Mercedes-Benz Saloon Coupe: The Complete Story

Mercedes-Benz Saloon Coupe: The Complete Story

by Nicholas Greene
Mercedes-Benz Saloon Coupe: The Complete Story

Mercedes-Benz Saloon Coupe: The Complete Story

by Nicholas Greene

Hardcover

$36.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
    Usually ships within 6 days
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

First produced in 1928, Mercedes-Benz Coupés became the embodiment of elegance and exclusivity on four wheels. Their design became an experience for all the senses, appealing to every emotion. Hans-Dieter Futschik, the designer responsible for many of the later Mercedes-Benz models, said of the Saloon Coupé: 'A shorter wheelbase compared with the saloons gives it different proportions that are almost sports car-like in character. The passenger compartment is set further back. This gives it a sportier look than a saloon. In addition, the greenhouse is smaller and more streamlined than the basic body. It looks like a small head set on a muscular body, exuding a powerful and more dynamic attitude... Everything radiates power, elegance and agility.' This complete guide includes an overview of early automotive history; pre-merger design from both Benz and Daimler; the historical protagonists and how they influenced the design; how design and fashion change vehicle shape; the continued development of Saloon Coupe design to suit every class and finally, the modern idea of the Coupe. With over 200 photographs and illustrations, this book includes: ·An overview of early automotive history ·Pre-merger design from both Benz and Daimler ·The historical protagonists and how they influenced the design ·How design and fashion change vehicle shape ·The continued development of Saloon Coupé design to suit every class ·The modern idea of the Coupé.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781785009334
Publisher: Crowood Press, The
Publication date: 01/11/2022
Pages: 192
Product dimensions: 8.71(w) x 10.54(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Nik Greene was born in St Albans in 1964, before his family moved to Norfolk for a farming life. Having always had an interest in cars he got into the classic car scene soon after buying his first Jaguar at the age of 20. Joining the Jaguar Drivers' club led him to take his first steps into writing; initially writing newsletter articles, and then as a Jaguar S-Type model representative, which involved writing monthly articles. This became more serious when contacted by Paul Skilleter, the eminent Jaguar historian, to write a few articles for his new magazine Jaguar Quarterly. This opened the door to writing regular copy with other classic car magazines. Not satisfied just 'owning' a classic car, Nik Greene always threw himself deeply into the history and design of the vehicles he has owned and restored, which has led to a good knowledge base. He often says: "There is no better way of knowing your car than by taking it apart, whether physically or historically." Nik Greene's first Mercedes was a 123 model 280TE, and being a lover of quality and precision design and engineering his love for the marque grew, encompassing the robust G-Wagen then the S-Class 126. After moving to France in 2004, he went on to buy and restore many old Citroens and Renaults, but never moved completely away from his love of the Mercedes Marque. He still owns his beloved G-Wagen after nearly 20 years and having previously owned four 126s, he has settled on a very rare 126 560SE, which remains pampered in his collection.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 6

Timeline 7

Chapter 1 Early Automotive History 8

Chapter 2 The Age of the Motor Car 12

Chapter 3 The Coupé Automobile 24

Chapter 4 Pre-Merger Benz 32

Chapter 5 Pre-Merger Daimler 47

Chapter 6 Post-Merger Mercedes and Benz 73

Chapter 7 Post-War Mercedes-Benz 101

Chapter 8 The Intermediate Class Saloon 141

Chapter 9 A New Dawn: The Four-Door Saloon Coupe 180

Appendix I Milestones of Mercedes-Benz Design 185

Appendix II The Coupe Explained 188

Index 191

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews