Mercedes Benz Saloons: The Classic Models of the 1960s and 1970s [Hardcover]

Laurence Meredith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 2003

The saloon cars produced by Mercedes-Benz during the 1960s and '70s were hailed in their day for their sophistication and quality and the intervening years have taken away little of that respect. Many of the rugged cars from the seventies are still in regular use, while the cars from the swinging sixties are increasingly regarded as style icons - the perfect chic transport for artists and celebrities.The author takes a sideways look at these impressive cars, intertwining history, technical detail and anecdote. Including discussion of the saloon-based cabriolets and diesels from this era, this is a book to be welcomed by any Mercedes fan.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Laurence Meredith is the author of more than thirty books about classic German cars and motor racing. A leading authority on Porsche, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, he has contributed to a wide variety of motoring publications for many years.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: The Crowood Press (August 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861265182
• ISBN-13: 978-1861265180
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,166,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for Mercedes-Benz fans, September 15, 2005

By 

Daantjie Badenhorst "Daantjie Badenhorst" (Pretoria, South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mercedes Benz Saloons: The Classic Models of the 1960s and 1970s (Hardcover)

One of the most difficult topics for any author of an automotive history must be the oldest motor manufacturer in existence. For this reason, Laurence Meredith decided to narrow his account of Mercedes-Benz's history dowm to the 1960's and 70's.

Unfortunately, the legendary Ponton models of the 1950's are not included, but they are mentioned in the introduction, and a picture is shown. The book starts with their successor, which followed the American trend towards tail fins. Also included are the first two S-Class models, the 600, the later four-and six-cylinder models, known as the New Generation, and the coupe models based on these cars. The SL and SLC models are not featured.

Some people will argue that these cars were far too staid to warrant a book on their history, but if you consider how many of these cars are still around, you understand why this book had to be published. Meredith gives a complete account of their model histories, but because so many models are covered, not much technical detail is given. That is understandable, although there will be those who might miss it.

The most recent models covered by the book are the early versions of the classic W 123, which was arguably the most successful Mercedes-Benz ever. The W 126 S-Claqss, introduced in 1979 is also mentioned, but not discussed in detail. The history of the 600 makes fascinating reading, and one wonders how many people realise that it was still produced as late as 1981. The
Maybach can probably be seen as its spiritual successor.

If you are a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, you really need to get yourself a copy of this book. Dare one ask that a volume of models produced in the 1980's and 1990's be published soon?

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining Read with Distracting Issues, May 13, 2007

By 

Aldehyde (San Francisco, Ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mercedes Benz Saloons: The Classic Models of the 1960s and 1970s (Hardcover)

The Mercedes-Benz Saloons by Laurence Meredith is an entertaining read on a subject that is quite thin on reference literature, but the book does have a number of issues that let it down.

The first thing I noticed about the book is the lack of color photographs - though the 164 pages of text do have photos on virtually every page, there are only 8 pages of color photographs (unnumbered pages in center of book). The majority of photos are period factory or press photos, but a few modern photos of modfied cars make their way in, including the rear of a fintail with a quite dented bumper. Sometimes the text discusses them as being modern photographs and sometimes not. I prefer to see period photos of unmodified cars. There is also a photo of a 280/8 listed as a 280S (pg 81).

Technical data (generally summarized in grey boxes) is a bit spotty as well. Data is not listed for every model and the majority of the time is not listed adjacent to the text discussion of the model. An example is the 250S (W108) technical data box on page 37 with the Heckflosse text; the W108 text is on page 66. Aside from being located in strange places the technical data seems to be accurate engough, though I have not compared it to other references.

Meredith's writing style is personable and easy to read. He maintains an air of humor thoughout that is subtle but prevents the text from becoming too dry. For example, when describing the W110's he states: "The cabin was capable of accommodating five adults in reasonable comfort, and the boot was sufficiently large for a 'ton' of luggage, or several naughty children."
Meredith also has a tendency to put down the technology of concurent English automobiles. While it is generally acknowledged that Mercedes' engineering is most likely superior to Triumphs, I could do without the repeated and constant reminders. This aspect of Meredith's writing style also bleeds over to the Mercedes, he repeatedly calls the styling dull and states "The wood trim on the front and rear doors was a trend that, regrettably, shows no sign of abating even in the twenty-first century." (pg 81). Thanks, but I can draw my own opinions on asthetic characteristics.

In summary, despite its shortcomings, I would recomend the Mercedes-Benz Saloons to anyone owning a Mercedes sedan from the 60s or 70s. The focus of the book on a specific era of Mercedes sedan is it's greatest strength; the scarcity of literature on these cars leaves it little competition. The book is fun to read, the photos are fun to look at, and the personal tone makes it go by quickly.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love Mercedes you will love this book, March 22, 2007

By 

Giampaolo Natale (Latina, Italy) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mercedes Benz Saloons: The Classic Models of the 1960s and 1970s (Hardcover)

Not only one of the nicest books about Mercedes car but also a practical guide for Mercedes collectors. Rich of pictures and documentation. Well worth the buy.