The Star - November-December 2023

The

STAR ®

2023 | 6

Stylish gear on the Course Shop Golf at the Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle Collection Use promo code STAR23 to receive 10% off your purchase excluding gift certificates https://www.lifestylecollection.mbusa.com

AUCTIONS & PRIVATE BROKERAGE

GOODINGCO.COM

1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL GULLWING SOLD for $1,737,500 Amelia Island Auctions 2023

I

FRIDAY MARCH 1 LIVE AUCTION

NOW INVITING CONSIGNMENTS CONTACT OUR SPECIALISTS TO LEARN MORE INQUIRY@GOODINGCO.COM

310.899.1960

Get up to 25% off when you insure more than one vehicle.

Ranked one of America’s Best Insurance Companies of 2023 by Forbes.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Photo by Ivan Kazlouskij on Unsplash

Empathy is our best policy

To learn more about Amica or get a quote, scan the QR code or call 877-505-3197.

Photo by Liam Martens on Unsplash

HIT THE ROAD Photo courtesy MBUSA

1938 540K Streamliner

4

THE STAR ND • 2023

At the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, MercedesBenz Classic gave viewers a rare chance to experience the one-of-one 540K Streamliner coupe. Following an extensive restoration and reconstruction totaling more than 4,800 hours, this extraordinary vehicle dating from 1938 celebrated its re-emergence at Pebble. With this year’s Best-in-Show also a 540K, the elegance of this model is again relevant.

Originally developed in a wind tunnel, this exceptional vehicle features a powerful supercharged engine for high-speed long-distance motoring and a unique, lightweight aluminum bodyshell. With the Mercedes star laid back on the hood and the wind-shaped body reducing drag, the streamliner was a car ahead of its time, looking forward to the smooth designs of modern vehicles.

CONTENTS The Star®, November -December 2023 • Volume 69 • No. 6

On The Cover 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K | Photo courtesy RM Sotheby’s

20 MERCEDES GRANDE

MBCA members gathered in Indianapolis for a long weekend of fun, education, great food, and camaraderie.

26 FIT FOR A KING Follow the amazing journey of a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster from Afghanistan to the podium at Pebble Beach.

36 THE FUTURE OF DRIVING 4 HIT THE ROAD

A look back at the new and revised vehicles released by Mercedes-Benz in 2023, from the basic to the fantastic.

8 FROM THE EDITOR 10 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE 12 STAR REPORT NEWS 16 REVIEW: EQS 450 62 MCBA ABROAD 66 RISING STAR: SL55 AMG 68 LEGENDS OF THE AUTOBAHN 70 READERS RIDES 75 EVENTS 84 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 86 SECTION GUIDE 88 CLASSIFIEDS 96 THE JOY OF M-B

6

THE STAR ND • 2023

44 FAMILY TRADITION

A 1904 Simplex purchased by Austrian nobility leads to several lifetimes of adventure and enjoyment behind the wheel of a very special Mercedes.

52 TERRIFIC TEAR DROP

Benz was ahead of its time with a streamlined design for a racing car in the early 1920s.

Engineering and aerodynamics combined to produce something truly unique in automotive history.

KATIE CARRUTH Publisher

JEFF ZURSCHMEIDE Editor in Chief

JUSTIN PAGE Creative Director

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

PUBLICATION TEAM

P U B L I C AT I O N D E TA I L S

KARL LUDVIGSEN SIMON STRANG European Editors

SEND TO: The Star ® Jeff Zurschmeide Editor in Chief 1506 5th Street Tillamook, OR 97141 editor@mbca.org

Please query The Star® first regarding possible editorial interest. We regret that we cannot always acknowledge or return materials submitted for consideration.

JASON FOGELSON

RUBIN HOWARD Associate Editor

SINCLAIR MCSHANE

ADVERTISING

Reviews Editor

ADDRESS CHANGES & MISSING ISSUES

CONTRIBUTORS

CLASSIFIED ADS:

Trading Post ads: www.mbca.org/classifieds

Copy Editor

CHARLES BOYD BRIAN BROSMER KYLE CRAMER VALERIE CRISTIANO MIKE GEHRIG DANIEL GOLSON JAY HIRSCH JIM HOLDER JAMIE KOPCHINSKI JED LEICESTER PAUL OESCHGER JOHN RONCALLO LAURA SIMONDS RICHARD SIMONDS

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: thestar@mbca.org

Did you move? Do you have a different address you want to mail The Star®?

Or still haven’t received your last issue?

We are here to help.

PHONE: 719-633-6427 EMAIL: assistant@mbca.org

The Star® is the official magazine of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. 10 Boulder Crescent St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719.633.6427 www.mbca.org The Star® (ISSN 0744-155X) is published bimonthly by the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. Jeff Zurschmeide Editor in Chief 1506 5th Street. Tillamook, OR 97141 Periodical postage paid at Colorado Springs, CO 80909 and additional entry offices.

Copyright © 2023 by Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

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

POSTMASTER: Send address to Mercedes-Benz Club of America 10 Boulder Crescent St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 MEMBERSHIP: To join call: 719.633.6427 or visit www.mbca.org Dues are $55 for one year, $107 for two years, $157 for three years. Foreign dues please add $10 per year.

Membership includes a subscription to The Star®.

ADDRESS CHANGES: Send to Mercedes-Benz Club of America 10 Boulder Crescent St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 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 and 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 and trademarks “Mercedes-Benz,” “Mercedes,” and three-pointed star in a circle are owned by Daimler AG and authorized for use by its licensees - which include MBCA - exclusively.

THE STAR ND • 2023

7

FROM THE EDITOR Jeff Zurschmeide

It’s Great to be Back After taking a bit of a sabbatical for most of this year, it’s great to be back at the helm of The Star. There are still plenty of incredible stories to tell about this club and the history of Mercedes-Benz, as well as the exciting new technology coming to market.

As I settle back into the Editor’s chair, I want to take a moment to wish Stephan McKeown a long and relaxing retirement.

Stephan worked with Gary Anderson, and then for three years with me. He’s enjoying gainful leisure, and plans to continue that process. I also want to welcome Justin Page as our new Creative Director. It’s his eye and talent for presentation that you’ll see throughout these pages. We plan to keep The Star fresh and interesting for all MBCA members.

In this issue, we’re covering the best of events from late summer and into the fall. We will dive deep into the amazing one-of-a-kind 1937 540K that took the top honors at Pebble Beach in August, and learn what it really takes to win at that world-class level. We will also take a close look at one of the most innovative teardrop-shaped racing cars in world history.

Finally, we’ll look at a one-family-owned Mercedes that is about to celebrate its 120th birthday, and the fascinating history of its ownership.

History is all about progress, and Mercedes-Benz continues to lead in automotive development. We’ll take a look at the major product releases and concepts of 2023, and take a look at one of AMG’s most exciting vehicles ever, and how it’s surprisingly affordable to own one today.

On the club side, we’ll revisit Mercedes Grande, the fabulous gathering in Indianapolis, and the MBCA tour of Germany with the many wonders seen over there. Also, we will take a personal look at four different club members and why they love their Mercedes-Benzes.

As always, I invite you to help make 2024 the best year ever for The Star by sharing your stories, your ideas, and your personal passion for Mercedes-Benz and this club. The Star is a reflection of MBCA, and of each of you personally.

“We plan to keep The Star fresh and interesting for all MBCA members.”

8

THE STAR ND • 2023

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE Form 3526 R: Statement Of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

Publication: The Star; Publication No. 53-7510; Filing Date: 25 September 2023; Issue Frequency: Bi-monthly; Number of issues published annually: Six , Annual subscription price: $55 (U.S.) $65 (Int’l); Complete Mailing Address: Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc, 10 Boulder Crescent St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903; Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters: Same; Contact Person: Natalija Christ 719-633-6427; Publisher: Katie Carruth, Exec. Dir., MBCA 10 Boulder Crescent St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903; Editor: Jeffrey Zurschmeide, 1506 5th Street, Tillamook, OR 97141; Owner: Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc., 10 Boulder Crescent St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903; Known bondholders, etc: None; Tax Status: Has not changed in past 12 months; Publication Title: The Star; Issue Date for circulation data below: Sep/Oct 2023; Extent and Nature of Circulation: Bimonthly

Total Number of Copies Paid Circulation Paid Subscriptions Mailed Outside County Paid subscriptions mailed Inside County Paid distribution outside the mails Paid distribution, other Total Paid Distribution Non-requested Distribution Free or nominal Rate outside county Free or nominal rate in-county copies Free or nominal rate mailed through USPS Free or nominal rate distributed outside mails Total Nonrequested Distribution Total Distribution Copies not distributed Total Percent Paid

Average Issue Copies preceding 12 mos.

16,430

Copies of Single Issue Nearest to Filing Date 16,430

19,179 0 0 10 19,189

19,965 0 0 10 19,975

193 0 0 98 345 19,534 2122 16,430 98%

193 0 0 215 390 20,538 100 16,430 97%

Publication of Statement of Ownership: Nov-Dec 2023 issue of this publication Signature and title of editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Katie Carruth, Exec Dir MBCA, publisher (signature on Form 3526 R as submitted).

Donate Your Used Vehicle And Help Support The Mission Of Our Educational Foundation

Student Success

Member Engagement

Safety Advocacy

MBCAEF awards scholarships for students pursuing automotive engineering and restoration degrees, as well as supporting institutions who offer them.

MBCAEF connects with members across the globe by supporting events which are philanthropic, social, and educational in nature, bolstering our community.

MBCAEF educates on the issues that affect motoring enthusiasts and encourages thousands to advocate for expanded training for new drivers.

Call 1- 855 - 500 -7433 or visit careasy.org / nonprofit / mbcaef Vehicle donations are tax-deductible. Most vehicles are sold through local used-car markets. Our vehicle donation program works to get the highest return per vehicle and handles all the paperwork. Whether your vehicle sells for $500 or less, more than $500, or more than $5000, you will be provided with the proper donation tax receipt (s). We accept any make, model car, truck, motor cycle or boat.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Kathryn G. Carruth

Dear Members of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, In the world of automobiles, few names conjure the same level of prestige, luxury, and innovation as Mercedes-Benz. It’s no surprise Clubs worldwide have emerged as a phenomenon, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe into their fold.

In this edition of The Star, we celebrate the homecoming of seasoned and esteemed editor Jeff Zurschmeide and welcome new designer extraordinaire, Justin Page; you might have seen his work in 000, American Shelby, or a very popular magazine made famous by Hugh Hefner. I hope you enjoy this issue as it delves into the allure of Mercedes and tells the stories of aficionados and friends worldwide.

I’m excited to announce MBCA’s raffle has returned! If you haven’t bought your ticket, www.chance2win.com is hosting this year’s game and we hope you and your friends take advantage of this exciting opportunity for you and help with this fundraiser for MBCA. This raffle is open to the public, so please help us spread the word!

Although we are still challenged with technology woes, they are being addressed and we expect an entirely different digital experience for members in 2024. We are so thankful for your patience, as we are fully aware of the inconveniences, because we share the same experience on our end!

The past couple of months have been a delightful pleasure despite the significant work taking place internally. I’ve met so many of you at events across the globe, here are just a few of the fun times we’ve had: • Park Place of Ft. Worth hosted a delicious breakfast and bespoke coffee event where we learned of and tested the tantalizing technology Mercedes has put into the preeminent electric vehicle, the EQ. Many thanks to DJ de Jesus for working so closely with the MB dealership to put on a mutually beneficial event!

• Monterey Car Week in California was nothing short of epic! We had a fantastic turnout for Legends of the Autobahn, where a 1961 black 190 SL was Best in Show! David Abarr, Jon Bernardy, Blue Nelson, and Melinda Lincoln were tireless troopers and I’m so grateful for their support. It was fun to cheer for the members who had cars in contention on the lawn at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, but my heart skipped a beat for the McPherson College students; what an incredible accomplishment! I’m so pleased to see so many young people excited about car culture, the energy and enthusiasm was

unbelievable. MBCA has a bright future, but only if we boldly move our organization to meet the industry where it is.

• Indianapolis played host to Mercedes Grande, and it was GRAND! We rolled from a cocktail party in a gorgeous collector garage, to tech talks which featured Al Unser Jr. and the Mercedes-powered Indy car he piloted. We dined and imbibed at fashion and car shows, experienced numerous lifestyle brands as we gazed on the gorgeous selections Mercedes-Benz of Indianapolis had. We tromped through museums, boogied down at Hullabaloo, gathered with 30,000 other car enthusiasts as the Featured Marque of Artomobilia in downtown Carmel.

We drove the gorgeous back roads and brought out our inner #44 as we competed on the same simulators race drivers across the globe use to train. Roger Brummett pulled out all the stops! Be sure you’re following MBCA’s Instagram page: @mercedesbenzclubofamerica to see all the fun!

• I enjoyed a brief time with members in Stuttgart, Germany, where they gathered for the first, post-COVID annual trek to

2023 Meeting of the Members The MBCA 2023 Meeting of the Members will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023.

The meeting will be held online via Zoom. For information contact the National Business Office, 719-633-6427

10 THE STAR ND • 2023

the birthplace of Mercedes. An enormous thanks to host Cliff Reyle; and Chuck Stanford who will serve as your distinguished host in 2024.

• Lastly, in London, England, Peachtree Section’s Rubin Howard premiered his film about Rudy Ühlenhaut, the man who changed Mercedes racing history toward success, Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, nominated the International Motor Film Awards. A very exciting week for MBCA! This club is a blast! The people involved are wonderful and I encourage you to get involved with your local section and help to make it what you want. I cherish and need feedback as we bring MBCA into a place of solvency and future success.

Please never hesitate to reach out.

The staff, board of directors, and I would like to express our appreciation for the many years Cindy Tumbleson has been at MBCA. As we wish her farewell, we welcome new faces and talents. One of those is your new Operations Manager, Natalija Christ. She is a fellow auto enthusiast, enjoying membership in the Pikes Peak Section as well as a few other unnamed marques’ clubs. She’s an energetic, savvy, and engaged addition to the team and I’m very pleased to be working with her for you all.

Needless to say, things have been busy and on top of it all, the office has moved. We are now at 10 Boulder Crescent St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903. If you’re ever in town, please drop by to see us!

Opposite: MBCA Exec. Director Katie Carruth at the Lime Rock Concours, This page, from top: Cheryl Johnson, Roger Brummett, Rachelle Brown-Brummett, and Katie at Hullabaloo at the Crane Bay in Indianapolis during Mercedes Grande, with the East Anglia Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club United Kingdom, and with Ecaterina Lazarenco of LazecaFilm, Rubin Howard, Jon Edwards of Alcon Performance Engineering Group, and Katie at the International Motor Film Awards at Alexandria Palace, London.

THE STAR ND • 2023

11

S TA R R E P O R T N E W S

MBUX Now Allows Remote Home Monitoring Control your smart home from the driver’s seat of your Mercedes-Benz

S

mart home technology is shaping the future of domestic life. From temperature and lighting equipment to garage doors and electrical appliances, devices can now be remotely monitored and controlled, offering you more convenience than ever. With the MBUX Voice Assistant smart home function, all Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with MBUX Voice Assistant can now operate as an intelligent control center for their owner’s home – all while drivers keep their hands safely on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.

Interaction goes something like this: “Hey Mercedes, is there anybody in my home right now?”

“I’ve had a look. The last movement was detected in the kitchen one hour ago.”

Available now, the MBUX smart home function supports

numerous devices offered by Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, TP-Link and myQ by Chamberlain Group. Smart control is available for lights, power outlets, thermostats, motion detectors, and garage doors.

Activating a smart home account is available as a complimentary service to provide additional functionality and convenience for Mercedes-Benz drivers and their companions.

It does not require any package upgrades nor incur any costs for the user. The sophisticated authentication mechanism of Mercedes-Benz vehicles ensures that only authorized customers can obtain access to smart home appliances.

For added convenience, smart appliances by different providers can be connected and can answer questions simultaneously. For example, asking, “Hey Mercedes, is everything OK at home?” causes all installed equipment to check status.

The answer could be: “All the windows are closed, and the light is still on in the bedroom.”

Smart home integration into MBUX Voice Assistant also allows users to check home motion detectors from their vehicle, helping increase security and a sense of safety. The convenience of being able to turn off home lights from the car provides additional convenience for the user.

The MBUX Voice Assistant smart home function is available now in all Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with MBUX Voice Assistant.

As Mercedes-Benz vehicles enhance their connectivity and capability, controlling and monitoring your home environment will be as easy as asking a question and getting the answer.

12 THE STAR ND • 2023

Potenza Sport AS

ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus

AZENIS FK460 A/S

G-MAX AS-07

Assurance ComfortDrive

Pilot Sport All Season 4

X-Ice Snow

Encompass AW01

P Zero AS Plus 3

Scorpion AS Plus 3

Raptor ZR A/S

Hypertrac All Season

Sprint Classic

ADVAN Sport A/S+

FAST FREE SHIPPING on All Orders Over $50*

Hyper GT HLT 17 18 19 20

O.Z. Gran Turismo HLT 19 20

O.Z. Hyper XT HLT 20 21 22

O.Z. SUPERTURISMO AERO HLT 18 19 20

O.Z. Superturismo EVOLUZIONE 18 19 20

O.Z. Ultraleggera HLT 19 20

ASA GT18 18 19 20

BBS XR 17 18 19 20

Bremmer Kraft BR21 18 19 20

Enkei Tuning Raijin 18

Konig Rennform 17 18

MSW Type 30 17 18 19 20

MSW Type 44 20

MSW Type 48 17 18 19 20 21

MSW Type 50 18 19 20 21

BRAKES

©2023 Tire Rack

SUSPENSION

800-981-3957

M-F 8am-8pm EST SAT 9am-4pm EST

®

FAST FREE SHIPPING

ON ORDERS OVER $50 *tirerack.com/freeshipping

S TA R R E P O R T N E W S

Mercedes-AMG Sweeps IMSA Battle on the Bricks Mercedes-AMG drivers score three wins at Indianapolis

F

illing the spotlight on the grandest stage in American motorsports, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams WeatherTech Racing/Proton Competition and Winward Racing combined for a perfect triple sweep of the IMSA Battle on the Bricks race weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The No. 79 WeatherTech Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella secured a convincing victory in the GT Daytona (GTD) Pro category in Sunday’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship feature event.

“The WeatherTech Mercedes-AMG GT3 was an absolute rocket ship today,” said Daniel Juncadella from the podium.

“The Indy circuit suits our car. The layout is good, and when that happens you need to capitalize on that and take wins.”

In the same race group, the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Russell Ward and Philip Ellis broke through for their first amateur GTD victory of the year.

“Of all the IMSA races I’ve done, this is one of the most difficult,” Ward admitted. “The true test of your character is how you do when you’re down and how you bounce back. Today we showed we’re one of the best and we can do that.”

