Mercedes Benz W126 S Class 1979 1991

The Mercedes 126 S-Class of 1979-1991 remains the most successful premium saloon in the company's history and is considered by many to be one of the best cars in the world. "You don't simply decide to buy an S-Class: it comes to you when fate has ordained that your life should take that course. The door closes with a reassuring clunk - and you have arrived," said the sales brochure of the first real Sonderklasse, the W116. With over 300 colour photos and production histories and specifications for both Generation One and Two models, this is an essential resource for anyone with an interest in this timeless car. The book covers an overview of the key personalities who drove the development of this model; the initial 116 Sonderklasse and its subsequent evolution; the history and personality of each model and finally detailed analysis of the different engines - both petrol and diesel. This essential resource explores both the technical and social sides of how this legend was born and is superbly illustrated with 314 colour photographs.

The Mercedes 126 S-Class of 1979-91 remains the most successful premium class saloon in the company's history and is considered by many to be one of the best cars in the world. More than quarter of a century after the last one left the factory, close to a quarter of all 126s remain registered throughout the world. This book will enable you to avoid the most common pitfalls and faults that otherwise can ruin the ownership of a 'Sonderklasse'. Packed with the sort of advice only normally obtainable from years of experience, it will act as your own personal marque expert. Specifications and valuations are included along with a detailed guide to buying the best car at the right price, and finally, how to keep your 126 fresh and reliable. This practical and instructional manual will be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of anyone owning, or aspiring to own, a 126, and is fully illustrated with 250 colour photographs.

Designed by Mercedes's head of design Bruno Sacco, the W124 range immediately became the benchmark by which medium-sized car models were judged in the late 1980s due to its engineering excellence and high build quality. There was a model to suit every would-be-buyer, from the taxi driver through the family motorist and on to those who were willing and able to pay for luxury and performance. This book covers: design, development and manufacture of all models of W124 including estates, cabriolets and the stylish coupe range; engines and performance; special editions and AMG models and, finally, buying and owning a W124 today. Superbly illustrated with 264 colour photographs.

First produced in 1928, Mercedes-Benz Coupés became the embodiment of elegance and exclusivity on four wheels. Their design became an experience for all the senses, appealing to every emotion. Hans-Dieter Futschik, the designer responsible for many of the later Mercedes-Benz models, said of the Saloon Coupé: 'A shorter wheelbase compared with the saloons gives it different proportions that are almost sports car-like in character. The passenger compartment is set further back. This gives it a sportier look than a saloon. In addition, the greenhouse is smaller and more streamlined than the basic body. It looks like a small head set on a muscular body, exuding a powerful and more dynamic attitude... Everything radiates power, elegance and agility.' This complete guide includes an overview of early automotive history; pre-merger design from both Benz and Daimler; the historical protagonists and how they influenced the design; how design and fashion change vehicle shape; the continued development of Saloon Coupe design to suit every class and finally, the modern idea of the Coupe.

The W201 was a compact saloon designed to address both concerns about fuel economy generated by the first oil crisis in the 1970s and competition for sales from the BMW 3 Series. Many doubted that Mercedes could deliver a compact car whilst retaining their traditional qualities. But the W201 soon won them over. For here was a car that was a real Mercedes in the tradition of the time - it was just smaller. With around 200 photographs, the book features the reasons behind the need to build a new compact saloon in the 1980s. It covers the styling, engineering and specification changes introduced over the lifetime of the model; gives full technical specifications, including paint and interior trim choices and production tables and vehicle number sequences. The story of Mercedes' long and exciting struggle to win the German Touring Car Championship with the 190 is covered. There is a chapter on the special US variants and, finally, a chapter on buying and owing a 201-series Mercedes.

When Bruno Sacco walked through the doors on his first day at Mercedes-Benz on 13 January 1958 it is highly unlikely that his Daimler-Benz colleagues could ever imagine that this nervous young man would not only revolutionize design but would change the way design and innovation connected with brand tradition forever. Bruno Sacco is one of the most influential automotive designers of the late twentieth century; many models launched during his era now characterize the Mercedes-Benz brand. When Nik Greene asked Bruno Sacco to assist with this book, he replied humbly 'No-one designs a car alone, and more to the point, I never, for one minute, wanted to. From the moment I became Head of Design, I put down my pens and became a manager of minds.' With over 330 photographs and illustrations, this book includes an overview of the early days of functional vehicle design; the influence of safety on design evolution; protagonists of Daimler-Benz design from Hermann Ahrens to Paul Bracq; design philosophy and innovation under Bruno Sacco; the Sacco-designed cars and, finally, the Bruno Sacco legacy.

Jurgen Schrempp (former President of Daimler-Benz) said "Without Bruno Sacco's contribution as an artist, carmaker and manager, the Merecedes-Benz make would neither be as rich in meaning nor unique as it is now."

The Mercedes-Benz W123 was launched in 1976 and sales quickly surpassed those of its predecessor, the W114. The W123 went on to become the most successful Mercedes, selling 2.7 million cars. Mercedes-Benz W123 - The Complete Story explores the life of this highly regarded executive car from its initial evolution, development and production to the creation of new models and its success in motorsport. The book features the styling, engineering and technical advances introduced over the lifetime of the three series; full technical specifications together with customer options, equipment and interior trim for each model; production numbers and vehicle number sequences and finally there is a section on the little-known details of the manufacture of the car in China.It is superbly illustrated with 240 colour and black & white photographs. James Taylor is a professional motoring writer with over thirty years' experience and Mercedes-Benz is one of his favourite car manufacturers.