Mercedes-Benz C111 Makes Teenage Dreams Come True on ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’

The Mercedes-Benz C111 concepts served as a testing ground for new engine technologies in the 1960s and 1970s, but were never brought to production (although it inspired the planned C112 featured at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show). Jay Leno was undoubtedly one of countless teens who dreamed of getting behind the wheel of one of these gull-winged beauties.

However, he’s the only one who recently got to make those dreams come true on the set of Jay Leno’s Garage.

The model that appeared on the show is a rare 1970 model that originally featured a three-rotor Wankel under the hood. The only one of 13 C111s to currently run, the vehicle eventually had its powertrain swapped out for a 3.5-liter V8.

But as you can see in the video, that hardly diminished Jay Leno’s excitement.

The C111 is fondly remembered today as a turning point for Mercedes-Benz, bringing us closer to the rich combination of creativity and traditional luxury that we see in today’s models. It’s also a reminder of how the manufacturer can inspire excitement in all of us—and maybe blur the line between dream and reality.

We invite you to come experience Mercedes-Benz with us at RBM of Atlanta today.

Image courtesy Jay Leno's Garage