Definitely not the flashy, perfectly lit car ad that you see today. However, this ad for a Mercedes 300d does a great job of conveying the class and sophistication that are still the hallmarks of the Mercedes brand today.
FUN FACT: In 1958 Mercedes-Benz entered into a distribution agreement with the Studebaker-Packard Corporation of South Bend, Indiana (USA), makers of Studebaker and Packard brand automobiles. Under the deal, Studebaker would allow Mercedes-Benz access to its dealer network in the U.S., handle shipments of vehicles to the dealers, and in return, receive compensation for each car sold. Mercedes-Benz maintained an office within the Studebaker works in South Bend from 1958 to 1963, when Studebaker’s U.S. operations ceased. Many U.S Studebaker dealers converted to Mercedes-Benz dealerships at that time. (Source: Wikipedia)
carguys2
28 Sep, 2011 - 08:21 amInteresting to note that this car sold for $10,400 in 1958 and as a used car would sell for an average of $21,400 today. Using the consumer price index multiplyer, that car would sell for $78,000 in today’s dollars. A brand new 2011 Mercedes Benz S Class today is $78,950. Draw whatever conclusions that you want…
Vin DiGioia
28 Sep, 2011 - 12:44 pmWow – great facts, @carguys2! Really shows how the value of the Mercedes brand stands the test of time. Do you work for Mercedes or are you just an enthusiast?