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U.S. Florida's C1 Bank Clients to Receive a New Mercedes‐Benz when opening a $1 Million deposit

By | Published Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pewter Partners, C1 Bank and Mercedes-Benz dealer, Crown Eurocars unite to offer what is quite possibly the most powerful banking product ever. Trevor Burgess, CEO of Community Bank announced today that, in conjunction with its name change to C1 Bank on May 1st and in partnership with Crown Eurocars, it will be offering a new five year $1,000,000 CD (Certificate of Deposit) product where the client will receive a brand new Mercedes-Benz from Crown Eurocars as pre‐paid interest. Clients will be able to choose from the 2012 SLK350 Roadster, 2012 E350 Sedan, 2012 ML350 SUV, and 2012 E350 Convertible.

C1 Bank CEO Trevor Burgess said, "C1 Bank is offering its clients the ability to drive off in their own brand new Mercedes-Benz just for moving their money to C1 Bank. In this interest rate environment where the five year CD has an APY of 1.20% it is thrilling to change the game with the instant gratification of a spectacular Mercedes-Benz that our client will own including tax, title, and license."

"Crown Eurocars is extremely excited about this innovative program and are pleased to join C1 Bank in this effort. In doing so, we look forward to this partnership further enhancing both our commitments to serving the Tampa Bay community," said Larry Casto, General Manager of Crown Eurocars.

"It's great to see two Pewter Partners join together to offer something truly extraordinary for their clients," said Tampa Bay Buccaneers Co‐Chairman Bryan Glazer. "We are proud to align our brand with innovative leaders and quality brands in the Tampa Bay community."

C1 Bank's 60 month Certificate of Deposit (CD) special with a minimum opening and required minimum balance of $1,000,000.00 is valid through July 31, 2012. Offer applicable to traditional certificate of deposit accounts only. Individual Retirement Account certificates of deposit are not eligible for this special offer. This offer is for a limited time and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. This offer is applicable for NEW funds and is available for Consumer deposits only.

Offer valid for Florida Residents only, age 18 years or older with a valid Florida driver's license. Offer is limited to two (2) Mercedes-Benz vehicles per household for this promotion. Subject to the terms and conditions of the deposit contract, C1 Bank will pay a pre‐calculated interest rate of 1.19% withan annual percentage yield ("APY") of 1.20% in advance on deposited funds at the completion of account opening. The 1.20% APY is available for new accounts only opened on or before May 31, 2012. For new accounts opened after May 31, 2012 the interest rate and APY will be based on the 60 month interest rate offered in connection with this promotion at the time the account is opened and compounded daily. The precalculated interest in advance amount $61,294.00 based on the 1.20% APY available through May 31, 2012, can only be used towards the purchase of one of four (4) specific Mercedes-Benz vehicle models from Crown Eurocars Inc. with a MSRP of $59,585.00 and includes $3,488.34 sales tax, $687.70 delivery fee, $2.50 Florida Lemon Law fee, $6.50 Florida tire and battery fee, $500.00 registration/tag and $24.00 electronic filing fee with a total purchase price, net of $3,000.00 discount, of $61,294.04. Client will be responsible for any other fees or charges incurred in connection with purchase. The four (4) promotional models available for purchase are the 2012 SLK350, E350, ML350, or E350 Convertible, subject to dealer availability and with a $59,585.00 MSRP. Client may select vehicle from available inventory designated by Crown Eurocars Incorporated. If Client selects vehicle from other inventory of Crown Eurocars Incorporated, Client will be responsible for the difference between the pre‐calculated interest in advance amount and the purchase price of the vehicle and any related increase in taxes, fees and other costs associated with the purchase of the vehicle. Vehicle color and options subject to availability. Vehicle may only be registered in the name of the Primary account owner and cannot be exported to any location outside of the continental United States for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase and delivery. Client will be responsible for Insurance, Warranties, Licenses, and any other fees and costs not covered under the terms and conditions of this promotion. Client is responsible for taking delivery of the vehicle at Crown Eurocars Incorporated located at 6001 34th St N Saint Petersburg, FL 33714. Pre‐calculated interest earned and paid in advance on the CD may be subject to applicable State or Federal taxes.

C1 Bank will issue a same year (2012) 1099‐INT Interest Statement for pre‐calculated interest earned. Client should consult and discuss any taxation issues with a tax advisor. FDIC deposit insurance covers the standard deposit insurance amount of $250,000.00 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category, as provided by applicable law. FDIC Insurance Coverage can be calculated using the FDIC's online Electronic Deposit Insurance Estimator (EDIE) at: www.fdic.gov/edie. Significant early withdrawal penalties will apply to the certificate of deposit available through this promotion. The principal amount will be reduced by any penalty for the early withdrawal of funds. In the event of early withdrawal, C1 Bank will deduct from the $1,000,000.00 principal amount deposited the amount of the pre‐calculated, pre‐paid interest paid in advance and specifically used for a Mercedes-Benz vehicle purchase from Crown Eurocars Incorporated, including any delivery, tax and costs paid with such interest ($61,294.04). In addition to the early withdrawal penalty, C1 Bank will also deduct an early withdrawal fee of $3,000.00 from the $1,000,000.00 principal amount deposited. The early withdrawal penalty and the early withdrawal fee could reduce the earnings on your certificate of deposit account. Partial withdrawals are not allowed. Once the CD is opened, client agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the promotional offer and deposit account agreement during the 60‐month term of the CD and even after the account is closed. At maturity of the full term with no exceptions or withdrawals, the client is entitled to receive from C1 Bank the $1,000,000.00 principal amount of deposited funds only. The CD is not auto‐renewable.In addition, by accepting the terms and conditions of the promotional offer, the primary account holder forever releases and holds C1 Bank and CBM Florida Holding Company and Crown Eurocars Inc. harmless from any and all liability for any injury, loss or damage of any kind to persons, including death, and property arising in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the vehicle, or participation in the offer.

