Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet...Continued

The first all new Mercedes-Benz convertibles to come along after the second World War was the Type 300 Cabriolet Sedan. The 300 series looked modern and was the first Mercedes-Benz designed with the American market in mind. The car was unique in its market and conjured up memories of the prewar, four-door convertibles and touring cars like the Packard Clippers, Chrysler Imperials, Cadillacs and Cords. The 1955 300C Sedan had an optional sunroof that was probably the largest ever built. The cloth top of the sunroof moved along narrow tracks folding itself to expose both the front and rear seats.

In 1963 Mercedes-Benz introduced the 230, 250 and 280 SL -- designs that became among their most enduring and coveted cars. These cars were designed by Paul Bracq who later designed the BMW Turbo prototype that evolved into the original M1. The car came with a removable hardtop as well as a convertible roof. It was tremendously popular with woman and everyone who wanted a sports car without sports cars compromises.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the 350 and 450 SLs in the 1970s. Powered by large V8 engines, the cars appealed to almost everyone, both woman and men, investment bankers and rock stars. Mercedes sold every car as fast as they could build it. The cars came complete with almost every conceivable option imaginable.

The CLK Convertible continues the lineage of exceptional open cockpit cars. Of the current batch of luxury convertibles on the market, it is probably the best overall offering. It excels in luxury, styling, safety and innovation. It is slightly more expensive than its primary competitors the Volvo C70, Saab 9-3 and the BMW 3 series convertibles but is well worth consideration.

Vehicle Type: 2-door 4-passenger Convertible

Price: $47,000

Engine: 3.2- liter , 215- horsepower , aluminium, V6

Transmission: 5-speed electronically controlled driver-adaptive automatic transmission

Safety Features: Crumple-zone body structure, driver and passenger front airbags, door-mounted side airbags, padded knee bolsters, Emergency Tensioning Retractors, front seat belt-force limiters, automatic-deploying rollbar system, 4-wheel Anti-Lock Brakes with Brake Assist system, BabySmart automatic child recognition system, passenger-seat occupancy sensor, remote programmable locking system with SmartKey ignition and engine immobilizer

Buyer Demos: not available

Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway

Model Availability: Fall 1998