Winward’s Sunday victory was the first for a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the GTD class this season and followed the team’s first podium showing of the year one race ago at Virginia International Raceway (VIR).

“The WeatherTech Mercedes-AMG GT3 was an absolute rocket ship today.”

14 THE STAR ND • 2023

GT4 Racing

Sunday’s double victory followed a win in Saturday’s fourhour Indianapolis Motor Speedway 240 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge GS race by Bryce Ward and Daniel Morad in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4.

After starting driver Bryce Ward – Russell Ward’s father – survived a bump-and-run spin on the first lap of the race, Morad took over for the fight to the finish. Morad began a run through the field and took the lead near the halfway point of the race in the No. 57 for the first of five different tours up front.

Morad grabbed the lead for the fifth and final time with less than five minutes remaining and crossed the finish line for the win a scant 0.566 of a second ahead of a fast-closing Scott Andrews in the No. 27 Lone Star Racing/Bluff City Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4.

The one-two finish was the first of the season for the Mercedes-AMG GT4 in IMSA competition.

“We put our mark on IMSA, and I hope to be doing this with Mercedes-AMG for many, many years to come,” Ward said after the race.

“We put our mark on IMSA, and I hope to be doing this with Mercedes-AMG for many, many years to come.”

Leading for the Manufacturer’s Title

The top-two result helped Mercedes-AMG build its Pilot Challenge GS manufacturer championship lead with only next month’s season-ending race at Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on the schedule.

The Indy wins were the first time Mercedes-AMG Motorsport teams combined for three victories on an IMSA weekend since Road America last year, but that event did not include a GTD Pro entry. The Battle on the Bricks triumph is the first time Mercedes-AMG GT3 teams claimed both the GTD Pro and GTD amateur victories on an IMSA race weekend, and the Mercedes-AMG GT4 Pilot Challenge (GS) race win adds to the milestone achievement.

Coming into Indianapolis with a 10-point lead, Mercedes-AMG now heads to the finale with a 40-point advantage over the nearest competitor, 2,770 – 2,730.

Opposite: The WeatherTech team of Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella won the GT Daytona (GTD) Pro class at Indianapolis in their No. 79 WeatherTech Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3. Top: Winward racing celebrated the amateur GTD class win by Russell Ward and Philip Ellis in the No. 57 Mercedes-AMG GT3. Bottom: Bryce Ward and Daniel Morad completed the trifecta in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge GS race.

THE STAR ND • 2023

15

REVIEW 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450

Honor the past, look to the future 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Sedan First Drive

By Jason Fogelson

M

ercedes-Benz has always been about honoring its past while engineering a path to the future. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Sedan touches the guideposts in each direction. This fully electrified, full-size, five-passenger, four-door luxury electric vehicle (EV) can be a polarizing car for traditional and aspirational customers. Does it go too far or not far enough?

In typical Mercedes-Benz fashion, the EQS 450+ Sedan isn’t a sedan by the strictest definition. It is a five-door fastback with a rear hatch hinged at the roof above the back glass. The EQS is within inches of the same dimension as the gasoline-powered S-Class Sedan but outdoes its internal combustion sibling in cargo space by a long shot – 22 cubic feet behind the second row of seats versus a 12.9 cubic foot trunk. Not many owners treasure utility in a luxury car, but with the second row of seats folded flat, the EV can swallow up to 63 cubic feet of expensive cargo.

Pure aesthetics favor the S-Class over the EQS, but that may be the traditionalist in me speaking. Standard 20-inch wheels fill every inch of the wheel wells on the EQS, and the EV’s nose slopes steeply toward the front. Surely, designers and engineers honed this body in a wind tunnel, but the S-Class’s more upright (and traditional) grille looks better. The EQS body side features a prominent carriage line at the shoulder and indicates movement and speed with a crease above the sill line. The EQS differs enough from the S-Class to raise eyebrows without raising ire.

The S-Class interior sparks no complaints. It is the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz design and execution. The EQS doesn’t try to duplicate the S-Class, nor does it attempt to reinvent luxury.

This SUV takes inspiration from technology, and then expands on that inspiration. The most prominent example is the arrangement of the screens. In the S-Class, the infotainment and instrument panel screens live in separate bezels – a modern yet traditional interpretation. In the EQS, the screens share one organically shaped bezel and screen, with three distinct sections: An instrument panel for the driver, a horizontal screen for infotainment, and a third, smaller screen on the passenger’s side of the dash. Running the latest version of MBUX, the presentation is stunning and immersive. The second row can be configured for three passengers or executive seating for two with a center console. Like the S-Class, the EQS can lavish 16

THE STAR ND • 2023

luxury on every seating position, with heating and ventilation, available massage function, active seat bolsters, and more.

Of course, the heart of the EQS is its powertrain. In traditional terms, the 450+ model uses a single 245-kW electric motor to drive the rear wheels, putting out 329 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. That’s good enough to push the 5,597pound EV from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds on the way to a 130-mph top speed. That’s a full second slower to 60 mph than the gas-powered S500 4MATIC Sedan, which packs 100 more horsepower and weighs 1,000 pounds less. But the EQS ramps up to speed silently and smoothly, as is the nature of an EV. The EQS has an estimated range of 350 miles on a full charge.

Charging at Level 2 (240 volts) from 10% to 100% takes 11.25 hours, while DC fast charging at 110 kW (if you can find it) from 10% to 80% takes 31 minutes.

Even though this EV houses highly advanced technology in every direction, we’re still at the early stages of MercedesBenz’s electrification and in the infrastructure needed to support it. You can’t help but compare the EQS to the Tesla Model S, one of the leading EVs. Tesla has an advantage in charging infrastructure, but that will level after 2025 when Mercedes-Benz adopts the NACS charging standard. Tesla has a dedicated following of early adopters, while the MercedesBenz EQ models are still emerging.

However, Tesla cannot touch Mercedes-Benz’s build quality and never will. Heritage–built over a century of dedication– gives the company a distinct advantage in that area, and should give potential EV buyers a reason to consider the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Sedan. Starting at $102,310, it is a glimpse into the future with a foot lightly planted in the past.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ Sedan Type

Five-Passenger Full-Size Sedan

Configuration

Rear Electric Motor/Rear-Wheel Drive

Motor

245 kW Permanently Synchronous

Battery

Lithium-Ion, 216 Cells

Charging Time:

11.25 Hours (Level 2, 10 – 100%); 31 Minutes (DC Fast Charging, 10 – 80%)

Power

329 hp

Torque

417 lb-ft

Transmission

Single Stage

Overall Length

207.28 in

Height

59.57 in

Curb Weight

5,597 lbs

Epa Estimated Range

350 Miles

Acceleration 0-60 Mph 5.9 Sec Top Speed

130 MPH (Electronically Limited)

Mercedes-Benz drivers will be able to use Tesla Superchargers in North America starting in 2024, as MBUSA works to provide full access to all major charging networks.

Mercedes’ model year 2025 EVs will be equipped with Tesla’s NACS charging port. As part of a phased transition, MercedesBenz will initially offer an adapter that enables the company’s existing EVs to charge seamlessly on the Tesla network from 2024 onwards.

- MBUSA

THE STAR ND • 2023

17

En

B M C A e h R T a r ffl e t Ultimate Dream Prize!

e!

or

2023 AMG EQE500

2024 AMG GLE53 4matic+ SUV

(or choose equivalent cash)

(or choose equivalent cash)

DRAWING DATE:

Thursday, December 7th 10:30AM (EST) For tickets visit:

MBCA.ourraffle.org Or email at Raffle@mbca.org

Tickets: $50/ea

Last purchase date is December 1st

@MercedesBenzClubofAmerica

For complete details visit MBCA.ourraffle.org

THE STAR ND • 2023

19

A Grande Time MBCA at Mercedes Grande 2023

By Rubin Howard Photos by Brian Brosmer

PHOTO BY LANCE ASPER

Indianapolis stood as the location of choice for this year’s Mercedes Grande national event. The motorsports capital of the world is a must-see city for automotive enthusiasts - a place full of rich racing history thanks to the legendary Indianapolis 500 race. For Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, Mercedes Grande was an exciting week. A variety of events were designed to satisfy the cravings of enthusiasts, spouses, and young members alike.

20 THE STAR ND • 2023

Thursday

Celebration and Racing

T

he Mercedes-themed weekend was kicked off with the Ladies of Mercedes Fashion Show at the historic Columbia Club ballroom, located right in the heart of Monument Circle (a monument built to commemorate Indiana’s civil war veterans). The monument was designed

by Bruno Schmitz of Germany, which makes the bond to the Mercedes-Benz event even greater. A three-course meal was served, while various Ladies of MBCA were walking the runway in some chic pieces offered by The Secret Ingredient of Indianapolis; a local Women’s clothier as well as one of the Mercedes Grande sponsors.

After lunch and the show, attendees were treated to an impromptu display of their vehicles parked around Monument Circle. Being able to see all of the various Mercedes-Benz vehicles being so gracefully represented at the event was not only a once in a lifetime experience, but also added to the prestige of the event.

Later in the afternoon, a tech session was held at the Hilton Downtown Indianapolis with legendary special guest speaker Al Unser Jr. – the only driver ever to win the Indianapolis 500 in a Mercedes-powered vehicle. He gave members some very fascinating and valuable insight on the secret development of the PC-23 Indy car and its power plant, as well as what it felt

like to cross the finish line in first place. Members were given a signed copy of a prior Star Magazine in which Unser and the PC-23 are both featured.

In the evening, members were invited to Mercedes-Benz of Indianapolis for the Mercedes-Benz lifestyle exhibition. This event featured nearly the entire Mercedes-Benz product lineup.

Hors d’oeuvres were served throughout the evening. We also enjoyed specialty cocktails from St. Elmo’s steakhouse – an internationally acclaimed restaurant in Indianapolis known for their incredible wine cellar, bourbon, and whiskey assortments. It must be noted that this restaurant uses over thirty pounds of homemade small-batch horseradish on a daily basis; and that this horseradish cures any and all nasal congestion.

Top: Al Unser, Jr. entertains attendees with takes of racing the Mercedes-Benz Indy car.

Bottom: MBCA members enjoy the activities at Mercedes Grande.

THE STAR ND • 2023

21

Friday

Education and Philanthropy Friday morning, members were invited for a tech session hosted

by Comfort Motion Global seating technology. Anyone who has driven in a 2019 or newer model Mercedes-Benz will find “seat kinetics” within the display’s seat settings. This technology was developed by MBCA members Lew Derrickson and Dr. Paul Phipps, who brought sports medicine to the automotive world with their revolutionary ergonomic insights. Essentially, this technology automatically adjusts the seats very slightly throughout the duration of one’s trip, ensuring that the driver and passenger’s muscles do not experience fatigue which would result in pain or stiffness. You can read more about this technology in the November-December 2022 issue of The Star.

After the tech session, everyone congregated for the MBCA Medallion Rally Luncheon benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association. Our fundraiser was offering medallions in exchange for a donation. $11,000 was fundraised and donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Hullabaloo 60s and 70s themed drive-in concert and car show was hosted on Friday evening. Adobe Road Wines brought an incredible selection of their highly regarded (92 points or better) specialty wines, all of which are automotive-themed.

As well, Adobe Road produced a special gift package of wines tailored specifically to MBCA members.

Friday’s busy day included The Hullabaloo 60s and 70s-themed drive-in concert and car show.

Adobe Road Wines provided several of their highly-rated wines for members to taste.

22 THE STAR ND • 2023

Saturday - Sunday

Elegance and Awards Saturday morning was “Artomobilia, The Art of the Automobile”, an annual event located in beautiful Carmel, Indiana. A Mercedes-Benz Corral was organized, featuring over 85 Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG vehicles across beautiful downtown Carmel. A great assortment of Mercedes-Benz vehicles were displayed, including custom 1,000-horsepower AMGs, gorgeous 300D Adenauers, and SL models of nearly every vintage. We were privileged to inspect a Geländewagen 4x42 as well as Woodland Airstream conversion vans based on Sprinter chassis.

Three Mercedes-Benzes were presented awards at the Artomobilia awards ceremony. After lunch and a bit of rest, the Mercedes Grande celebration awards dinner was hosted at the Hilton Downtown Indianapolis Ballroom. Awards were presented in recognition of outstanding Mercedes-Benz Club of America sections. The emcee also recognized individuals individuals who showed cars, traveled various distances to attend the event, as well as those who were instrumental in ensuring the event weekend’s success.

A racing simulator challenge was hosted at the SILO Auto club, which allowed MBCA members to experience a professional Race Driver Simulator behind the wheel of either George Russell or Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 race car. This was a fantastic event, and presented ideas for a future racing simulator challenge that could be expanded on a national scale.

Mercedes Grande finished up with a car corral for attendees at the Artomobilia, The Art of the Automobile” event in beautiful Carmel, Indiana, followed by time on the racing simulators at Silo Auto Club.

THE STAR ND • 2023

23

Friendship and Connection While passion for Mercedes-Benz automobiles is what unites us all within the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, what makes for a truly successful event are the stories you hear, the faces you see, and the friendships you create along the way. There was one very special moment that put the entire trip to Indianapolis into perspective: Mercedes Grande became very special once we noticed all the friendships that were being formed as the days went on. Everyone met as fellow members, but left as friends.

That connection is one to be cherished. How many multi-day events have you been to where members become friends, hug each other goodbye and say “See you on the flip side?” That is what the Mercedes-Benz club of America is all about.

Mercedes Grande offered an excellent range of experiences for all attendees, as well as renewing acquaintances and cementing friendships for all who made the journey.

24 THE STAR ND • 2023

KM&A, the only name you need to know when it comes to VIP treatment at the world's most exclusive events. Our services include lodging, hospitality & ticket sourcing, travel management, onsite concierge assistance & more.

Contact us for more information about attending the Waste Management Open, ThePlayers Championship, US Open or PGA Championship in 2024.

not if not but always KM&A | Experience Experts - Contact us today to start planning your VIP experience.

THE STAR ND • 2023

25

1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K wins Best of Show at Pebble Beach

By Jeff Zurschmeide Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s and Mercedes-Benz USA

FIT for a KING 26 THE STAR ND • 2023

THE STAR ND • 2023

27

I

t takes more than a perfect restoration to win Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Cars that win at this world-class prestige event generally have history, provenance, rarity, exclusivity, and a regal elegance that’s hard to define but obvious when you see it.

This year saw 216 cars from 18 nations and 30 states compete for the coveted Pebble Beach title. The show’s top contenders included a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Corto Figoni Cabriolet from London, a 1939 Delahaye 165 with Cabriolet coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi from California, and a unique 1930 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS Special Roadster all the way from Germany. But the car that bested all was the 1937 MercedesBenz 540K Special Roadster from the Patterson Collection in Kentucky, and this car has a story worth hearing.

“This 540K balances strength with sweeping lines and style, and its history is unique,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. “In talking with Jim Patterson about this car, I was impressed by the time and thought invested in this restoration.

Every piece of this beautiful Mercedes-Benz was researched so carefully to honor its history.”

Prior to this year, Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz were tied for the most Best of Show wins at Pebble Beach. This award puts Mercedes-Benz in the lead, with 10 wins in total.

Made for a King

The story of this 540K begins in Sindelfingen, with a commission from none other than King Mohammed Zahir, Shah of Afghanistan. King Zahir ordered the car in May of 1937, and it was delivered to him in Kabul by September of that year. Zahir, just 23 years of age at the time, enjoyed driving the Mercedes around Kabul and on the highways then being built across the nation he ruled.

When the second world war broke out, for reasons unexplained the young monarch sent his Mercedes to Paris to be stored at the Afghan embassy in the city. The car remained hidden behind diplomatic walls until 1948, when the King gave the car to his son-in-law in London, who drove it there until 1953.

In that year, the car was loaded onto an ocean liner and brought to the new world, arriving in Jacksonville, Florida under the ownership of Mr. Vernon D. Jarvis. Jarvis was an avid collector of full classic cars, and also owned an assortment of Duesenberg, Delahaye, Isotta Fraschini, Cord, and other exclusive vehicles. The big Mercedes was repainted and reupholstered on arrival in America, gaining a two-tone maroon finish that it would carry until very recently.

The 540K remained in Florida for over 30 years until it was

Above: The oldest surviving photo of this 540K was taken in Florida when the car arrived in the United States in 1953.

Opposite: The hood of the 540K in its two-tone red livery and the restored car ready to lead the Pebble Beach Tour.

28 THE STAR ND • 2023

sold in 1986 to Robert Bahre, a magnate who later built New Hampshire Motor Speedway. With fewer than 13,000 miles covered since new, the car was resold to a collector in the early 1990s, and finally arrived at public auction by RM Sotheby’s at the 2022 Monterey Car Week. There it was purchased by Mr. Patterson for $9,905,000.

A Restoration of Discovery

Few classic cars have as complete a set of records as this 540K, and because it was known that the Mercedes had been repainted in non-original colors, the decision to undertake a comprehensive restoration on a car just purchased for almost $10 million was perhaps not as difficult as it would have been had the car been completely original. Patterson turned to the restoration experts at RM Restorations – a branch of RM Sotheby’s that actually predates the company’s status as an auction house – to bring the car back to its original delivery condition.

Pointer: CaptionGit prerum autatende lloriti nvenda pre proremolor aut libusap ellicto to. Pointer: CaptionGit prerum autatende lloriti nvenda pre proremolor aut libusap ellicto to. Pointer: CaptionGit prerum autatende

THE STAR ND • 2023

29

“When Rob Myers founded the company, he founded it as a restoration shop just working on old cars,” explained Gord Duff, global head of auctions for RM Sotheby’s. “Working on old cars turned into buying and selling, and then that rolled into taking cars to auctions. Then Rob decided he could do that better, and he got into the auction side of the business. But it all started with the restoration shop.”

As a candidate for restoration, it’s hard to imagine a better starting point than this Mercedes. With the exception of the repaint and upholstery, the car was largely untouched and undisturbed. Every original mechanical component was in place, and the factory Typenshield and Kommission tags were still in place. The car was even riding on ancient Dunlop tires, likely installed while the car was still in England. Even the original floorboards and panels were there, still bearing the car’s body number from the factory.

The President of RM Restorations, Don McLellan, took 30 THE STAR ND • 2023

oversight of this job himself.

“When the car was first sold, everybody thought that it was originally in two tones of red,” McLellan recalled. “We’ve come to find out it was really born black. During the restoration we found the original build sheet from Sindelfingen, and it shows ‘schwarz’ or black for the original color. Then during the disassembly process, looking at the car, we found evidence of two and maybe three paint jobs on top of the original black. Like cutting a tree down, you sand through the paint in a hidden area and you see ring after ring of paint, primer, paint, primer, and then finally black.”

Paint was only the first part of the process. This 540K had more secrets to reveal, and the story just kept getting better.

