Original Mercedes-Benz Coupes, Cabriolets, and Sedans 1960-1972

Book excerpt: When it comes to desirability, few cars inspire avarice like the coupes and convertibles built by Mercedes-Benz in the nineteen sixties. This is confirmed by the sky high prices that these models command. Their close relatives, the contemporary V8 powered sedans, are now available on a far more modest budget, yet possess all the same fine Mercedes attributes as the two door cars. This book looks at the history and development of the models, from the 220SE coupe's introduction at the '61 Frankfurt show, where it lost the limelight to a certain Jaguar, to the hugely collectable 280SE3.5 convertible of '71, and its sedan brethren, including the monstrous 300SEL6.3.These cars were close to perfection when they left the factory. With hundreds of detail shots of some of the best cars from Europe and America, combined with a smattering of archive material, the book aims to provide a definitive guide to originality for these cars, to appeal to owners, restorers and enthusiast alike.- A definitive guide to Mercedes built during one of the most influential periods of the manufacturer's history- Written, illustrated and designed to appeal to owners, restorers and enthusiasts- Detail shots of the some of the best Mercedes in the era - cars now owned in the USA and Europe- Archive material that will satisfy true devotees of these special cars- Contains invaluable guidance for those planning to purchase a Mercedes from the 1960sAbout the AuthorA Mercedes has always been part of Tim Slade's life, and he still drives the 180 he first rode in when aged three. He began as an artist and illustrator, with his work appearing in leading UK magazines including Classic Sports Car and Autocar. More recently, he has started to write about cars, and his monthly contribution to Mercedes Enthusiast has rapidly made him a respected expert on the marque.