Apart from being one of the oldest automobile companies in the world, Mercedes also boasts of some of the most iconic cars of all time. But which Mercedes cars are classics?
Since there are many Mercedes classic cars, we will only name the top ten Mercedes classic cars of all time. These include the 300SL Gullwing, 600 Pullman Landaulet, 300SEL 6.3, C111-11 Prototype, Benz Patent Motorwagen, 280SL Pagoda, 2004 CLS-Class, G-Class, 1936 540k, and 500E.
The above cars have a rich history and are some of the finest Mercedes cars ever made. Most of them will fetch you a fortune in auctions and even resale markets. Yes, there may be several Mercedes classics, but these are the most exceptional ones.
Top 10 Mercedes-Benz classic cars of all-time
1954 –1963 300SL Gullwing
If you’re talking about the most iconic and celebrated Mercedes model, that title goes to the 300SL Gullwing. Made between 1954 and 1963, the 300SL Gullwing comes with a powerful 3.0-liter straight-6 engine. The car also produces a maximum of 220-hp, which was one of the best in the 1950s. This car is available in coupe and roadster options.
1963 – 1981 600 Pullman Landaulet
The Pullman Landaulet was a favorite car of leaders, kings, dictators, and even presidents around the globe. One of the things that made this car stand out was its hydraulic parts. At that time, this was one of the best technologies and it attracted many buyers. Besides, it had a convertible cloth top that allowed leaders to wave at their subjects.
1970 C111-11 Prototype
Despite not being a technically produced car, the 1970 C111-11 Prototype remains one of the most iconic Mercedes cars. Featuring a fiberglass-glass body, this car was fitted with a three-rotor Wankel engine, which was powerful. However, this car was never produced.
1968 – 1972 300SEL 6.3
Another popular classic Mercedes-Benz is 1968 – 1972 3000SEL 6.3. Not only do modern Mercedes trace their roots to this car, but it also had some of the finest features of any car at that time. Some of them include the 6.3-liter V8 engine, power windows, packed air suspension, power steering, and ventilated disc brakes.
1886 – 1893 Benz Patent Motorwagen
It will be a shame if we didn’t feature the first car to be made at Mercedes. The 1886 – 1893 Benz Patent Motorwagen is the first car to be propelled by an internal combustion engine. Unlike the present cars, this vehicle had three wheels, a crank used for steering, and a bench seat.
1967 –1971 280SL Pagoda
If you’re a fan of roadsters, then you will love the 280SL Pagoda. This is one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Its seamless design and attention to detail were on another level. Additionally, it boasts of multiple outstanding features, such as a 2.8-liter inline 6-cylinder engine and body-colored hubcaps.
1936 – 1940 540K
If you have been to some of the most glamorous events around the world, then maybe you’ve come across this car. The 540k is among the most unique and lovely cars of all time. That’s why it fetches a fortune in resale markets. This iconic car is also powerful as it comes with a 5.4-liter straight 8-cylinder engine that delivers up to 180 hp.
1991 – 1994 500E
One of the most reliable Mercedes-Benz models of all time is the 1991 – 1994 Mercedes 500E. Hand-built by Porsche, this car is not only powerful but as well as reliable. What’s more, it attracts a high fee in the resale market, making it one of the most coveted cars around the world.
2004 CLS-Class
You may be wondering what a 2004 car is doing on the list? Even though this car has lasted less than 25 years, it’s still considered to be one of the Mercedes classic cars. Thanks to its excellent design that has forced other competitors to create coupes to compete with it.
G-Class
Of course, our list will be incomplete without the famous G-Class. Since its production in 1976, the G-Wagon has maintained its design with a few modifications. Built for military use, this powerful SUV is one of the best off-roaders on the market.
FAQ
What is the best classic Mercedes-Benz?
Without a doubt, the best classic Mercedes is the 300SLGullwing. The Gullwing doors on this car made it popular and it remains to be one of the best and most reliable Mercedes models of all time. All you have to do is to pick between the roadster and coupe options.
Is classic car insurance cheaper than a regular car?
Yes, classic car insurance is cheaper than that of a regular car. Insurance companies give lower premiums to classic car owners as they know these cars are not driven often. On top of that, owners of classic cars rarely drive their cars, so they are unlikely to claim.
How old is a classic car?
A classic car should be at least 20 to 40 years old. However, this can vary according to the significance of the car as well. Nonetheless, insurance and registration companies classify cars that have existed for more than 20 years to be classic cars.
However, for a car to meet this criterion, insurance companies require it to have its real design and specifications.
What is the difference between classic and antique plates?
The main difference between classic and antique car plates is that classic cars are 20 to 40 years old, while antique cars are those made before 1975. So, all cars that are 40+ years are antique cars while those between 20 and 40 years are classic cars.
Summary
With so many Mercedes classics on the market, choosing the best Mercedes classic cars is not easy. But with the list above, you can select a classic car that appeals to you the most. The best Mercedes classics cars are the 300SL Gullwing, 600 Pullman Landulet, 500E, and 540K models.
Most of the classic cars that we’ve mentioned above stand out from the rest because of their design, features, or events at that time. Note that most Mercedes classic cars are quite expensive to acquire.