Photo: carnewschina.com
Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class limousine, especially in Pullman form, has been a popular model for many government officials.
The W140 generation of the S-Class was especially appreciated for its elegance and style, and some governments have kept their versions of this car for extended service. Until late 2014, Shanghai’s Bureau of Foreign Affairs used to have a fleet of S-Class Pullman models.
Their fleet consisted of 11 identical vehicles, which were all rebadged in a comical fashion. Instead of having “Mercedes-Benz” and the model designation on their trunk lids, the 11 vehicles were named “Dynasty 1000.”
The font they used was similar to that of Mercedes-Benz’s, and they even kept the original three-pointed star of the German brand.
The fleet was bought in 1998, and three of the 11 cars were sold last year. However, the other eight cars were reportedly sold at auction.
According to Car News China, each of these cars fetched between 500,000 and 630,000 Chinese yuan, the equivalent of almost $100,000. Each vehicle had its original manual, as well as a detailed maintenance record. The Pullman version of the S-Class W140 was one meter (3.28 feet) longer than the standard S500 L of the time.
The identity of the buyers was not disclosed, but collectors probably nabbed a few of the eight cars. After all, where else are you going to find a “Dynasty 1000?” They sure do not make them like they used to. On top of the standard trim, these vehicles received an onboard refrigerator and TV. The enhancement was done at Jinjiang Automobile Service, the place where the 11 cars also got their new names.
Unfortunately for the new owners, they will not be able to drive the new cars through Shanghai, as Chinese environmental regulations forbid any pre-2000 car to pass through the city. On top of it, no, the ex-government vehicle you bought at auction does not count as an exception.
Their fleet consisted of 11 identical vehicles, which were all rebadged in a comical fashion. Instead of having “Mercedes-Benz” and the model designation on their trunk lids, the 11 vehicles were named “Dynasty 1000.”
The font they used was similar to that of Mercedes-Benz’s, and they even kept the original three-pointed star of the German brand.
The fleet was bought in 1998, and three of the 11 cars were sold last year. However, the other eight cars were reportedly sold at auction.
According to Car News China, each of these cars fetched between 500,000 and 630,000 Chinese yuan, the equivalent of almost $100,000. Each vehicle had its original manual, as well as a detailed maintenance record. The Pullman version of the S-Class W140 was one meter (3.28 feet) longer than the standard S500 L of the time.
The identity of the buyers was not disclosed, but collectors probably nabbed a few of the eight cars. After all, where else are you going to find a “Dynasty 1000?” They sure do not make them like they used to. On top of the standard trim, these vehicles received an onboard refrigerator and TV. The enhancement was done at Jinjiang Automobile Service, the place where the 11 cars also got their new names.
Unfortunately for the new owners, they will not be able to drive the new cars through Shanghai, as Chinese environmental regulations forbid any pre-2000 car to pass through the city. On top of it, no, the ex-government vehicle you bought at auction does not count as an exception.
Google News