Monday, December 5, 2011

Mercedes-Benz SL 107


Copyright DAIMLER AG


Stuttgart – Elegant and sporty, powerful and confident: the Mercedes-Benz SL 107 model series launched in the spring of 1971 was a classic Roadster embodying the very brand values which sum up the inventor of the motor car. After the SL models of the 1950's and the 113-series "Pagoda" SL, the 1971 sports car was the third generation of this vehicle family. And it was a model series which proved to be a runaway success: the Roadsters remained in production for a period spanning more than 18 years.
In the brand history of Mercedes-Benz, from the 1950's the SL models represented a combination of innovation and appreciation for tradition as well as high standards of sportiness, comfort and elegance. The 107-series SL Roadsters immediately expressed all of this in a particularly stylish manner: the open-top two-seater gave the impression of a strong, self-confident and imposing car. The fact that at the same time this Roadster was also designed as a comfortable touring car highlights a carefully thought-out detail: while the soft top typical of a Roadster provided flexible protection against the elements from spring through to autumn, for the colder months there was also a removable coupé hardtop - which blended seamlessly into the elegant lines of this sports car.
Copyright DAIMLER AG
Technically, the 107-series SL models set standards, particularly with their comprehensive holistic safety concept: the crash behaviour of the open-top two-seater was far ahead of its time. This was thanks to the carefully designed crumple pattern of the body and shell structure, for example, as well as highly resilient A-pillars and interior appointments designed consistently in line with safety criteria. These included the heavily upholstered dashboard, the deformable or recessed switches and levers, and also the new four-spoke safety steering wheel with impact absorber and wide, padded boss. In addition, the fuel tank was no longer installed in the rear end but above the rear axle, protected against collision.
The innovations in the area of active safety included measures to enhance being able to see as well as be seen: newly developed wind-deflecting mouldings on the A-pillars served to channel off mud-laden water in the rain and also kept the side windows clean, even in inclement weather. The wide wraparound indicators were also clearly visible from the sides, while the generously-sized rear lamps featured a ribbed surface profile to make them considerably more resistant to dirt build-up. Thanks to such details, the 107-series SL models were not only technical trend-setters for Mercedes-Benz passenger car development - which was repeatedly setting standards - but in the following years they also helped to define the style of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.
At the premiere of the 4.39-metre-long, 1.79-metre-wide and 1.30-metre-high (with roof closed) sports car in the spring of 1971, Mercedes-Benz initially presented the 350 SL model (147 kW/200 hp). From the spring of 1973, the 450 SL model (165 kW/225 hp) then also became available in European markets. Both models were powered by V8 engines - this use of eight-cylinder units in SL sports cars was a first in the history of Mercedes-Benz.
Copyright DAIMLER AG

Copyright DAIMLER AG

Copyright DAIMLER AG
During its extremely successful production period, which lasted some 18 years, the 107-series SL came to be equipped with a whole series of different six and 
eight-cylinder engines. In July 1974 the Stuttgart-based brand launched the 280 SL with a six-cylinder in-line engine developing 136 kW (185 hp). As a result, three SL engine variants were now available - another novel feature in the history of this model class. Over the course of time, all of the engines were modified slightly in terms of their output values, so as to be able to comply more closely with the stricter emission limits which in the meantime were introduced in most European countries.
In 1980 the 500 SL (177 kW/240 hp), featuring an all-alloy engine, became the new 
top-of-the-range model in the Roadster family, while the 350 SL was replaced by the 380 SL (160 kW/218 hp). A further facelift in 1985 resulted in the 300 SL (138 kW/188 hp) as the successor to the 280 SL, and all of the engines were now optionally available with catalytic converter. A new addition to the range was the 420 SL with V8 engine (160 kW/218 hp without catalytic converter, 150 kW/204 hp with catalytic converter). The most spectacular new development was the 560 SL (170 kW/230 hp), which was reserved for the export markets of the USA, Australia and Japan. Despite the larger displacement, the 5.6-litre model was not as powerful as the 500 SL: the reason for this was the sophisticated emission control system fitted to enable the SL to comply with the particularly strict emission limits of the US market.
From the moment of its premiere in 1971, the 350 SL already formed the basis, in both technical and style terms, for a four-seater coupé which was to replace the 111 model series luxury-class coupé, thereby becoming one of the forerunner models to today's CL-Class. Starting with the 350 SLC launched in the autumn of 1971, these SLC models had a wheelbase which was 360 mm longer (2820 mm instead of 2460 mm), to accommodate the row of seats in the rear.
The success story of the SL 107 model series ran from the spring of 1971 until the summer of 1989. During an era lasting some 18 years, the Mercedes-Benz plant at Sindelfingen produced a total of no fewer than 237,287 roadsters.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

