Mercedes-Benz Vehicles, Concept Cars, and the Mercedes Lifestyle

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.

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.

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.

If you are like many people, you have never really thought about the different types of available driver licenses. After all, to operate your Certified Mercedes, all that is needed to go to the DMV, take a test and walk out with a regular driver license. However, needs and desires can change.

Whether you are interested in occasionally using your Mercedes to transport paying passengers or your new job requires you to drive a company truck, you may find yourself wondering about different types of licenses. Each state’s laws are different, so you will need to investigate the specifics in your state. In general, however, here is an overview of types of driver licenses.

Passenger Car
This is the basic driver license. Depending on your state, it may be known as a Class C, D or E, or by another letter or number. This type of license entitles you to drive regular passenger cars, trucks, SUVs and most RVs. It does not entitle you to drive a motorcycle, although bikes with engines under 50 cc may be driven without a special license in most states.

Chauffeur License
If you want to operate a taxi or limo in most states, you will need this license. Some states simply add an endorsement to your existing license rather than issuing a separate card. A few states do not require a chauffeur license at all. You will also need to check with your county and city for permit requirements.

A chauffeur license normally does not require a separate road test for those who already have licenses, although a short written test may be required. If you plan to drive paying customers in any capacity, check into the requirements in your state and local area.

CDL
A commercial driver license, or CDL, is required to operate buses, semi trucks, extremely large RVs and other big vehicles. There are different classes of CDL and different endorsements that may be required. The minimum age for a CDL is generally higher than that required for a passenger license or chauffeur license. Some states offer restricted CDLs for professional drivers who are at least 18 years old.

If you will drive any type of large vehicle, it is important to check into the type of CDL and endorsements that may be required. You will normally need to take both a written test and a road test, and may be required to undergo a physical exam as well.

Motorcycle
At one time, obtaining a motorcycle license was, at least in some states, a simple matter of asking for the endorsement. Today, however, bikes are more heavily regulated. You may be required to take both a written test and a road test. Many new motorcycle operators elect to take a class that culminates in testing and licensure. Check with your state to find out if this is an option for you.

If you are the parent of a teenager, you may eagerly look forward to your child getting his or her driver license. No longer will you need to take your child back and forth to school, work and social activities…or will you? Times have changed since you first received your license, and graduated driver licenses have become the new standard in almost every state.

While the new changes seem to be working to reduce the number of teen crashes, the restrictions can be a nightmare to try to understand. Each state’s laws are different, so you will need to get a copy of your state’s regulations. In this two-part series, we will provide a general overview of some restrictions that are currently in place. Part One looks at the minimum age for different driver licenses.

Licensing Ages
At one time, virtually every state gave restricted licenses or learners’ permits to teens aged 14 or 15. At 16, after passing the full driver exam, the teen was eligible for an unrestricted license. Extremely high-traffic locations, such as NYC, were the exception, often requiring drivers to be at least 18 to obtain full licenses.

Graduated Driver License Ages
Today, most states require a three-stage licensing program. The learners’ permit is first, and the minimum age varies from 14 to 16. This is a teaching license that requires the teen to be accompanied by a licensed driver over a certain age (often 21).

Next is the restricted license, which allows the teen to drive alone in most situations but carries a number of restrictions. The minimum age for this license varies between states from 14 years, 3 months (with driver’s education) to 18 years.

The final step is the full, unrestricted driver license. The minimum age for this license varies from 16 to 21, although 18 seems the most common. Some states gradually reduce the restrictions as drivers age, while other states automatically provide the full license after the intermediate license has been held for a certain period of time.

If you plan to let your teenager drive your Certified Mercedes, make sure you know the current laws before handing over your keys. On Friday, we will take a look at some of the more common driving restrictions facing today’s teens.

If you are thinking of buying a Certified Mercedes, your thoughts may turn to the question of auto insurance. Like any high-performance car, a Mercedes can be expensive to insure. However, there are numerous insurance discounts readily available on today’s market. Here is a rundown on some of the most popular.

Auto Club Discounts
If you are a member of a national or local auto club, you may be able to purchase insurance through the club. Member rates are often quite competitive compared to non-member rates, so it is definitely worth making a phone call.

Senior Discounts
Senior discounts can kick in starting as young as age 50. By 65, you will qualify for senior rates almost everywhere. If you are nearing a milestone birthday, why not give your insurance agency a call? You might be able to save 10% or more.

Driver Improvement Class
Many insurers give small discounts to drivers who go through a driver improvement course. Normally a class that you take to avoid points on your license does not count, but most other classes do. Check with your insurance agency before signing up for a class, as the restrictions may vary between insurers.

Safety Equipment
Many insurers offer discounts for drivers who take safety measures to protect their vehicles. Possible moves that may qualify for a discount include VIN etching, alarm system installation and purchasing a Club or similar locking device. Each insurer maintains its own list of qualifying equipment, so be sure to ask before making an investment.