“There are a couple pretty cool stories about the interior,” McLellan said. “The front seats had been poorly reupholstered in red leather, and the carpets had all been replaced, portions of the door panels had been replaced, side panels replaced, but the dash and most importantly, the rumble seat had never been replaced. The rumble seat leather really hadn’t seen much of the light of day. It’s closed all the time and no one sits in it. We decided to save that original rumble seat leather and it has not been replaced.”

Bringing in Mercedes-Benz Experts

A preserved example like this car is more than a restoration; it’s an opportunity for a little automotive archaeology to

Opposite: the 540K stripped to bare metal, and experts from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Germany came to document every part of this uniquely complete and original example of 1930s craftsmanship. Above: the finished 540K on the lawn at Pebble Beach.

THE STAR ND • 2023

31

learn how the factory made these cars. With full assistance from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, the team went on exploring the 540K. “Mechanically, we went through the entire car,” McLellan recalled. “It was a complete strip down to the chassis and the car had low miles so we used all the original mechanical big stuff, like the rear end, the gears, and the crank. We put a new cam in it, and that was available directly from Mercedes.”

In fact, the car was so original that the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center sent a team to document everything as a standard for other 540K restorations.

“When we started taking it apart, every chrome piece on the body has a number stamped into the back and it’s the last three digits of the body number,” McLellan said. “It’s on everything: every piece of chrome, the door handle, the windshield posts, every strip. We contacted Mercedes Classic and showed them pictures of that. They sent three guys for almost a week. They were able to get an inside view of everything inside the engine, inside the transmission, and inside the body structure.”

“The wood in this car was perfect,” he continued. “Each piece of wood in this car has this big, nearly inch tall, stamping of 2 0 0 4 7 9. It was dried and cracked and a couple of glue joints let go, but there was no rot. We didn’t have to change any wood, it was just amazing.”

In the end, McLellan’s team was able to restore the 540K to its exact factory specification.

Every part of the 540K was painstakingly restored to factory-new condition, aided by the original tags that allowed the factory to provide the order documentation.

32 THE STAR ND • 2023

Top: The engine restoration was aided by the low miles the car had covered over its lifetime. Bottom: Beneath the car’s rear panels is a rumble seat that is rarely exposed to sunlight because it still bears the original leather upholstery from 1937.

THE STAR ND • 2023

33

34 THE STAR ND • 2023

“This car is great because it’s a combination of preservation and restoration,” McLellan explained. “What we did was take a piece of that leather from the rumble seat with the original dark red color and I sent it to the tannery; a friend of mine makes leather for us. He took it as a personal challenge to match this rumble seat leather as best as possible. We got about a 98% match color-wise, including supplying us with split hides, meaning it’s thinned right out to almost paper thickness for the door panels, because that’s how they originally did it.

That’s why they have such a nice tight detail and curve, and the edges are nice and sharp, as opposed to the seat leather.

That’s full thickness.”

The team’s fierce attention to detail paid off at Pebble Beach.

What it Takes to Win

“When a car is being judged at Pebble, there are three guys on the judging team and you only get to spend 15 to 20 minutes with them after a year’s work,” McLellan explained.

“We showed them all the details of the car. They want to see the lights work, they want to start the engine, listen for noises and even make sure that the clock is keeping time. At the very end I said, ‘because this car was so great, we want to show you something very special that we’re not able to do very often.’

I opened up the rumble seat and their jaws hit the floor. They absolutely were blown away with the original rumble seat!”

Irreplaceable features like that are what separates a Best of Show car from the contenders.

“I’m proud of our guys because they go to great lengths researching a project like this,” McLellan said. “We dug up the original build sheets and then all that information right from Mercedes. I don’t think we could have documented it any better. We do that with a big project to make sure that things are done accurately, based on what the customer wants. Then everything is done in-house except for chrome plating.”

Getting the entire restoration done in less than a year was a major lift for McLellan and his crew. However, they’re willing to go the extra mile when it’s a car of true provenance and quality.

“To do a restoration at a Pebble Beach Best of Show level in 11 months, well, we’ve never done that before,” he said. “It was a monumental task. Normally it’s a two-year restoration to do something at the Pebble Beach level, but in this case we didn’t have to replace any metal or any wood, so that’s the reason we were able to do it.”

Duff attributes the company’s overall success to the intense focus on craftsmanship in the restoration shop.

“We’ve been doing extremely well the last couple of years and the restoration side; we’re just getting the best type of cars to be able to restore,” Duff said. “There are great craftsmen all over, but it’s getting the opportunity to restore the right car that has the potential of winning Pebble, and we’re getting that opportunity time and time again. We’ve got one of the biggest restoration shops in the world and our craftsmen are very good at what they do.”

The judges at Pebble Beach would seem to agree.

Opposite: Details of the 540K cabin and wheels, including the original leather of the rumble seat.

Above: Mr. Patterson and the team from RM Sotheby’s celebrate their achievement.

THE STAR ND • 2023

35

Text by Daniel Golson Photography by Mercedes-Benz

MERCEDESBENZ BREAKS NEW GROUND IN 2023

With more than a dozen new or updated models this year, Mercedes is leading the way into the future of driving

Mercedes-Benz had a big year in 2023, with the brand introducing more than a dozen new or updated production cars, along with some showstopping concepts. As Mercedes approaches its goal of going all-electric in many markets by 2030, many of its new offerings are fully electric or high-performance plug-in hybrids. However, there are still some exciting internal combustion engines in the mix. To get you ready for the new year we’ve rounded up eight of the most important Mercedes debuts of the year, ranging from an entry-level EV to a flagship sports car.

36 THE STAR ND • 2023

THE STAR ND • 2023

37

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Concept

The compact CLA four-door coupe is getting ready to enter its third generation, and this year’s concept is a close preview of what you can expect from the production car that will debut next year. Its sleek silhouette is gorgeous, with the forwardleaning shark nose adding a touch of drama. Surfacing is minimal other than light strips integrated into the wheel arches. Those striking three-pointed star headlights will make it into production, albeit with more realistic lenses, and the animated “grille” made up of dozens of lit-up stars will also be found on the production model.

Step inside and you’re struck by a cabin right out of Star Trek; full of white and blue leather, shiny chrome trim, and lots of illuminated details. The concept uses sustainable materials like paper, bamboo fiber floor mats, and a textile made from recycled plastic. The pillar-to-pillar Superscreen combines three displays and is running the new MB.OS infotainment system, both of which will be found on the production CLA. Don’t expect the full glass roof and its illuminated star pattern to reach consumers, though.

Along with a CLA Shooting Brake variant and replacements for the current GLA and GLB, the third-gen CLA will ride on the new “electric first” MMA platform. This chassis will offer both electric and internal combustion powertrains, but has been designed for an EV powertrain. The concept’s powertrain is no flight of fancy either—this is actually what you’ll get in the production car. As a direct result of the engineering from the record-setting EQXX, the CLA uses a new 235-hp electric motor and two-speed transmission paired with an 800-volt battery pack. It’ll have a range of more than 466 miles on the European WLTP cycle, and an extremely impressive 5.2 mi/ kWh consumption figure. Fast charging with 250-kW DC will replenish 248 miles of range in just 15 minutes, and the CLA will offer bidirectional charging for smart grid integration.

More powerful dual-motor versions will be available, too.

38 THE STAR ND • 2023

Step inside and you’re struck by a cabin right out of Star Trek

Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and Cabriolet

Slightly longer than the E-Class, the CLE Coupe and Cabriolet have an athletic appearance

Essentially the rebirth of the CLK, the new CLE will take the place of the slow selling two-door versions of both the C-Class and E-Class in the Mercedes lineup when they go on sale in the first half of 2024. Slightly longer than the E-Class, the CLE Coupe and Cabriolet have an athletic appearance with an aggressive nose, but unlike the old E-Class Coupe the CLE sadly isn’t pillarless. The interior is largely the same as what you get in a C-Class, but the CLE gets its own sport seat design that have speakers integrated in the headrests. There’s a lot more room for passengers compared to the C-Class, including in the rear seat, though the CLE Coupe’s cabin is a little tighter than the E-Class Coupe. Trunk space is about the same as in the E-Class, too.

Powering the CLE300 is a turbocharged four-cylinder with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft while the CLE450 gets a turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, and both powertrains have 48-volt mild-hybrid systems. Both engines also get 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard, though rear-drive versions could come later. A sport suspension is standard on the CLE450 and optional on the CLE300. Multiple AMG versions will come after the CLE’s initial launch.

THE STAR ND • 2023

39

Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain

Once again, the US will get the regular E-Class wagon in lifted All-Terrain guise—blame our love of anything SUV or SUV adjacent—but at least the new one looks great. Available only in six-cylinder E450 guise with 4Matic all-wheel drive, the new All-Terrain has standard air suspension for more ground clearance, a special Off-Road drive mode, off-road info pages in the gauge cluster and center display, and a “transparent hood” function of the 360-degree camera system. The All-Terrain has unique styling cues like a different grille, chrome skid plate elements in the bumpers, body cladding and new wheel designs.

The E-Class All-Terrain will hit dealer showrooms at some point in 2024. While we’ll mourn the loss of the standard E-Class wagon, don’t fret. There will still be an AMG E-Class wagon in the US, with the new generation likely using a plugin-hybrid inline-six powertrain that could make over 700 horsepower. Expect the AMG to debut at some point next year.

40 THE STAR ND • 2023

The All-Terrain has standard air suspension

Mercedes-AMG GLC43 and GLC63 S E Performance

Like the C-Class with which it shares a platform, the AMG versions of the compact GLC crossover ditch the old V6 and V8 for a lineup of high-power four-cylinder engines. The GLC43 shares its hand-built M139 engine with AMGs like the CLA45 and C43. The 2.0-liter inline-four uses an electric exhaust gas turbocharger derived from Formula 1 and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and in the GLC43 it puts out 416 hp and 369 lb-ft. A rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, 9-speed automatic with wet start-off clutch, and performance suspension all come standard, and the AMG has large front intakes, wider fenders and other styling enhancements.

The GLC63 S E Performance is even crazier. It takes that same turbo four and adds a larger turbo and a plug-in-hybrid system consisting of a 6.1-kWh battery pack and a 201-hp electric motor at the rear axle. Total system output is a whopping 671 hp and 752 lb-ft, good enough to send the GLC63 from 0-to-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The GLC63 also gets rear wheel steering and fancy hydraulic suspension with active anti-roll stabilization, and it will have an undisclosed all-electric range (likely around a dozen miles). The GLC43 will reach dealers in early 2024, while the GLC63 will be in customer hands by the end of the year.

Mercedes-AMG GT

The second-generation AMG GT coupe is now twinned with the AMG SL roadster, riding on a new platform with major performance and technological advancements. (There will no longer be a droptop GT.) Despite losing the dramatic proportions and long nose of the old GT it still looks fantastic, and it has deceptively grown in size for a big increase in practicality.

The large Panamericana grille is inspired by the old GT race cars, and there’s lots of active aerodynamics at play. It will be initially offered in GT55 and GT63 guises, both of which use AMG’s excellent twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. The GT55 puts out 469 hp and 516 lb-ft, while the GT63 bumps it up to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft and can go from 0-to-60 mph in 3.1 seconds, besting the old GT R in power and quickness. Fully variable all-wheel drive is standard on both models, as are four-wheel steering

GLC63 S E output is a whopping 671 hp

and a trick hydraulic suspension setup with active anti-roll bars and a front axle lift.

Like the SL, the new GT offers a back seat for the first time, and the liftback cargo area can now fit three sets of golf clubs.

The rest of the interior is basically identical to the SL, which is no bad thing. As standard you get an 11.9-inch touchscreen, massaging seats, a Burmester surround sound system, augmented-reality navigation and a 360-degree camera, and it will be available with all manner of driver-assist systems and other luxury features. The GT will reach dealers in the first half of 2024, likely with a starting price of around $150,000.

Coming later next year will be an E Performance plug-in-hybrid variant with more than 800 horsepower, and there could be an entry-level GT43 in the pipeline as well.

THE STAR ND • 2023

41

Mercedes-AMG SL43

The first SL since the original 190SL to have a four-cylinder engine, the new entry-level SL43 roadster has the same M139 engine as the aforementioned GLC43 with a total output of 375 hp and 354 lb-ft. Unlike the V8-powered SLs, the SL43 is rear-wheel drive design, and ditches the rear wheel steering and fancy active suspension. As a result, this car should weigh nearly 400 pounds less than the V8 models. Styling differences are minimal, amounting to less aggressive bumpers and round exhaust tips.

At $111,050 including destination, the SL43 is also more than $30,000 less expensive than the SL55, making it accessible to a broader range of customers. That turbo engine is a real gem, and thanks to the reduced weight and rear-wheel drive, the SL43 could be the driver’s choice of the SL lineup. The SL43 is at dealers now.

Mercedes-Maybach EQS680 SUV

The brand’s most luxurious experience yet 42 THE STAR ND • 2023

Maybach’s first electric production car is based on the EQS SUV, promising the brand’s most luxurious experience yet— especially for rear seat passengers. The EQS680 gets signature Maybach styling cues like a “grille” panel with vertical vanes, tons of chrome trim, monoblock style wheels, two-tone paint and lots of Maybach logos. It’s also Mercedes’ first EV to feature a standing three-pointed star hood ornament, aerodynamics be damned.

Step inside and the Maybach EQS gets unique leather color schemes and wood veneer options, rose gold metal trim, lots more Maybach logos and special ambient lighting and infotainment design themes. The available “First Class” rear seats recline and have extendable leg rests, massage functions and neck and shoulder heating, with the front passenger seat able to move all the way forward to a chauffeur position for maximum comfort for the rear passenger. The seats are bisected by a long center console with tray tables, a removable infotainment tablet and a refrigerator with silver champagne flutes. There’s a 4D Burmester surround sound system with Dolby Atmos sound, and the Maybach EQS should be the quietest car Mercedes sells thanks to a bunch of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) improvements.

The Maybach’s dual-motor powertrain makes 649 hp and 700 lb-ft, matching that of the AMG EQS sedan. A Maybachspecific air suspension has continuously adjustable dampers, and there’s a new Maybach drive mode that is designed for maximum comfort for rear seat passengers. The Maybach EQS SUV will be built in Alabama alongside the EQE and EQS SUVs.

A modern reinterpretation of the groundbreaking C111

Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven

A modern reinterpretation of the groundbreaking C111 from the 1970s, the suitably orange Vision One-Eleven concept is one of the most radical designs from Mercedes in years.

Measuring just 46 inches tall, the One-Eleven is the ultimate expression of the ‘one-bow’ design theme with a silhouette that describes one continuous arc from nose to tail. It has plenty of retro cues that tie it to the original C111s without being too much of a pastiche, plus futuristic details like pixelated lights.

The interior would fit right into the world of Barbarella, full of silver leather and chrome accents. A wide screen also has a

pixelated appearance.

While there are no concrete plans for an EV hypercar like the One-Eleven as of now, it certainly sounds like Mercedes-Benz engineers, designers, and executives would love to make one.

Even if the One-Eleven never comes to fruition, its technology will. The concept uses new axial-flux motors from YASA that are more compact and lighter than existing electric motors while providing greater power density for increased performance and efficiency, and its battery pack has a new liquid-cooled cylindrical-cell design, all of which will be featured on future Mercedes production cars.

THE STAR ND • 2023

43

By Jim Holder

This 1904 Mercedes Simplex has had an amazing career,

Family Tradition and it’s still going.

Photography by Jed Leicester

This could just be the story of a car; at 120 years old it certainly warrants it.

But it is so much more than that; it’s a story of a daredevil first owner, an aristocratic woman who lived life her way, and that woman’s descendants. Some of those descendants loved the car as she did, while some perhaps did not, but they probably saved it from destruction as a result.

Ultimately, it’s a tale of the passion and determination of our heroine’s great grandson to restore a classic when others saw no hope. Today, it is claimed that no other car in the world has been in the same family for so long – a claim that is hard to disprove given the car’s age.

Our heroine is Melanie Erdödy, and the spark that carries this story from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century is her marriage to Count Alfred Khevenhüller, from a family of high nobility in the Carinthian region of Austria. The family nominally carries the title of prince to this day, long after the ruling dynasties of the country were ended. And, yes, in case you are getting ahead of us, that is the family castle - Castle Hochosterwitz in Austria, a significant tourist attraction to this day - in the background of some of the pictures. More of that later.

44 THE STAR ND • 2023

THE STAR ND • 2023

45

A

iling from cancer, Count Alfred headed to France to convalesce, and in the springtime he and Melanie already car owners - made their way to Paris for the 1905 motor show. This was already a well-established event, having been started as the world’s first new car show in 1898 by industry pioneer Jules-Albert de Dion. There, rows of pioneering vehicles lined the stands, but one caught their eye: the Mercedes Simplex, displayed by Emil Jellinek. He was by then known as Emil Jellinek-Mercedes, after he famously adopted the name of his daughter, whose name he had put on the car distribution company he did so much to establish. Wowed by what they saw, negotiations between the Khevenhüllers and Jellinek began in earnest.

The Khevenhüllers didn’t want just any Mercedes chassis, though; they wanted the one on the show stand. First registered in 1904 so it was ready for the show, a deal was eventually struck, with chassis number 2939 mated to engine 5699 and the car sent on its way to the family home in Austria that August.

Today, those 750 miles would take you about 12 hours and could be done in relative comfort; back then, with a top speed of 50 mph on muddy roads that made even that modest pace rarely achievable, chauffeur Francois, perched atop a wooden crate on a chassis that had yet to be given a body, took rather longer.

Melanie takes the wheel

Melanie was besotted with the new Mercedes. With 32 hp and weighing no more than 2,800 pounds once bodied, the Simplex was light and sporty compared to the Gräf & Stift preferred by her husband. The Simplex had four seats initially, then two for 46 THE STAR ND • 2023

high-speed exploits, and then in time, five seats for touring..

Pictures of the time suggest that the body was most likely provided by Lohner - then closely associated with Porsche - or Keller & Fils. Whichever, Melanie wasted no time relishing the freedom and fun it afforded, undertaking marathon drives as far afield as Africa, enjoying outings in and around Monte Carlo and even heading across Europe and racing it. Some of her successes behind the wheel - facing the likes of Gottlieb Daimler, Carl Opel and Emperor Wilhelm - were heralded in international advertising campaigns in the newspapers of the day.

She was quite a hand behind the wheel too, winning the international competition to the Großglockner on August 14th and 15th, 1909, then the 1909 race to the Pasterzen glacier, and the first Alpine race in 1910. Closer to home, and underlining her passion for the automobile, she also had a balcony constructed opposite the family house, looking down on the road below, on which she would organize speed trials for anyone willing to take part.

The Simplex’s importance to her only grew after Alfred died in 1911, a series of mechanical upgrades following and highlighting the central role it played in her life. However, not all the changes were designed to make it go faster. More practical modifications ranged from a new camshaft-driven lubrication system through to a windscreen, fenders, sporty wheel hubs, and real rims with upgraded tires. Towards the end of the decade, the car having seen service as a training car for her three sons as well as transport for senior officers towards the front lines in the war, even an electric light was added to aid nighttime driving.

