Wanderlust

Tag: Mercedes-Benz

  • HWA Remasters Mercedes 190E, Pays Tribute to 190E 2.5-16 Evo II

    HWA Remasters Mercedes 190E, Pays Tribute to 190E 2.5-16 Evo II

    There’s no doubt that the so-called “Rad Era” of the 80s and 90s is one of the hottest segments in the classic car space. As Generation X ages and builds disposable income, more and more attention is being paid to the cars and fantasy cars of their youth. Throw in racing homologation provenance and you have a recipe for a win. Such is the case of the DTM-spec Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evo II.

    This final evolution of Mercedes’ 190 E (W201) was built with the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (a.k.a. DTM) touring car series in mind. That’s the same series that birthed the E30 M3, and while the box-flared Bimmer achieved icon and unaffordable status many years ago, the 190 E 2.5-16 is only more recently rediscovered. Prices have shot up over the last few years, and it’s likely this attention that inspired the team at a company by the name of HWA to consider a reinvention of the car.

    What is HWA? The acronym represents the initials of company founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht. The firm began business in motorsport back in 1999, managing motorsport campaigns for Mercedes- directly.

    HWA is a German engineering and racing-specialist firm with deep ties to AMG and the motorsport wing of Mercedes-Benz, creating strong and authentic ties to the marque of the three-pointed star. In part as celebration of HWA’s now 25 years of success with Mercedes-AMG, HWA began to envision the EVO as a collaboration with the restoration firm Curated. HWA plans to build just 100 units of their HWA EVO, aiming for a serious and substantive augmentation that will cost a cool €714,000.

    Each build will begin with a W201 chassis that is inspected by the HWA engineering team before replacing 75% of the car. This replacement includes removal of front and rear portions of the original steel chassis, replacing them with sub-frames manufactured in high-strength steel in order to improve rigidity. The A, B and C pillars are also replaced, resulting in a net result of doubling the car’s torsional stiffness – effectively elevating the W201 shell to modern supercar standards.

    HWA also moves the front axle 50 mm forward in order to allow the car’s 3.0-liter biturbo V6 to sit lower in the chassis. The car’s 6-speed manual gearbox gets relocated to the rear, bestowing the car with a lower center of gravity and perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

    The car also gets DTM-derived wishbones, machined wheel carriers, Brembo brakes (steel or ceramic), KW dampers (electric or manually adjustable), and H&R roll-bars. And all this top of the line component kit is expected, you’ll also be surprised to hear that HWA has worked with Bosch to develop ESP and ABS systems for the car, not to mention bespoke engine tuning.

    Typical of the price and the remaster segment where the HWA EVO sits, carbon fiber bodywork is definitely part of the mix, dropping the car’s curb weight even further.

    More Information: HWALegacy.com

  • Euro Market Find: Period Tuner 1977 Mercedes-Benz SL 280 in Cayenne Orange

    Euro Market Find: Period Tuner 1977 Mercedes-Benz SL 280 in Cayenne Orange

    What: 1977 Mercedes Benz SL 280 built by BB Manufaktur
    Color: Cayenne Orange (cayenneorange; non-metallic UNI; 406; Mercedes-Benz)
    VIN: UD | F10095
    Mileage: 17,500 km
    Price at Time of this Writing: €61,990
    CarFax: N/A
    MonroneyLabels.com Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Nuremberg, Germany
    Dealer listing: Auto Zitzmann GmbH

    Why we love it:

    While the third-generation Mercedes-Benz SL (C107) isn’t hasn’t proven as graceful at aging as the second-generation W113 Pagoda, it has come into its own as 80s cars begin to bask in the glow of Radwood and other Reagan era automotive celebration. Technically though, cars like this 1977 SL 280 pre-date the 80s/90s cut-off of an event like Radwood, but if you can talk your way through the entry line then we think you’d have a good chance at winning with a car like this example. Built by BB Tuning, Rainer Buchmann Frankfurt-based customization shop that built some of the wildest cars you might see, and with a heavy focus on Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.