This promotion and agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Florida and applicable federal laws and regulations. C1 Bank is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information provided in advertising. C1 Bank reserves the right to cancel or modify this offer at any time without notice. Please visit C1 Bank for full terms and conditions of this limited time promotional offer. Vehicle color is subject to availability.


Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA / C1 Bank

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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CLASSIC: 1955 alloy-based 300 SL auctioned off for a staggering $4.62 million

By | Published Wednesday, 25 January 2012

We are pleased to hear that, after having underwent an exceptional restoration process carried out by specialist house Rudi & Company, one of the rare, 29 300 SLs from the 1950s equipped with a lightweight alloy bodyshell/chassis has recently found an owner. Originally painted in silver grey and displaying a blue leather interior, the car exited the assembly line on April 20th, 1955 and received the chassis no. 198.043.5500208. After the auction organized by Gooding & Company, the Gullwing was sold off for no less than $4.62 million, a lot more than initially expected. It is no wonder why the client spent so much to have the special 300 SL in his own garage: the car is simply shining. The job done by Rudi Koniczek's team achieved the main target of restoring the classic aura of this icon, with a brilliant, careful attention paid to all the minute details.

You might also be interested in reading the following articles:

- Classic car find: a 1955 300 SL Racing with light-alloy bodyshell shows up in California
- CLASSIC: the 1955 alloy-bodied, chassis no.21 300 SL Racing uncovered

Read a detailed story about this specific 300 SL after pressing the jump button!


Vehicle Description

"[The 300 SL Coupe] is the ultimate in an all-around sports car. It combines more desirable features in one streamlined package than we ever imagined or hoped would be possible" – Road & Track Editors, 1955

If not for US importer Max Hoffman and his passion for a sports coupe based on the highly successful W194 series race cars, the Mercedes-Benz immortal 300 SL line would never have come to production.

The racing success of the factory team was having a positive effect on Mercedes-Benz sales in the US. However, without a car clearly related to the race-winning machines, the marketing advantage of the immensely costly racing effort was limited. Accordingly, Mercedes-Benz management approved the 300 SL project after Mr. Hoffman's firm made a commitment to purchase 1,000 of the cars for US distribution.

Integral to the marketing plan for the groundbreaking new sports car was the expectation that the cars would be used for competition by private owners in order to bolster sales in the showrooms, and the factory ensured that the 300 SL was accepted by the FIA for international competition.

As a result, the production Gullwing could be ordered with an all-aluminum body. When chosen, many additional competition upgrades followed suit. A competition camshaft was fitted along with stiffer, shorter springs that lowered the car and enhanced peak performance, while racing-specification tires on wider rims promoted better adhesion. Plexiglass windows and vented brake drums were also featured in the package. The cars were nearly 200 pounds lighter than the standard steel-bodied version. In all, just 29 of these aluminum-bodied cars were ordered and built – approximately 2% of the total Gullwing production.

This Car

Derived for sport, this aluminum Gullwing did not see competitive use. Completed on April 20, 1955, 5500208 was appropriately finished in metallic silver gray over a blue leather interior. The 300 SL was also outfitted with Rudge wheels, the NSL motor and Plexiglas windows per aluminum-build specifications.

On May 27, 1955, the Alloy Gullwing was sent to Rotterdam where it was loaded aboard a Holland America Line ship for transport to New York. Upon arrival, the Mercedes-Benz distributor sent 5500208 to the West Coast for ultimate delivery to Veron Holz of Bonita, California. The new aluminum-bodied Gullwing would have been an extravagant machine on the roads of San Diego in the late 1950s.

Although the early history of this Gullwing is not known, there is no apparent race record for 5500208. In March 1980, the 300 SL resurfaced in San Diego and was sold through a motorcar locator to Hans Dieter Blatzheim of Bonn, Germany. The purchase price was an astonishing $57,000 for an unrestored car, which the seller most likely assumed was steel. The invoice for the purchase still exists, indicating the alloy chassis number 198.043.5500208.

In need of some attention, the Alloy Gullwing made its way to the well-known restoration shop Hill & Vaughn in Santa Monica, California. Phil Hill and Ken Vaughn had gained a reputation for their high-quality restorations and were frequent winners at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Disassembly of the car began in April 1980, and the car is accompanied by a significant file of numerous invoices and photographs documenting the work performed by Hill & Vaughn.