Opposite: Melanie Erdödy Khevenhüller.

Above: The bodywork of the early 1900s shows the coachbuilding roots of the automobile.

THE STAR ND • 2023

47

A long rest in the barn

Having survived all that, it was a potentially cruel twist that it was a relatively minor incident, a broken front wheel towards the end of the 1920s, that took the car off the road. Melanie, ever the firebrand, by now had other interests, ranging from horses and shooting to travel. The wounded Simplex was cast aside, taking up residence in a barn at Niederosterwitz alongside a variety of scrap metal and cast-offs. There it stayed and survived, albeit gradually seizing and rusting.

Remarkably, when Allied forces swept into the region, helping themselves to a selection of items by way of self-defined compensation, none discovered (or perhaps fancied, given that broken wheel and more than a decade of cobwebs) the car. A few bales of straw tactically placed to cover it probably helped, too. Still it rested there when Melanie passed away in 1953, and for many years after it looked like that may have been the end of its story.

However, her grandson, Max Khevenhüller, had other ideas.

Eight years after her death, in 1961, curiosity got the better of him. The broken wheel was rebuilt by a local craftsman and new tires were obtained in England. The engine didn’t run, but now the Simplex could at least be pushed back and forth.

The brass was renewed, and new glass put in the windscreen.

The wooden body was treated with a preservative. Missing parts were found and put in their right places. Older parts, including the old two-seater racing body and other mechanical 48 THE STAR ND • 2023

racing parts, had been stored more carefully. It seemed like life would be brought back to the Simplex, but time and again reality got in the way of ambition. Fortunately, Max’s son Karl was watching.

Karl takes the wheel

Karl Khevenhüller’s passion for mechanical objects was always there. Tinkering had long been a family trait, but the embers of an interest in cars were stoked when a family friend, Peter Öhlschläger, invited Karl to ride alongside him in a rally run by the Villach classic car club in 1979, in a 1909 Benz. At age 20, it was transformative for the young man. How could he do more of this? The answer, of course, lay in that barn. If only he could find the time - and get permission - to do what his father had never gotten around to. Tentatively, he enquired, and was told that if he could prove himself on another project, a 1930s Peugeot, he might be allowed near the Simplex. He did and he was. His final year of studies was nearly derailed in the process.

“I couldn’t concentrate on chemistry and math as I was always thinking about how to make everything on the car fit back together,” Karl remembers fondly. Painstakingly, he put every spare hour of the next year into restoring the car, astonished when the engine refired without the need for any major new parts beyond a new transmission cog. Karl was delighted when he worked his way through putting it back together. “There was

Opposite: The driver’s controls in 1904 are familiar, yet no standardization had made one car completely similar to any other. Above: Karl Khevenhüller enjoys his family heirloom, and the remarkably simple 32 hp engine.

THE STAR ND • 2023

49

The workmanship of the Mercedes Simplex allows the car to survive over a century because the craftsmen of the day knew no other way to build things. Even the toolbox bespeaks a personal attention to detail.

50 THE STAR ND • 2023

some discussion as to how the car should look; should we go for him a question at the wrong moment and distract him even a how it was when it was first bought, after some modifications, or fraction, it’s evident that it’s not. A near lifetime of experience how it was when it went into storage?” he recalls. “In the end we is at work as he slots in the gears, feeds in the accelerator and went for how it was when it went in the barn; I wanted to honor caresses the brake pedal (and occasionally tugs at the handthe modernizations that had been invested in it.” brake if he needs to stop quickly). “This car talks to me,” he Almost the only job he didn’t do himself was the paintwork, smiles, wind whistling past our ears. It’s comfortable too. The and it remains a detail that irritates him. first rally Karl took part with the car was “It is not quite the same as the original in 1987. The rally took about one week, MERCEDES SIMPLEX violet brown, and sometimes I think I am driving about 120 miles a day. Starting at 28/32 HP 1904 an idiot for touching it,” he shrugs. “But the Swiss border in Dornbirn and passing the truth is this is a car to be used, not over seven high montain passes, including 4 Cylinders polished, so that is where my focus is.” the Großglockner, the highest road over 110mm Bore the Alps. He arrived in Vienna after about Riding in history 750 miles in seven days. “Hard work?” I 140mm Stroke This car is a driver, and that’s why our enquire. “I loved it!” he smiles back. “It Displacement 5322 cm3 trip to Austria must include a run in the was the best education I could receive in 32hp Power car, too. For Karl, this isn’t a car to look order to get to know the car.”

Top speed 80km/h (50mph) at, but to use. A sip of fuel is poured into It’s a passion that shines through, 2939/5699 Car/engine # each of the cylinders, the crank turned and for which it’s impossible not to draw and - first time - the engine fires. There’s parallels with the castle, in the shadow 4250mm Length no ceremony; all aboard and we’re off. “I of which we are driving. It was bestowed 158mm, Width take this car to shows and I have to explain upon the Khevenhüller family in 1541, and 192mm Height to people that I want them to touch it!” remained in their care ever since, passing 1345 kg Weight laughs Karl. “It is a car that carries its down the male bloodline, surviving bloody history, from scuffs and bumps to a bit of battles and wars over centuries past, and leaking oil and the odd rattle and squeak. today preserved as a popular tourist I feel at one with it, as there isn’t a bolt I haven’t put in myself. attraction. As with the Simplex, Karl has devoted his passion I want people to feel that relationship with the car. I brought it and energy into ensuring that is maintained for everyone to back so it could be enjoyed, not to be perfect.” enjoy. Once a year those two passions align, too, as he holds There are four gears, each changing the ratio to chains that an historic car rally that takes place in the castle grounds. drive the wheels. 28-32 hp may not seem like much, espeIf Karl gets his way, just like the castle, the Simplex will cially from a 5.3-liter engine, but this is a car that gathers never leave the family, either. “People sometimes ask me what speed effectively, either via the foot or steering wheel-mounted I would sell it for,” he smiles, “and I always say the only thing accelerator. In Karl’s hands the gearshifts look easy, but if I ask I might give it up for is a sandwich. But only if I were starving THE STAR ND • 2023

51

Benz’s Terrific Teardrop

52 THE STAR ND • 2023

The appeal of a completely new technology inspired Benz engineers to build the most advanced racing car of its time in 1923. Showing its stuff on Europe’s newest track, the Benz “teardrop car” startled the world with its radical rear-engined design.

By Karl Ludvigsen

Photography: The Ludvigsen Collection

THE STAR ND • 2023

53

I

n the midst of the First World War, Hans Nibel assumed the responsibilities of chief engineer at Benz in Mannheim.

Under Nibel were Robert Staffin, in charge of engine design, and Max Wagner, the chassis man. In wartime Arthur Berger headed the Benz aero-engine development effort. Director of the experimental department was a tall, serious engineer named Willy Walb. Under Berger’s watchful eye Walb built a reputation as a perfectionist among perfectionists.

This was the core of the capable crew charged by the board of the Rheinische Automobil und Motorenfabrik AG Benz & Cie. with the responsibility for creating a new production-car program in the chaotic economy of postwar Germany. They set their standards high, seeing no reason why they shouldn’t advance the technology of the automobile with what they and others learned in wartime. This would result in the most radical racing car the world had yet known.

The Rumpler teardrop

At the first German post-war motor show in September of 1921 Nibel and Wagner saw a car that showed a new way forward. On airplane-builder Edmund Rumpler’s stand they saw a chassis, an open model and a closed version of the car they called the TropfenAuto or “teardrop car” after its uncompromisingly streamlined shape. “Here for the first time in more than 10 years,” one report glowed, “are shown fundamental transformations in the design of the automobile.” Another noted, “These cars attracted immense attention and generally favorable comment, despite their unusual appearance.”

“Favorable comment” was music to the ears of the Benz men, who felt that the 49-year-old Rumpler was on the right track. He had married his background as an automotive engineer with his experience as an aviation pioneer to build a precedent-defying auto that combined a central passenger compartment with a low-drag teardrop form, a rear-mounted engine and independent rear suspension by swing axles.

Benz took an option on these innovations at the beginning of 1922. On January 21, 1922 the conservative Benz board held an exceptional general meeting to learn that their company was negotiating a general license allowing unlimited sales of cars to Rumpler’s designs. With this preliminary agreement and a chest of technical drawings a long-chassis open TropfenAuto tourer arrived in Mannheim for experimental work.

Its original W6 engine was soon replaced by a Benz in-line four. With this test vehicle Max Wagner’s chassis men roamed the local roads, searching out the car’s strengths 54 THE STAR ND • 2023

and weaknesses. Also, the Benz board was persuaded that it would be good “propaganda” for a future rear-engined production model to anticipate it with a racing car of similar layout.

Work was initiated on the design of such a car to suit the 1922 two-liter Grand Prix formula.

Benz goes its own way

Willy Walb was assigned the task of testing the Rumpler Tropfen-Auto and conducting its initial assessment and development. In theory it was a finished design, needing only proving to be made production-ready. Walb’s findings suggested the contrary. There were important problems with the Rumpler chassis, especially with the guidance of the swing axles. This gave trouble later when TropfenAutos served as taxis in Berlin.

After these tests Benz decided not to seek a full license.

Instead during 1922 it went its own way in the development of a rear-engined passenger car. The decision would require the company to tiptoe shrewdly through Rumpler’s dense maze of patents. Though delayed by work stoppages, material shortages and the problems of inflation, work on the racing car was kept moving. However it wasn’t moving fast enough to meet the initial target, an entry in the inaugural race at Italy’s Monza late in 1922.

Serving as a prototype, the first racing car was a marvelously slim machine, an engineer’s idea of what a racing car should look like. Its teardrop form and its Rumpler ancestry won for it the “Tropfen-Wagen” nickname, but its design and components

“A real racing cigar”

were part of a Benz “RH” series (Rennwagen Heckmotor).

The prototype Benz RH differed in many ways from the cars that eventually raced at Monza in 1923. RH number one’s body was nearer circular in cross-section and had a more tapered, slimmer nose—a real “racing cigar.” A hatch in the nose opened to give access to a spare wheel. The fuel tank was in the rear, above the differential. Power for the prototype came from an experimental overhead-valve four-cylinder engine that needed exhaust pipes on both sides. Experiments with this first RH included varying the size of the externally mounted radiator behind the engine bay.

Changes to this technician’s ideal included compromises with the realities of racing and test experience. Since racing would be on smooth, hard surfaces the spare wheel was dispensed with, an enlarged fuel tank taking its place. Wheels and tires were smaller on a wheelbase of 109.4 inches. The RH was “crabtracked” with a wider 55.2-inch front axle width, and a 49-inch rear axle. Every possible part was drilled for

The two-liter inline six-cylinder engine used double overhead cams with four valves per cylinder and a hemispherical combustion chamber. A wide oil pan prevented oil starvation in hard cornering. With a 5.8:1 compression ratio, the first engine produced 80 bhp at 4,500 rpm.

THE STAR ND • 2023

55

lightness, including the front axle, shift lever and gate and the accelerator-pedal arm. The official weights of the three cars presented for scrutineering at Monza in 1923 were 1,590, 1,599 and 1,621 pounds.

The RH’s channel-section side rails followed the ovoid plan view of the car. Crossbracing was scanty with three crossmembers at the front and one at the extreme rear, where the frame was braced by the engine-transaxle assembly, bolted in at four points. A dead straight I-section front axle was sprung, like the Rumpler’s, by two five-leaf semielliptic springs cantilevered forward. Below the springs, running straight fore and aft, twin radius rods provided front-axle guidance. Mounted on a tubular superstructure that also supported the fuel tank, a worm-and-spindle steering gear operated a drag link to the steering arm on the left wheel.

Benz had to use a rear suspension design that wouldn’t contravene Rumpler’s many patents. As a result the RH had a more practical system. A differential fixed on the frame drove the axle halfshafts through universal joints in spherical housings similar to those then widely used for the forward mounting of torque-tube axles. Each axle housing had a forged “Y” at its inner end. This was attached to two pivots in line with their associated universal joint, mounted on the transaxle case. The axles swung about a fore-and-aft line.

No shock absorbers were fitted to the rear suspension because the designers judged that the scrubbing action of

the tires against the road provided sufficient spring damping with a swing-axle layout. Front friction dampers, initially of the contracting band type used on the pre-war cars from Mannheim, were changed before Monza to more modern multiple disc dampers.

During their revision of the first RH prototype, Max Wagner added the rear brakes to the car’s sprung weight by mounting them inboard flanking the final drive gears. The mechanical brakes were small in size by contemporary standards, with finned and ventilated iron drums.

A new hemi engine

The RH’s six-cylinder engine was completely special, engineered from the ground up for racing under the direction of Arthur Berger assisted by Robert Staffin. Based on their post-war experiments they used a four valve chamber. Its cylinder dimensions were 65 x 100 mm for 1,997 cc. Valves were symmetrically inclined at an included angle of 90 degrees. In their center a single Beru spark plug was at the top of the chamber.

Twin overhead camshafts opened the valves through light finger followers. Cams and valve gear were housed in aluminum chambers attached to the individual steel cylinders. At the rear of the engine a train of gears carried the drive to the camshafts.

A gear on the left side was added to drive the Bosch magneto.

The large centrifugal water pump was attached to the back of

Above: The Benz implementation of the teardrop design was much more elegant and flowing than the original Rumpler concept. Opposite: The chassis was extremely lightweight, with just enough support to keep the car together.

56 THE STAR ND • 2023

“The most outstanding new car”

the engine and driven by an intermediate idler gear.

Arthur Berger used techniques he first employed in his Kaiserpreis-winning aero engine of 1912 to fabricate the RH’s cylinders. Each had its own steel inner wall surrounded by a welded-on sheet-steel water jacket. Cool water entered each cylinder above the exhaust valve guides and seats from a manifold at the top of the engine. Another manifold extracted warm water above the inlet valve side of the head.

Exhaust manifolding, on the right, flowed to a single pipe extending out and back along the body. Front and rear groups of three cylinders were fed by individual manifolds, each carrying a single sidedraft Zenith carburetor of 42mm bore. A small balance pipe connected the two manifolds. Benz hadn’t experimented with supercharging during the war and evidently judged that it wasn’t required by this Grand Prix engine.

The Hellmuth Hirth company in Cannstatt, predecessor of today’s Mahle K.G., produced pistons of magnesium alloy for the Benz RH. They provided a compression ratio that was modest for a 1922 racing-car design: 5.8:1. Hirth manufactured the car’s crankshaft, which was fully demountable to permit the use of roller bearings for both the big ends of the steel connecting rods and the seven main bearings.

The most eye-arresting feature of the Benz RH was its radiator. Positioning a radiator above and behind the engine was familiar to all who had been associated with Great War aviation.

Benz mounted it on a structure above the bell housing, using a core on the 1923 racing cars that was 30 percent larger in area than the one on the 1922 prototype and much thicker as well.

THE STAR ND • 2023

57

“Benz had no reason to be anything but proud” Water flow through this radiator was from end to end through its core elements. Hot water rose from the engine to the rakishly streamlined header tank at the top center. From there it flowed outward to the ends through the top half of the core. It reversed direction at the end caps and returned to the center through the bottom of the core, where the water pump drew it back into the engine.

This sufficed to cool an engine that developed 80 bhp at 4,500 rpm and could reach a maximum safe speed of 5,400 rpm.

These were modest numbers in 1923 when the best unblown two-liter racing cars were delivering 100 bhp or more and the early supercharged models were doing even better. Later, with three carburetors, the engine was developed to give 90 bhp at 5,000 rpm. Torque was delivered through a cone clutch to a three-speed transmission between the engine and the finaldrive gears. It was direct-drive in top gear with reductions of 2.0:1 and 3.7:1 in second and third. Its control was a lever at the driver’s right, working in a gate with a latch that barred reverse gear.

Racing the teardrop

Seats in the racing cars were staggered, with the mechanic more to the rear. Although the occupants’ heads protruded more than in the 1922 RH, they were far better shrouded than in any other racing model of 1923. At the front the nose became fuller to make room for the 34.3 gallon fuel tank, reached through a faired lid for the filler cap instead of the earlier swing-up hatch. On the left side was a Benz RH feature shared with few other Grand Prix cars: a rear-hinged door.

Three of the white RH Benzes were completed in time for the Grand Prix of Europe at Monza, Italy on September 9, 1923. They were a welcome addition to a thin field of cars, which included the newly supercharged Fiat eights and the as yet unblown American Millers. Benz veteran Franz Hörner handled one Benz, Willy Walb another. The third was driven by the peripatetic Ferdinando Minoia, who had driven a supercharged Mercedes in the Targa the year before.

Official practice for this 500-mile race began on Monday of the week before the race on Sunday over the then-unique 58 THE STAR ND • 2023

Monza melding of a road course with a banked track to create a total length of 6.2 miles. The Benz team soon realized that the supercharged Fiats, Alfas and Millers had the legs of their cars, but the RH was faster than the unblown French entries of Voisin and Rolland-Pilain—a measure of its true merit. At the weigh-in—all had to be heavier than 1,433 pounds—only the Fiats were lighter than the Benzes and that by a mere 25 pounds. Alfa Romeo withdrew its cars after driver Sivocci was killed in a final practice run.

Some 200,000 were in the stands and along the course for this, the second major race at Monza. Starting from the grid at 9:00 a.m., only the three Fiats and a Miller headed the Benzes after the first lap. Closest to matching the leaders was the experienced Minoia, almost half a minute faster for that lap than his teammates. After five laps he was still among the Millers while his colleagues fell back. On the sixth of 80 laps Walb’s Benz retired with what was diagnosed as a broken piston.

At half distance the two surviving Benzes were fifth (Minoia) one lap in arrears and sixth (Hörner) three laps behind the Fiat trio and Jimmy Murphy’s Miller. Everybody moved up a place when a Fiat’s driver retired. At the final flag, after five and a half hours of racing, Fiats were one-two scoring the first Grand Prix victory for a supercharged car. Murphy’s Miller was third, only five and a quarter minutes behind the winner.

Ferdinando Minoia’s Benz came home fifth with mechanic Danter, four laps behind the leaders, and Franz Hörner’s car was sixth with partner Werle. Hörner had a nine-lap deficit but was a lap ahead of another Miller. In addition to a RollandPilain that was still running, these were the only finishers.

They had no chance to complete their missing laps because the excited crowd inundated the circuit after the first runners came home. Minoia’s success was credited to his smooth, regular pace, so judicious that no changes of his RH’s Continental tires were needed.

Though modest against the winner’s 150,000-lira award, Minoia received 25,000 lire and Hörner 15,000 for their efforts.