    Interestingly, this is a stock period correct Mercedes-Benz color. Like the build itself, Cayenne Orange appears to be peak trendy and bordering on kitsch-cool back in the late 1970s. In some ways it was so unique that it aged out quickly and today is undoubtedly cool… even if ironically so.

    And speaking of both ironic cool and period trendy, that’s probably the best way to describe how BB Tuning builds such as this car remain today. Likely largely untouched from the day it finished its aftermarket tailored build by BB Tuning, the car commands a presence and a premium well above its bone-stock period counterparts… probably even over pristine Cayenne Orange examples.

    Look past the Cayenne Orange paint and color-matched BBS wheels and you’ll find a most interesting interior. Tailored in marbled leather, popular at the time but seldom seen today, it’s not exactly tasteful by today’s standards, but it’s so period and unique that we have no doubt the new owner will love it just the same.

    Embracing the period theme even more so is the audio system with components by Blaupunkt. Given the anemic audio comping from the factory at that time, aftermarket stereos were virtually required on builds such as this. Brands like Blaupunkt led the way in the German aftermarket, and this system is based on a Monza head unit with no less than 12 speakers throughout the marbled leather cabin.

    Okay, this car’s not for everybody. But, we suspect if you get it then you’ll probably want to get it.


  • Market Find: Japanese Market 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 Avantgarde 4MATIC Wagon in Viola

    Market Find: Japanese Market 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 Avantgarde 4MATIC Wagon in Viola

    With cars older than 25-years available for relatively easy import into the USA, we’re seeing more and more interesting specimens acquired across ponds brought into the The States only to turn up on auction sites like PCarMarket, cars like this Japanese market W210 1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 4MATIC wagon (Vin: WDB2102821X014479) in Viola Metallic (violametallic; metallic UNI; 339U; Mercedes-Benz).

    It may look like an E55 AMG, but that’s pretty common for rest of world (ROW) specification cars where AMG appearance packages with smaller engines was more common. Even if it’s not an E 55, it does have some great options such as the rare Viola Metallic paint, Avantgarde body styling, 4MATIC all-wheel drive Graphite Cuir leather seating, a glass sunroof, heated power-adjustable front seats, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, self-leveling suspension, those 18-inch AMG monoblock alloy wheels, and more.

    The car is said to have been imported about two years ago and is now available in New York with just over 70,000 km (less than 44,000 miles) on the odometer. Bidding is currently only at $7,250 which seems very reasonable for what this car is. If you’re interested, check it out via the link below… but hurry, because as of this post there are only about 20 hours left to bid.

    MORE HERE.

  • Expedition Motor Company’s Latest Mojave Silver 1992 Wolf Convertible Remastered Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen

    Expedition Motor Company’s Latest Mojave Silver 1992 Wolf Convertible Remastered Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen

    • This Classic Convertible Restoration Took Over 2,300 Hours of Meticulous Restoration, Resulting in an Elegant New Vehicle Built with Adventure Travel in Mind

    [source: Expedition Motor Company]

    FRENCHTOWN, NJ – When it comes to pristine vintage Geländewagens (G-Wagens), few builders feature the blend of vehicle expertise along with the necessary restoration capabilities of Expedition Motor Company (EMC). Following more than seven years of experience and over one hundred and fifty 250GDs built and delivered, the team behind Expedition Motor Company has a deep respect for the heritage and go-anywhere capabilities of the iconic Geländewagen. EMC specializes in bringing former military G-Wagens back to life—transforming them into luxury, collector-grade vehicles designed to provide owners with a unique, old-school driving experience. EMC’s passion for precision, even down to the smallest components, and dedication to world-class quality, allows them to create the finest G-Wagen restorations in the marketplace today. These restorations not only capture the vehicle’s original character but also seamlessly integrate modern enhancements to add a new level of elegance and style. In this spirit, EMC proudly unveils their latest masterpiece: a beautifully restored 1992 Mojave Silver (mojavesilber; metallic UNI; 859; Mercedes-Benz) G-Wagen, featuring an exquisite Doppio interior and Mercedes’ “million-mile engine,” the OM602 Diesel.

