What the car is and where it came from
The C111 is a concept car built by Daimler-Benz in 1969. Bruno Sacco designed it. It was never intended for sale. Sixteen were built across four generations between 1969 and 1979.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
It places the driver behind a mid-mounted Wankel engine, with gull-wing doors for entry and a multi-link rear suspension for stability at speed.
What it gets right
It gets right the integration of experimental hardware—fibreglass body, gull-wing access, multi-link rear suspension—into a coherent, functional test platform.
What it does not
It does not deliver everyday usability. It is not a road car. It has no production intent, no cabin ergonomics for long journeys, no luggage space, no crash safety certification.
What it changed
It proved Wankel and diesel engines could be packaged in a low-drag, mid-engined layout for high-speed testing.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for engineers, historians, and designers interested in how Mercedes validated Wankel, diesel, and turbocharged V8 powertrains. It is not for buyers, collectors seeking drivable classics, or enthusiasts expecting performance continuity with later Mercs.
Is it worth your time
Yes—if you care about how Mercedes tested radical powertrains and aerodynamics without committing to production.