Safe Driver
One of the best ways to get a significant discount on your auto insurance is to drive safely. If you have no tickets, thefts or accidents on your record, then you can probably qualify for the best rates. However, some insurers check credit history as well, moving otherwise well-qualified drivers into a more expensive class. Ask your insurer for more information.

The Bottom Line
Many people over-pay for their auto insurance simply because they do not think to inquire about discounts. No matter how good your rate currently is, it is always worthwhile to contact the company and find out if you can get a slightly better deal.

The progressive dinner has gone in and out of style as a way to throw an outstanding party on a budget. Today, progressive dinners are back in vogue, often paired with a theme to make the party a bit more festive.

If you have never heard of a progressive dinner, here is the basic idea. A group of people start out in one person’s home for appetizers and before-dinner drinks. They then move on to someone else’s house to enjoy a first course. The progression continues throughout the meal until they reach the final home for the dessert course.

The progressive nature of the meal divides the workload among several hosts. It also keeps the party going, because when the inevitable silence lapses over the group, it is time to move on. Nonetheless, there are some considerations that you must keep in mind to make the dinner a success.

The Menu
Some groups prefer to coordinate the menu so that all courses work together. Others prefer the “luck of the draw.” Whichever way your group prefers, there is one hard and fast rule of successful progressive dinners: the food needs to be easy. Making dishes ahead and reheating them is a great way to handle this. Remember that the point is to keep moving, so no more than an hour should be spent at each home.

The Group
Consider the facilities of each home before finalizing your guest list. Most people simply do not have the space to host a sit-down meal for 30 guests. Many groups find that limiting the guest list to 6-8 people allows for a more intimate atmosphere and fits the constraints of modern entertaining.

The Transportation
Limited parking is a very real problem in many cities. Even if parking is not a concern, why should the party stop between courses? Choosing two designated drivers allows everyone to socialize and enjoy the ride between homes. Why not take the opportunity to show off your Certified Mercedes to your friends by volunteering to drive? Just remember not to drink if you will be driving.

Putting It All Together
A progressive dinner is a great way to add some excitement to your next party, while breaking up the workload between multiple hosts. Follow the simple tips above for a progressive dinner that is sure to be a hit.

Do you have a teen driver in the house? Are you concerned about whether or not your teen is making good choices when in the car? Why not have him or her stop by teendriving.com?

The website is packed with interesting tips and suggestions that are designed for the teen driving market. Your young driver can get suggestions on everything from buying a used car to saving money on auto insurance. However, the site is also packed with helpful safety tips.

According to the home page, the site was founded by a teenager who grew concerned about driving safety after several kids at his school were involved in auto accidents. Because it was built by a student, the site appeals to teens in a way that many safety sites do not.

The site hits on relevant points that parents and driver’s education instructors may not think to bring up, such as texting while driving and teen road rage. The site claims that each tip is verified with at least two sources, but encourages kids to double-check with their parents before following the presented advice.

There is also a parents’ center, with information on teaching a teen to drive. Even more interesting are the tips for creating a driving contract, a popular solution used by my parents to lay down ground rules while creating an atmosphere of respect.

Although the site is a bit simplistic in layout, the interesting and helpful information makes up for the relative lack of interactivity. There are several advertising links to specific products relevant to teen drivers, such as insurance quotes and online driving schools.

So before you hand over the keys to your Certified Mercedes, why not encourage your teen to take a look? He or she may just learn a few things that you hadn’t thought to share.

It seems to be a law of nature. If you have a cool, fun to drive car that handles well, sooner or later you are likely to be pulled over for speeding. Tens of millions of tickets are written each year. While it is important to always obey local traffic laws, if you have found yourself on the wrong side of the law after an exciting ride in your Certified Mercedes, you have plenty of company.

Many state governments recognize that good people occasionally make mistakes. Drivers in those states may have the option of attending driving school rather than receiving points on their driver licenses. You will have to pay for both the ticket and the cost of attending a class, but avoiding the points can be worth the investment.

Even more than the financial investment, however, many people dread the thought of traffic school. Three or four hours of sitting in a crowded classroom, listening to a lecturer drone on and on, conjures up bad memories of high school. In many states, however, there are now alternatives.

Online Driving School
Many states now allow drivers to attend driving school online. Online courses are often self-paced, allowing drivers to work their way through at their leisure. They also have the advantage of being accessible 24 hours a day, which is a major benefit to busy professionals.

Comedy Driving School
In some areas, local improv troupes have become certified to teach driving classes. Rather than spend four hours listening to a lecture, why not spend those same hours being entertained? Comedy driving school is a great solution, if you are lucky enough to live in an area where it is offered. Some programs even throw in a pair of tickets to a regular show.

Online Comedy Driving School
For the ultimate in both convenience and entertainment, why not put it all together? It is now possible to take an online comedy driving class. I personally prefer the in-person version for the interactive nature of the comedy, but for busy professionals this is a great alternative.

The Bottom Line
It is always important to obey local traffic laws. However, if you have been caught speeding in your Certified Mercedes, you may have the option of attending traffic school to avoid points on your license. Choose from an online school, a comedy school or an online comedy school for the ultimate in both convenience and entertainment.