    “We couldn’t be more excited to introduce this new Wolf V5, which is a direct showcase of EMC’s design and engineering prowess. You’ll feel just as at home cruising a beachside highway as you are traversing your favorite off-road trail,” founder Alex Levin comments. “This timeless classic stands as a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail that our team at EMC is known for.”

    The exterior of this stunning G-Wagen is finished in Mojave Silver, paying homage to one of Mercedes-Benz’ most popular colorways. The “Mojave Silver” color also provides subtle nods to both the ruggedness of desert landscapes and a refined, understated luxury. Named after the Mojave Desert, this color evokes the resilience and natural beauty of an environment known for its challenging terrain and extreme conditions, aligning well with the tough, adventure-ready nature of the 250GD G-Wagen. The metallic silver exterior gives the vehicle a modern, polished look that reflects light beautifully and accentuates the iconic lines and contours of the G-Wagen. It offers a sleek aesthetic without sacrificing its 1990s heritage. This exterior is perfectly complemented by luxurious weatherproof interior upholstery. Adding to its distinct charm, this convertible G-Wagen comes with both a bikini top and a full soft top, offering drivers multiple options to suit their preferences.

    Each EMC build undergoes a rigorous 2,300 man-hour restoration, where every detail is expertly crafted with precision and care down to the nuts and bolts. The process begins with a full disassembly of the vehicle. The body is taken down to bare metal and EMC’s craftsmen hand-mend all imperfections caused by age or combat. The frame is media blasted and receives an anti-corrosive primer and a durable powder coat finish. Other key components, such as fuel lines, brake lines, and body mounts are replaced to guarantee longevity and optimal performance. The factory axles are disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, and meticulously refinished, while the brake system is fully revamped to ensure enhanced stopping power. EMC’s custom-designed suspension is then installed and fine-tuned, perfectly integrating with the vehicle to provide an unmatched driving experience.

    Under the hood of this Mojave Silver Wolf lies a rebuilt OM602 diesel engine, expertly paired with a rebuilt 5-speed 722.6 automatic transmission. Built for terrains of all types, this vintage G-Wagen is ready to take on any journey with strength and style.

    The Mojave Silver Wolf from EMC is available for purchase at a price of $204,150. Expedition Motor Company trucks start at $180,000 and are available to commission today. For more information, please contact Expedition Motor Company at (267) 714-4112, or visit expeditionmotorcompany.com.

  • Market Find: Almadin Red 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 in Italy

    Market Find: Almadin Red 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 in Italy

    Yes, we typically search for cars coming onto the market in North America, but when they’re old enough to import easily and exceptionally cool, we tend to look outside the confines of the U.S. and Canada. And when we do, we find cars like this Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 in Almadin Red (almadinrot; metallic UNI; DB 512 / 512U; Mercedes-Benz).

    About the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 In General

    Homologation cars are always cool, but the W201-based 190E 2.3-16 and later 190E 2.5-16 have been garnering an extra level of enthusiast cult-following. Homologated for Group A, this meant Mercedes had to build 5,000 cars within a year’s time. They did so easily, and the model proved so popular that it continued into 1993, building almost 19,500.

    An updated version like this one was shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1988, featuring revised front and rear aprons, larger bumpers, redesigned interior and an upgraded 16-valve engine with its Cosworth-developed head now bumped to 2.5-liters. And while the 2.3-16 had been sold in the USA, the 2.5-16 and other evolutions never made it here.

    More information not he model in general can be found HERE and HERE.

    Along with the update, several colors were aded including the one you see here – Almadin Red. While this specification isn’t a special paint, it is relatively rare than the much more common silvers. Three shades of silver were offered – Smoke Silver, Astral Silver and Brilliant Silver. Blue-Black was also offered, but Almadin Red was the only vibrant color, which makes it stand out.

