YourMercedes-Benz Dealer Blog

Gas prices have been the major topic of conversation around the world in the past several weeks. This is causing many people to scale down or even cancel their summer vacation plans. However, there are plenty of wonders to be found close to home. Earlier this month we discussed some amazing beaches and exciting amusement parks around the country. Today, we will discuss some of the best bridges in the United States.

Northeast
The architectural beauty of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York earned it a number six spot on the Travel Channel’s roundup of the top ten bridges in the world. The bridge was considered an engineering marvel at its completion in 1883, and it is no less impressive 125 years later.

Southeast
One of the few structures on the planet that can be seen from space, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel took over 30 years to complete. The bridge tunnel connects Virginia’s East Shore with the mainland at Norfolk/Virginia Beach, and provides a truly stunning drive.

West Coast
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is a study in impressively large statistics. The bridge is so long that 40 jumbo jets could be parked end to end on top. The towers are 2 ½ times the height of the US Capitol building. There are 80,000 miles of cable wire. The bridge is massive, impressive and instantly recognizable, making it the Travel Channel’s number one bridge in the world.

Florida
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge to St. Petersburg is as long as Mount Everest is tall. The bridge is the fifth largest cable-stayed bridge in the world, and the design incorporate 36 dolphins. The dolphins play a functional role in strengthening the bridge’s support columns. The columns could withstand the impact of a ship twice as large as the Titanic!

These are just a few of the many wonderful bridges that can be found across the United States. Despite the high price of gas, there is no reason not to hop in your Certified Mercedes and head out to experience a marvel of modern engineering.

Whether you own a classic Certified Mercedes or are merely a fan, the Mercedes Classics Center is sure to intrigue you. The website is home to an astonishing collection of merchandise for classic enthusiasts of all ages. Provided here is just a brief overview of some of the more eclectic offerings that are provided on the site.

Print and Media
No matter what your area of special interest, you may find a book about it here. Biographies and Mercedes history books and special editions detailing specific lines can all be found in this section. Some of the books are written in German, however. The Print and Media section also contains wall calendars, CDs and DVDs, and a wide range of Mercedes posters.

Accessories
If you want to show off your love for classic Mercedes, then you might be interested in the Classics Accessories line. A wide range of watches are available, with prices ranging from the low hundreds to multiple thousands of dollars. Mirrors, umbrellas and other accessories are also available.

Clothes
Mercedes offers an extensive collection of clothing for Mercedes lovers of all ages. The Classics line is a tasteful way to express your love for these beautiful automobiles.

Gift Items
If you are searching for the perfect gift for a classic Mercedes lover’s birthday or other special event, you may want to search through the gift collection. From business card holders to Christmas ornaments, these items are impersonal enough to be appropriate for office exchanges, yet personal enough to let someone know you care.

Whether your Certified Mercedes is vintage or relatively new, you may enjoy some of the items in the Classic Mercedes collection. If your tastes run more towards newer Mercedes vehicles, be sure to check out the Lifestyle collection as well.

Your Certified Mercedes was a major investment. You probably considered your options carefully and selected the Mercedes of your dreams. Now it is time to think about protecting that investment. A car cover is a low-cost means of keeping your Certified Mercedes looking like new. However, not all car covers are the same. Here we will provide you with a brief guide to selecting the cover that best meets your needs.

Thickness
Car covers are available in a wide range of thicknesses. The one you choose will depend on where you normally park. A car that you park daily in a garage might need only a lightweight, easy to manage to cover. A car that is parked on a busy street might require a thick, padded cover that can help to absorb dings and scratches. Keep in mind that as a general rule, the thicker the cover is, the heavier and more unwieldy it will become.

Weather Conditions
Weather can wreak havoc on your car, making it more prone to rust, fading and other problems. Choose a cover that is designed to combat the weather in your area. For example, if you live near the ocean, a marine-grade cover can help to fight the effects of saltwater. Those in sunny locations may select a cover that has built-in UV protection.

Color
Although it is uncommon, car covers sometimes bleed onto light colored cars. If you have a light car, strongly consider purchasing a light cover as well. Darker colors absorb heat, which can be an advantage in cold climates and a disadvantage in hot weather.

