Rare ONES - There are countless extraordinary cars in the world that often fly under the radar, rarely getting the recognition they deserve. Among these hidden gems is the Arrow C1, a highly exclusive vehicle with only four units ever produced. Built by Styling Garage (SGS), this unique car has become a collector's dream, not only because of its rarity but also due to its striking design inspired by the legendary Mercedes-Benz C111 concept. The Arrow C1 stands as a testament to innovative design, with just eleven surviving units of the original C111 concept serving as its visual muse.
This rare gullwing Mercedes-Benz Arrow C1 by SGS inspired by the legendary Mercedes-Benz C111 concept. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Styling Garage, also known as SGS, was a well-known coachbuilder and tuning company based near Hamburg, Germany. From 1979 to 1986, the company specialized in creating extravagant, custom-designed cars, primarily based on the Mercedes-Benz W126 S-Class. SGS became known for its high-end clientele, which included affluent buyers from the Arab world, American celebrities, Japanese businessmen, and African leaders. Each car built by SGS was a reflection of luxury and exclusivity, blending exceptional craftsmanship with bold, unconventional designs.
This
rare Mercedes-Benz Arrow C1 by SGS featured a "flatnose" front end,
widebody modifications, and a conversion to gullwing doors, all of which
gave it a distinctive look that set it apart from the original model. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)
The C111 concept series, which served as inspiration for the Arrow C1’s design, was a Mercedes-Benz's experimental vehicle series created in the 1970s. It was groundbreaking not only for its use of a Wankel rotary engine and a mid-engine configuration but also for its advanced chassis design and lightweight plastic bodywork. These innovations made the C111 a symbol of forward-thinking automotive engineering, and its sleek, futuristic design captured the imagination of car enthusiasts around the world. Though the C111 never went into mass production, it left a lasting impact on the world of concept cars, and its influence can still be seen in the Arrow C1’s styling.
SGS
also fitted the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC Arrow C1 with flip-up headlights,
and the radiator was repositioned to lie flat, further enhancing the
sleekness of the design. (Picture from: Kevin Alan in Flickr)
The Arrow C1 by SGS was a highly modified version of the Mercedes-Benz C126from the early 1980s. The car featured a "flatnose" front end, widebody modifications, and a conversion to gullwing doors, all of which gave it a distinctive look that set it apart from the original model. The front end of the Arrow C1 was designed to resemble the C111 concept, with an elongated nose reminiscent of both the Plymouth Superbird and the C111. This bold styling choice gave the car an aggressive and aerodynamic appearance, making it instantly recognizable.
The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC Arrow C1 by SGS at the Tuning Special Show - Retro Classics Stuttgart 2024. (Picture from: Zwischengas)
The transformation of the Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC C126 into the Arrow C1 was more than just a cosmetic overhaul. SGS fitted the car with flip-up headlights, and the radiator was repositioned to lie flat, further enhancing the sleekness of the design. The body kit, partially made from kevlar, included shaved bumpers and faux air intakes positioned ahead of the rear wheels, adding to the car's futuristic feel. The Arrow C1 made its public debut at the 1985 Geneva Motor Show, where it generated significant attention for its daring aesthetics. Shortly after, SGS unveiled a convertible version of the C126 with similar modifications, dubbed the SGS Arrow II.
The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC Arrow C1 by SGS at the Tuning Special Show - Retro Classics Stuttgart 2024. (Picture from: Zwischengas)
Despite the excitement that the Arrow C1 and other SGS creations generated, the brand’s relationship with Daimler-Benz was far from harmonious. Daimler-Benz publicly distanced itself from SGS conversions, citing concerns over both the aesthetics and the technical safety of the modified vehicles. Reports surfaced regarding the deactivation of important engine warning lights and the omission of necessary high-speed tires, raising questions about the cars' usability on the road. As a result, Daimler-Benz prohibited SGS from using the iconic Mercedes-Benz star, effectively positioning SGS as the sole manufacturer of these highly modified cars. | SvkHsIdknkY | s0jIVPDEa-w |
The Arrow C1 remains a remarkable piece of automotive history. While it may not have been embraced by Mercedes-Benz, its daring design and exclusivity have cemented its place as a unique creation from a bygone era of coachbuilding. With only four examples ever built, the Arrow C1 is a rare find, offering a glimpse into the world of extravagant custom cars and the visionaries behind them. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SGS STYLING GARAGE | IMCDB.ORG | WIKIPEDIA ]
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The Arrow C1 remains a remarkable piece of automotive history. While it may not have been embraced by Mercedes-Benz, its daring design and exclusivity have cemented its place as a unique creation from a bygone era of coachbuilding. With only four examples ever built, the Arrow C1 is a rare find, offering a glimpse into the world of extravagant custom cars and the visionaries behind them. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SGS STYLING GARAGE | IMCDB.ORG | WIKIPEDIA ]