    About Buying a Vintage Car from Europe

    Though importing modern cars from other markets can be incredibly complex and expensive, importation of vehicles older than 25 years for the U.S.A. and 15 years for Canada can be much simpler and rewarding. Nevertheless, there are challenges that you’ll need to consider.

    First up will be assessment of the car. Most listing sites like the one linked here tend to feature lower-resolution photos and descriptions typically more akin to what you’d find on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, not the über thorough assessments and histories we’ve come to obsess over on sites such as Bring A Trailer. Finding someone over there to get eyes on the car is definitely a major advantage.

    Next up will be arranging exportation from country of origin, shipping, handling at the port of entry, paying duties and getting registered in your home location. These are not easy tasks, but trivial for the more and more companies catering to these services.

    We’ve had experience working with one such firm, Orchid Euro. Jamie Orr, owner of Orchid Euro, worked with his team and network to get first hand eyes on in Europe, ground transport to a German port, shipment on a new vehicle transport vessel, handled it at the American port and even helped guide on getting the car titled. Worth noting, Orchid Euro isn’t the only company out there doing these sorts of things, so search them out if you prefer another similar service.

    About this Car

    Here’s what we know about the car from its listing. Since it’s on AutoScout, it’s not in English so we’ve taken the liberty of having it run through Apple Safari’s translation.

    Location: Castelldefels, Italy

    Country Version: Spain

    Initial Registration: 01/1989

    Mileage Logged: 197,000 km, converts to 122,410 miles

    Asking Price: €29,000 Euros

    Below is the Translated Description. Please note, this is as translated so creates some odd terminology like “roof of crystal”:

    Exclusive Mercedes 190 in color ALMANDINE RED.
    Production data and extras:

    • Order Location FRANKFURT BRANCH
    • Interior FABRIC BLACK (071)
    • Paint 1 ALMADIN RED METALLIC (512U)

    Approx. Build Date 1988-11
    Code Description
    240 OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR
    412 ELECTRIC SLIDING ROOF WITH TILTING DEVICE
    442 AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL
    466 CENTRAL LOCKING MECHANISM
    506 AUSSENRÜCKSPIEGEL, LINKS UND RECHTS, GEHEZT (FLÜCKLICH VERSTELLBARE AUF DER RECHTEN)
    510 MB RADIO EXQUISIT WITH VK, RDS (BECKER)
    531 AUTOMATIC ANTENNA
    551 ANTI-THEFT/ANTI-BREAK-IN WARNING SYSTEM
    583 ELECTRIC WINDOW LIFTERS (FRONT DOORS)
    591 HEAT-INSULATING GLASS, ALL-AROUND, HEATED REAR WINDOW PANE (SINGLE-SHEET SAFETY GLASS)
    600 HEADLAMP WIPER/WASHER
    673 HIGH-CAPACITY BATTERY
    873 SEAT HEATER FOR LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEATS
    876 RÜCKTÜRN-SPACHTEN UND LEUCHTE OBEN HINTERFENSTER

    Recién hecha revisión completa en taller Mercedes especializado;

    • oils and complete filters.
    • original engine mounts
    • front suspension towers and new springs.
    • gas air conditioning
    • brake fluid
    • steering shock absorber
    • caps de resendo dirección.
    • juntas motor tapa de balancines.
    • Etc.

    Alternator and clutches recently replaced.
    ITV just last.

    Extras
    Featured equipment selected by the user

    – Installation of lava headlights
    – Heated front seats
    – Temperature indicator outside
    – Air conditioning
    – Front electric lifts
    – Alloy tires
    – Metallic paint
    – Electric lifting sliding roof of crystal

    Find it HERE.

