.

More than $9k in recent work. Service history. Original books, spare tire, toolkit, 1st Aid Kit. Clean CarFax. A/C blows ice cold.

Asking $19,500. Larry Taylor: 717-406-8015 larryt543@yahoo. com (NY)

T R A D I N G P OS T

TRADINGPOST

Submit ads to: www.mbca.org/create-classified-ad

Cars Wanted

Parts & Misc. for Sale

Wanted: Dad’s 190SL I would like to locate my father’s (Bill Creasy, Pittsburgh) 1957 190SL, 3rd-prize winner at the 1992 Starfest in Phoenix, Arizona. It was sold to a person from Florida in the 1990s. Any knowledge of the car, please contact me. Dr. Bill Creasy: 8585251910 billcreasy2@aol.com (CA)

Pagoda Hardtop Fully restored Hard Top. Serial# 1058 from a 1969 280SL. Restoration included repaint in original Dunkelrot Dark Red DB-542 and wood, chrome, and a new factory correct parchment headliner. $4,500 Larry Taylor: 717-406-8015 larryt543@yahoo.com (NY)

Wanted: Injectors for my 72’ Mercedes 280SE 4.5 Bosch part# 0280150036 Sven 780-691-5565 parklandmbclassics@ gmail.com (AB)

AMG Affalterbach Wheel Centers Featuring the apple tree, valvetrain and racing laurel wreath. Part# A 000 400 31 00. New in box. $250 Steven Erlichman: 215-983-8016 speedbird@verizon.net (PA)

Wanted: 1982 300 TD Roof Boxes These boxes were sold in Europe as an accessory. Mine were stolen the week of 1/21/22 in Gardenia, CA. Price is not a problem. Michael Jackson (310.606.9651) jaxsun@me.com (MI)

Parts & Misc. Wanted

Wanted: 250, 280 S,SE or SEL Original condition, no respray, 6 cylinder preferred. Contact Tom Emmanuelle at 973-856-0616 tme.cpa@gmail.com (NJ) Wanted: 230SL/250SL280SL I am looking for a Pagoda. Please contact me with information. Thank you. Ezra: 818-522-6262 ez2400@gmail.com (CA) Wanted: 220, 250, 280, 280 or 3.5 SE Cabriolet in good to great shape. No projects please. Mike Marsh: 601-946-1950 Mike_Marsh@bellsouth.net (MS) Wanted: Classic Mercedes, any Condition. Very serious and professional buyer, pick up from anywhere in the US, top dollar. Alex Manos: 877-912-0007 continental5000@gmail.com (CA)

Wanted: Engine need (5-cyl diesel) for 1980 300SD Car in family since new in 1980. Sentimental, need another engine to keep going. Help? Jim Mullin: (530) 913-4670 Jim@mullin.com (CA)

Parts & Misc. for Sale

Alloy Wheel/Tire Pkg (4) OEM 7.5Jx17 ET40 a213401100 wheels. Pirelli Cinturato P7 A/S run flat MOE 225/55 R17 97H. Asking $1000.00/OBO. Local pickup only. Harry Smith: 814.742.9002 hls550SL@gmail.com (PA) Mercedes SWF Wiper Relay NLA #000 542 68 19 Relay #1: $800 NOS/OBO, #2 $700/OBO Used. Call leave message, text or email Stephen Sherrod: 918-740-8362 moosecreek15@aol.com (OK)

E350 and C300 parts NEW six ignition coils for 2014 E350 (276.9 engine), may fit other models with same engine. $250 USED - Left and Right tie rod ends from 2015 C300 (W205) Removed at 30K, as new $50 Buyer pays shipping Rick Hall: (214) 914-9858 (TX) MB vehicle catalog collection 1983 - 2003 Dealer-supplied catalogs E, S, SL, and others. Specialty items for new product launches (500e, CL, etc.). Paint charts, price lists, dealer educational materials. E-mail for list. pienkow@uky.edu David Pienkowski: 859-230-0870 pienkow@uky.edu (KY)

Becker radio AM/FM/CD player, Model BE4602, very good working condition. Price $300.00 OBO Gabriel Boenzli: (541)7305695 gbquercus@gmail.com (OR)

Wanted: Silver Star Restoration newsletter I am in search of copies of the Silver Star Restoration newsletter. This was published by George Frebert from 1978 to 1982. I would like to add these to the Pagoda Group library of resources. Jon Bernardi: 760-496-8865 jon113sl@att.net (CA)

JOIN THE CLUB Get the most from the marque you love

250S and 280S Parts Like-New and Used 1965-1971 and 1971 280S garage find. 58K mileage. Clean interior. Alloy wheels. Henry or Diana Zwick: (973) 214-8133 diana_von@ yahoo.com (NJ) Goodyear Tires 4 Goodyear Efficient Grip summer tread, run flat, brand new tires 245/45R19 $600.00 for set of four tires. FOB Columbus. Please call or text for photos.