Most rewarding for the team from Mannheim was the gold medallion awarded to Max Wagner for his contribution to the Benz RH design as the most outstanding new car. It was an apt honor for a man and a company trying to cope with the galloping inflation of late-1923 Germany. Benz had no reason to be anything but proud of the feat of finishing two out of three such radical cars in their first major race outing.

A short racing career

The economic crisis postponed any thoughts at Mannheim of a continued racing program for the RH. In May of 1924 an upheaval that was internal rather than external disrupted all Benz plans: an “agreement of mutual interest” was signed between Benz and its arch-rival, the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft.

Though the final merger of the two firms was delayed for two more years, the 1924 agreement led immediately to a sharing of members of the management committees and the boards of directors and also to a trimming of model lines to reduce the degree of direct competition between the two companies.

It was a compact in which Stuttgart appeared to exert more

Racing at Monza, the teardrop Benzes finished fifth and sixth – a creditable result for a first racing effort against the dominant Italians in that year.

THE STAR ND • 2023

59

“The RH raced a few more times” economic and management influence than Mannheim.

The reduction of internal competition affected racing too.

Mercedes rather than Benz was given priority in the development of out and out racing cars. Although entirely eligible, the RH never competed again in a Grand Prix event or, indeed, outside the borders of Germany. The RH raced a few more times in its original form. At Solitude on May 18, 1924, Franz Hörner placed third in class in a hill climb behind two supercharged two-liter Mercedes in the last successful competition appearance of that veteran Benz driver.

Modified for sports car use

Toward the end of 1924 the RH was further developed as a two-liter sports car. Its design was even more spectacular than the Grand Prix version. Changes included an enlarged balance pipe between the engine’s two manifolds that could be equipped with a small third carburetor used for starting. Like the larger carburetors this was fitted with a circular air filter.

For both starting and generating a dynamotor was mounted to the rear of the engine, driving through the shaft of the water pump and its gear train.

60 THE STAR ND • 2023

Of the total of four RH cars built, one and perhaps two kept the original rear radiator and added fenders that literally expressed the British term “wings.” A new nose carried faired-in headlamps and a spare wheel was placed flat inside an upper compartment. This displaced the fuel tank to the extreme rear of the chassis in a new, lower and more rounded tail. Smaller wheels and tires were under fenders that trailed straight to the rear. Behind the front wheels were low-drag spray deflectors.

Willy Walb drove the sports model in its first appearances in July 1924. At Königstuhl he won a short and exacting hill climb outright. Walb starred more than a year later at Freiburg, winning the sports-car class in August 1925 in both the sprint event and the classic hill climb. In May of 1925 Adolf Rosenberger used one of these fully-equipped cars in his first successful Benz outing. He won and set the fastest lap in a five-lap race for two-liter sports cars at the debut of a new 13.8- mile road circuit at Solitude near Stuttgart.

In 1925 the other remaining RH chassis were converted into pseudo-sports cars that were usually raced without fenders.

New front bodywork gave them more open cockpits, eliminated doors altogether, covered a tubular instead of I-beam front axle and moved the radiator up front behind a screened circular opening in the nose.

As on the other sports versions, the fuel tank was moved back into an extended tail. No windscreen or deflector was fitted. This version of the RH was the least harmonious in

appearance but the most prescient in forecasting the shape of its spiritual successor a decade in the future: the Grand Prix Auto Union.

Adolf Rosenberger had a good run with this type of RH. He set a new record for the Herkules Hill Climb near Kassel in May 1925. A new Benz adherent was Carl Hermann Tigler, a privateer who raced an RH in several events in late 1924 and early 1925. Tigler’s best day was May 30, 1925, when Opel baptized its new highspeed test track with a series of races.

Tigler set the fastest average with 79 mph over ten laps.

Tigler, Walb and Rosenberger showed during those seasons that the RH had an edge in circuit speed over the 1 1/2-liter supercharged Mercedes but could not put a glove on the 2.0-litre blown cars from Untertürkheim. In a speed trial at Badenia in July 1925 Walb’s RH was clocked at 168 kmh, 104 mph — the highest speed ever officially recorded by the type.

Official factory entries of the Benz Tropfen-Wagen ceased at the end of 1925. While it featured in motor-show displays, it was last seen in action in 1930 when one was demonstrated to a magazine editor. “Taking 150-degree turns on the outside,” he wrote, “braking so hard the stones scattered, the car didn’t swerve from its path a single millimeter. It steers more easily than any other car I know.”

The three million marks—about half a million dollars—that the RH program had cost Benz had long ago been written off and, seemingly, forgotten. Not one of these spectacular “racing cars of the future” survived.

Above: A prototype RH adapted for sports car use. Perhaps the rear-engine idea took hold in the mind of Ferdinand Porsche, who would work with Mercedes-Benz a little later in history?

THE STAR ND • 2023

61

MBCA ABROAD Germany Tour

MBCA Germany Trip Comes Back Strong A week filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences for MBCA members

By Kyle Cramer

A

fter a 4-year hiatus, the 2023 Following lunch, we had the incredMercedes Benz Club of America trip ible oppor t unit y to v isit K ienle to Germany returned this year and Automobiltechnik. Marc Kienle opened 2024 it was tons of fun! As a first-time particihis doors to allow us to tour his family German Tours pant, I had no clue what to expect. Being just business. Kienle has generations of restoJune 3 - 8 23 years old, I was on the younger side of ration experience working on many MB September 9 - 14 most of the attendees, but that didn’t matter. classics, especially the 300SL. Thanks to We all bonded over one thing, our love for Marc, his family, and his staff, this was an Mercedes-Benz. unforgettable experience that others can Mercedes-Benz Club of The event began with a warm welcome only dream of.

America offers members dinner at the hotel in Stuttgart, where I was After two incredible days, it was hard to a one-of-a-kind travel able to meet my fellow trip companions. believe that day three could live up to the adventure to experience in It was a very diverse group, spanning the high standards already set, yet we were not person the Mercedes-Benz Museum, AMG Factory, US, from different MBCA chapters, coast to disappointed. The day began with a visit to Carl Benz Museum, coast. Lots of Mercedes-Benz stories and Motorworld Stuttgart, where we saw many Mercedes-Benz Factory experiences were shared, as we introduced high-ticket automobiles across multiple Tour, Euro Delivery Center, ourselves to our trip companions. brands. Motorworld also has a used car and much more.

On Tuesday morning, the group took a ride dealership with some fantastic Mercedesup to Affalterbach for a tour of the factory Benz vehicles for sale. where AMG engines are handcrafted. We After another great lunch, we were off Space Is Limited were able to see the legendary AMG engine to the Mercedes-Benz Customer Center in For More Information, builder Michael Kübler (@F1Mike) at work.

Sindelfingen. We met with our fantastic see mbca.org/travel We shopped in the AMG store for some guide, who brought us on a private tour of 719-633-6427 real treasures to take home. Following a the “Intensive Plus Factory 56.” There we got wonderful lunch, we toured Daimler’s a firsthand look at the assembly line where birth house, as well as the Gottlieb Daimler the W223 S-Class and EQS sedans are built.

Memorial Site before heading to a delicious German dinner.

We then went on to the Mercedes-Benz Center of Excellence, Wednesday morning, we were off to the Mercedes-Benz where we got a first-hand look at the Designo Manufaktur Museum, where our tour guides took us through the many program that allows Mercedes customers to customize their floors of Mercedes-Benz history. We walked through the vehicles. We also got to see the area where Mercedes-Benz flagship dealer, Mercedes-Benz of Stuttgart, and of course, customers take European delivery of their cars. the Mercedes-Benz Flagship Store. We then were treated Friday started with a tour of the Technology Museum to another delicious meal, this one hosted by MB Classic Sinsheim, which included an array of over 3,000 exhibits Club management. including planes, trains, and automobiles. We then headed to 62 THE STAR ND • 2023

Above: The MBCA tour group included members from all over the United States and of all age groups. Everyone had a lovely time and learned a lot, while experiencing the best of German hospitality. Lower: The Mercedes-Benz museum covers well over a century of excellence in motoring, including the long history of Mercedes-Benz in motorsports.

THE STAR ND • 2023

63

Ladenburg to visit the Carl Benz Museum. The vast collection included the world’s first spark plug, and some of the first vehicles to carry the Benz name on their hood.

Our dinner this evening was another special experience.

Our group was invited to the Unsere Küche restaurant, where we were warmly welcomed by the owner, who has hosted the MBCA group on past tours. We were served authentic German food and beer in their home, which made for a very memorable evening.

After four fun-packed days, we headed back to Stuttgart.

Saturday was an open day for many of us to tour the city on our own. We topped off the trip with a farewell dinner to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and wonderful friendships that this week gave us. I am very grateful for the outstanding planning of MBCA, the hospitality of their German counterparts, and the flawless execution of the itinerary by Cliff Reyle and our German guide Wolfram. I can easily understand why some members of our group were repeat travelers, and I certainly hope to experience this trip again in the future.

Above: The cars at the Mercedes-Benz museum are factory-fresh, perfect examples of the highlights of history.

Lower: Our group gathered in front of the Star for one last photo before our tour was ended.

64 THE STAR ND • 2023

2024 German Tours

June 3-8 | September 9-14

Mercedes-Benz Club of America offers members a complete travel adventure and tour to the iconic Mercedes-Benz Museum, AMG Factory, Mercedes-Benz Factory and Euro Delivery Center, Carl Benz Museum, and much more.

Space Is Limited | mbca.org/travel | 719-633-6427

R I S I N G S TA R Rising Star - 2003-2008 R230 SL55 AMG

The Everyman Supercar AMG’s SL55 has become affordable by almost everyone, and won’t kill you with cost of ownership.

T

here’s a thing about supercars that often gets overlooked, and that’s cost of ownership. Experienced collectors tell horror stories around the campfire of the car that looked so great, at a price too good to be true, that turned out to be utterly cursed. However, there’s an exception to that rule, and it’s the R230 SL-Class SL55 AMG. Imported to the US and Canada between 2003 and 2008, this is one of the most reliable supercars ever made, and it’s now available in a price range that almost anyone can afford.

“It’s hard to put into words, but I just love this car,” says MBCA member Tarus Balog.”One reason is that I love open air driving but my lovely bride of 30 years does not. Most convertibles look stupid with the top up but the R230 is just amazing either way. Also, nothing beats the music created by a supercharged V8, and the M113K is probably the best production engine Mercedes ever made.”

What is the SL55?

The SL55 AMG was the flagship of the new R230 line back in 2002. Arriving as a 2003 model year vehicle, the SL55 took the 302 horsepower performance of the SL500 and bumped it to 497 horsepower courtesy of a Lysholm screw-type supercharger and a few hundred extra CCs of displacement.

The AMG treatment didn’t stop with the engine, either. As usual, the AMG version of the SL came with bigger brakes, 18-inch wheels, an active body leveling suspension, and a full menu of technology for its day. Features included electronic stability control, the Sensotronic brake-by-wire system, HID Xenon headlights, and a revolutionary retractable hardtop convertible top.

The SL55 came with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and from a standing stop would hit 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. In 15 seconds, the SL55 can be going 124 mph, and Mercedes limited the top speed to a breathtaking 155 mph. However, you can ask your dealer to take the training wheels off and raise that limit to 186 mph, not that there’s anywhere you can actually drive that speed in America.

From 2003 to 2006, the SL55 was the top of the line for the SL-Class. Then in the middle of the 2006 model year, Mercedes released an updated, refreshed SL55. The new version got an upgraded supercharger and larger air intakes, boosting horsepower to 517 and torque to 538 lb-ft, and also upgrades 66 THE STAR ND • 2023

to the suspension, brakes, differential, and interior. The new SL55 shaved 2/10ths of a second off the 0-60 time, clocking in at 4.5 seconds.

If that wasn’t enough, Mercedes-AMG offered a new Performance Package starting in 2006. Buyers could get an alternate front apron with larger air intakes, upgraded engine oil cooler, enhanced active sport suspension, 390mm composite front brake discs, 19-inch wheels, a multi-disc limited slip differential with 30% lockup and an upgraded final drive gear set. They also got a special AMG leather/Alcantara steering wheel to remind them of their purchase.

The motoring press raved about the SL55 in its day. The legendary Tony Swan at Car & Driver said, “Behold the German Ferrari. We didn’t think those buttoned-down, leftbrain Deutschers had it in ‘em, but this latest AMG accurately captures the otherworldly rocket-propelled acceleration and Gravitron cornering effects and even some of the charming quirks of a small-line Italian exotic.”

We can’t say it better than Tony did. Suffice to say, the SL55 is more car than 99% of us can fully put to use.

Why you should buy an SL55

When it arrived in dealerships, the 2003 SL55 AMG carried a sticker price of $118,295. By the last year of production in 2008, the price was $129,300. That doesn’t sound so outrageous now – the EQE SUV sitting in my driveway today costs that much – but it was a lot more money in those days. Speaking in inflation-adjusted terms, the 2003 SL55 would cost almost $200,000 today.

In all, Mercedes-Benz imported just 8,340 examples of the SL55 to the US and Canada in its 6-year production run. More than half of those cars were 2003 and 2004 models, so those are the most plentiful. Just over 1,000 are fitted with the 2006 and later upgrades, making them substantially more rare than the earlier cars.

That’s why you’ll be amazed when you look at prices for well-kept, low-miles examples of the SL55 on outlets like Bringa-Trailer, The MB Market, Hemmings, and so on. Most SL55 examples, whether the early models or the refreshed 20062008 cars, change hands between $20,000 and $30,000. Some sell for as little as $17,000, and some special outliers such as Designo and Brabus-modified cars go as high as $50,000. But the sweet spot of the SL55 with perhaps 30,000 miles on the odometer, with full service records and a clean CarFax, is in the low-to-mid $20,000 range.

Think of that for a minute – you can get a Mercedes supercar in great condition for less than the price of a used C-Class sedan.

And if you choose your car carefully, you can drive it for years with reasonable maintenance and repair costs. That’s why we call the SL55 one of the best values for collectors today, and a true rising star.

SL55 AMG 2002-2006

SL55 AMG 2006-2008

Displacement

5439cc

5439cc

BHP @ RPM

493 @ 6100 RPM (SAE)

517 @ 6100 RPM

Torque @ RPM

516 @ 2650-4500 RPM

531 @ 2600-4000 RPM

Fuel delivery

Supercharged Fuel Injection

Supercharged Fuel Injection

5-Speed

5-Speed

Construction

Steel Unibody

Steel Unibody

Overall Length

178.5 in

178.5 in

Overall Width

71.5 in

71.9 in

Overall Height

51 in

51 in

Wheelbase

100.8 in

100.8 in

Front Track

61.8 in

61.8 in

Rear Track

61 in

61 in

Fuel Tank

21.1 gallons

21.1 gallons

Trunk Capacity

8.3/11.2 cubic feet (top open/closed)

8.3/12 cubic feet (top open/closed)

Front Suspension

Four-link suspension, Active Body Control

Four-link suspension, Active Body Control

Rear Suspension

Multi-link independent suspension, Active Body Control

Multi-link independent suspension, Active Body Control

Front Brakes

Disc, power assist

Composite Disc, power assist

Rear Brakes

Disc, power assist

Disc, power assist

0-60 MPH

4.7s

4.5s

Top Speed

155/186 MPH

155/186 MPH

Fuel Consumption

12/18 MPG

12/17 MPG

Engine

Transmission Automatic Body

Chassis

Test Data

SL55 AMG TOTAL NORTH AMERICAN SALES BY YEAR: 2003/3095 2004/ 2280 2005/1072 2006/860 2007/ 583 2008/464

THE STAR ND • 2023

67

Legends of the

Autobahn 2023 The Faithful Gather in Monterey, California

By Rubin Howard Photos by Paul Oeschger

68 THE STAR ND • 2023

L

egends of the Autobahn 2023 was an excellent example of a first-class Mercedes-Benz Club of America festivity. This year there was a “Bruno Sacco” display in commemoration of the legendary Mercedes-Benz designer’s 90th birthday celebration. Sacco was responsible for many quintessential Mercedes-Benz designs throughout the mid 1980s all the way through the early 2000s.

As famously quoted by Mr. Sacco, “A Mercedes-Benz needs to look like a Mercedes-Benz. That’s what I always said. And I didn’t just say it; I always did my best to follow it through as well. It is important that you can tell when you look in the rearview mirror that it’s a Mercedes-Benz coming up behind you. Another thing that is just as important is harmonious model progression: the next model should never make the previous model look old.”

Sacco was responsible for the glorious C111 concept, the W123 E-Class, W126 S-Class, W201 C-Class, W124 E-Class, W140 S-Class, W202 C-Class, W210 E-Class, W208 CLK-Class, W163 M-Class, W220 S-Class, R129 SL-Class, R170 SLK-Class, R230 SL-Class, and many more.

The Bruno Sacco category awarded Christian Martinez’s 1986 190E 2.3-16 first place, Robert Robbin’s 1994 E320 cabriolet second place, as well as Antoan Donchev’s 1983 190E 2.6 LE third place.

This year’s Best in Show was once again a Mercedes-Benz; in this case a 1961 190SL owned by George Garcia. The car was originally delivered to Ms. Doolittle of Cheshire, Connecticut in

1961, and the SL remained within the original owner’s family until 2012. When the 190SL was purchased by Mr. Garcia, he had the entire car restored. The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center has confirmed that this is a 100% original numbersmatching example. Mr. Garcia comments that “this is a win for all Mercedes-Benz owners, not just myself.” The Star couldn’t agree more with Mr. Garcia’s statement.

While the 190SL received Best in Show honors, it was not the only prized Mercedes-Benz vehicle on the lawn.

Class 1 & 2 winners included a 1969 280SL owned by Hap Frank in first place, Levent Arabaci’s 1965 220SEb in second, as well as Frank Desimone’s 1965 230SL in third place.

The Youngtimers class rated Janet Frank’s 1995 E320 cabriolet in first place, Terry Kiwala’s 1985 300D in second, as well as Genevieve Ramlochan’s 2001 ML55 AMG in third place.

The Modified Class awarded James Peregrino’s 2018 Mercedes-AMG GTC Roadster in first place, Eric Young’s 2016 AMG GTS in second place, as well as Shant Meshefedjian’s 1987 560SEC convertible conversion in third place.

The AMG class recognized James Barron’s 2009 Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster in first place, Tony Blevins’ 2008 McLaren SLR Roadster in second place, as well as Christian Schmidt’s 2020 AMG GTR Pro in third place.

The people’s choice award went to Shant Meshefedjian’s 1987 560SEC AMG Convertible, a stunning rarity that was a privilege to have on the lawn at the event. Members congregated from the west coast and beyond for this fantastic annual event. Special thank you to all the event sponsors, volunteers, judges, as well as event coordinators who allowed Legends of the Autobahn 2023 to yield another fantastic event for the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. We hope to see you there next year.

Opposite: George Garcia’s black 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL has once again kept the best of show award within MBCA. This page: Shant Meshefedjian’s 1987 560SEC AMG Convertible is a gorgeous specimen featuring period correct AMG body kit, wheels, & sound equipment.