  • Color Focus: Mercedes-Benz MANUFAKTUR Vintage Blue – LU-934

    Color Focus: Mercedes-Benz MANUFAKTUR Vintage Blue – LU-934

    CODE: LU-934

    TYPE: UNI

    CONTENT ARCHIVE: Vintage Blue

    SUMMARY:
    It may say “Vintage” in the name, but MANUFAKTUR Vintage UNI (vintagblau; UNI; LU-934; Mercedes-Benz) is technically modern. Yes, it seems to hark visions of powder blue W115 or W123 E-Classes of the 60s and 70s… or maybe Gulf Blue racing liveries, but it’s decidedly different and decidedly modern. Mercedes-Benz rolled out this blue uni color as one of the colors in the palette of its modern era MANUFAKTUR tailoring service, offering a very unique look that’s both timeless and throwback.

    RELATED LINKS:

    VIDEO REFERENCE:

    PHOTO REFERENCE:

  • Market Find: Graphite Grey 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster in RM Sotheby’s Münich Sale

    Market Find: Graphite Grey 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster in RM Sotheby’s Münich Sale

    In a world of neutral cars painted every shade of grey and silver, how are there not more green interiors? In our opinion, a bold-colored interior such as red, blue and especially green take a neutral tone car from forgettable to must-have. It’s on that theme that we’re directing your attention to RM Sotheby’s upcoming Münich auction and this Graphite Grey (graphit grau; non-metallic UNI; DB 190; Mercedes-Benz) over green 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (VIN 198.042.7500672).

    1957 was the first year of production for the 300 SL Roadster, with 554 produced that year. The car is finished in its factory shade of Graphite Grey, paired with reupholstered dark green leather. This roadster is a North american specification car acquired by the Germany-based consignor in 1986.

    More information is provided by RM Sotheby’s, including confirmation that the green interior isn’t original. It reads:

    “A copy of the original delivery card details that chassis 198.042.7500672 was finished by the factory in Graphite Grey, while the interior was trimmed in optional Cream leather. Arriving in the USA on 25 November 1958, a Becker Mexico radio and whitewall tyres were also selected.

    According to Eric Le Moine’s 300 SL registry, chassis 198.042.7500672 was owned on the West Coast by Mr Tom McBurney of Santa Barbara in California. Fittingly for a Roadster, it remained on the state’s coastline, being acquired in 1974 by financier Mr Alfred T Moret in Carlsbad. This example was then bought by The Aumann Collection, who imported the car to Germany in 1986 to add to an illustrious collection.

    Subsequently reupholstered with the current dark green leather, the car is fitted with its matching-numbers body, chassis, and 3-litre straight-six engine. Please note that it appears as though the front chassis crossmember has been replaced at some point in the car’s life, but all other numbers match.

    Further complemented by a history file, this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster could be returned to its factory colour combination by its next owner. Alternatively, the car is ready to be enjoyed in its current form by virtue of offering the ultimate droptop driving experience.

    Check out more information on the car HERE.

  • A New Experience of the Past – the Mercedes-Benz x Moncler by NIGO Collaboration

    A New Experience of the Past – the Mercedes-Benz x Moncler by NIGO Collaboration

    • Mercedes-Benz and Moncler expanded their collaboration at “The City of Genius” show in Shanghai with a new brand campaign and art piece, a limited-edition G-Class and capsule fashion collection
    • “Mercedes-Benz Project G-Class Past II Future” is a new art piece that catapults 1990s spirit into contemporary lifestyle – inspired by fashion designer, music producer and creative director, NIGO
    • The one-off art piece is the inspiration for the new, limited-edition series, Mercedes-Benz G-Class Past II Future

    Stuttgart/Shanghai.  At The City of Genius show in Shanghai on October 19, 2024, Mercedes-Benz and Moncler took the bold next step in their collaboration. Alongside the launch of the brand campaign, “Past Forward. Where the Future is Driven by the Past”, the partners unveiled a one-off art piece, “Project G-Class Past II Future”, inspired by NIGO. It’s based on a G-Class from the 90s that was completely restored. NIGO reworked numerous design elements inside and out to revive the design and brings it into the cultural landscape of the present. The G-Class Past II Future is a new G-Class model with a limited run of only 20 cars and is inspired by the art piece. At the show, the audience also got a sneak preview of Moncler’s new collection of urban, gender-neutral fashion designed by Mercedes-Benz and Moncler together with NIGO. Both the limited-edition G-Class and the capsule collection will be launched in April 2025. Alongside Mercedes-Benz and NIGO, the Shanghai event additionally hosted several other artists, who presented their own respective collaborations with Moncler: A$AP Rocky and Willow Smith, Edward Enninful (OBE), FRGMT by Hiroshi Fujiwara, Gilga Farm by Donald Glover, LuLu Li and Palm Angels. In addition to the Moncler Genius 2024 lineup, special showcases were presented by Rick Owens and Jil Sander.