1958 Aston Martin DB mark III Drophead coupe

Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions


178 bhp (SAE), 2,922 cc DBA inline DOHC six-cylinder engine, dual SU carburetors, twin exhaust system, synchronized four-speed manual gearbox, Laycock de Normanville overdrive, independent front suspension with trailing link, coil springs and Armstrong lever dampers, live Salisbury rear axle located by trailing links and transverse Panhard rod, and hydraulic front disc, “Alfin” rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 99"

- Very rare – one of only 84 Drophead Coupes built
- The ultimate iteration of the DB2, the first true postwar Aston Martin
- A well-maintained older restoration; showing just under 30,400 miles 
- Complete with a copy of the original Aston Martin build record

The landmark DB2, considered by many marque enthusiasts to be the first true postwar Aston Martin model, was introduced in May 1950. The ultimate and most highly-refined variant, the DB Mark III (the “2/4” designation was eventually dropped) was introduced in March 1957 and produced in both Fixed-Head and open Drophead Coupe form through July 1959, when it was ultimately succeeded by the all-new DB4, which was initially advertised by its manufacturer as “a companion to the DB Mark III.”

Polish-born Aston Martin engineer Tadek Marek thoroughly revised the existing six-cylinder W.O. Bentley/Lagonda engine design, with output rising to 162 bhp or 178 bhp with the optional twin exhaust system. Front disc brakes supplemented “Alfin” finned aluminum rear drum brakes, with the upgrade optional on the first 100 DB Mark IIIs produced and standard equipment on the ultimate Mark IIIB of 1958-1959. 

Styling and body fittings were updated, most notably with a revised grille opening inspired by the famed DB3S sports racer of 1953 to 1956. The new grille of the DB Mark III influenced Aston Martin styling for many years to follow, with this now-iconic basic design cue providing unmistakable brand continuity and essentially remaining in effect through the V-8 models of the late 1980s. Among the many other updates of the Mark III, a revised instrument panel designed by Frank Feeley echoed the grille’s shape and now relocated the gauges directly in front of the driver. 

In popular culture, while the later DB5 is most often associated with Her Majesty’s Secret Agent James Bond, Ian Fleming’s original novel Goldfinger actually had 007 driving a DB Mark III. Only 551 examples of the DB Mark III were produced during a relatively brief production run spanning 1957 and 1959, including one purpose-built competition model. Of those few cars though, only 84 were the elegant and sporting Drophead Coupe variant. With their Feltham-era, hand-built quality and legendary road-ability, the cars continue to be highly coveted today. 

According to a copy of its original Aston Martin production record, this handsomely presented original right-hand drive 1958 DB Mark III Drophead Coupe was delivered new to its first owner, Mr. Alfred W. McAlphine, on September 29, 1958. It was originally finished in Deep Carriage Green and well equipped with such desirable “Non-Standard Equipment” as Laycock de Normanville overdrive, a twin exhaust system (good for an approximate 10 percent power gain) and a wood-rimmed DB3S-type steering wheel. Following delivery to its original owner, Aston Martin Works Service maintained the car, and factory records list the work that was performed to the car in 1963, 1964 and finally on January 21, 1969, with only 1,339 recorded miles. 

Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions




In 2008 and at a recorded 30,184 miles, AM 300/3/1700 was inspected, serviced and received paintwork from Aston Workshop, the UK-based authorized Aston Martin service center. Today, the odometer of AM 300/3/1700 shows only about 30,400 miles. The car’s most recent private owners were the family of Bernie Madoff. As presented in its factory-correct Deep Carriage Green finish and now trimmed in tan leather upholstery, the car features the matching-numbers DBA six-cylinder engine. 

A recent inspection confirms that as presented the car is a slightly older restoration that has held up very well and also performed well on a recent road test. The bodywork, finish and brightwork present well, and the engine and engine compartment are commensurate with the car’s limited mileage and careful maintenance over the years. The tan interior upholstery appears to be quite new and bears few obvious signs of wear, other than some scuffing on the door sills. The wire-spoke wheels are shod in period-style and virtually new 6.00X16 Michelin “Sport Pilote” X tires. A newer and very nice black convertible top and matching boot, as well as a jack, a properly mounted wheel hammer and a tool kit, round out the package. 

The DB Mark III was the ultimate development of the groundbreaking DB2, which saw Aston Martin develop from a small specialist manufacturer to a marque of worldwide renown. The series provided the basis for Aston’s brilliant racing successes culminating in the 1959 World Sports Car Championship. Though marque connoisseurs have always appreciated them, demand for the DB Mark III has risen significantly in recent years. Its stature in today’s market is supported by its technical sophistication, excellent performance and eligibility for many of today’s most desirable vintage motoring events.







Source:http://www.rmauctions.com