Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today
In business since 1926, Mercedes-Benz has produced too many car models to count. Here are some few people still remember.
Thanks to its extremely long history, Mercedes-Benz has one of the richest lineups in the industry, spanning back to the early 1900s. The best Mercedes-Benz cars ever made are imprinted in our minds, and there are so many. Just need to look at the best Mercedes of the last decade. Cast your mind back to some of the sickest C-Class models ever made or peruse the sickest Mercedes-AMG cars ever, and you are soon spoiled with choice.
With the number of different models, Mercedes-Benz cars are like a candy store with their selection. Because there are so many models in Mercedes-Benz's history, some are pushed to the background, where we forget they even exist. Let's take a look at some Mercedes-Benz models that many people forget existed.
RELATED: A Detailed Look At The W126, Mercedes' Longest-Running S-Class Series
Known as the "teardrop" car, the Benz Tropfenwagen was a racing car of the roaring twenties, appearing in the European Grand Prix at Monza in 1923. It may not have won, but the "teardrop" car still intrigues us.
Its body has the "teardrop" shape that the name implies. But this was no slow trickle down the cheek. The Benz Tropfenwagen was powered by an inline six, churning out 80 to 90 horsepower.
When during a decade we see a fleet of great models, it is easy to forget some of the classics that were produced. During the fifties, we saw some great Mercedes-Benz models that still capture our attention today, including the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The Mercedes-Benz W105 is one of those classics that emerged from this era.
The W105 had a similar look to the W120, but it had more power and was slightly bigger. It was referred to as the Ponton because of its pontoon design. It was powered by a six-cylinder engine that could deliver 85 horsepower, and it could reach speeds of up to 92 mph.
RELATED: 10 Awesome Classic Cars You Should Buy Now And Keep Forever
Here is a car that was designed for the police, including the German Federal Border Guard, which was established around the same time this car was being produced.
This four-door "Police Special" included the folding windshield. Many of these cars were finished with a 'Police Green' paint job. Starting production in 1948, the last of this model was rolled out in 1951.
Here is a super rare car. The rapper Birdman, who has had some crazy cars in his collection, has owned one, along with a few other famous people.
When you are sitting behind the wheel of a luxury car powered by a 620-horsepower twin-turbocharged V12, feeling like an emperor in a souped-up chariot, then you know you are riding in style.RELATED: We Rank the 10 Coolest Luxury Cars That Came From The Mercedes-Maybach Collaboration
It was designed for a "new millennium", a car that would help with fuel efficiency. It was not a surprising development when you consider the oil crisis of the previous decade.
The Mercedes-Benz Auto 2000 Concept was launched at the 1981 Frankfurt Motor Show. Its interior exuded the comfort we expected from a Mercedes-Benz. The other feature that catches the eye is its "Kamm-tail," designed for a more aerodynamic ride.
The Mercedes-Benz C111, with its fearsome four-rotor Wankel engine and its wedge-shaped design, is a fascinating part of the company's history. It debuted at the 1969 Frankfurt International Motor Show featuring a three-rotor Wankel engine, delivering 280 horsepower, but that was later upgraded to a four-rotor, pumping out 350 horsepower.
The C111 had a sleek fiberglass body, gull-wing doors, and a leather trim interior that was both inviting and luxurious. It is a concept to remember.
RELATED: Everything You Should Know About The 1969 Mercedes-Benz C111-1 Concept Car
The Mercedes-Benz Vaneo was one of the cars that really let their customers down, maybe that is why we really want to push it from our memories.
Able to seat seven and powered by a 1.6-liter standard or the 1.9-liter engine, not forgetting the 1.7-liter diesel option, the Mercedes-Benz Vaneo was produced from 2002 to 2005. Not only was it unappealing to look at, but its quality is not what we associate with Mercedes-Benz. It is no wonder it was discontinued after only three years of production.
RELATED: These Are The 10 Worst Cars Made By Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz Zetros was built for tough conditions. Launched in 2008, this was a heavy-duty truck that is available in 4x4 and 6x6 versions.
The Zetros is often used in a military capacity and can be fitted with all sorts of armor. It is multi-functional. Depending on the engine, it can deliver from 360 to 510 horsepower. Mercedes-Benz has updated the Zetros since we first saw it in 2008.RELATED: The Mercedes-Benz U4000 Unimog Has Been The World's Best Off-Road Vehicle Since 1947
The Mercedes-Benz L319 came out in 1955 and was available in a variety of options, including pickup, minibus, cargo van, crew van, or cab chassis.
Its robust and compact design was well-suited for the demands of work life, with a 1.6 or 1.8-ton maximum load capacity. A fire truck variety was also available. 1967 was its last year of production.
The Mercedes-Benz 130 was born in the thirties. It was created with an aerodynamic design for its time, along with a rear-mounted engine. It had a refined look. The curves of its body accentuate its classiness.
Whether it be a luxury 1930s class like the 130 model or a more modern heavy-duty truck like the Zetros, Mercedes-Benz continually surprises us. With so many models, we can often forget some classics, but when we revisit them, our appreciation soars.
Joshua Irvine is a writer, researcher and historian. His interests include the history of the automobile industry, including the history of cars in pop culture and cinema. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.