    “NIGO’s immense creative talent and our co-creation with Moncler are taking us into an exciting urban setting. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Past II Future is a very special new ‘twist’ on our icon. This limited edition is a fresh take on 90s style and the character that’s made the G-Class a timeless favourite. Going from inspiring art to engaging products marks an important step in our creative cooperation and offers a new brand experience captured by the zeitgeist.”
    Bettina Fetzer, Vice President Communications & Marketing Mercedes-Benz AG

    Art piece Project G-Class Past II Future inspired by NIGO
    NIGO’s creation is the second art piece to emerge from the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Moncler. Like the PROJECT MONDO G, launched at Moncler’s “The Art of Genius” show in London in February 2023, this art piece merges the distinctively quilted aesthetic of the Moncler puffer jacket with the unmistakeable edginess of the G-Class. Measuring 4.5 metres in length, 1.9 metres in width and 2.0 metres in height, the art piece features a minimalistic, matte two-tone contemporary colour palette in olive green and grey, which is offset by striking exterior accents in black and gold. The clean lines of the classic G-Class cabriolet give it a contemporary attitude. Hallmark G-Class functionality and design cues are retained and reinterpreted. These include the iconic spare wheel on the rear tailgate, black steel wheels in the 90s design, a foldable windscreen, and a gold-coloured fuel can. The interior has also been reworked. Among other elements, G-Class enthusiast Devon Turnbull – known for his immersive audio installations – has designed a sound system that fits perfectly into the vehicle concept, both technically and visually. The music “boom boxes” are mounted on the convertible top linkage and – like the entire roof and the speakers – can be removed. Its chequered seat upholstery pattern is an interpretation of a design element typical of earlier G-Class models.  Accents in orange and gold draw parallels with the collaborative fashion collection by Mercedes-Benz, Moncler and NIGO.

    “For me, the 90s were among the most influential decades from a cultural and creative standpoint. Electronic music and the hip-hop scene arose as a new expression of urban character. I wanted to integrate that vibe and energy into the design of the Project G-Class Past II Future by interpreting that legacy for a new contemporary era.”
    Fashion designer, music producer and creative director, NIGO

    Limited edition Mercedes-Benz G-Class Past II Future 
    Both the limited-edition G-Class and the capsule collection are the collaboration’s first products available for purchase. As a crowning moment in the 45thanniversary year of the G-Class, the new edition shows how timeless this brand icon remains, and how capably it adapts to contemporary lifestyles. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Past II Future references NIGO’s one-off art piece and is based on the new G 450 d (combined energy consumption: 10.0-8.7 l/100 km | combined CO₂ emissions: 261-227 g/km | CO₂ class: G)[1] and the new G 500 (combined energy consumption: 12.3-10.9 l/100 km | combined CO₂ emissions: 281-248 g/km | CO₂ class: G)1.  It has two-tone exterior paintwork in green and grey, the G-Class typical chequered upholstery and a rear-mounted spare wheel with the collaboration logo on its cover. Black exterior accents include the window frames, light metal alloy wheels and the signature bumper guard running the full length of the flanks. The latter features the Past II Future lettering. In the interior, this lettering can be found on the grab handle. On the centre console, the vehicle’s “1 of 20” limited series number is inscribed. The 20 cars will be delivered to customers in April 2025.

