Maybach (founded by Wilhelm Maybach) was a German manufacturer of extremely expensive, exclusive and luxurious automobiles. The company has historic roots with Mercedes-Benz. The nowadays Stuttgart-based brand is currently owned by DaimlerChrysler. Between 1921 and 1940, the company produced various classic opulent vehicles.

During World War II, design and production was redirected to military applications - Maybach designed and/or produced the engines of many German military vehicles and German armored fighting vehicles such as the PzKpfw IV, Tiger I and the Panther. The company ceased to exist following the end of the war.

Maybach was revived as a brand in the early 2000s under the direction of Mercedes-Benz, with the production of a new model in two variations - the Maybach 57 and the Maybach 62 (the numbers are equal to the lengths of the automobiles in decimetres). The prices range from US$305,000 to $357,000; they are priced to directly compete with top-of-the-range Bentley and Rolls-Royce automobiles.

Classic Models

• 1919 - Maybach W1
• 1921 - Maybach W3
• 1926 - Maybach W5
• 1931 - Maybach W6
• 1929 - Maybach 12
• 1930 - Maybach DS7 Zeppelin
• 1931 - Maybach DS8 Zeppelin
• 1934 - Maybach DSH
• 1935 - Maybach SW35
• 1936 - Maybach SW38
• 1940 - Maybach SW42

Modern (post-revival) Models

• 2002 - Maybach 57 / 62

External links

• Maybach Manufaktur
• MTU Friedrichshafen
• Maybach Owner´s Club
• A biography of Wilhelm Maybach (in German)