tribute to an unique orange/white MB 280S

Spotted near the Louvre in Paris, this MB 280S matriculated in Belgium (and proudly showing a Belgium flag on both side) was built between 1969 and 1971 to replaced the 250S with improved performances. It mounts frontally a 6-cylinder-inline engine, provided of two carboretors, able to produce 140 HP and a top speed of 185 km/h (180 on automatic version). 0-100 achievable in 12.5 seconds.

Designed by French Paul Bracq, the same man who designed the first French high speed train TGV - Train Grand Vitesse.

Belonging to the W108 family, you can find more details on the Mercedes W108 group website www.w108.org dedicated to all Mercedes Benz S Class from the mid 60’s to the early 70’s.

But if you want to see it in action, you can find a black 280S driven along the train path by James Bond in 1983 Octopussy film in pursuit of a train

courtesy MGM

let the manualhood be with you

Mini US has recently launched a campaign to let American mini-followers to pass to the stick shift and its extra pedal.

We are in Europe - almost I am - and this appears really hilarious. But our friends have been knowledge to automatic transmission since ages so the task is quite impressive and the lesson must be learned: 

Ok, it's true: the heel-toe downshifting may seems hard and complicated. But the list of advantages - apart being considered as truly race-car legend - is tight: 

> increased performances

> higher control

> better MPG (miles per gallon) 

> lower starting price

> more definition of the left calf & right hand kept busy

So, no more excuses from now on.

More details?

click to open the PDF

Statistics addicted?

Let's go! Have fun...