Robert P. Horbatt: 614-565-2442 rhorbatt@gmail.com (OH)

First-Aid Kit/Wrenches Hartmann complete First-Aid Kit (circa 1965-?) plus three Mercedes open end Wrenches, two Heyco one Matador. All offers must include shipping costs. Bill Ryan: (253)582-2480 (WA)

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Mercedes-Benz Shop Closing All left over assorted manuals, parts and tools are for sale. Owner’s manuals, Service manuals and Assorted parts for most models from 1960-1990. Mostly used, some new. call with needs 410-526-4495. Jeffrey : (410)526-4495 (MD)

Membership $55 Canadian and international: US $65 Mercedes-Benz Club of America www.mbca.org/join-today • 800-637-2360 or use the postcard in this magazine

T R A D I N G P OS T

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• Over 3,500 events annually including National and Regional events, driving tours, car shows, autocross, high performance driving, sim racing, and rallies.

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• Exclusive bi-annual members-only new car raffles.

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JOIN US | WWW.PCA.ORG | 410-381-0911

MBCA. New classified ads are posted every day

New classified ads are posted every day

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Index of Advertisers 123 USA LLC.........................................................97 Adsit Company, Inc..............................................81 Airstream, Inc......................................................C3 Authentic Classics................................................95 AutoMobilia Magazine........................................97 Automotive Restorations.....................................93 Becker AutoSound.............................................100 Beverly Hills Car Club...........................................99 BMWCCA............................................................109 Bud’s Benz.........................................................100 Classic Trim..........................................................99 Fairfax Service Center..........................................99 Gill’s Precision Automotive..................................93 Gooding & Company..............................................1 GTECHNICQ........................................................79 Gullwing Motorcars Inc......................................106 Heritage Upholstery and Trim.............................97 Hydro E Lectric.....................................................95 J.C. Taylor Antique Auto Insurance.......................C2 K&K Manufacturing.............................................81 Kienle GmbH .......................................................15 Kienle GmbH .......................................................93 Lauderdale Speedometer....................................97 Laurent Nay.........................................................95 Liquid Moly.........................................................11 Madera Concepts.................................................97 MBZ Parts..........................................................109 Mandrus Wheels....................................................2 MBCA – Club Trips to Germany.............................17 MBCA – High Performance Driver Education........97 MBCA – Loyalty Reward Program • Canada..........90 MBCA – Loyalty Rewards Program • U.S...............67 MBCA – Raffle....................................................84 MBCA – The Star • Back Issues............................100 MBCA – Vance Factory Tour.................................91 The MB Market...................................................71 Mercedes-Benz Cars MBUSA ................................C4 Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle Collections......................3 Metric Motors Inc................................................91 Miller’s Inc......................................................... 110 Niemöller Spare Parts........................................ 110 Palm Beach Classics.............................................66 Pelican Parts.......................................................83 Porsche Club of America....................................109 Private Garage .....................................................9 P21S Auto Care Products......................................91 Rowe Motor Oil....................................................95 Tire Rack.........................................................26-27 Unique Cars of Palm Beach ..................................97

The Next Trading Post Ad Deadline:

May 15, 2022 For More Details See Page 105 110

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Last Look: Mercedes-AMG EQE THE STAR 5-6 • 2022

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THE THE STAR STAR 5-6 5-6 •• 2022 2022

Steering by the stars: Patented in 1909, Daimler’s three-pointed star is seen here forming the spokes of a steering wheel on a poster advertising the 1921 German Motor Show in Berlin. The star was superseded by the star and wreath when Mercedes and Benz merged in 1926. Image Daimler Archives

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For more information, call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES, or visit MBUSA.com.

©2022 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

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