C OAC H B U I LT & C O N C E P T S PRESENTED BY
M E R C E D E S - B E N Z AG
Coachbuilt & Concepts T H E S E U N I Q U E P ROJ E C T S C O N T I N U E T O C A P T I VAT E T H E AU TO M OT I V E WO R L D D EC A D E S A F T E R T H E Y F I R S T A P P E A R E D. E N J OY A R A R E C H A N C E TO S E E T H E S E M OTO R S H OW L EG E N D S U P C LO S E I N A R E L A X E D S E T T I N G
In modern parlance, it’s called FOMO – fear of missing out – but there is always a frisson of excitement about one-off concept cars, prototypes that never made it into production and unique customer commissions. We have brought together a selection of some of the most beguiling designs on four wheels that have
22
ever been rendered. Our collection spans the decades, from a 1954 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS styled by Zagato that was raced with great success in period by Joakim ‘Jo’ Bonnier, to the 1998 Jaguar XK180 concept, built to coincide with the iconic XK120’s 50th anniversary. There are fascinating finds here, from the production ready to
the never even likely. For example, take in the 1967 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow that Clark & Carter turned into the most elegant pick-up ever, or the Mercedes F200 Imagination, which previewed the future design direction of the Three-Pointed Star. Be sure to spend your time letting the details sink in – there is plenty to discover.
1996 Mercedes-Benz F200 Imagination The F200 Imagination was Mercedes’ take on the future. Revealed at the 1996 Paris Motor Show, it had numerous control, design and comfort innovations – some of which could be found in later production models. The electro-transparent roof would be seen on the Maybach 62, the butterfly doors would be used on the SLR McLaren and the
Active Body Control suspension system would eventually be introduced on the 1999 CL-Class. The biggest innovation was the Sidesticks, which replaced the conventional steering wheel and pedals with a joystick set-up that could be toggled between the driver and passenger. Just two examples of the car were built, and this is the only one that drives.
