Mercedes

written by Hartmut Lehbrink, photos by Rainer W. Schlegelmilch, 384 pages with 500 coloured illustrations, size: 253 x 216 mm, binding: paperback, languages: English, German and French

In the galaxy of automobile makers, the star in Stuttgart shines brightly. Arising from the accumulation of technology, design, and sports, a firm was created in 1886 whose economic force has made it a player of international significance. The concise and compelling texts shed light on manifold aspects of Mercedes history, from engineering to the economicpolitical power exerted by this worldwide concern. Throughout the book, naturally, one thing stands out: the vehicle itself. Rainer W. Schlegelmilch’s photographs veritably pay homage to the embodiment of the German dream car. The revised edition presents the long series of models in chronological order, from Daimler motor carriages of 1886 to the new SLS of 2010, and explains contexts and Developments like Blue Efficiency or Distronic Plus. There is a persistent rumor that Rainer W. Schlegelmilch’s birth was initiated on the back seat of a Mercedes Benz 170V. Whether or not this is the source of his ongoing affinity to anything that has four wheels, his fascination with cars is vividly expressed in his photographs. How do you get from German and English philology to automotive journalism? Chalk it up to car racing: the appearance of the Silver Arrows (Silberpfeile) in Spa, Zandvoort and at the Nürburgring, says Hartmut Lehbrink. Numerous books on automobiles and racing penned by Lehbrink testify to the longterm impact of these early experiences.