Mercedes Simplex

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Mercedes Simplex
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft
Production	1902–1909
Body and chassis
Class	Sportwagen Oberklasse
Powertrain
Engine	5315 cc/9236 cc (1902 to 1909) in-line 4 41.7 hp at 1050 rpm (1902)
Transmission	4-forward/1-reverse
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,540 mm (139 in)
Curb weight	1250/1400 kg (1902–1909)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes 35hp

The Mercedes Simplex was an automobile produced from 1902 to 1909 by the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG, Daimler Motor Society, a predecessor of Daimler-Benz and Daimler-Chrysler). It continued the use of the Mercedes name as the brand of DMG, rather than Daimler.

The Mercedes Simplex was designed by Wilhelm Maybach in Stuttgart, Germany. It featured powerful engines whose power ranged from 40 to 60 hp. Its large and wide body had a low center of gravity. A highlight of the Simplex family was the model 60 hp. With this car Mercedes laid the foundation of a new car segment, the super-luxury class with an imposing touring Saloon body, it was unlike anything else at the time and quickly established itself well with royalty and aristocrats.^[1] Its immense size and luxuries were to set the milestones for the development of this segment, which was continued on by numerous models over the next 70 odd years, including the 630, 770 Grand, 300 Adenauer and terminating in 1981 with the demise of the 600 Grand. All these models occupied the absolute top segment in the automotive world, along with brands such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Cadillac and other demised luxury car manufacturers.