THE STAR ND • 2023

69

READERS RIDES

Charles Boyd

Central Oklahoma Section In 1976, we visited a Mercedes-Benz dealer in Oklahoma City to look at a used Volvo, but my wife took an interest in a 1968 Mercedes 220D sedan that was low mileage and neat as a pin. The salesman mentioned that he had just received a lease return on a 1974 230 that was really nice. He showed us the safety and performance features of the vehicle and I was duly impressed. The price was high, but we bought it and drove it for 75,000 trouble-free miles, then traded it in on a 240D. We got the same trade-in value that we paid for the car four years earlier! Thus began our infatuation with Mercedes-Benz.

I once said, “My kids may have to go barefoot but I will never drive anything less than a Mercedes.” Fortunately, our children have not had to go barefoot and we have kept that commitment for 46 years.

My first Mercedes restoration was a 1976 450SL, followed by a 1966 300SE coupe, a second 450SL, 1962 220SE coupe, 1965 220SE cabriolet, 1950 170S sedan, a 1960 190D sedan, a 1960 220SE sunroof coupe, and a 1959 220S cabriolet. In all, we have owned 30 Mercedes and have been delighted with each one. I am confident that number 31 is lurking out there somewhere!

70 THE STAR ND • 2023

My car Samson, is the world’s first and only M120 V12 Powered R107!

John Roncallo

Connecticut/Westchester Section My car Samson, is the world’s first and only M120 V12 Powered R107!

First, why the name Samson? The short answer is that there is also an all-stock, triple black 1988 560SL named Delilah.

Being the stronger of the two, this one was named Samson.

Samson originally started out as a concept for an LS7 Chevrolet-powered R107. When a wrecked 1996 SL600 came up for sale, the former Ferrari technician in me took hold and I quickly reconsidered. 12 cylinders has always been such a nice round number and always had such a beautiful note.

The most noteworthy achievement of Samson is that it is not a garage queen. This is a very reliable car that has driven from Main to Florida and as far west as Ohio over the last 15 years.

It will hopefully see a Connecticut to California trip in 2024.

THE STAR ND • 2023

71

READERS RIDES

Mike Gehrig

Cincinnati Section 1971 280SE 3.5 coupe I’d always admired Paul Bracq’s design for the 280SE coupe.

So when I had the opportunity to buy one in 1977, I thought I wouldn’t get another chance. I took my house down payment fund, which was $6,000 that we had saved, and I bought it. I brought it home to our apartment and my wife says, “What is that?” I told her, “It’s our house down payment fund, but I’ll make it up to you!”

We restored the car in 1979, and then it won the Howard Rapp Best Mercedes Award in 1986 at the Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance. The award was presented by Boomer Esiason, the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals. I was stunned to get it against the Gullwings and other fancy cars. So it was a great win for a tremendous car. It’s been a fabulous thing to own.

72 THE STAR ND • 2023

At our intermediate electricity rate our bill was $6.22

Laura and Richard Simonds Portland Section

2023 EQB300 4Matic Our 2023 EQB300 4Matic was delivered on July 29, 2023.

We chose an all-electric because living in the Rogue Valley of Oregon means lots of very short drives of less than 15 miles and that is not good for combustion engines. Plus, we wanted something that did not add to driving pollution. We reconfigured our main circuit box for a 240V circuit and installed a charger. We drove 215 miles in our first month and the MBUX system let us know we had gotten 3 miles per kWh. At our intermediate electricity rate our bill was $6.22. We have had very positive comments about the styling, the roominess, and our choice of an all-electric vehicle. We are very pleased with our decision to buy our EQB and have found that when fully charged we’ve gotten more miles per charge than what Mercedes-Benz states in their literature (unlike the majority of manufacturers who tend to over-promise and under-deliver).

GO MERCEDES-BENZ! THE STAR ND • 2023

73

74

THE STAR ND • 2023

EVENTS New Jersery Section

June Jamboree

By Jay Hirsch

T

he Northern New Jersey Section, which was the very first MBCA chapter formed, held its 60th June Jamboree in Bridgewater, NJ earlier this year. The event drew 100 great Mercedes cars. As 2023 is the 60th anniversary of the Pagoda SL, that was the featured model this year.

The event had an excellent array of Pagodas and one that stood out was Otto Christensen’s 280SL. Otto has made a “Resto-Mod” of his SL by using a stock body that has been updated with new mechanics and comfort accessories that were not available when the car was new. Otto replaced the inline six-cylinder engine with a modern Mercedes Benz V8 with four-wheel disc brakes and modern silver paint. Then he installed a red convertible top that complements the silver paint and fifteen-inch wire wheels. Otto made the car Mercedes should have built, but at the time they could not. It is a car he can and does drive anywhere at today’s highway speeds. ”Anybody can restore a car, but it takes a talented person to make a car,” Otto says.

Another standout 280SL was Ann Fagan’s green Pagoda, which is completely stock. A better example you will not find anywhere. Jamie Kopchinski brought his green 1959 219, which is an original car. Jeri Barrett was gracious enough to bring his restored ivory 1962 300D. The “D” is not for diesel but for the model introduced in 1957 as a successor to the 300s made from 1952-1956. We placed it alongside Jamie’s car, so that these two cars could represent Mercedes sedans in the 1950s and early 1960s, from entry level to over-the-moon. Jeri’s 300D took Best in Show honors.

Valerie Cristiano did an outstanding job as MC for the awards, along with Jamie Kopchinski and Lucille Chabala and all the other members who did a great job organizing this year’s Jamboree.

From the top: Ann Fagan; Otto & Alice Christensen; Nancy Tanner, Linda Labella, & Loni Spignam; Jeri Barrett; Ken Spingam, Mitch Tanner, Loni Spingham, & Andy Permission; Keron Legerton.

THE STAR ND • 2023

75

SECTION EVENTS

Sierra Nevada Section, Club Enjoys Dinner at Pirate-Themed Spot, July 5.

27 members of the Sierra Nevada Section met at Gambi’s in the Somersett neighborhood of Reno. This was the second time the club has dined at this upscale-casual Italian restaurant, which is uniquely decorated with pirate-themed furnishings and art.

Sometimes, the owner of the restaurant can be spotted walking around the establishment with a parrot on his shoulder. -Marcus Dodson Los Angeles Section, Oxnard Adventure by the Sea, July 15. The Navy Construction Battalion, better known as the Seabees, are responsible for building much of the temporary and permanent infrastructure at U.S. military locations around the world. The Channel Islands Maritime Museum of

maritime history, culture & art exhibits were the focus of this educational venue by the harbor. -Cindy Esch Pittsburgh Section, Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, July 22-23. The Pittsburgh Section hosted their annual MercedesBenz car show as part of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Around 100 different Mercedes-Benz vehicles were on display. Club members from near and far came to the event and we had representation from members involved on the local, regional, and national level.

The club would especially like to thank member Steve Ray for his wonderful drone photos. -Susan Grunewald Sierra Nevada Section, Red’s Old 395 Grill, August 1. Situated along historic Highway 395, Red’s Old 395 Grill is a cozy restaurant that serves

delicious BBQ, wood-fired pizzas, burgers, salads, and much more. The Sierra Nevada Section visited Red’s in 2021 and everyone was eager to revisit the Northern Nevada staple. Red’s is famous in Carson City for its award-winning, house-smoked barbecue. Chef Jose, a legend in the local community, hand-cuts all of the meat and creates the dynamic and delicious menu from scratch. -Marcus Dodson Sacramento Section, Bodega Bay Via The Back Roads, August 6. For the August First Sunday Drive, organizer Kris Summitt resurrected a favorite drive with a twist of some new roads. It was a perfect time to drive to the coast, with valley temperatures over 100 and the temperature at Bodega Bay 73. It was a beautiful day, and a beautiful drive, thanks to Kris. -William Brandt

Pittsburgh Section always makes the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix a highlight of the summer.

76

THE STAR ND • 2023

North Texas Section, Overnight Drive to College Station, August 12-13. Twenty-three folks joined the Houston Section for a great weekend.

The first stop on the trip was at the Messina Hof Winery in Bryan, Texas.

Texas is now one of the leading states in the wine industry and the winery has four locations in Texas. For the evening banquet we had a wonderful speaker, Dr. Robert Holzweiss, Acting director of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. A great day and special thanks to Erroll Hines and the Houston Section for hosting this special weekend! -Brett Jurick Wisconsin Section, GermanAmerican Day, August 12. For the German-American Day parade at Carl Schurz Park near Okauchee, Wisc., our Wisconsin Section had about 30 members there with 22 of them riding in a dozen Mercedes-Benz cars. We enjoyed a perfect day with lots of sunshine and mild temps in low 80’s.

Twelve Mercedes of various models

followed right behind the leading German brass band. We mingled with the hundreds of other people there, enjoying lunch, beer and listening to German brass band music with costumed folk dancers. -Bernd Kampe Minuteman Section, Newport Polo Outing, August 12. Fun was had by all at this year’s sixth annual Newport Polo match versus Palm Beach.

Fifty new and returning members and guests attended. It started off as a cool and drizzly day but by taking cover under the tents, we still were able to have up close views of the majestic horses and the skilled players. A big thank you to event organizers Barry O’Neill and Dean Coclin (and their spouses) for all the arrangements, bringing in the food/drinks and accompaniments. -Dean Coclin Bluegrass Stars Section, Dinner at Schnitzelbank, August 12. It was a beautiful evening for a drive to the Schnitzelbank German Restaurant in Jasper, Ind. The very large restaurant

was packed with folks like us looking for some authentic German food. Sixteen members of our Bluegrass Stars Section showed up and were not disappointed.

The service was outstanding as well.

Thanks to all who attended, and we missed those who couldn’t be there.”

-Nancy Rece Orange County Section, Nixon Presidential Library and Santiago Canyon Drive, August 13. Eighteen members turned out on a great Sunday morning. We started with a drive through Santiago Canyon. After navigating the curving roads and taking in the beautiful views, we arrived at the Richard Nixon Presidential Museum.

Many surprises were in store as we learned about the life of one of our most impactful and controversial presidents.

The day finished with lunch and great conversation. -Chris Shank Los Angeles Section, Rubel Castle, August 13. Rubel Castle is a monumental folk architecture site nestled in the foothills of Glendora. It was entirely built by hand by Michael Rubel and his “pharmhands” over several decades.

Its stone masonry was handcrafted of river rock, recycled materials and an assemblage of the relics and artifacts of Glendora’s early agricultural and industrial eras. Michael’s innovative use of both natural and cultural materials makes Rubel Castle an exceptionally important masterwork within the context of folk art environments in California. -Cindy Esch Sierra Nevada Section, Picnic & Show, August 18. In mid-August, 18 members of the Sierra Nevada Section gathered at Bartley Ranch Regional Park for the Annual Summer Picnic and Show.

This year, the musical was The Addams Family, put on by the Sierra School of Performing Arts. Many thanks go to LaVern and Carlos Lucovich for hosting the evening. Club members from as far

Sacramento Section members escaped the summer heat with a trip to beautiful Bodega Bay on the Pacific.

THE STAR ND • 2023

77

SECTION EVENTS

the Fields Auto Group Mercedes-Benz dealer locations. We were greeted by the General Manager of MercedesBenz Orange Park Moe Ghanimah, who educated us with some great facts about the Mercedes-Benz EQ line of options.

We were then treated to a tour of the AMG EQE SUV and AMG EQS Sedan by Sales Advisor Marc Miller. Thank you very much for your time, Moe and Marc!

-David Wommer

away as Carson City and Gardnerville traveled into Reno for the fun annual gathering. -Marcus Dodson Southern Stars Section, Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine, August 19.

The Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine was created from the ground up in 2020 to help bring memories back to life as only Classic Cars can do! There are now over 100 cars on display! A 501(c)(3) charity, the museum allows visitors to experience cars from the 1800s to modern-day sports cars with all the benefits a charitable organization provides. We wish to thank Sidney & Brenda Hobbs, as well as Madison Hobbs (the Executive Director of Classic Eventage, the events arm of the museum) for welcoming us back, and opening two hours earlier than their typical opening time on a Saturday, so we could beat the heat! -David Wommer

event! Thank you to Mark Hanania for inviting our Southern Stars Section and Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts to participate! -David Wommer Southern Stars Section, Mercedes-EQ Tech Session, August 24. Section members were invited to attend a private showing of the Mercedes-EQ series of electric vehicles. We also viewed the new Mercedes-AMG EQ offerings at Mercedes-Benz of Orange Park, one of

Eastern Oklahoma Section, MBCA rocks the Ozarks, August 26. Thirteen MBCA members and guests participated in the eighth annual Ozark Euro Rally in Eureka Springs AR Saturday August 26, 2023. This All-German event started as an overflow show for the Eureka Springs VW show which is held in town during the same weekend. The town was rocking with more Beatles, buses, and Combi pick-ups than I have ever seen in my life---and the 70’s hippies to go with them. Members from the Audi, Porsche, BMWCCA, and MBCA participated. The temperatures were hot but cloudy skies early allowed the participants some relief from the scorching sun. -John Kushnerick

Southern Stars Section, Hanania Exotics RiverWalk, August 20. MBCA Members and friends joined in on the fun and assembled at the Hanania Exotics RiverWalk Rev Fest Jacksonville, Florida on August 20, at the free Above: Los Angeles Section visited the museum of the Seabees. Lower: Southern Stars Section participated in the Hanania Exotics RiverWalk.

78 THE STAR ND • 2023

K&K Manufacturing 190 SL-230SL-280SL-450SL

THE STAR ND • 2023

79

SECTION EVENTS

Central Coast Section, Lighthouse Tour, August 30. We had the greatest weather for our tour of the Point San Luis Lighthouse. A special bus transported us to the Lighthouse with a docent guided tour. Eleven members toured the Victorian style Lighthouse building founded in 1890. Afterwards we had lunch on the Harford pier at Mersea’s Seafood Restaurant. -Mary Nohr Sacramento Section, First Sunday Drive to Donner Lake, September 3.

We took a route known around the country for its natural beauty. It was so beautiful that the old section of US 40 was kept while I-80 was completed in the early 60s. We passed the Maiden’s Grave on CA 20, the grave of a little girl who died of disease when her wagon train was near its destination. Lunch was at one of our many Gold Rush Towns, Truckee. The inclement weather did not bother us. My thanks to Kris Summitt for organizing this. -William Brandt Los Angeles Section, Mount Wilson Observatory, September 9. We enjoyed the drive up the mountain and take part in a private, docent-led tour of Mount Wilson Observatory, high above Pasadena. The Observatory contains two historically important telescopes: the 100-inch (2.5 m) Hooker Telescope, which was the largest aperture telescope in the world from its completion in 1917 to 1949, and the 60-inch telescope which was the largest operational telescope in the world when it was completed in 1908.

-Ryanne Dias

Wisconsin Section, Gus’s Drive to Dine, September 9. Twenty MBCA members and guests gathered at Gus’s Drive-Inn on an absolutely beautiful Saturday for this popular Drive-2-Dine.

It was great to see new faces and longtime members alike, including some folks that we haven’t seen in a while. The conversations and camaraderie started immediately as folks visited and admired each other’s beautiful cars. Many thanks to Bernd & Chris Kampe for arranging the event, but unfortunately they could only join us for a cameo appearance due to recovering from Covid. -Bruce & Deb Hamilton Eastern Oklahoma Section, Walk to end ALZ, September 16. The Eastern Oklahoma section manned a MBCA

sponsor booth at the annual Walk to end ALZ on Saturday September 16, 2023. Over 3000 walkers descended upon Dream Catchers Park in downtown Tulsa to walk either a 2-mile, or a 0.5-mile walk to support a cure for Alzheimer’s. Across the nation, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is full of flowers, each carried by someone committed to ending this disease. Because like flowers, the participants don’t stop when something’s in their way. They keep raising funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

Five members either walked or distributed literature, candy, or trinkets about supporting the MBCA and the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter.

Top left: Fort Worth Section had a tech session on electrified Mercedes-Benz products.

Top right: Eastern Oklahoma rocked the Ozarks with a day-long rally to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

80 THE STAR ND • 2023

N e w i d e n t i t y, n e w p ro j e c t s ! ! !

Luggage & Leather Goods for your cars “ N e w i d e n t i t y, n e w p ro j e c t s , l e t y o u r i m a g i n a t i o n r u n w i l d … ”

+33 627 07 52 00

w w w. l a u re n t n a y.c o m

THE STAR ND • 2023

81

Own a Porsche?

Great Membership Benefits for only $46:

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

• Award-winning monthly magazine, Porsche Panorama.

• Free classified ads and access to our exclusive membersonly marketplace, The Mart.

