Mercedes will present a four-door convertible at next year's North American Auto Show Detroit. Harking back to the company's luxury products of the '30s and '50s, it's based on the LWB S600 chassis. Named the 'Concept Ocean Drive', the big car is finished in two-tone paintwork and has an interior displaying extensive use of leather, 3D-effect fabrics and large bird's eye maple trim panels.

Its pillarless profile, and more upright radiator, is more akin to a 1940s Chrysler convertible than a modern Mercedes. Based on the flagship V12 S Class, the concept has an 'innovative soft-top mechanism resulting in smooth operation and fast closing times' as well as the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which is featured on all four seats, allowing occupants to enjoy top-down motoring even in the colder months of the year.

The on-board equipment also includes the usual top-level Mercedes-Benz innovations including Brake Assist PLUS, PRE-SAFE® brake system (in combination with radar-based DIS-TRONIC PLUS) and the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: DaimlerChrysler