It was a large team that embarked on the creation of an extraordinary photoshoot in the Europa-Park in Rust near Freiburg. It gave rise to two reports, one for Mercedes-Benz Classic Magazine and one for Mercedes Magazine. The cast included four photographic models, a make-up and hair styling specialist, wardrobe specialists, the photographic team, the magazine coordinators and the vehicle backup personnel. Everybody had to go through the security lock before entering the set.
The 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet brought to Rust came from the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection. The version with the in-house model designation W 111 E 35/1 was available from 1969 until replacement of the W 111 series in 1971. A total of 1232 units of this convertible version were produced; in 1969 the list price was 30,750 German marks. The V8 engine with electronically controlled fuel injection developed 147 kW/200 hp – at the time a luxurious power output in an outstandingly comfortable car.
Touring Europe in a large, comfortable convertible sounds like a very agreeable idea. And the Europa-Park in Rust near Freiburg seemed like the ideal location for pictures to match the idea. The Park’s theme areas – lovingly constructed backdrops – are only a stone’s throw from each other: a small town street in France is not far from an Alpine village in Switzerland or an Icelandic fishing port. Modern times are represented in the photoshoot by a 217-series S-Class Cabriolet.
Here is a fully set-up and illuminated scene by photographer Benjamin Pichelmann. The Mercedes-Benz cooperation partner Europa-Park supported the shoot with numerous helpers: technicians to prepare the locations, international artists and, not least, catering personnel who kept the team in good heart for two whole nights.
Covering an area of 95 hectares, the Europa-Park in Rust near Freiburg is Germany’s largest recreational park and the best in the world. More than 100 attractions and international shows await visitors, who are able to find overnight accommodation in five 4-star event hotels owned by the Park. There has been successful cooperation between the Europa-Park and Mercedes-Benz since 2002. More information: www.europapark.de.