"Our German Fatherland to which I hope will be granted . . . to become in the future as closely united, as powerful, and as authoritative as once the Roman world-empire was, and that, just as in the old times they said, "Civis romanus sum," hereafter, at some time in the future, they will say, "I am a German citizen."
- Kaiser Wilhelm II
In 1930, German car maker Mercedes decided to produce a limousine "fit for a king." Forever known as the 'Grand Mercedes', the 770K Mercedes Limousine was eventually pressed into service by noneother than Adolf Hitler, soon after he became Reich Chancellor of Germany in 1933. Its engineering and appointments were of a standard equal to none and even featured a handhold attached to the middle windshield so that dignitaries seated in the back of the vehicle could stand and wave to the crowd. The 8-cylinder engine could produce 150 horsepower, but was increased to 200 horsepower when the optional supercharger was engaged. In 1938, substantial improvements were made to the chassis and engine, which could now attain an impressive 230 horsepower.
This particular replica of a 1931 Daimler-Benz Grand Mercedes 770K Cabriolet F Parade Limousine was built for exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and features the Imperial Eagle on the hood of the car. Sold Out!
Dimensions:
Length: 6 inches
Width: 2 inches
Release Date: December 2008
Historical Account: "Kammeraden" - Born Friedrich Wilhelm Albert Victor on January 27th, 1859, William II or Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor and King of Prussia (German: Deutscher Kaiser und König von Preußen), ruling both the German Empire and Prussia from June 15th, 1888 to November 9th, 1918.
The role of William II in German history is sometimes a controversial issue in historical scholarship. Initially seen as an important, but embarrassing figure in German history until the late 1950s, for many years after that, the dominant view was that he had little or no influence on German policy leading up to the First World War.
This has been challenged since the late 1970s, particularly by Professor John C. G. Röhl who saw William II as the key figure in understanding the recklessness and subsequent downfall of Imperial Germany. (Courtesy: Wikipedia) |