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

• e-Brake News, weekly Porsche content to your Inbox

JOIN US | WWW.PCA.ORG | 410-381-0911 82 THE STAR ND • 2023

take your adventure to new heights worry free | all-inclusive | travel like a local

$1195 off your first booking use promo code BENZVOYAGE www.travelraro.com

THE STAR ND • 2023

83

N AT I O N A L B OA R D O F D I R E C T O R S

D I R E C T O R S AT L A R G E

Vice President (2024) Drew Webb Northern NE Star Section 508.662.4900 rdswebb@gmail.com

Treasurer (2024) Charles Woods Central Oklahoma Section charlesbwoods1@gmail.com

Secretary (2024) William L. (Bill) Parrish, Jr. Tarheel Section Cell: 828.719.6140 williamlewisparrish@gmail.com

President Ex-Officio Julie Bruggner Three Rivers Section 260.348.1369 (h) julesslb@msn.com

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

N AT I O N A L B U S I N E S S O F F I C E

Director at Large (2024) Ernie Fancy Minuteman Section 508.377.8286 (c) fancyer@cox.net

Director at Large (2023) James E. Roberts, DMD Alabama Section 205.529.0071 (c) jertoothsaver@bellsouth.net

Director at Large (2023) Jason Burton Chicagoland Section 312.224.1787 jb@jasonburton.com

Executive Director Katie Carruth 800.637.2360 katie@mbca.org

COMMITTEES AWARDS

Ginny Pitzen Lone Star Section ginnypitzen@yahoo.com

BUDGET

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

DRIVING SKILLS

Jason Burton Chicago Section 312.224.1787 jb@jasonburton.com

ELECTION

Terry Kiwala Three Rivers Section 312.286.0532 tkiwalajr@aol.com

ENTHUSIASTS

Josie Lesler Southwest Florida Section 216.403.2216 (c) jqlesler@aol.com

84 THE STAR ND • 2023

PA S T P R E S I D E N T S EVENTS

Roger Brummett Indiana Crossroads Section 317.721.2784

GOVERNANCE

Laura Simonds Portland Section 650.703.2656 lsimonds97520@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIP Richard A. Huskey Carolinas Section 828.785.9995 huskey2ra@charter.net

NATIONAL CONCOURS

Pete Lesler Southwest Florida Section 216.403.2951 (c) w113sl@aol.com Co-Chairs: Jon Bernardi San Diego Section Jon113sl@att.net Gary Edwards Peachtree Section gary@gwedwards.org

PERFORMANCE DRIVING

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

PERSONNEL

TECHNOLOGY

Jim Roberts NW FL/Alabama Section 205.529.0071 Jertoothsaver@bellsouth.net Cliff Reyle Memphis Section 901.754.8574 (h) cliff.reyle@youthvillages.org

PHIL ANTHROPY

RACHELLE BRUMMETT Indiana Crossroads 317.989.2843 (c) rachelle.mbcaindianacrossroads@ gmail.com

STRATEGIC PL ANNING

Julie Bruggner Three Rivers Section 260.348.1369 (h) julesslb@msn.com

George Murphy Smoky Mountain Section 865.482.9175 perfanalysis@comcast.net Diana Quinn Peachtree Section dianaquinn@me.com 770.635.8112

1955-1957 Dr. Milton Allen= 1957-1959 Dr. Ken Bartlett, Jr.= 1959-1960 L. B. Kirkendall = 1960-1961 Arthur G. Rippey= 1961-1962 Allen G. Bishop= 1962-1964 John W. Burnside= 1964-1966 Walter G. Vartan 1966-1968 Frank S. Baker= 1968-1970 Harger W. Dodge= 1970-1972 J. Chadwick Hunt= 1972-1974 Otto Saborsky= 1974-1976 Allen Funkhouser= 1976-1977 Tracy Williams= 1977-1978 Thomas Doherty= 1978-1979 Fred Lustig= 1979-1981 Phil Parrino= 1981-1982 Ferne Gardner= 1982-1984 Grant Elford=

1984-1986 Hyatt Cheek 1986-1988 Murdoch Campbell= 1988-1990 Virginia Turner 1990-1992 Robert Beltz 1992-1994 Robert A. Martin= 1994-1996 Kathy Kennel= 1996-1998 Walt Anderson 1998-1999 W. Robert Nitske= 1999-2001 H. Peter Watson 2001-2003 Donald Leap= 2003-2005 Richard Simonds 2005-2007 Jim O’Sullivan 2007-2009 Peter Lesler 2009-2011 Rodger Van Ness 2011-2013 Steve Dierks 2013-2017 Terry Kiwala 2017-2019 Gene Jurick 2020-2022 Julie Bruggner =

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION President Bryan Gunning bgun@sprynet.com

LEGAL COUNSEL Thomas James

Deceased

MERCEDESBENZ USA

Customer Assistance 800.367.6372 (U.S.) 800.387.0100 (CANADA) Classic Parts & Information 866.622.5277 classicparts@mbusa.com

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz USA

SAVE NOW

Primary members of U.S. Mercedes-Benz Club of America are eligible to exclusive rebates on the lease or purchase of select Mercedes-Benz vehicles. To learn more visit www. mbca.org/mbusa-incentives.

1 Fleet incentives available only for qualified customers on certain MY23 Mercedes-Benz models. Not all engine variants are eligible for Fleet incentives. Please confirm with dealership if chosen vehicle is eligible for Fleet incentives at the time of purchase. Incentive must be used at time of purchase/lease. Incentives vary based on vehicle model as indicated. Eligible person must be the buyer/co-buyer or lessee/co-lessee. Star Access$M incentives cannot be used in conjunction with Diplomat, European Delivery, Special Demos, Certificate Programs Mercedes-Benz Incentive Bonus Cash and other Fleet programs, or non- U.S. specification vehicles. Incentive amounts are subject to change on a monthly basis and should be confirmed with your dealer at the time of transaction. Amount of actual savings may vary depending on model selected. Offer expires March 31, 2023.

REGIONAL DIRECTORS & SECTION GUIDE NORTHEAST REGION

REGIONAL DIRECTOR Michael Georgewsky

800.878.9566 michael@georgewsky.name

ATLANTIC CANADA

Contact Regional Director MINUTEMAN Dean Coclin 781.789.8686 mbca.minuteman@gmail.com

NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND STAR William Raymond HUDSON-MOHAWK James R. Wright

518.439.3178 hudsonmohawkmbca@gmail.com

NIAGARA Joanie Long

716.655.4515 joanielong@verizon.net

FINGER LAKES Obed Opare-Sem

732.618.6345 obed.opare.sem@hotmail.com

OTTAWA Thomas Lang

613.596.5460 tlang1@sympatico.ca

MONTREAL David Peebles

514.941.5320 unimog@securenet.net

TORONTO Peter Spitzer

905.599.5770 mbca@spitzerinc.com

SOUTHEAST REGION

REGIONAL DIRECTOR David Wommer

904.534.7319 davidwommer@gmail.com

SOUTHERN STARS Gary Keener

904.635.9888 gary.keener@mbcasouthernstars.com

ROAD STAR Barry Paraizo

561.310.8957 ferrbp@bellsouth.net

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Christopher Pakietur 239.287.1368 cpakietur@gmail.com

TAMPA BAY Gary Dolin

g.dolin@verizon.net

M I D - AT L A N T I C REGION

Bill Fisher

609.221.2633

billfishermbca@yahoo.com CONNECTICUT/ WESTCHESTER Winthrop E. Baum 203.858.6300 win@winbaum.com

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY Valerie Cristiano 908.369.0793 mercedeslady1@verizon.netº

SOUTH JERSEY Ernest Schirmer

609.895.1611 eschirmer@ieee.org

NEW YORK CITY & LONG ISLAND Oliver Seligman 917.763.0178 (c) 212.510.8293 (h) mogs05@aol.com

KEYSTONE Marty Rexroth

717.764.0624 marstang@aol.com

sudekumwa@msn.com 662.429.3407

CINCINNATI Tyler O’Brien

513.477.3056 tylerob1@gmail.com

INDIANA CROSSROADS Roger Brummett 317.721.2784 roger@metroelevator.com

ST. LOUIS GATEWAY Rick Siefert 314.435.1903 (c) rick.siefert@att.net

MISSISSIPPI Mike Marsh

601.946.1950 (c) mike@marshmarketing.ms

EASTERN REGION

REGIONAL DIRECTOR Diana Quinn 770.635.8112 dianaquinn@me.com

GREATER WASHINGTON Rugger Smith 703.861.0402 prsmith3@msn.com

CENTRAL VIRGINIA Todd Lusby tlusby@gmail.com

VIRGINIA Donald LaBar

757.226.0048 dlabar3@verizon.net

DELAWARE VALLEY

TARHEEL Barry Huff

610.504.5370 (c) mikez@zieglersrv.com

Contact Regional Director

CENTRAL REGION

SOUTH FLORIDA Michael J. Chrusch

BLUEGRASS STARS J. Anne Gilliland

317.669.2072 (h) skkoehler@att.net

mbca2023jag@yahoo.com

NASHVILLE Randy Bibb

615.259.1349 rbibb@lewisking.com

86 THE STAR ND • 2023

MEMPHIS Bill Sudekum

TRIANGLE Christopher Smith

REGIONAL DIRECTOR Ken Koehler

561.990.7886 (h) 954.260.6466 (c) michaelchrusch@hotmail.com

Contact Regional Director

NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA Mike Ziegler

CENTRAL FLORIDA Robert Hartmann 407.913.6134 (h) hartmann.r@att.net

SMOKY MOUNTAIN

cdsmith74@gmail.com

bdh@triad.rr.com

CAROLINAS Stephen Brooks

mbcacarolinas.president2022@gmail.com

PEACHTREE Rubin Howard

310.980.6747 rubinhoward777@gmail.com

ALABAMA-NW FLORIDA Jim Sparacio 205.243.7727 jim506@charter.net

CENTRAL GEORGIA Thomas Couch

478.741.9014 tommycouch@live.com

G R E AT L A K E S REGION

REGIONAL DIRECTOR Jeff Hirst

724.745.6783 mbcagreatlakesrd@gmail.com

PITTSBURGH Sandra Turko

742.527.0838 mbcapghchapter@gmail.com

KANSAS CITY Rich Carlson

rich@kcmbca.org

SOUTHWEST REGION

REGIONAL DIRECTOR Ron Borino

602.550.9939 southwestdirector@desertstars.club

DESERT STARS Debbie Ichiyama 480.268.9535 (h) dichiyama@me.com

CENTRAL OHIO

CHAPARRAL Michael J. Welton

NORTHWEST OHIO Branton Pardee

LAS VEGAS Robert Hellriegel

WESTERN RESERVE Rod Thompson

LOS ANGELES Amir Rudyan

Dennis Barry lexi500@aol.com

419.215.1696 techdada@yahoo.com

440.247.2853 renold.thompson@ clevelandship.com

THREE RIVERS Contact Regional Director INTERNATIONAL STARS Don MacDonald

248.647.8430 don.macdonald1@gmail.com

WESTERN MICHIGAN Matthew Short 269.760.7204 mshort2@gmail.com

MIDWEST REGION

REGIONAL DIRECTOR Contact National VP WISCONSIN Bruce Hamilton

608.754.6066 n12em@sbcglobal.net

CHICAGOLAND Robert Schuldt

bobshuldt@comcast.net

CENTRAL ILLINOIS Bernice Haverhals

bhaverhals@yahoo.com

MINNESOTA John Jacobson

651.690.5115 benzboy@comcast.net

IOWA HAWKEYE Bob Young

515.229.3870 bobyoung@inbox.com

361.648.9692 mjwprofconsult@aol.com

702.768.7530 hello_rjg@yahoo.com

amir@avmindustries.com

ORANGE COUNTY Kevin Faunce

mbcaorangecounty@gmail.com

SAN DIEGO Michael Cooper

760.650.6206 michaeldenise1212@gmail.com

CHANNEL ISLANDS Peter Samaha 805.890.8489 psamaha@msn.com

SOUTH-CENTRAL REGION

REGIONAL DIRECTOR Brett Jurick 214.773.7820 bjurick@tx.rr.com

NEW ORLEANS Sandy Downing

504.813.3086 sandown60@aol.com

OZARK Dennis Anderson

479.295.8008 dt.anderson@cox.net

CENTRAL OKLAHOMA Jeff Leatherock 405.306.9495 leatherock@aol.com

EASTERN OKLAHOMA John Kushnerick

918.527.8121 jkushnerick@cox.net

REGIONAL DIRECTORS & SECTION GUIDE NORTH TEXAS Jerry Chenault

jerr3111@msn.com

FORT WORTH DJ de Jesus

817.732.8773 (h) djdejesus@charter.net

HOUSTON Erroll Hines

HAWAII

Contact National VP

CENTRAL COAST Yvonne Lazear 805.402.2322 ylazear@gmail.com

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA Kathryn Splivalo

eahines@aol.com

559.289.0578 kaspliv@gmail.com

LONE STAR Ginny Pitzen

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA John Goode

ginnypitzen@yahoo.com

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY John Briggs johnrb2018@gmail.com

WESTERN REGION

650.215.3402 goode4me@gmail.com

SACRAMENTO David Michael

415.939.9000 demichael@gmail.com

REGIONAL DIRECTOR Contact National VP

SIERRA NEVADA Gail Wells

PIKES PEAK Andrew Nelson

PORTLAND David Abarr

ROCKY M O U N TA I N REGION

NEW MEXICO Jo Chase

ALBERTA Satellite to British Columbia Section

blackswan342@gmail.comt

REGIONAL DIRECTOR Steve Dierks 719.593.9557 steve.dierks@gmail.com

WICHITA Lee Elrick

EASTERN NEBRASKA Sandy Dose 402.334.8126 (h) doses@stifel.com

NORTHWEST REGION

Contact National VP

IDAHO Robert Heath

541.981.1919 mbcapdxdave@comcast.net

BRITISH COLUMBIA David Cooper djcooper50@shaw.ca

VANCOUVER ISLAND Robert Watson 250.652.5667 (h) mbca.visland@gmail.com

208.599.3334 rwheath75@hotmail.com

SEATTLE David Glass

720.404.6362 rican6987@gmail.com

Prepare Your Mercedes for Winter Weather

505.220.3267 farmgal229@aol.com

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

316.634.2088 leeelrick@me.com

MILE HIGH Stan Rios

719.217.9481 ottobahn2@gmail.com

425.869.6706 davidr.glass@att.net

true studless ice & snow winter tire designed for maximum traction in sub-freezing temperatures.

Maintaining proper inflation pressure and having sufficient tread depth help any tire perform at its best in winter weather conditions. Underinflated tires reduce your vehicle’s MPG, wear out faster, and don’t have as much traction and handling control as properly inflated tires.

If you’re not certain about the quality of your tires, stop in to your preferred tire retailer and ask for an assessment of your vehicle.

I

f you’ve ever been caught in unexpected snow, you know why winter tires are important, but there are also some all-season tires that are better than others when the temperatures drop below freezing.

All-season tires will not match the performance of a true winter tire, but if drivers select all-season tires that are approved to carry the “3 Peak Mountain Snowflake” symbol, they can be used as a year-round tire.

According to Woody Rogers from the Tire Rack, some “Performance Winter” tires may be a good choice for places that see occasional snow. These are dedicated winter tires with winter tread compounds designed to grip snow and ice, but which have tread patterns and compounds designed for warmer temperatures and clearer roads. They are an alternative to a THE STAR ND • 2023

87

▸ SLs FOR SALE

CLASSIFIEDS

NO PHOTO PROVIDED

1969 280SL Silver/Black. 138,00 mi. Four-speed automatic transmission, with all of the factory standard features included with the 280SL coupe roadster, the black soft top and grey hard top. All Accessories present. John 415-802-2171 (CA)

1981 380SL Blue/Black 101,000 miles. Excellent condition 2yr professional restoration. Engine, drivetrain, suspension, and full interior completely refreshed & redone including new soft top. $26K James Pazora (972)742-8839 jpazora@splunk.com (TX)

1988 560SL Black/Black. 114,578 mi. $19,000. Engine wear is less than odo. Engine replaced 2002 with used 77,000 mile engine and transmission rebuilt same time. Odo at engine replacement app. 102,953. Sharon Banaszewski 262-227-5351 (WI)

1972 350SL Blue-Green/Tan. 88,000 miles. Powerful 500 SEC replacement motor, always garaged, very fast, both tops. Extra set of wheels and tires, excellent condition. California car. Mike Gertner (949) 852-8400. mgertner@mail.com $15,500 (CA)

1983 Euro 500SL Gray/Black. 98,000 mi. Over 10K in recent maintenance. 16" BBS wheels upgr Stereo, no rust, 2 tops, converted AC 2021, new timing chain, excellent paint, new front end and subframe mount. Don Dionisi 830) 515-2823 don.dionisi@yahoo.com(TX)

1989 560SL White/Beige. 39,000 miles. Impeccable condition, less than 100 miles per month. Custom ceramic coating and detailing.

Brand New Pirelli tires. Custom metal roof hoist. Tonneau cover, custom car cover and more. $65.000 Seon Smyth 909-518-0452 (CO)

1974 450SL Blue/Blue. 98,806 mi. Project Car 405-415-5443 lading4022@gmail.com (TX)

1986 560SL Champagne/Palomino. 68,000 mi. California car that has had excellent ownership through out its life with service through a certified Mercedes shop Garaged $31,000.00 Stephen Smith 317 439 9235 ssmith6806@sbcglobal.net (IN)

1980 450SL Gold/Brown. 79,000 miles. Hard top on cart w/cover as well as soft top. Had it checked out w/local Import shop and they gave it excellent marks except for air conditioning not operative.

Lee tarpleej4@gmail.com 989-671-2645 (MI) TEXT

1981 380SL Silver/Blue. 58,400 miles. Double row timing chain, Euro headlights, 16" Lorinser LO wheels & new tires + Original wheels & tires, Becker stereo with USB, Hard top, Service History, Clean Carfax, Excellent in and out and Runs & drives like a dream, $22,500 D. Scott Katsaras 305-804-9550 kataraxkidd@yahoo.com (OH)

1986 560SL Black Pearl/Gray. 77,000 mi. 2 Previous southern owners. Original paint, interior, Becker radio, tools, books, 1st aid kit. Recent service: steering coupling, tie rods, ball joints, A/C compressor, tires, transmission and brake fluids. $34,900. Larry Taylor 717-406-8015 (NY)

1987 560SL Taupe/Gray. 15,600 mi. Beautiful condition with only 15.600 Original Miles on it! Everything works fine. Hard top included. Hate to let it go it's so rare, have to simplify. Andrew Copely 321-299-6315 dcopely7@gmail.com (FL)

BEWARE OF SCAMMERS! 88 THE STAR ND • 2023

1989 560SL White/Blue. 119,000 mi. Incl. Kinderseat W/ Seat Belts Recent Michelin Tires Nice Orig. Cosmetics Incl. Glass 16 Year Owner Many Updates By Master M-B Tech Service Records $19,500 601941-5800 Brewer Pearson brewer@selectaviationservices.com (MI)

1998 SL500 Silver/Black. 165,000 mi. Never winter driven with high mileage but no rust. Not pristine but an excellent daily driver.Hardtop, Rack & Cover inc. Rod de Courcy-Ireland 416-786-1400 roddci@rogers.com (ON)

1998 SL500 Silver/Black. 39,960 mi. Excellent condition, kept covered in a garage, somewhat rare V-12 engine. Under hood is an engineering marvel. Two tops & storage stand for hard top. $30,000.

