Early prototypes

[Des]

I think going by these prototypes we can be thankful Mercedes ending up with the right design.

 

[Michel]

I think going by these prototypes we can be thankful Mercedes ending up with the right design.

Was the extended front bumper to deliver the drinks?

 

[Andrew280SEL]

Those bumpers are insane!

 

[Des]

One would imagine they are to test the rubber or whatever the bumper is made of strength in an impact, see how it deforms etc..

 

[s class]

Des I believe those are not prototypes as such, they are experimental test beds based on W114 and W116 chassis, in this case used in development of U.S. spec bumpers.

 

[116Benz]

They're ESF's (Experimental Safety Vehicles) Built from the late 60's to mid-late 70's. These tested everything from passive seatbelts to airbags to pedestrian friendly nose & tails. This was Volvo's version http://www.oldtimergala.de/content/produktfotos/1186245796VolvoVESC72n.jpg