30 years said the most beautiful Mercedes

In the late 1980's, my neighbor - the coach on the Olympic team rowing academic - brought from abroad Mercedes. Limousine with a light beige leather interior, automatic gearbox and speedometers, marked up to 260 km / h, long remained the most cool "cars" in the yard. In summer 2009, this model turns 30 years old.

After the premiere in 1979, Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 in the body met mixed reactions. The conservative audience did to the car with a grain of salt, but someone did and was shocked. "Did Daimler-Benz launched a undecked, naked cars with plastic bumpers? - These phrases can be found in the German press 30 years ago. Not surprisingly, as the previous flagship (W116) decorated double chrome bumpers. New cost the same false weight of plastic.

Nevertheless, the 126-th body for many years became the standard design, comfort and safety. The body of the aerodynamic shape combined classical elements with the design of the new era. And polyurethane bumper did not become an obstacle on the path to success. Model prostoyala on line until 1992 and was released to impressive luxury edition of 892 thousand 123 pieces.

By the way, this generation S-Class was born in a difficult time for the world economy. The oil crisis of 1970 (the price of oil at that time greatly increased) furrow left in the economy and the mood of society: start talking about the ecology and luxury limousines have been condemned by society. The new "Mercedes" was to become not only more comfortable and safer than the predecessor, but also had to put ekonomichnee.Konstruktoram S-class on a rigid diet. Limousine "skinul" 280 kg. Helped, by the way, and I still have the same bumper, improving aerodynamics. The engines were to issue more torque at low revs, which will also help save fuel. When driving on the highway at a speed of 160 km / h pyatilitrovy motor rotated at speeds lower than 3000 per minute, and spent the entire 12 liters of gasoline.

The pride of the model system has been Anti-Lock Braking System, anti-lock system - does not allow blocking (or "EEIG") wheels during braking, while maintaining exchange rate stability avtomobilyaABS, which now does not even surprise buyers, "Lada". For the first time on a serial car airbag for the driver. With the development of technology has received a limousine, in addition the system Dynamic Stability Control and other helpful options.

Now, live classical music in the body W126 is now known as "yangtaymer", ie edakoe "new retro". In Germany you can find the model 500 SEL with full "ground meat" and is in good condition for 8-10 thousand euro. Luxury coupe 560 SEC found in a position close to the ideal, but cost about 20 thousand. Is not difficult to find the modified sedans 300 SE or 420 SE for 5-6 thousand euro. In Russia there are machines that have "millions" odometer went to the second circle. The price of these items - 200-300 rubles.