What do all movies in which dreaded mafia kingpins and renowned gangsters are shown running the cities, have in common? It is the vehicle they move in streets. It’s always black with tinted windows and wide enough to engulf any pedestrian. It is always moving singularly and with panache. The car is Mercedes-Benz W140 S-class, the big daddy of all cars. The stance is terrifying and every angle of this car exudes attitude. It commands respect wherever it goes with people moving out of your way, each time they notice it in their rear-view. It is bowed down in respect by auto critics and they have no qualms in rightfully declaring it the best car ever made.
German automotive marquee Mercedes-Benz started production of this iconic model in August 1991. Like all Mercedes-Benz models nomenclature was simplified later on from SE/SEL/SEC to a simple S-class. It came into production in an era when Mercedes-Benz models were thought to be ‘over-engineered’, a trait that was costing the company in product delays and over budgeting. But it was this sheer depth of engineering in the W140 that stood the test of time, and there are people that still prefer the car’s unwavering capability and strength to that offered by later models. This all new S-class introduced many new innovations such as double-pane window glazing, self-closing doors and boot lid, electric windows, rear-parking markers which appeared on the rear wings and a heating system which emitted hot air even after the engine was turned off. These features were going to become standard in a few years time. Later on in 1995 Mercedes performed a facelift on W140 and added Electronic Stability Control as standard to both sedan and coupe body styles. Its supple ride is still being complemented and earned admiration to owners.
The best engine in the lineup was the first timer, 6.0 liter V12 S600 that produced 389 horses and earned the model reputation of ‘big daddy’. Unlike the V8 and V6 models, the W140 S600 was available with a leather dashboard and a suede headliner also came with a wood/leather steering wheel, wood/leather gear shifter, wood rear ashtray covers, and two tone leather seating. In 1999, there were only 14 S600s and 15 CL600s for sale in the United States. It is considered one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz cars ever produced, even though the 1999s were actually only 1998 left-over’s.
The car gained iconic status when it was pictured in movies moving mafias from one gang war to another. It became a portrait of the post communist gangster culture and it was for real. All the celebrities and famous people travelled S-class. This is the only car that can stand in the middle of the parking lot with no fear what so ever. This over engineered model also earned the nickname ‘The Tank’ as it rarely breaks down and a well maintained Mercedes-Benz W140 is a good preposition even after being out of production since 1998. There are some tempting deals on eBay but one is advised to be cautious on internet. While buying a second hand W140, meticulously check all the paper work and servicing history to get an idea on how the car has been maintained. Though, usually this model passes two or three hands but if you are lucky, may be you can find a single-owner maintained car. However, do keep in mind that W140 is definitely not cheap to run. Besides having a ferocious appetite for gas (especially the V12 S600) even the spares are expensive, which can burn a hole in your pocket. It commands regular maintenance and servicing. That’s why it is found in garages of the well-healed. So, next time you witness this car on road, you know you ought to pay respect.
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Its that amazing box body that shows the status.
Yes its the perfect square shape that exudes status.
On the move it looks like a brick. but an impressive one at that.