Collectors tend to value defunct brands; Tucker and Packard are good examples. The Maybach name will always be revered in Daimler AG history due to Wilhelm Maybach’s innovative engineering assistance during Gottieb Daimler’s founding years. It is possible Maybach will be enshrined more after production ends than when built.

The current Maybach was launched in 2002 in two wheelbases, built on the W140 S-Class structure of 1991-1999, due to their larger dimensions. Unfortunately sales of Maybach never even approached expectations. The ultra-luxury segment was flooded with new models after Volkswagen bought Bentley and BMW took over Rolls Royce. The notion that the best Mercedes-Benz required separate branding was obviously just a notion in hindsight.

M-B’s creation of a genuinely viable “club racer” is a return to the years when the SL we saw Paul O’Shea race on Sunday could be ordered at a local dealership on Monday. Granted the 2011 GT3 will cost about double a standard SLS, but that comes with direct AMG assistance and, as the results above suggest, with a very potent product. With Porsche, Audi, BMW, Aston-Martin, Ferrari and a few rice racers all obtaining FAI’s GT3 homologations, could we be seeing fresh interest in private and inter-club “super car” competition in the USA?. Sure easier to identify with than Formula 1! The last Mercedes-Benz’ serving this activity were the 1954-1957 300SLs, over 50 years ago.

The ninth of ten VLN endurance races concluded October 16 with an overall win by  SLS GT3 drivers Thomas Jäger and Christopher Haase. They started from 7th place on the grid. To complete development of the racing SLS and attract more clients, two committed private German teams Mamerow Racing and Black Falcon, are participating with AMG in pre-release testing of the SLS GT3 in the last three VLN races. No bush-league competition is evident in the first five October 16 finishers and their average speeds.

141.4 – 1st: Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3
141.1 – 2nd: Porsche 911 GT3 R 997
140.2 – 3rd: BMW Z4 GT3
137.6 – 4th: Porsche 911 GT3 997
137.2 – 5th: Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 997
136.7 – 6th: Audi R8 LMS

Nothing gets attention like first place, all the more so at these highly regarded VLN club races on Nürburgring’s 14 mile course on a very wet weekend. It should also be noted that there were over 30 Porsche and BMW in this competition and two “rooky” SLS entries.

The second SLS of Bernd Schneider and Christian Mamerow collided with the lead car on the fifth lap, continued running but was withdrawn for safety reasons though their average speed was the same as the race winner: 141 mph. The single SLS in the first race Sept. 25 also crashed requiring 25 minutes of repairs. While valuable training for the pit crew, after returning to the course the SLS made it clear there was a new force to be reckoned by overtaking most of the fastest cars even though it was hopelessly behind in laps.

The last of VLN’s nine-race season will be October 30. Results will be available the same evening online at www.VLN.de/ergebnisse/2010-10-30r.html  Also now confirmed, three SLS GT3 will compete in a 24 hour endurance race in Dubai on January 13 – 15, 2011.

NASCAR and the Duetsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, or DTM pit modified touring cars, “tin-top racers”, to huge audiences; more annually in Europe than Formula 1. Could this become the template for a GT3 type series on sport car tracks in the USA?

DTM: After eight races of nine in the 2010 season, an AMG C-Class driven by Bruno Spengler, is leading. Winner of the last 2 races, Paul Di Resta, and 2nd in overall standing, is also piloting a C-Class.

MY FRIEND WANTS TO KNOW WHAT A 1984 500 SL, A FULLY LOADED CAR WITH BOTH TOPS IN MINT CONDITION, IS WORTH. EVEN BETTER, IT HAS BEEN INDOORS SINCE BOUGHT AND ONLY HAS 9,000.00 MILES. NUMBER 1. DOES ANYBODY WANT TO MAKE AN OFFER AND IF NOT WHAT IS THE VALUE TO ASK?

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, ERNIE

OLSON REPLIES:

For sellers, an excellent “clearing house” for any SL is always the SL MARKET LETTER. The April issue offered no less that eleven privately-imported 500 SL of 1980 – 1989 with mileage as low as 14,870, and prices ranging from $11,500 to $26,750. There are over 200 new Mercedes offerings in every issue.

The 5 Liter V-8 was one of seven engines offered during the unusually long 19 year production of the “107 Body” SL… and in my opinion, of all seven, the 5 liter offers the most punch for the buck! It caused quite a stir between 1980 and 1985 as they have 40% more HP than the only SL available at authorized US M-B dealers during those years; the 380 SL. Americans saw and rented the 500 SL in Europe and discovered they could import and convert them to DOT/EPA specs for less than the 380 SL cost domestically. M-B focused on smaller engines including diesels in those years to avoid CAFE fines imposed by EPA on all car manufacturers failing “fleet average” MPG standards. M-B avoided the fines but lost these sales to determined “performance-oriented” enthusiasts.

