June 10, 2004

The Maybach Super-Luxury Sedan

When it comes to riding in the ultimate imaginable style, and you want to do it right, you have to go back to the people that started it off right. The original founders of the Mercedes-Benz company had some ideas about automaking that simply are not duplicated in any other class of luxury automobile... because before there was luxury, the Maybachs brought us an era of super-luxury.

A Rich History.

Founded by Wilhelm Maybach, who developed the first modern automobile in 1900 -- a historic 35 hp Mercedes -- and whom the French called "The King of Design Engineers", todays Maybach-Manufaktur has a rich history of tradition and it is still far and above the most luxurious automobile maker in the European and American markets. It was the Maybach (pronounced my-bock) family including son Karl Maybach, and close associate Gottlieb Daimler who pioneered luxury automobile design and engineering in Germany, and who ultimately molded the luxury sedan industry as we commonly know it today.

But few people have enjoyed the exclusive pleasures held within the Maybach, compared to it's more common cousin, the Mercedes-Benz... So, allow us to unveil some of the finer details about this automobile with a history of design spanning over a century, from 1885 to 2004.

Classic Pioneers.

First of all, readers, let us examine one of the most exclusive automobiles in existence, ever. It's the Maybach SW 38 Roadster (pop-up image). Built in 1939, there is only one working model in the world, now located in Germany. Operating with a 140 hp engine, this rare beauty with voluptous, yet aerodynamic curves can reach a top speed of 93 mph. This one of a kind specimen of super-luxury class roadster is the ultimate prize, and is not for sale, although it's sexy curves and bold design shall always be hailed as one of the rarest automotive roadster designs in history.

Second, and of equally important mention, has to be the Maybach Zeppellin (200 hp / 106 mph top speed) built in 1929 (pictured at left). The rich history of this legendary automobile forever gives it an iconic status. Because these were the automobiles that figures of history like Al Capone rode to the his hangouts in dangerous Chicago evenings. These are also the rides of German Presidents, movie stars at the Oscars, and it probably goes without saying that that Hitler probably rode in more than one Maybach Zeppellin, for whatever the occation -- or occupation -- called. These were the times of excess in Hollywood in spite of a coming recession, the rise of Avant-garde and bourgeois culture, and the birth of the Bauhaus and art deco movements. Notably, in Germany, the primary principles of the Bauhaus movement drove craftsmanship, quality, and high-functionality of the Maybach automobile, to ultimately evolve into a masterpiece of modern engineering... The Zeppellin, which still defines the spirit of the ultimate super-luxury ride.

Today, the Maybach luxury sedan.

From the V12 Engine, assembled by hand from 750 single parts, down to the stitching on the reclining jet-airplane-style seats, practically everything making up a Maybach is hand-crafted. In fact, 330 highly skilled people -- working in a state of the art factory -- will produce on average only 5 sedans per day. And each Maybach (in either the "57" or "62" Saloon; named for it's length in meters) is commissioned and produced individully according to each customer's desires.

The Interior

Yes, the Interior wood in Californian walnut and cherry-wood finishes, and vivid colors of nubuck and nappa leather help frame the environment. The unique self-shutting doors help keep out the noise and disturbances of the outside world. But, the grand centerpiece of modern luxury is arguably the 15 panes of electro-transparent panoramic glass roof above your head (Maybach 62 model). In the day, the glass roof provides the perfect ambience, filtering or frosting light softly into the cabin of the car. But at night, the same panes deliver a soft ambient light, diffusely illuminating the interior decor in a moody tone that can only be described as seductive.

It is probably logical though, that all this pampering should actually enhance your appreciation of the "other" interior. For the interior-under-the-hood is what made the Maybach famous, in 1929, when the Zeppellin was released with the first series-produced 12-cylinder engine. A mark of pioneering quality that contiunues today in the Maybach sedan that offers the engineering masterpiece of the 543 hp, 12V twin-turbocharged aluminum and magnesium constructed engine, and stands as the highest torque standard-production engine in the world. In fact, the Maybach 57, produced under DaimlerChrysler, has lapped Germany's famed Nuerburgring racetrack faster than a Porsche Boxster S.

And finally, we arrive at the exterior of this modern, yet timeless luxury masterpiece. Recognized by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences as the "embodiment of motoring heritage and excitement", the Maybach luxury sedan has classic and invigorating lines that seem to float in the absense of any other competing power. Although appearing aloof, this lion of an automobile -- measuring a massive 6' 6" wide at 20' 3" long -- has the supreme power of unmatchable engineering, the latest modern touches, and the timeless elegance of a by-gone era cum full-circle with the luxuries of today.

Base Price: $359,500 (2004 Maybach 62).

For more information on Maybach, including a detailed history of the founders, a look at the Maybach logo, and the entire line-up of Maybach classic luxury saloons -- including 360 views and walkarounds of the new 57 and 62 Saloons -- visit the excellent Maybach International website or the Maybach USA site.

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Posted by RFS.