The Bottom Line
Choosing a car cover for your Certified Mercedes can help to protect your investment. The tips above can help you find the car cover that is best for your situation.

If you are a Certified Mercedes owner, you probably have a deep appreciation for the power and luxury of these incredible machines. You may also have a more generalized love for fast and powerful sports cars, and may enjoy watching or even participating in automobile racing. Today we will take a brief look at the early history of this exciting sport.

The first official auto race took place in 1894. The distance was 50 miles, on a course from Paris to Rouen, France. The winning vehicle averaged a mind-boggling 10.2 miles per hour. The first large-scale automobile race was held 1895, racing from Paris to Bordeaux and back. The winner of that race averaged approximately 15 miles per hour.

In the United States, the first race, held in 1895, was organized for a newspaper and traveled from Chicago to Evanston, Illinois. Road races remained popular in both the United States and Europe until the early 1900s, when increasingly speedy vehicles began to present a real hazard. By this point, vehicles could travel more than 50 miles per hour.

Closed circuit track racing started in France in 1898, and quickly became the norm in the United States as well as Europe. It was considered much safer than road racing, although sanctioned road racing did not fully die out until the 1950s.

The first banked speedway was developed in 1906, and this layout soon became the track of choice. Most auto races of today are run on tracks that are direct descendants of the 1906 speedway.

Today, auto racing has become an immensely popular spectator sport. If you would like to experience the excitement of a race without investing in expensive equipment, you could consider entering your Certified Mercedes in a road rally instead. Rallies offer the fun of the race but are based on navigational and problem solving skills rather than speed, making them safe for public roads.

Today, men and women are equally likely to own cars and enjoy driving. The majority of American families own at least two cars and often more. Receiving a Certified Mercedes or other vehicle is a fervent wish for most teens of both genders as they approach the all-important 16th birthday. Of course, society as a whole is much more based on equality than the society in which cars were first introduced. Today we will take a brief look at the early days of motor vehicles and the reception that they received by women of the time.

The Early 1900s
It is difficult to track the very first gas-powered automobile that ever existed. However, we do know that during the years 1899 to 1908, several highly publicized transcontinental road journeys took place. The earliest mass-produced gas-powered cars were offered in the very early 1900s. However, it was not until the racing craze of the 1910s that cars really began to enter the popular consciousness.

The 1920s and 1930s
During the 1920s, pressure from vehicle owners forced efforts to improve roads, which had been mostly dirt and presented hazards to drivers. The New Deal of the 1930s added significantly to existing federal programs, and by 1938 over 35% of the total roads were surfaced. During this time, white, affluent families began to purchase cars in greater numbers. A new trade in used cars began to develop as well, allowing a few working class families to purchase vehicles.

Many men were skeptical about women’s abilities to handle automobiles. However, they had little ability to stop their wives and daughters. Families owned only a single car, and particularly in rural areas, the females of the household often took the car into town or to the markets while the men worked in the fields. Rural women were used to driving horse-drawn buggies and consequently tended to be unafraid of learning to handle a car.

Meanwhile, more affluent families enjoyed the freedom that the automobile provided. Some families left on extended trips, traveling around the state or country as gypsies. It is likely that the women took on some of the driving during these trips.

By 1940, it appears that women drove whenever they pleased. Road trips became the vacation of choice for many families, and gradually households began to acquire second cars.

Although the world has changed, our love of the freedom that an automobile provides has not. Your Certified Mercedes remains a ticket to freedom, mobility and the call of the open road.

The Mercedes-Benz Club of America recently held its spring national meeting in the beautiful New York town of Canandaigua. The club is an excellent resource and social network for owners of both new and Certified Mercedes. A local Canandaigua newspaper ran a story in advance of the afternoon event, which was held on May 17 at the breathtaking Inn on the Lake.

What Is the Mercedes-Benz Club of America?
The Club is Mercedes’ official one-stop resource for Mercedes-Benz owners. The Club sponsors an official newsletter as well as a website. Raffles and exclusive merchandise offers are also sponsored the Club. However, it is the national events that many members eagerly look forward to. The Canandaigua event was just such a trip.

