Twin triumph for Mercedes-Benz in the 2013 Auto Trophy Classic

Don't Copy From This Blog...

Two models from the Mercedes-Benz stable secured impressive victories in their vehicle classes in the inaugural Auto Trophy Classic. Readers of specialist magazine Auto Zeitung Classic Cars voted the Mercedes-Benz 600 and the 123-series T-Model estate the winners in their respective categories by a clear margin. “Classic cars and modern classics from Mercedes-Benz are among the icons of automotive history. The informed judgment of more than 23,500 readers gives us further motivation to continue enhancing the appeal of our classic cars,” says Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic. “I am especially pleased that the Mercedes-Benz 600 came first in the luxury class category in the year that it turns fifty.”

Mercedes-Benz caused a sensation when it unveiled its 600 model (W 100) at Frankfurt’s International Motor Show in September 1963. The company’s new top-of-the-range model was designed as an exclusive prestige vehicle for the most illustrious owners and boasted a host of engineering features as standard – including air suspension, automatic transmission, power steering and unique hydraulic controls. These exceptional appointments reflect the pinnacle of what was technologically possible at the time. In addition to the limousine available in both short and long wheelbase variants, there was also a landaulet. One particularly notable vehicle was the four-door Pullman landaulet built for Pope Paul VI. Fitted with a single seat in the rear, this limousine was used over two decades by three different popes. It is now on display in the Mercedes-Benz Museum.

In the mid-range category, the readers of Auto Zeitung Classic Cars gave first place to the Mercedes-Benz 123-series estate, the forebear of the luxury estate and a member of the E-Class ancestral line. The vehicle, which came with hydropneumatic self-levelling rear suspension, was the first estate car developed entirely inhouse by Mercedes-Benz. The T-Modell was made at the Bremen plant between 1978 and 1985; the T in its name stood for Touristik and Transport.

This was the first time that readers of specialist magazine Auto Zeitung Classic Cars were called upon to vote for the Auto Trophy Classic. They were asked to select their ultimate classic car in five different categories: luxury class, mid-range, minis & compacts, sports cars and racing cars. All entries were in with a chance of winning the main prize of a Mercedes-Benz modern classic: an S-Class 140 series (1991 to 1998).

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More

Auto Trophy and Quality Trophy 2012: Mercedes-Benz wins awards for best quality and best cars

Don't Copy From This Blog...

The readers of “Auto Zeitung” magazine have voted the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster the best cabriolet with a price of more than 30,000 euros and have chosen the coupé version the best super sports car. This means both cars repeated their victories from last year. Mercedes-Benz also won the Quality Trophy 2012, which was awarded for best quality and dependability. The award ceremony was held last night in front of an audience of prominent figures.

More than 110,000 “Auto Zeitung” readers participated in the 25th poll to rank the best cars of the year and again put the Mercedes-Benz SLS on top of the winner podium twice. This was the fourth consecutive victory for the gullwing coupé in the super sports car category. The SLS Roadster won for the second time in the segment of cabriolets with a price of more than 30,000 euros. The super sports car owes the double victory to its unique high-tech combination of aluminium body, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid-engine producing 420 kW (571 hp) of power, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and agile sports suspension with aluminium double wishbone axles. The SLS AMG Coupé and Roadster score further points in their favour with their fascinating styling reminiscent of the legendary 300 SL of the 1950s.

Mercedes-Benz also won the Quality Trophy 2012. This prize is awarded jointly by “Auto Zeitung” magazine and the Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung (GTÜ or Association for Technical Inspection) for best quality and dependability. This top-class award is based on the results of some eight million general technical inspections conducted by GTÜ, the findings from the “Auto Zeitung” quality and service report and the readers’ responses that reflect their personal practical experiences.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

Read More