For buyers, the 500SL remains a serious option for those model years IF CONDITION HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. First priority is a NEVER rusted body, regardless which engine. ALWAYS inspect them on a hoist and walk away from anything more than minor surface rust! If it passes this first test, drive it for a half hour, not just around the block. Take in on the express way and boulevard. Feel it. Listen. Some old Mercedes feel old. Others remain tight and smooth and civil. Remember too, a good “feel” is only coincidentally correlated to your favorite color! The price range mentioned above is entirely justified, and weak cars of uncertain mileage and no service records are not even worth $5,000 because you can’t reincarnated them for $10,000+ !  Better to pay $15,000+ for a first rate example as a tired car is a personal time-sump too. All that said, these were well made, strong, cars. Ageless styling and about as safe as old cars get!

I am restoring my 280 SE 3.5 Coupe, it is modified to my spec., I had original 76/27 A5-5-Speed-Box ( very rar), Megasquirt EFI, modified cyl.heads and cams, Spax(adjust), 6.3 Offset on front axle with (10 mm not 20 mm plate-steering box and 15 nearer leaf springs like 6.3), 3.92 rear axle (modified to take central spring and normal thrust arm) with brake anti-dive from the air suspenzion cars (welded in chassis) and rear sway bar.
Front brakes with 300mm, substitution of the viscovan with 2 e-van (MSII-driven), water-cooler improved with new type net…
I will made PU-Bushings for the thrust-arms and torsion bar (screw 5mm shortened for early insertion)…
Now I’ve seen the progressive springs which I am looking for some time.
This springs are in progression curve like the air suspension or more progressive? Will it better for me to use the stifter ones?
Can you deliver to Germany or Italy?
Best, Patrick

OLSON REPLIES:

I too am modifying a 111/112 Coupé to my specs, so we should stay in contact with each other. We (too?) are using the 6.3′s 6mm shorter leaf springs on the front of subframe.(per service manual) making a more positive caster measurement causing the handling to feel more reactive. The downside is, the wheel returns to center slower when you let go of the steering, and when traveling down the road the vehicle does not stay as straight on its own. The difference is so subtle I doubt many people would notice. How has technical support been on your Megasquirt II system for fuel injection? Kit is not expensive but I’ve not seen any tech support for Mercedes engines? A qualified “tuner” could get expensive?  MSII is open source which is much harder to set up correctly then a simpler AEM, or MoTec system that has wizards and a basic “questionair” to get the vehicle running safely. Make sure you’re using a wide band o2 sensor. The Autotune add-on works incredibly well, once the vehicle is idling smoothly.  Maybe you’ve already crossed these mile posts?

What modifications have you done to the cylinder head, and what has it  dynoed in at?

In our case we’ve installed an entire AMG V6 (C 32) drive train, including 5 speed paddle shift automatic transmission and C-Class rear subframe with multi-link suspension. With the rear mounted on a subframe installation is straight forward. My chief mechanic is preparing step-by-step instructions (for sale) about the entire engine and drive train project. The C-Class suspension is technically brilliant with both anti-lift and ant-squat geometry. It also has subtle involuntary rear wheel steering on corners. This project is also using the newest Bilstein cockpit adjustable Air Suspension.

As for springs, you’ve explained engine modifications but what type of roads will you be driving upon. What are your comfort expectations. Since we make the coil springs we can build in the exact  progressive rate for your power and type of driving. In some applications we recommend sport springs in front and progressive rate springs in the rear. If you live closer to the mountains you might opt for all sport springs. We’ll make whatever you chose for the same $790 price for a set of four, plus shipping. And yes, we do ship to Europe: FedEx Air adds about $225 to the order (with suitable insurance). Our sport springs are not “harsh” but definitely manage weight better in cornering and hard braking.

Michael Schumacher: “MERCEDES GP PETRONAS represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context. It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Programme. I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track. For me, this partnership closes the circle. Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star.”

Nico Rosberg: “It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula One and will be my team-mate at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I’m sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed! It is also great news for our sport and the fans.”

Ross Brawn: Team Principal of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS: “I am delighted that we can confirm today that Michael will make his much-anticipated return to Formula One next year and drive for our MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. As seven-time World Champion, Michael’s outstanding record in Formula One speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again. With the completion of our driver line-up, I believe that we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula One with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth. We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS is extremely excited about the challenge ahead. With the investment and support in our team provided by Daimler, Aabar and our new title partner Petronas, and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010.”