The Canandaigua Meeting
According to the newspaper article, the meetings are truly a sight to behold. Owners of new and Certified Mercedes of every description flood the streets of the town, eager to see and be seen. The theme of this year’s meeting was AMG, Mercedes’ high-end performance-tuned vehicles.

Germany Trips
If your interests lie a bit further afield, you may be interested in one of the Club’s annual treks to Germany. You will travel with other Mercedes fans inside the heart of the action, to production facilities and museums designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of the cars and the company.

If you are still in the market for your Certified Mercedes, or would simply like to learn more about the Club and its benefits, why not stop by our friendly local dealership? We are happy to answer your questions and help you choose the Certified Mercedes that is right for you.

Gas prices have everyone nervous, and many people are reluctantly scaling back or simply giving up on their summer vacations. This is truly a shame, as there are plenty of exciting places to spend your vacation right in your own backyard. Earlier this week we discussed some amazing beaches from coast to coast. Today we will turn our attention to some of the best amusement parks that this country has to offer.

Northeast
The Northeast is home to many great amusement parks, but who can resist the lure of chocolate? For this reason, Hershey Chocolate World, located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, gets my vote. Of course, for more rides and shows, combine your visit with a trip to Hershey Park, home of numerous rides and attractions.

Southeast
For pure adrenaline-based thrills and incredible theming, be sure to give Busch Gardens: The Old Country a try. Located in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, the park is beautiful, clean and filled to overflowing with exciting attractions. Combine your visit with a trip to Colonial Williamsburg for maximum fun.

West Coast
Although Disneyland is well worth a visit, as is Universal Hollywood, my money is on Knott’s Berry Farm. Knott’s claims the title of America’s First Theme Park, a self-granted title that is difficult to argue. Opened in 1928, the park was also the first to bring us the now-ubiquitous Halloween season park-based event, begun in 1973 and popularized in the 1990s by Universal Orlando.

Florida
Honestly, it’s a toss-up. Walt Disney World is, of course, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, Universal Orlando truly gives Disney a run for its money. Then there are the smaller parks such as the Busch parks: SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. My advice? Plan to spend two weeks and see it all!

These are just a few of the many wonderful amusement parks to be found from coast to coast. Despite the high price of gas, there is no reason not to hop in your Certified Mercedes and head out to catch some thrills.

It is that time of year once again. Spring is in the air, warm and sunny. Kids and teachers eagerly anticipate the end of the school year, and everyone’s thoughts turn to summer vacation. This year, soaring gas prices have made everyone nervous, and many plan to vacation closer to home this year.

Nonetheless, this is no reason to give up on your dreams of tanning on the beach and playing in the surf. Today we bring you a roundup of some of the best beaches in the country. There is sure to be one that begs for a short road trip in your Certified Mercedes.

Northeast
For an incredible family vacation, you would be hard pressed to find a better beach than Ocean City, New Jersey. Ocean City earned its nickname of “America’s Greatest Family Resort” soon after it opened in 1879, and has defended its title admirably ever since. The county is “dry,” making it a wonderful family destination. The sandy beaches give way to an old-fashioned and highly entertaining boardwalk.

Southeast
Fun and excitement abound in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The biggest, most happening town on the 60 mile Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach boasts enough amusement parks, restaurants, shops and attractions, as well as sun and sand, to keep the whole family entertained for weeks.

West Coast
Think you’ve seen everything? Then you haven’t seen Venice Beach, California. A three ring circus of urban street performers shares space with some of the best beaches in the country. The area is family friendly enough, but it is definitely a sight to remember.

Florida
Love to party? You’ll be right at home at Florida’s Panama City Beach, currently one of the world’s premiere spring break destinations. Nonetheless, the town is family friendly and packed with thrills and spills sure to delight guests of all ages. The white sugar sand is truly not to be missed.

These are just a few of the many wonderful beaches to be found from coast to coast. Despite the high price of gas, there is no reason not to hop in your Certified Mercedes and head out to the nearest beach town.

On Friday, we introduced the world’s first intercontinental road race. This race has become an important part of automobile lore, as it represented one of the earliest pieces of proof that cars could be trusted on long distance journeys. Whether you enjoy racing or rallying with your Certified Mercedes or are simply curious about the history of the automobile, the events that transpired during that historic 10,000 mile journey from Peking to Paris in 1907 are a true testament to the bravery and expertise of man.

