After the effects of the ‘70s oil crisis, Mercedes-Benz wanted to make a more efficient vehicle designed for the upcoming new millennium. So, naturally, they made a giant lift-back sedan concept and called it the Auto 2000.
That size was important, however, as the car was designed to hold four people with a payload capacity of over 800 pounds.
How …
Not sure about the rear end greenhouse, but I like it. But then again, I like big German wagon-y things.
That looks like they made about 15 years after the 70's oil crisis.
Woody (Forum Supportum) said:That looks like they made about 15 years after the 70's oil crisis.
1981.
Definitely looks late 80s
BMW: "Ve Leik dis... Bvarracuda? Shark-muskle car?"
Chrysler: "Uh, thanks? Yeah, it's pretty-"
BMW: "Excellvent. Ve require twelve for study. Ve vill make... bvetter."
Well that front end certainly made it into production by the early 90s.
I will take: "How to make your car 140 degrees inside after parking it in the sun, for 200 Alex"
I see plenty of influence that went forward to the W126. I'm mostly surprised that they were working on a V6 turbo diesel that early.
Lots of W124 in the front and rear end
I dig it.
My '83 Starlet held 4 people and got 52mpg highway.
No way it would handle 800lbs though.
In reply to ShawnG :
Or even 800lb's of people!
I now know where the term "Butt ugly" came from.
That car fell off a cliff and hit every ugly tree an the way down.
Here's what I don't understand, why does everyone think older cars automatically get abysmal gas mileage?
30-ish mpg has been average econobox mileage since the 1970s
20mpg is nothing to be proud of, not even in 1981.
My friend's 67 Parisienne with a 283, powerglide and a 2-barrel carb got about 18 on the highway. My '58 Pathfinder with a 261 I6 and a three speed was about the same.
My wife's 1970 Continental gets around 8 but it's a huge, heavy car with a 460. I'm sure if you bought a 1970 Corolla 1200, you'd be well over 30 easily.
I read another article that said it got 32mpg hwy
You'll need to log in to post.
