Spirit of Mercedes by Vaughan Grylls

A dynamic exploration of Mercedes, one of the world’s foremost car brands, with lively photography and witty observations about why we love them.

Karl Benz, who founded Mercedes Benz, invented the first car. So, since 1879, Mercedes Benz has been at the forefront of innovation. With their superior quality, sleek look and iconic three-pointed star logo (with the points representing land, sea and air), it’s a car brand with true global power and recognition. It has produced some of the fastest cars in the world, such as the 2022 Mercedes-AMG One Hybrid model, which can reach speeds of 219 mph.

This fun and fascinating book, written by car-enthusiast and Mercedes owner Vaughan Grylls, is a tour de force through the history of Mercedes as told by its cars. From the world’s first car, the Benz Patent Motor Car, to the most expensive car ever sold, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, the story of Mercedes is a long and fascinating one, and is described in this book alongside a stunning range of photography.

The ideal gift for every car enthusiast, whether they’re a Mercedes aficionado or just an admirer, this beautifully illustrated book perfectly conveys the joys of this classic brand.

An exploration of the design behind the iconic Mercedes brand, with 100 photographs paired with insightful text.

About the Author: Vaughan Grylls is a photographer, author and artist. His photography has been shown in the Photographers’ Gallery, Whitechapel Art Gallery and the Arnolfini. He is represented in several public collections, including the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, the Contemporary Art Society, Pfizer, Unilever and the Arts Council of Wales. From 1996 to 2005 Grylls was Chief Executive of the Kent Institute of Art and Design. In 2005 he founded the University for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham and Rochester, and serves as Emeritus Professor. He is the author and photographer of Oxford Then and Now, Cambridge Then and Now, Hong Kong Then and Now and Singapore Then and Now.

11 Jun 2026
 

The Spirit of Mercedes: 50 Reasons Why We Love Them: Volume 5 by Vaughan Grylls ISBN 9781837330249