C111

[bpsorrel]

To me, the coolest Mercedes of them all

 

[WDB124066]

Can you just imagine them designing that today......

 

[gIzzE]

Yeah, everyone on here would be moaning "It isn't a W124 so I don't like it!!"

 

[bolide]

That's a rendering, not a photo, isn't it?

 

[grober]

And a rare picture of the 3/4 rotor ****el engined model they also stuck diesel engines in here also as the chassis was essentially an experimental test bed

 

[guydewdney]

Sad that the swear filter removes the name of the engine type......


Love the header tank ghetto mod ;-)

 

[WDB124066]

Yeah, everyone on here would be moaning "It isn't a W124 so I don't like it!!"

That's a bit harsh cobber there are plenty of decent looking Mercs out there apart from the 124's, just not so many recent ones....

 

[st4]

Actually, do I not see a touch of Dolorean in that car, or perhaps that car inspired the Dolorean.

Anyway, I think Mercedes should consider a mid engined, low slong sports car along this lines. With the new dynamic prowess of the AMG range and a good range of engines I suspect they'd make a cracking R8 Rival.

They could even do an entry level 6 clyinder diesel or 250CGi/250cdi entry level

 

[bpsorrel]

Sounds good Steve!

This is how a "new" version could look...

 

[grober]

BMW actually built this "for sale" around the same time 1978-81-- but sales were relatively poor--- because of the price or because they only built 456 perhaps? Lamborghini did the chassis engineering and Giorgetto Giugiaro the elegant design whose simple lines remain timeless like the C111. Like the excellent Honda NSX these major brand mid engined coupes were never regarded as having the same " cachet" as the big boys Ferrari,Lamborghini and Maserati despite often having perhaps more thoroughly engineered cars.

 

[st4]

That would sell Barry. However, I was thinking something designed that was a little more cab forward, more in the veign of an R8 but a more sensible size,

something perhaps to rival the new Alfa 4c

 

[bpsorrel]

Talking of BMW, discovered this concept a few days ago which clearly led the way to the 6 series!

It's the Z9 from 1999! Makes me wonder how much did Bangle actually have to do with the 6....

 

[gIzzE]

That's a bit harsh cobber there are plenty of decent looking Mercs out there apart from the 124's, just not so many recent ones....

I was taking the Mick and that sort of highlighted my point.

I think the current designs are the best they have ever been, but so many seem to slate them.............and then buy them a couple of years later, of course.

 

[bpsorrel]

Still think the CLS is a stand out design of recent times...

 

[st4]

Still think the CLS is a stand out design of recent times...

It is, other than the sublimely styled S204. I like the S212 more than the the W212 if that makes sense but the CLS genuinely started a new design direction.

A mid engined mid sized sports car would give MB a new niche to grow into not filled by premium volume manufacturers.

 

[bpsorrel]

Agreed. I sooo wish I liked the 218 CLS, but I just don't find the shape harmonious at all... pity...

I like the R171 SLK, but wouldn't want a 2 seater and the E coupe is too narrow inside for me (honestly!) so the 219 CLS is probably the only MB for me! Amazing!

 

[WDB124066]

Well at least there was one man I know who got sick and tired of waiting for MB to come up with a mid engined monster so he built his own.

Engine sits between the passengers, 6000 cc FI Chev, very very fast!

 

[WDB124066]

....and then there was this, very successful on the track in the late 60's and early 70's in Australia from what I understand, supercharger from a bulldozer no less. Engine from a 280S...

 

[bpsorrel]

Wow, I love that little car!

 

[bpsorrel]

I was saying earlier that I wasn't too keen on the look of the new 218 CLS...well, came across this photo and now I'm not so sure..