Opis modelu: "/8"-Coup‚s, types 250 C - 280 CE (series 114)
In November 1968 the new coupe-models 250_C and 250_CE were presented to representatives of the international press that had gathered in Hockenheim. These models were to round off the type preogramme of product lines 114/115 at the upper end. For the first time, the intermediate-class product line featured an exclusive coupe version. The basic technical concept as well as the design of the new models was mainly derived from the saloon cars. With respect to chassis, p0wer unit and framework,the coupes closely resembled the 250 type saloon car, and up to the A=pillar, even the car body of the two versions was identical. Starting from the A=pillar, however, the differences became rather more pronounced: The coupe had a flatter front screen and a roof that was 45_mm lower compared to that of the saloon; last but not least it was a two-door model, of course. The front and rear side windows came without a frame and were fully retractable. Due to the missing B=pillar, an uninterrupted fresh air zone was created in true hardtop manner. another distinguishing feature was the longer rear fender which extended right up to the wheel arches and harmonised well with the long rear of the car. The elegant sportscar characteristics of the coupe were underscored by different engine options, which were available with the car. With its 2,5_litre-six cylinder unit, the coupe, too, was equipped with the most powerful engine of the broad range of engines available within product lines 114/115. Apart from a carburettor version, which_- as had been the case with the saloon car_- delivered 130_bhp, a 150_bhp injection engine was also available and was used exclusively for the coupe. the 250_CE was the first of all Mercedes-Benz serially produced passenger cars to be fitted with a very important novelty, the so-called "D=Jetronic". this was an electronic fuel injection system, manufactured by Bosch, which made the former mechanical injection pump with several pistons superfluous. Together with the saloon cars 280 and 280_E, the corresponding coupe versions 280_C and 280_CE were presented in April 1972. All four models had a completely new six-cylinder engine with two overhead camshafts. In the coupe, the 160_bhp carburettor version succeeded the 2,5_litre injection engine, so that the 250_CE was taken out of production in order to make room for the 280_C. The 280_CE with a 185_bhp engine broadened the performance spectrum of the product line and became its new top car. With the appearance of the 280_C and 280_CE types on the market, type_250_C, too, was now fitted with a slightly derated 130_bhp version of the 2,8_litre engine, which had been carried over from the 280_S. The export version of the 250_C, which was destined for the United States and Canada, had been fitted with this motor as early as July 1969. In September 1973, the coupes as well as the saloon cars unterwent model revision; numerous details, which had already become part of the SL- and -SLC-types, respectively, as well as the S=class, were now introduced into the small coupes and generally enhanced car safety. To name only a few: mobile external mirrors, which could be adjusted from inside the car, soil repellent decorative panels at the A=pillars, which kept the side windows clean even in poor weather conditions, profiled soil-repellent taillights and a roof rail at the rear window. The four-spoke safety steering wheel, which was already familiar from production lines 107 and 116, had become part of the serial equipment half a year prior to model revision. From March 1973, head rests and automatic safety belts in the front cabin belonged to the serial equipment of the 114 Coupe, too. The exterior of The improved models, too, was upgraded and brought in line with that of the S=class: The radiator grid had been lowered and was now broader, the number plate panel was fitted on rather than underneath the fender, as had been the case earlier. In addition, a new handle was attached to the boot lid. Moreover, the front section had been redesigned in order to enhance resemblance of these cars to the S=class saloons. In contrast to the saloon cars, the coupes kept their swivel windows. This, however, had the drawback, that the new external mirrors were not situated at the A=pillar_- as had been the case with the saloon cars_- but were now placed in a somewhat unfortunate position at the rear end of the triangular windows. Production of the small coupes ended in August 1976, over half a year after the change of generation of saloon cars and four years before the last "dash-eight"-Mercedes had rolled off the conveyor belt. In all, more than 67.000 Coupes of production line 114 had been built in just under eight years, 60_% of which were destined for export. The succeeding types, the coupe models of product line 123 were not to appear on the market until eight months later. Production of the main series was launched in April 1977.