The Race Begins
On June 10, 1907, eleven men gathered in five cars to begin a remarkable journey into legend. The cars and the level of driver preparation varied widely. The Italian team of three, led by Prince Borghese of Italy, was by far the most prepared. They also had the advantage of driving the most powerful of the entrant vehicles, a 40 hp Itala.

A French military band gave the group a proper sendoff, and they were on their way. Upon hitting the mountain pass between China and Mongolia, however, they quickly learned the hardship that was to plague them throughout the race. The paths through the mountains were steep and narrow, and the engines were not powerful enough to compensate. A combination of manpower and mule power was required to drag the vehicles over many of paths. On the downgrade, the Italian group was nearly lost, as the brakes were unable to slow the vehicle. Miraculously, they were able to steer to a safe stop at the bottom.

Gobi Desert
The teams were able to navigate the punishing desert by following the telegraph lines. However, their engines began to boil over. They quickly found themselves having to use their own drinking water to cool the engines. One team ran out of gas and was fortunately rescued by Mongolian nomads. They abandoned the car to the desert and dropped out of the race.

Siberia
When they planned their route, the Italian team relied on an old military road through the wilderness. Unfortunately, they were unaware that the road had been abandoned upon the completion of the TransSiberian Railway. Some bridges were completely washed out, and others were in danger of collapse. The Italians fell through one of the bridges altogether. Unbelievably neither the car nor its occupants were seriously injured. It took three hours to pull the car out, and they continued on their way.

Some areas were quite muddy, and the team wrapped chains around the wooden wheels for better traction. Unfortunately, a wheel eventually broke apart from the strain. A Cartwright in a nearby town was able to craft a new one.

The Finish Line
After Siberia, the trip was relatively calm. On August 10, 1907, the Italian team rolled into Paris. They were followed nearly three weeks later by the other competitors. Together, the men had proved the value of the newfangled automobile.

The race has never been repeated, although in 2007 a similar route was used in a road rally tribute to this historic journey.

Automobile racing has become a popular sport. Both professional and amateurs battle it out on carefully designed courses with highly tuned vehicles. Street racing today is illegal in most places and highly dangerous at any time. Road rallies have largely replaced street racing, allowing entrants to drive their own unenhanced vehicles and focusing more on skill than speed. Whether or not you race or rally with your Certified Mercedes, you may be interested in this story that I recently ran across at The Museum of Unnatural Mystery. It details the world’s first intercontinental road race. Today we will take a look at the setting and the brave drivers who made this phenomenal bit of history possible.

The Setting
The year was 1907. Automobiles were only 20 years old, and many predicted that they were just toys for the rich, incapable of replacing the horse as a mainstay of transportation. The editor of the French newspaper Le Martin was eager to prove the naysayers wrong. He issued a challenge: Was anyone brave enough to travel by automobile over 10,000 miles from Paris to Peking, the capital of China, in an automobile? At the time, the challenge was not meant to imply a race, merely to encourage some brave soul to prove the possibilities of the automobile. It was unknown whether anyone would be foolhardy enough to volunteer.

The Drivers
Remarkably, eleven men stepped up to the challenge, driving a total of five cars between them. The proffered vehicles ranged in size and power from a tiny 6 hp, three-wheeled Contal to the 40 hp Itala driven by Prince Scipio Borghese of Italy. The challenge had become a race. It was decided to drive the course in reverse, beginning in Peking and ending in Paris, in an effort to avoid monsoon season.

Each racer approached the challenge in very different ways. At that time, there were no roads throughout much of the course. Prince Borghese decided to take a 300 mile horseback journey in preparation, carrying a bamboo pole the width of his vehicle. When he discovered places that were too narrow for the car, he arranged to have them cleared. He also set up stores of extra fuel and spare parts along the route.

In marked contrast was Charles Godard, who entered a 15 hp Spyker. He took a cavalier approach, even going so far as to sell off most of his spare parts to pay for his trip to Peking.

The race began on June 10, 1907. On Monday, we will take a look at the historic events of that race, on which Murphy’s law was clearly in effect.