The news that Mercedes-Benz would introduce a four-door convertible at the 2007 Detroit show must have caused a wry grin or two among classic car enthusiasts. Four-door convertibles or phateons or whatever you want to call them were a staple in high-end automobiles for decades, like the handsome 1920′s beauty seen here at Pebble Beach. The last of its type to be made in America was a Lincoln Continental in 1961, unfortunately remembered as the vehicle President Kennedy was riding in when he was assassinated. Realistically, such vehicles are not always practical since back seat passengers often get buffeted by the breeze and body rigidity is diminished by the big open space. The Mercedes-Benz convertible, shown initially as a concept, is built on the company’s long wheelbase S-600, which seems appropriate as four-door convertibles need to be spacious if the lucky folks in the back are to stretch their legs. The name’s kinda neat, too: M-B calls it “Ocean Drive.” Hey… where else would you want to drive such a car? You can see what a Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive looks like by clicking on this Autoblog link; meanwhile, apologies for not naming the car in the photo. I took the picture but neglected to take notes. Any thoughts?
December 21st, 2006
At Last. The Four-Door Convertible Returns
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