    The capsule collection
    The gender-neutral fashion collection incorporates 90s influences with contemporary street style elements. Following “The City of Genius” show preview, the pieces shown will be winnowed down into a capsule collection that will be available for purchase starting in April 2025. It will mainly consist of souvenir and college jackets, hoodies, checked shirts and Bermuda shorts as well as lightweight down and field jackets, parkas and windbreakers with a vintage look. The colour palette is classic: Blue, black, green and white dominate – complemented by orange accents. Many of the garments feature elaborate prints that merge archival photos of the collaboration partners. Jackets and pants are made using raw denim, with one exception: a satin jacket that combines the visual language and logos of both brands. The jacket captures the spirit of their collaboration, especially in combination with the grey checked shirts. 

    Brand campaign “Past Forward. Where the Future is Driven by the Past” 
    The unbreakable bond between past and future is reflected in the brand campaign accompanying this next step in the Mercedes-Benz x Moncler collaboration – together with NIGO and photographer Thibaut Grevet. With the motto, “Past Forward. Where the Future is Driven by the Past”, it visualises the evolution of the collaboration from an imaginary cosmos to its arrival in metropolitan life. A city rooftop symbolises the campaign’s urban look and feel. The rooftop’s angular metallic surfaces provide the perfect backdrop for showcasing the streetwear collection by the partners Mercedes-Benz, Moncler and NIGO. The campaign’s aim is to highlight the overarching theme of taking inspiration from the past, harnessing creativity and translating it into something new. The global campaign will be rolled out across each brand’s respective websites and social media channels. In addition to the main campaign film, a making-of video by Theodor Guelat gives a closer, behind-the-scenes peek into the collaboration with NIGO.

    The creative team:

    • Idea, concept and realisation: team x
    • Creative director: Thibaut Grevet
    • Director of photography: João de Botelho
    • Sound design: Pierre Rousseau at Stereo Image 

    About Moncler
    Moncler was founded at Monestier-de-Clermont, Grenoble, France, in 1952 and is currently headquartered in Italy. Over the years the brand has combined style with constant technological research assisted by experts in activities linked to the world of the mountain. The Moncler outerwear collections marry the extreme demands of nature with those of city life. Moncler manufactures and directly distributes the clothing and accessories collections under the brand Moncler through directly operated physical and digital stores as well as selected multi-brand doors, department stores and e-tailers.

    About NIGO
    Known as one of the founding fathers of street fashion, NIGO created his first clothing label, in Tokyo in 1993. The brand grew from the cultural underground to attain global fame in the worlds of fashion and music. NIGO is now Creative Director of his own independent brand HUMAN MADE and the Artistic Director at LVMH owned Maison KENZO. Working in the fields of music and fashion and often through collaboration with some of the best-known companies and creative people in the world, he has innovated new ways for fashion to relate to its audience that have since become industry standards. NIGO continues to pursue his creativity in his work through fashion brands and in musical projects as well as in the practice of photography and traditional Japanese ceramic art.

    Mercedes-Benz AG at a glance
    Mercedes-Benz AG is part of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG with a total of around 166,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes-Benz brand with Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and G-Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. The Mercedes me brand offers access to the digital services from Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz AG is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of luxury passenger cars. In 2023 it sold around two million passenger cars and 447,800 vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes-Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with more than 30 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing and extending its global battery production network on three continents. As sustainability is the guiding principle of the Mercedes-Benz strategy and for the company itself, this means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is the sustainable business strategy of the Mercedes-Benz Group. The company thus takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.

    [1] The specified values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement method. The ranges given refer to the German market. The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a car depend not only on the efficient use of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.

  • Market Find: Signal Red ’68 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘Pagoda’ in RM Sotheby’s Hershey Sale

    Market Find: Signal Red ’68 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘Pagoda’ in RM Sotheby’s Hershey Sale

    This week is RM Sotheby’s Hershey Sale, part of the Hershey Car Week centralized around the Antique Automobile Club of America’s annual national meet in Hershey, PA. Not your typical wine and cheese car week such as Monterey or Audrain, Hershey gets a slightly different mix than you would expect from RM at the more opulent events. We’re particularly appreciative of classic drivers in their mix, and found this 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘Pagoda’ (VIN 113.044.12.001739) to be particularly attractive.