The invoices identify the completeness of 5500208, as well as its solid state, which was no doubt a benefit of having spent 25 years in Southern California. Some necessary aluminum work was addressed and the meticulous fitting of the doors, hood and deck lid are thoroughly outlined. Additionally, the engine and gearbox were sent to AMG Motorbau in Germany for rebuilding. Subsequently returned to Hill & Vaughn in early 1982, the project was nearing completion. By mid-year, the car was ready for paint and assembly.

For unknown reasons, Herr Blatzheim requested that 5500208 be packed in a sea container and sent to Germany. The car was loaded and loose parts were thoroughly inventoried before shipment in November 1982.

The completion of the restoration was conducted in Germany, but not before the body was stripped and prepared again for paint. Photos dated October 1983 show the bare aluminum skin in outstanding condition, proving straight and showing good panel fit. Further photo documentation shows the restoration and assembly of the chassis and completion of the car in silver with gray leather.

In May 1984, the 5500208 was sold to Markus Ahr of Germany. During his ownership, work was performed by Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft including a rebuild of the engine. Herr Ahr kept the car well into the 1990s, at which time work was performed by Kienle Automobiltechnik. Photo documentation shows a rebuild of the transmission, rear end, brakes and suspension. Retaining the silver-over-gray finish, detail work was conducted on gauges and other ancillary components and the project was completed in 1998. Not long after, the Alloy Gullwing was sold to Friedhelm Loh, a noted German collector with a passion for significant Mercedes-Benz.

In 2009, Ken McBride of Seattle, Washington, was given the opportunity to buy 5500208. Having had a handful of Gullwings, Mr. McBride appreciated the importance of an Alloy and, for the first time in his many years of collecting, had the chance to own one. Although his collection was significantly diverse, Mr. McBride had always focused on Mercedes-Benz and had acquired a 540 K Special Coupe, a 540 K Cabriolet A and eventually a 380 K Erdmann & Rossi Special Roadster.

After some serious thought, and perhaps a little family persuasion, the Alloy Gullwing was bought for the collection. In the company of a J Duesenberg Murphy Roadster, a Ferrari 410 Superamerica and other significant cars, the 300 SL was more than a notable entry, it was a dream come true for a man who had an Alloy Gullwing high on a short list of cars to own.

In late 2009, Mr. McBride fell ill and the newly acquired Mercedes-Benz took a back seat. At that time, the Gullwing was sent to noted 300 SL restorer Rudi Koniczek at Rudi & Co. for some necessary sorting. Mr. McBride wanted certain aspects of the car corrected, predominantly the shade of silver and the interior. In the months to come, the Alloy Gullwing was stripped to bare metal and repainted in its original silver (DB 180). Necessary body work was conducted and a methodical process was undertaken to ensure proper assembly and fit of the aluminum body. The gray leather interior was removed and the correct blue leather was installed. Some additional mechanical work was conducted, as well as detailing of various components. One deviation from the original was the addition of seat cushions upholstered in plaid, acknowledging the lightweight car's racing alter ego – they are a marvelous touch.

In mid-2011, Mr. Koniczek had finished the restoration but, sadly, Mr. McBride passed away before he could see the final masterpiece. The result was truly spectacular! Shortly after, Mr. McBride's wife Patty and the rest of the McBride family chose to show the Alloy Gullwing at the Kirkland Concours d'Elegance where it rightfully won its class.

The finish of the 300 SL is of the highest level and the car retains a very correct appearance. With a livery that is a tasteful yet bold statement, the quality of the work and attention to detail is obvious and further inspection reveals the purity of this Alloy Gullwing. The original engine remains, correctly stamped NSL, and the body number can be found stamped on the left wheel arch in the engine compartment. Additionally, the Gullwing has belly pans, its chrome Rudge wheels are original, the luggage is properly finished in natural pig skin, the Becker radio is correct, the grille has the proper "curved star" – the list goes on.

Furthermore, this Alloy Gullwing is accompanied by a tool kit, a knock-off hammer, a jack, comprehensive documentation, the Mercedes-Benz Certificate, an owner's manual, an instruction manual, a spare parts catalogue, a service book and Becker radio manuals.

5500208 is a sensation to drive. Its road manners are what one would expect from any beautifully engineered motorcar. The true excitement, however, is when this supercar comes on cam. With abundant power and torque, and precise gearshift, this Gullwing is simply addictive.

In recent years, these ultra-rare, competition- specification cars have come to be recognized by collectors and enthusiasts for what they have always been – truly the best of the best. They are a tiny group of factory-built, lightweight racers, constructed with the express intention of increasing the public visibility of one of the greatest sports cars ever constructed.

Gullwings are routinely acknowledged as favorites in a collection of any size. They are prized for their magnificent engineering and build quality, purity of design and outstanding driving experience. Aluminum-bodied examples – all 29 of which have survived to this day – are very seldom offered for sale.

As one of the most iconic motorcars of all time, it can easily be said that the Alloy Gullwing is the most significant road-going Mercedes-Benz of the post-war era.
Credits: Gooding & Company

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

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