Mercedes-Benz Other Custom Pickup 2000
General description :
Since the debut of the legendary W123 of the mid-1970s, the mid-sized Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been synonymous with quality and technical innovation. Both the W123 and its replacement, the W124, set new standards for safety and achieved legendary status for their bulletproof reliability. When the time came for the W124’s replacement in the mid-1990s, Mercedes engineers faced a considerable challenge to redesign what was already considered one of the best production cars in the world. During that time, Mercedes-Benz was undergoing an image makeover of sorts. Traditionally known for conservative design and understated luxury, Mercedes-Benz design language grew bolder, with an increased focus on sophisticated electronic driver aids and active safety systems.
The new W210 E-Class went on sale in 1996 and was a drastic departure from the angular, understated W124. The bold new front end featured vertical oval headlamps, with separate fog lamps flanking a smaller, yet still prominent chrome grille. The overall shape was softer, more flowing, and more distinctive, albeit somewhat controversial among traditional, conservative-leaning Mercedes buyers. Initially, the M104 twin-cam inline-six carried over from the W124, but from 1997-on, the car featured the all-new 3.2-liter M112 engine, the company’s first production V6. Buyers quickly warmed to the new styling and high-tech equipment, and soon the W210 E-Class was back at the top of the executive car segment.
This one-off 2000 E320 is one of the most extraordinary examples of the W210 we’ve ever seen. This car left the factory as a standard station wagon, but instead of heading to a showroom, it shipped directly to Karrosserie Binz in Germany for conversion into this incredible, one-of-a-kind four-door pickup at the behest of an Atlanta-area Mercedes-Benz dealer. Binz is one of a select few traditional German coachbuilders to survive into the modern era, and they have a long tradition with Mercedes-Benz, with a portfolio that includes estates, ambulances, hearses, with more recent work focusing on limousines and custom tuning. Binz tapped into its wild side for this one-off pickup creation, which the original owner used as a promotional vehicle for his dealership. Rather than simply lopping off the back of a wagon, Binz craftsmen went all-out, stretching the car by 29 inches and fabricating the pickup bed aft of the rear seats. The quality is superb, with a virtually seamless conversion that could be mistaken as the factory’s own work. Features of the transformation include the custom bed with tailgate, tubular stainless steel bed rails, and custom LED lighting in the cargo box. Binz utilized the original wagon rear window, which opens for access to the passenger compartment. The attention to detail is extraordinary, with seamless, factory-quality finishing on the body, interior, and undercarriage. That sort of quality came at a cost – $49,760 to be exact – above and beyond the price of the brand new E320 wagon donor car.
The clean Carfax report shows the E320 pickup remained in the care of the original dealer through 2006. It was well-maintained and serviced during that time, despite the limited mileage. Early in 2006, it went to California, where it continued to be well maintained and used sparingly. Now showing just over 21,000 miles from new, it is in superb condition inside and out, which is as much a testament to the quality of the original conversion as it is to the mileage. The non-metallic black paint is gorgeous and finished to factory standards. The bumpers, body moldings, and sill covers are all excellent and staggered 18-inch AMG Monobloc alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport rubber provide a bit of sporty aggression. The cargo bed features a fully functional tailgate, patterned stainless steel flooring, and textured bed liner for protection.
From behind the wheel, there’s little to distinguish this from a standard E320 wagon. For the rear passengers, Binz seamlessly adapted a pair of front bucket seats, separated by a modified center console. The original tan upholstery is in impeccable condition, appearing virtually showroom fresh. Options include automatic climate control, COMAND in-dash navigation/entertainment system, and all the niceties expected of an E-Class, including power windows, power memory seats, steering wheel audio controls, and cruise control. The wood trim is superb, and the dash, door panels, and carpets are in excellent condition.
The outstanding presentation continues under the hood, where the standard M112 3.2-liter V6 is remarkably clean and looks virtually as-new. The engine and 5-speed automatic transmission are standard Mercedes fare, and the mechanical modifications are minimal – limited to extending driveshaft, plumbing, wiring, and exhaust accordingly with the stretched wheelbase. Limited mechanical alterations ensure the car is easily serviceable with genuine Mercedes parts. Because it utilizes the wagon platform, it features standard self-leveling rear suspension specifically designed for handling heavier loads. As it is under the hood, the undercarriage is remarkably clean, and the modifications are virtually undetectable.
With striking presence and exceptional build quality, this one-off E320 pickup would be a fantastic promotional vehicle for a business or an eye-catching and wholly unique car for tailgating or trips to the local nursery. Built with little regard to cost and maintained in superb condition since new, this unique and impressive Mercedes-Benz is sure to turn heads wherever the next owner enjoys it.