Norbert Haug: Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports: “In April 1991, when I had been in charge of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for just six months, Michael was standing beside me on the balcony one evening. Without the slightest doubt, he said in a low voice: “It’s about time that I got into Formula 1″. Michael had just turned 22 years of age and four months later, he made his debut at Spa in a Jordan. Mercedes-Benz helped him to this point and the rest is history: seven World Championship titles, more than any racing driver, 91 Grand Prix wins, more than any racing driver. Michael has more of everything than every other driver. As part of the Mercedes Junior Programme, Michael had raced in Group C sports cars and competed in a few DTM races. Ross Brawn, then our opponent at Jaguar, quickly realised Michael’s talent and they went on to win all seven of his Drivers’ World Championship titles together at Benetton and Ferrari. Our sporting ambition has always been that Michael should drive again where his professional career had started and Michael knew that. We often joked about it after the races and discussed the prospect seriously several times during the last 14 years in Formula 1. It didn‟t happen in 1995, it didn’t happen in 1998 and it didn’t happen in 2005. I am delighted that it will now happen in 2010. I am very much looking forward to working with Michael and everybody at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler extends a very warm welcome to our ‘apprentice’ of 19 years ago. That apprentice is now the most successful racing driver of all time.”

The 1886 Benz was the first car. Lance Lambert from The Vintage Vehicle Show visits the Mercedes Classics Museum to see, learn about, and drive this vehicle.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Patent Motor Car 1 Cylinder Bore 91.44mm Stroke 150 Displacement 984 cc Benz Patent Motorwagen 1886. The world’s first true automobile. Benz Velo 1894. 

Click here to view the embedded video.

Bertha Benz hat am 5. August 1888 mit Ihrer geheimen Fahrt über 106 Kilometer von Mannheim nach Pforzheim den Benz-Patent-Motorwagen zum Erfolg verholfen und Automobilgeschichte geschrieben.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I have a 1986 300SL 5-speed manual. I love the car very much but note that outside of a Website in Germany, I almost never see manual gearbox R107 300SL’s offered for sale. Could you tell me, of the 13,000-odd R107′s that were produced in total from 1985 through 1989, how many were fitted with manual gearboxes?
Thank you.

John Olson Replies:

No, Mercedes-Benz has never released production quantities for specific options. There was a great deal of interest in learning how many 5-speed manual shift Pagoda SLs were built in the 1960s. It was thanks to the supplier of those transmissions, a German company ZF Friedrichshafen AG, that old records showed how many were delivered and for specific M-B models. Total was only 888!

About ten year ago, MBUSA was able to tell an owner how many 5 speed manual transmissions were delivered in the USA in the R129 SL. but that was only possible because the number was small and limited to one country.

Your six cylinder W107 SL was never sold through US M-B dealers as you know. Your enthusiasm for this model is common. Treat it like a permanent asset at it will become one. There are many good things about M-B sixes generally. They don’t break much, are less expensive to repair that newer V8 SLs, and are among the safer “old” cars when accidents occur. The R107 SL version debuted in 1974 as a 280SL, and received the 3.0 liter engine in 1985 when the 300E was launched in the USA. Engine parts are mostly interchangeable with the 300E models including the transmission, and body parts are interchangeable with the 560SL.

I have a 2001 SL500 with the Panoramic Roof.  It has been maintained to Mercedes standards.  It has 62,000 miles with new tires.  It has 38,000 miles left on a comprehensive policy for any mechanical problems. What is the value.  It is silver with AMG sports package. Thanks, Al Erhart

John Olson Replies:

It is ‘criminal’ how fast all new cars depreciate! The late, profound, economist Peter Drucker once observed that used cars are the most effective form of egalitarianism in the western world… with so much of a car’s value passed on to 2nd and 3rd owners at depreciated prices. State-of-art technology is very dear indeed. With only 7,750 miles per year your car has many decades of life left in it. Its base price was $83,800 in 2001. This Fall, even with AMG options, you will be lucky to get $18,600.

The SL Market Letter advocates buying cars like yours, not selling them. Consider treating as a family treasure for the next 100 years, and treating it accordingly. They don’t break much, they’re among the safest “old” cars on the road, and its annual maintenance cost would be small fraction of the annual depreciation if you replace it with a new car of ANY brand. Think about it.

I have a 1989 300sl and the radio just quit today – however it still makes a loud clicking noise – no LCD display though – and the antennae goes up and down randomly. Is there an easy fix?  If not, what is a good replacement 3rd party radio?

Thanks, John Christian

John Olson Replies:

Your original radio was most likely made by Becker, the primary supplier to Mercedes-Benz since the 1950s (though Blaupunkt was on M-B’s approved options lists in Europe where your 3.0 liter SL was originally sold). Becker’s distinctive fascia is ‘expected’ by Mercedes enthusiasts and ‘foreign’ radios are a negative to the car’s resale speed if not also value. For this reason I would recommend either a) having it repaired by the authorized Becker Repair Center (such as www.beckerautosound.com) or replace it from a recycling company –with another Becker of approximately the same vintage. A source I like is Potomac German Auto (800-275-4405).