Case Whittemore 804/683-8642, case.whittemore@outlook.com (FL)

2003 SL500 White/Gray. 25,706 mi. SL with 25K miles and over 15K in maintenance and upgrades, this SL is a Garage Queen. Don Dionisi (830) 515-2823 don.dionisi@yahoo.com (WI)

1952 300 Sedan Project Complete with minor exceptions. $15,000 for everything together, no piecemeal. Also have a 1972 Engine Core 280SE 4.5 V8 for refurb, $1000. Dan Simnioniw 206930-3890 dan@heartlandforest.life (WA)

1953 300 Black/Red. Left hand drive 6500km Sedan Willem Van Den Boogaard: 0044 7970224808 willem@boogaard.co.uk (UK)

2008 SL55 Black/Black. 43,500 mi. Last year of the supercharged 5.5 liter V8. Xlnt condition. Pano roof. Calif car. Reg to 9/24. Michelin pilot supersports-3/22. Available 11/23. $35,799. Bobby Cole 707-575-9576 bcolecom@comcast.net (CA)

1960 220SE BlackRed. 148,000 mi. Engine rebuilt at 124000 miles wood dash & int wood trim restored. New org. pattern red leather on seats. New red carpeting edges leather bound. Most chrome is original, bumpers & guards rechromed. Numbers matching car. no smoke. $55k negotiable. James Vargo1-434-973-8517 daenix43@gmail.com (VA)

2009 SL65 White/White. 22,000 mi. $79,000. White/white Designo Exclusive leather. Concourse winner. Excellent condition.

Garage kept. $79K. Please do not text. Hamlin York 561-301-7040 hamlinyork111@gmail.com (FL)

1962 220b Green/Tan, 89,164 mi. Pierre Hedary seven month, $25,391 sorting and refurbishment completed June 2023. As close to perfection as possible for vintage Fintail. Ownership and service records from new. Michael Rindler 312-420-0937 rindlergroup@aol.com. $74,000 (FL)

1963 Unimog Gray/Olive. 10,200 mi. 16k km. Newer top and wood bed. Civilian ignition. Hi-speed axles (55 mph). 24 V. Tires 50% and weather checked. $14,900 neg. George Moses 518-7362207 georgemoses58@gmail.com (NY)

1967 200. Black/Red 153,500 mi. New: Suspension, brakes, engine rebuilt, wheels and tires, upgrades:3pt seatbelts, wood dash, clock, fun driver, all receipts, books, manuals,, John E Lofgren lofjon@ sbcglobal.net $75K (CA)

1970 280SE Cabriolet Blue/Tan. 94,000 mi. Never restored-all original. Column suburb zebrano wood; Located in Niagara Falls, Canada. $200,000CAD John Glas 716-201-8821 johnglas11853@gmail.com (ON)

1971 280SE 3.5 Coupe Beige/Brown. 132,000 mi. 280SE 3.5 1971 462 Tunis beige metallic / Brown. 132000 miles. Coupe Sho Kinouchi: 310-344-1322 m189engine@gmail.com( CA)

NO PHOTO PROVIDED 2018 SLC300 Red/Black. 32,900 mi. 2nd owner, Excellent condition, well maintained, stored winters, original paint, no dents/scratches, tires 80% remaining. $57k new, $7500 options (Garmin Maps, rear spoiler, Premium 1 package, AMG trim, night package, 18” wheels $32,900 Mike (330) 631-7086 (OH)

1962 220SEb Red/Tan. Equipped with rebuilt 3.5L engine and matching rebuilt transmission. Rebadged by prior owner as 280SE. Refurbished interior. Many other improvements. Looks and runs identical to a 280SE for half the price! $119,900.

Serious buyers only. Stan Weiner 216-538-3070 stan.weiner54@gmail.com (NM)

1971 300SEL 6.3 Red/Cognac. 103,000 mi. Owned for 22 years.

Know history. maintained. original books Protecto Plate. 542 Dark Red / 250 Cognac Leather. $98700. Best contact is mfounds@

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.

THE STAR ND • 2023

89

▸ OTHER VEHICLES FOR SALE

1999 SL500 Silver/Ash. 105,000 mi. $15,000/neg. well-maintained, always garaged, soft top, hard top with lift winch, hard top dolly, 6 CD changer, cassette player. Dick Williams 254-432-0438 ddiw2010@centurylink.net (TX)

▸ O THER VEHICLES FOR SALE

CLASSIFIEDS

1976 450SEL Gray/Blue 79,000 mi. Body in excellent condition leather interior needs work. Runs good. One owner - garaged. Ben Hong 410-715-0685 dgrits@rohbe.com (MD)

1988 420EL Sand/Tan110,268 miles. 420SEL 1988 Sand Taupe Metallic / Tan with Creme leather . 110,268 miles. Sedan Deidre H. McKee: (847)6502783 deidre1@mac.com (IL)

1995 E320 Cabriolet Black/Gray. 70,000 mi. ORIGINAL OWNER. Head gasket, wiring harness, hydraulic cylinders all replaced. $20,000 OBO. Jim O'Sullivan (843) 671-2079 (SC)

1977 450SEL 6.9 Silver/Black. 91,520 mi. Over $15,000 spent in the last year under hood to repair or replace anything that could be an issue. All work done by Pierre Hedary. Older repaint good.

Asking $55,000. Mike Winn 407 702 4086 mwinnco@aol.com (FL)

1990 300SE Silver/Palomino. 111,450 miles. Excellent original condition. Documented maintenance with all OEM parts. Pre-purchase inspections gladly facilitated. Marcus Droege (954)6107783 mdroege@pharmaconcepts.com (IL)

1995 S320 LWB Black/Black. 67,000 miles. Bagged on airlift 3P, AMG monoblock wheels. Rare black on black interior with Brabus steering wheel. Brabus bodykit, Kai Levy 219-250-6110 kai.levy@students.tesu.edu (SC)

1978 280SE Blue/Blue. 172,500 mi. One owner 1978 280SE for sale. Excellent condition externally, interior and mechanically. All records are available. Looking for a good home for this one owner and will accept a reasonable offer. Bill Palumbo 480-239-3279 billpalumbo@comcast.net (IN)

1991 300SEL Blue/Black. 170,000 miles. Rare metallic blue-black color, excellent interior, runs well. Cruise control drops out, but otherwise in excellent condition. Aftermarket radio. $14,500. Will also consider trade for late 80's 300D turbo diesel, straight across.

Jim Hendershot 541-226-6101 wa6vqp@radiodesign.com (OR)

1995 E320 Green/Tan. 79,000 mi. Only made for 2 yrs, last handmade Mercedes, perfect cond, just tuned & complete service, never seen rain or snow, new hydraulic conv motor, $24,000 Harvey Kay 440-646-8400 (OH)

1982 300D Ivory/Palomino. 134,000 mi. FL car from 1984-2022, 1 owner until 2021. Recent oil change, rebuilt transmission, alternator, new tires, brake hoses, MB battery, rear Bilstein shocks, rear brake pads, brake & power steering fluids, and fuel & air filters. Drives great. $12,500 Larry Taylor 717-406-8015 larryt543@yahoo.com (NY)

1992 300CE Coupe (not running) White/Cream 204242 miles.

Coupe Matthew Larrabee: (503) 489-8080 (OR)

1998 SLK230 Silver/Black 63,500 miles. 5 speed auto. Stored winters. New battery & power convenience module in 2023. Good condition. Snug coupe to open roadster in one touch of a finger.

2nd owner last 23 years. $8,900. Gloria 216-389-7700 (OH)

NO PHOTO PROVIDED

1987 300D Gray/Palomino. 114,000 miles. Purchased from friend of original owner from CA. CA/TX car so no rust. Garage kept. 114k miles. Palomino leather interior. Runs great. New cooling system, glow plugs, shocks/struts, tires, brakes, vacuum pump, oil pan gasket, etc. $9,995. Jim Dill (682) 465-814 dillsforchrist@yahoo.com (TX)

90 THE STAR ND • 2023

1995 E500 Black/Gray. 62,100 mi. This 1995 Mercedes-Benz E500 Limited is one of a reported 120 examples produced worldwide for the model year and it spent time in Japan and Saudi Arabia before it was acquired by the seller in 2022 and imported to the US. It is powered by a 5.0-liter. Oscar R Sanchez 201-320-3631 ozproperties@optonline.net (NJ)

1998 S500 Blue/Beige. 92,000 mi. Outstanding S500, low mileage , First prize winner of Finger Lakes MB Club. Serviced at MB dealers, no winters, always garaged, 90k miles, V8 engine as powerful as new. brand new tires. Any reasonable offer considered. More pictures are available. Oscar Raffo (585)317-8857 benzdelsur@gmail.com (NY)

How to Submit Trading Post Ads To submit a Trading Post Ad, upload your ad, with a good quality image if desired, at: 1999 C43 AMG White/Black. 89,000 miles. interior custom designed (black and grey leather) I have clear title. Asking $15,000.

Leonard Benbenek 708-704-5045 kenebneb@smartgate.com (IL)

2008 S550 Gray/Black 145,125 mi. Owner since 2012; most options, incl. night vision assist; recent new tires and brakes. $10,695.

Ray V. Saukkola 310-986-5453 (CA)

NO PHOTO PROVIDED

2000 E320 AWD Black/Charcoal. 70,400 mi. This E320 still carries a new car ambiance. Always garage-kept, this sedan was used gently and received meticulous care. Petite senior female sole operator (proverbial little old lady), virtually 1-owner. $8,950 Send text, no calls please. Joseph Seybert (304) 669-0770 (WV)

Five Car Package - Private party. Selling five Mercedes. 1959 220S Cab, 1960 220SE Coupe, 1967 230SL, 1966 250SE Coupe with sunroof, and a 1957 220S Sedan with steel sliding sunroof.

MUST SELL ALL TOGETHER. NO EXCEPTIONS. CLEAR TITLES. All running condition. RICHARD LEWIS (314) 616-2459(MO)

▸ PARTS & MISC. FOR SALE

2005 S500 Silver/Gray. 81,000 mi. New Brembo brakes,19" AMG wheels w/Michelins, A Service, Mobil 1, interior leather like new, Kenwood head unit, $7,500 OBO. Art Walker (702)612-5251 Tensaction@aol.com (NV)

2006 E350 Wagon. Blue/Beige 209,250 mi. This is a very comfortable, highly optioned, but high mileage family hauler.

We love this car and continue to drive it, but we decided it's time to move on. Inspection is current through January 2024.

Jon (610) 547-8488 thisonejon@gmail.com (PA)

2008 S550 4Matic Silver/Black 210,000 mi. Excellent condition.

West coast vehicle. AMG package, Nappa leather, Panorama roof and the Premium III package. A Mercedes for someone who understands that with a Mercedes, maintenance is more important than mileage. $7,750 Clark Bowen 541-708-1943 clark.bowen@gmail.com (OR)

123, 126 & a few 107 Parts for Sale 1981-1985 Diesel. Barn full of DIESEL parts for: 1977-85 (123 & 126; 1974-1986 (107).

35 years’ experience with these cars and parts. Happy to respond with answers & advice. William “Chip” Johnson, 860/402-0232 classicmercedesparts@gmail.com (VA)

www.mbca.org/create-classified-ad To appear in the January-February 2024 issue of The Star, ads must be active on the website at the end of the day November 15, 2023. 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.

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 the national office or call 719-633-6427.

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.

Club members without internet access may submit ads by mail to:

Repair Shop. Well established Automotive Repair Shop for lease - Scotts Valley, California. JO-ELLEN SMITH 831-247-9600 forjoellensmith@gmail.com (CA)

300SL Red Gull Wing Stained Glass Framed 300SL Coupe Stained glass artwork that features a red Gull Wing. Purchased in the late 1980's from a small shop in Long Island, NY that created custom stained glass art. The hubcaps and lights are mirrored. 34" x 17 " wood frame 41" x 23" $1,295 Larry Taylor 717-406-8015 larryt543@yahoo.com (NY)

MBCA National Business Office 10 Boulder Crescent St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 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.

No inference should be made that the goods and services advertised herein have the endorsement of Daimler AG, MBUSA, or MBCA.

THE STAR ND • 2023

91

▸ PARTS & MISC. FOR SALE

CLASSIFIEDS

BBS Wheels. Four BBS 8X16 ET11 Forged wheels. $500.00 for set. Kumho Ecsta 255/50/16 installed. Buyer pays for shipping. Fits 107,123,126 chassis. Mary Nohr 805-688-7192, nglass@impulse.net (CA)

19-inch S-Class Wheels. 4 wheels with tires, can sell without tires. Fit my S Class, 2007 and 2015. Regional pick up/ delivery, Michigan area. Best offer. James Schuster 248-353-3327 jim.schus@gmail.com (MI) 1972 350SL R107 Suspension. As removed from chassis, complete with Bundt wheels. Mechanical condition unknown, body scrapped due to rust. Probably quite a few good parts here for early R107 SL restoration or Lemons racer. $50, pick up in Mooresville, NC. Pics on request. Pedro Campuzano 847-902-6755 campuzano.pedro@gmail.com (NC)

Owner's Manuals. I have 18 original factory owner's manuals.

Wide range of models, C199 (SLR), 163,215,220,203,210,220 ,212,211,204,209. very good to excellent condition. e-mail for list. $250 for all 18. Steven Erlichman 215-983-8016 speedbird@verizon.net (PA)

Car Cover. Almost new outdoor car cover with matching fabric storage bag for a 2022 or 2023 AMG SL55 or 63. Used once.

New $179.95, sell $50.00. Local pick up in the San Francisco Bay Area or you may pay shipping. Michael (415) 347-6889 mgardner2366@gmail.com (CA)

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

▸ VEHICLES WANTED

WANTED: SL 1950-1971. I am looking to purchase a classic Mercedes SL class even some thing that needs restoration or in pieces.

Mal Wallace Malwallace777@gmail.com 443-400-9119 (NJ) Wanted: 1997-1999 SL500 Interested in buying a 1997-1999 SL500. With low mileage ( under 50,000) and service records.

Some thing ready to drive home, no matter where you are. exception: Across the ocean need not call. Rich Finney 724-586-2528 AUTOTINMAN@ZOOMINTERNET.NET (PA) Wanted: Canyon Brown Metallic Cabriolet or/and Coupe Robbie Robbins 805-471-1702 robster071@gmail.com (CA)

Books/Literature. Sales literature from 1970 to 2022. Most all models. Send me an email (no text) for a complete list with special prices for MBCA members, before I list on eBay. I joined the club in 1967 and have tons of literature to place in good hands. Bill Burkhardt (913) 648-1835 Landline. No text wburkhardt@kc.rr.com (KS)

300SL Manuals Workshop Manual-Roadster Parts List-GW Group, 18 Section Tech Tips, 3 Ring Binder-Trunk Badge-Plus Vintage SL Letters & Star Mags.-1958 GW International Membership Directory Honoring Juan Fangio. Text Bid for Prompt Reply. Mike Marsh 601.946.1950 mike@marshmarketing.ms (MS)

92 THE STAR ND • 2023

The Next Trading Post Ad Deadline:

November 15th

Need a gift idea?

Get them a Wheelskin Wheelskins are a custom-fit leather steering wheel cover that anyone can stitch onto their steering wheel like a pro.

If your skinny vintage wheel hurts your fingers, or if your more modern wheel is showing its age, a fresh wheelskin is a great, affordable upgrade to your car, with prices starting at $65.95.

Check out wheelskins.com and select from dozens of classic and modern MercedesBenz (or other brand) models, or learn how to measure your wheel for a custom fit.

I use Wheelskins on my vintage cars, and I think you'll like them - Jeff

Donate

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

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

S ’ L D L A BCAUN DO• IT

ICE V R SE ION S T AT PAR ESTOR •R

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

BudsBenz.com 770.942.8444

ine

nl po

Sho

ORDER FROM OUR NEW ONLINE CATALOGS!

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

STAR T H E

NZ CLUB OF MERCEDES-BE

BACK ISSUES

AMERICA

All issues of The Star ® for the years 20112019 are still available. Many issues for the years 1999 to 2010 are also available. Please call to find out if your requested issue is still in stock.

MJ 23

(800) 637-2360

THE STAR ND • 2023

93

Your source for hard to find R129 SL trim parts.

WWW.CLASSICTRIMPARTS.COM CLASSICTRIMPARTSLLC@GMAIL.COM

94 THE STAR ND • 2023

+1-(716)-931-9551

Index of Advertisers 123 USA LLC ����������������������������������� 82 Adsit Company, Inc. �������������������������79 Airstream, Inc. ������������������������������� IBC Amica ������������������������������������������������2 Authentic Classics LLC ���������������������81 AutoMobilia Magazine ����������������������93 Becker AutoSound, LLC ��������������������82 Beverly Hills Car Club �����������������������95 BMWCCA �����������������������������������������82 Bud’s Benz ���������������������������������������93 Classic Trim �������������������������������������94 Gill’s Precision Automotive ���������������81 Gooding & Company ��������������������������1 Gullwing Motorcars Inc ��������������������93 J.C. Taylor Antique Auto Insurance ������5 K&K Manufacturing ��������������������������79 Kienle GmbH ������������������������������ 74, 81 KM&A ����������������������������������������������25 Lauderdale Speedometer �����������������93 Laurent Nay �������������������������������������81 Madera Concepts ����������������������������82 MBCA Educational Foundation (MBCAEF) ������������������������������������ 9, 93 MBCA Raffle ������������������������������������18 MBCA German Trip ��������������������������65 MBCA Loyalty Rewards ��������������������85 MBCA Name Badges ������������������������94 MBCA The Star Back Issues �������� 93, 95 Mecum Auctions ��������������������������������3 Mercedes-Benz Cars MBUSA ���������� BC Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle Collections �������������������������������������IFC Metric Motors Inc ����������������������������94 Miller’s Inc ���������������������������������������95 Niemöller Spare Parts ����������������������82 Pelican Parts ������������������������������������19 Porsche Club of America ������������������82 Raro ������������������������������������������������83 Tire Rack �����������������������������������������13 Unique Cars of Palm Beach ��������������94

WANTED ANY CLASSIC MERCEDES T O P D O L L A R PA I D

190SL, 230SL, 250SL, 280SL, Gullwing, 300SL Roadster, 300S Convertibles, 300 Coupes, 300S Sedans, Mercedes 500, 540K, 280SE Coupes & Convertibles, 220A Cabriolet & Coupes

PLEASE CALL ALEX MANOS 877-912-0007 alex@beverlyhillscarclub.com

STAR T H E

ENZ CLUB MERCEDES-B

WE PICK UP FROM ANY U.S.A. LOCATION

BACK ISSUES

OF AMERICA

The Next Trading Post Ad Deadline:

November 15th

IN ANY CONDITION

All issues of The Star ® for the years 20112019 are still available. Many issues for the years 1999 to 2010 are also available. Please call to find out if your requested issue is still in stock.

MJ 23

(800) 637-2360

THE STAR ND • 2023

95

T H E J OY O F M E RC E D E S - B E N Z Photo courtesy RM Sotheby’s

Winning Best-in-Show at Pebble Beach is the achievement of a lifetime, and Mercedes-Benz sees the winner’s circle more often than most. It is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in engineering and craftsmanship.

96 THE STAR ND • 2023

INTRODUCING

INTERSTATE 19X Unleash your spirit of adventure with the Interstate® 19X, a 19-foot Class B Touring Coach that embodies Airstream’s innovation. Designed for the daring and the bold, its spacious, rugged interior is equipped with cutting-edge amenities to fuel your exploration.

Experience the thrill of limitless possibilities and redefine your journey with the Interstate® 19X.

BOLDY VENTURE BEYOND 4x4 Standard or AWD Optional

Open and Flexible Upper Storage Shelves

Body and Hood Protective Coating

L-Track System on Floor and Ceiling

Tenzing Trailhead Brushguard with Integrated Lights

Flexible Rear Bed Configurations

airstream.com/19x

T:7.375"

Boundless. Unmatched.

Electric.

The all-electric EQS SUV from Mercedes-Benz.

Learn more at MBUSA.com/EQS-SUV

T:10"

2023 EQS 580 4MATIC® SUV shown in Selenite Grey metallic paint with optional equipment.

©2023 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

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

HEADLINE: 32 pt. • BODY COPY: 12.5 pt.