1928 Mercedes 680S Tourer at Speed
Mercedes-Benz introduced its S Series as a 6.8-liter fast tourer in 1927. Designed by chief engineer Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, it featured a 'kick-down' supercharger that temporarily boosted acceleration and produced what the British magazine The Motor described as 'a threatening high-pitched whine.' Competition versions of the Mercedes-Benz 690S excelled in endurance racing and helped sell these road-going touring cars to sporting-minded drivers around the world.
The merger between Daimler and Benz was the result of Germany's post-World War I depression, a process that began in 1925 and was formally consummated on June 26th of 1926. This brought integration between the two product lines, manufacturing, and management, but it also brought an end to racing endeavors. Competition was sidelined but performance remained paramount and a key ingredient in Mercedes products. The engineering talents of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, Hans Nibel, and Fritz Nallinger were instrumental in the development of the Mercedes-Benz Type S, a successor to the 6,256 cubic centimeter Model K, and a model that was paramount in establishing the credentials of Mercedes-Benz as a Paragon of high-performance luxury automobile manufacture.
The engine continued to use six cylinders and single overhead camshafts from its Model K predecessor, but with a displacement size of 6,789 cubic centimeters, dual carburetors, larger valves, a higher compression ratio, and a larger Roots-type supercharger that delivered 7-psi boost when engaged. It had an aluminum alloy block with a cast-iron head and was rated 26/120/180 horsepower, the numbers denoting the engine's taxable, naturally aspirated, and supercharged horsepower ratings. . It used the dimensions of the Model K chassis, but with the engine moved rearward by 30 cm and the frame was lowered significantly. The low-slung double-drop chassis carried a large radiator at the front and typically wore rakish, sporty, and purposeful coachwork. The engine was backed by a four-speed manual gearbox.
The Model S (also known as the 680 S) was introduced at the opening meeting of the Nurburgring in 1927, where Rudolf Caracciola established the vehicle's sporting credential by earning a class victory, the first of many accolades for the model. Caracciola and his teammate, Adolf Rosenberger, would secure many hill climb and tournament trophies throughout the 1927 racing season. In America, Ralph de Palma drove an 'S' to victory in the 15 and 30-mile races at Atlantic City, averaging 80mph.
The Mercedes-Benz Model S represented the pinnacle of performance, luxury, and style of the era. Its price tag in excess of $7,000 - sans coachwork - guaranteed their exclusivity. Just 146 examples were built between 1927 and 1930, many finding homes around the globe from royalty to celebrity. It was available with factory or 'Sindelfingen' coachwork or as a rolling chassis to be clothed by prominent coachbuilders in configurations of the client's choice. Most examples were bodied by the Sindelfingen factory and each shared the extremely low hood line that is longer than the coachwork behind it, along with three curved, external exhaust pipes.
AS ALWAYS....COMMENTS & INVITATIONS with AWARD BANNERS will be respectfully DELETED!
1928 Mercedes 680S Tourer at Speed
Mercedes-Benz introduced its S Series as a 6.8-liter fast tourer in 1927. Designed by chief engineer Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, it featured a 'kick-down' supercharger that temporarily boosted acceleration and produced what the British magazine The Motor described as 'a threatening high-pitched whine.' Competition versions of the Mercedes-Benz 690S excelled in endurance racing and helped sell these road-going touring cars to sporting-minded drivers around the world.
The merger between Daimler and Benz was the result of Germany's post-World War I depression, a process that began in 1925 and was formally consummated on June 26th of 1926. This brought integration between the two product lines, manufacturing, and management, but it also brought an end to racing endeavors. Competition was sidelined but performance remained paramount and a key ingredient in Mercedes products. The engineering talents of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, Hans Nibel, and Fritz Nallinger were instrumental in the development of the Mercedes-Benz Type S, a successor to the 6,256 cubic centimeter Model K, and a model that was paramount in establishing the credentials of Mercedes-Benz as a Paragon of high-performance luxury automobile manufacture.
The engine continued to use six cylinders and single overhead camshafts from its Model K predecessor, but with a displacement size of 6,789 cubic centimeters, dual carburetors, larger valves, a higher compression ratio, and a larger Roots-type supercharger that delivered 7-psi boost when engaged. It had an aluminum alloy block with a cast-iron head and was rated 26/120/180 horsepower, the numbers denoting the engine's taxable, naturally aspirated, and supercharged horsepower ratings. . It used the dimensions of the Model K chassis, but with the engine moved rearward by 30 cm and the frame was lowered significantly. The low-slung double-drop chassis carried a large radiator at the front and typically wore rakish, sporty, and purposeful coachwork. The engine was backed by a four-speed manual gearbox.
The Model S (also known as the 680 S) was introduced at the opening meeting of the Nurburgring in 1927, where Rudolf Caracciola established the vehicle's sporting credential by earning a class victory, the first of many accolades for the model. Caracciola and his teammate, Adolf Rosenberger, would secure many hill climb and tournament trophies throughout the 1927 racing season. In America, Ralph de Palma drove an 'S' to victory in the 15 and 30-mile races at Atlantic City, averaging 80mph.
The Mercedes-Benz Model S represented the pinnacle of performance, luxury, and style of the era. Its price tag in excess of $7,000 - sans coachwork - guaranteed their exclusivity. Just 146 examples were built between 1927 and 1930, many finding homes around the globe from royalty to celebrity. It was available with factory or 'Sindelfingen' coachwork or as a rolling chassis to be clothed by prominent coachbuilders in configurations of the client's choice. Most examples were bodied by the Sindelfingen factory and each shared the extremely low hood line that is longer than the coachwork behind it, along with three curved, external exhaust pipes.
AS ALWAYS....COMMENTS & INVITATIONS with AWARD BANNERS will be respectfully DELETED!