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https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6628
2000 Mercedes-Benz Other Custom Pickup is listed sold on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for $69500.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercedes-Benz Model : Other Model Version : Custom Pickup Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 2000 Sub type : Pick up Location : Missouri
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About Mercedes-Benz
In the annals of automotive history, the journey of Mercedes-Benz is a tale that unfolds with the ingenuity of its founding pioneers. In the year 1886, Karl Benz crafted the Benz Patent Motorwagen, a creation that would go down in history as the world's inaugural automobile. Unbeknownst to him, this moment marked the genesis of what would evolve into the most illustrious premium car manufacturer globally. The financial underpinning of this pioneering venture, interestingly, was provided by Karl Benz's wife, Bertha Benz, demonstrating a remarkable partnership that would set the tone for Mercedes-Benz's legacy.A parallel narrative emerged not far away, as Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, founded by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, entered the scene. In 1901, they unveiled their automobile under the now-famous moniker "Mercedes," meaning "godsend" in Spanish. This name was bestowed upon the car at the behest of Emil Jellinek's daughter, the distributor for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The wheels of innovation were set in motion.
Fast forward to 1926, a pivotal year that witnessed the merger of Daimler with Benz & Cie., culminating in the birth of Daimler-Benz. The amalgamation saw the adoption of "Mercedes-Benz" as the distinguished trademark for their automobiles, fusing the legacies of two visionary entities into one.
Contrary to perceptions of conservatism, the trajectory of Daimler-Benz unfolds as a chronicle of industry firsts. From the introduction of the honeycomb radiator to the float carburetor, and the pioneering implementation of four-wheel brakes in 1924, Daimler-Benz consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz 260 D in 1936 marked the inception of diesel engines in passenger cars. The iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing made history as the first car with direct fuel injection, albeit the Gutbrod's tiny 2-stroke engine can claim precedence.
Safety innovations became a hallmark, with Béla Barényi's patented safety cell design in the "Ponton"-models in 1951, featuring front and rear crumple zones. The W116 450SEL 6.9 saw the introduction of the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS), another pioneering safety feature. From the first production airbags and beyond, the legacy of "firsts" continued to be etched into the fabric of Daimler-Benz.
Over its centennial journey, Mercedes-Benz has not merely produced cars but has sculpted automotive icons. The SSKL, 710 SSK Trossi Roadster, 770K Grosser, 540K Spezial Roadster, 300SL Gullwing, w100 600 Pullman, w111 280SE 3.5 Flachkühler, w113 230SL Pagoda, w109 300 SEL 6.3, and w201 2.3-16 Cosworth stand testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence.
The roaring Silver Arrows, or "Silberpfeile," including the W 25, W 125, W154, W165, and W196, created a legacy of dominance on the racetrack. These machines were not merely cars; they were expressions of precision, speed, and an indomitable spirit that left their competitors in the dust.
As Mercedes-Benz marches into the future, it does so not just as an automaker but as a custodian of a legacy, a torchbearer of innovation, and a beacon of automotive excellence. The road ahead is sure to witness the continued fusion of cutting-edge technology, timeless design, and an unwavering commitment to setting new standards in the world of automobiles.
One luminary figure who left an indelible mark was Béla Barényi, often heralded as the "father of passive safety" for his pioneering work in safety engineering. His patented safety cell design, featuring front and rear crumple zones, became a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant safety, setting new standards that reverberated throughout the automotive world.
Moving through the chronicles, the collaborative genius of Wilhelm Maybach, alongside Gottlieb Daimler, laid the foundation for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Their innovations not only birthed the first Mercedes but established a culture of relentless pursuit of technological excellence that remains integral to Mercedes-Benz's DNA.
In the post-merger era of 1926, Ferdinand Porsche emerged as a prominent figure within Mercedes-Benz. His work on the Mercedes-Benz S-Type, a supercharged race car, garnered acclaim and set the stage for a legacy that extended far beyond the marque. Porsche's impact would later extend to his eponymous company, but his influence at Mercedes-Benz during those formative years was pivotal.
As the 20th century progressed, the legendary Rudolf Uhlenhaut emerged as a key figure. Uhlenhaut, an accomplished engineer and the driving force behind the iconic Silver Arrows, played a crucial role in Mercedes-Benz's dominance in motorsports. His engineering prowess and attention to detail were instrumental in creating some of the most formidable racing cars of the era.
In the latter half of the century, figures like Bruno Sacco, the head of design at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, left an indelible imprint on the brand's aesthetic identity. Sacco's design philosophy, characterized by clean lines and timeless elegance, shaped iconic models like the W126 S-Class and the W201 190E, solidifying Mercedes-Benz's reputation for luxury and sophistication.
The narrative would be incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of engineers like Hans Scherenberg, whose leadership in the 1970s ushered in a new era of technological innovation at Mercedes-Benz. Scherenberg's tenure saw the development of groundbreaking technologies, including the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) and the introduction of airbags in production cars.