    For the uninitiated, the ‘Pagoda’ name comes from the removable hard top produced with these cars, something that made them more luxurious as compared to the other convertibles competing with this W113-generation Mercedes SL from 1963 to 1971.

    Like a lot of classic cars, the W113 may have looked ungainly when the less curvaceous R107 with its dual round headlights and larger bumpers debuted in 1971. In the time since then though, the W113 has become more of an iconic classic than its successor, making them highly sought after and collectible with prices often going into six figures.

    This particular car is painted Signal Red (signalrot; non-metallic UNI; 568; Mercedes-Benz), a common name of the period for more basic and/or primary colors and often centering around traffic signals – Red, Yellow, Green and Orange. Signal Red then is more of a pure and basic red. It also looks quite good on the 280 SL Pagoda.

    Below is the full description of the car listed for sale in Hershey by RM Sotheby’s. You can also link directly to the car on RM Sotheby’s website that includes further documentation and many more photos HERE.

    Hershey 2024, Lot 176: 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘Pagoda’

    [source: RM Sotheby’s]

    • A wonderfully presented, early production “Pagoda”
    • Wears factory-correct color Signal Red (568) over black vinyl (131) with matching hardtop 
    • Offered from two decades of cherished, family ownership
    • Fewer than 76,000 actual miles indicated at time of cataloguing
    • Ideal open-air cruising configuration featuring power steering, automatic transmission, and air conditioning

    The elegant styling and undeniable appeal of the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL “Pagoda” made the German two-seater popular at the time of its first availability in the 1960s. Its long-lasting charm has sustained demand as a coveted collector car since then.

    The 230 SL debuted in 1963 and would be steadily improved upon, first with the 250 SL in late 1966, with displacement of its inline six-cylinder engine enlarged from 2.3 to 2.5 liters, followed a year later by the final iteration on the W113 chassis, the 280 SL, with displacement further increased to 2.8 liters. Production lasted until 1971 but its appeal with collectors and enthusiasts persists to this day, particularly with beautifully presented examples such as the one offered here.

    This early Signal Red over black vinyl 280 SL is a US-market car that was equipped new with the coveted optional “Pagoda” hardtop in matching Signal Red. Other factory features include single seats, power steering, a floor-shift automatic transmission, front and rear bumper guards, instrumentation in miles, a driver-side outside mirror, a Becker Europa radio, and whitewall tires. While manual examples are rarer, many collectors, including the consignor, feel that an automatic transmission is more fitting to the nature of the 280 SL.

    Over the past two decades, this lovely “Pagoda” has remained within the cherished ownership of the same family. While under their care it has been enjoyed on a regular basis and benefited from continual routine maintenance. Additionally, an aftermarket air-conditioning system has been added to improve the car’s specification to its most ideal open-touring configuration.

    As presented, this 280 SL indicated fewer than 76,000 actual miles at the time of cataloguing. A timeless classic that has only become more desirable as the years have passed, this attractive 280 SL is a delightful and approachable example of this storied model.

  • Market Find: 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG in Manufaktur Olive Metallic

    Market Find: 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG in Manufaktur Olive Metallic

    The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is a rare car, and painted a special paint color does make it even more uncommon. So, it’s important to underline that this is an exceptionally rare car just as we’re about to tell you it’s pretty common.

    Okay, it’s not exactly grey C-class common, but it’s a highly sought-after premium SUV (G63) in a the commonly chosen special paint color Manufaktur Olive Metallic. Think of it as a Gulf Blue 911. One sort of begets the other.

    And why shouldn’t it? If you can afford one of Merc’s current big G-wagens, then ordering it in this color is a solid move. The overall look is stunning, especially when paired with Espresso Brown and Black Leather as this specimen.

    Check out more photos of this car (VIN: W1NYC7HJ8RX506527) and full details over on ExoticCarTrader.com.