History of the Mercedes Sprinter - the new face of the delivery van
The first official presentation of the Mercedes Sprinter I took place in 1995 at a motor show. It was the first Mercedes-Benz van with its own model name - the Sprinter. The developers wanted to make the van more comfortable by making it more like a passenger car. In addition to improved driving properties and traction, the Sprinter I also featured the clocks of the Mercedes W124. Previous models carried the numerical designations (T1). The presentation of the new van was linked to the establishment of a new Mercedes-Beznz Vans unit responsible for the production process and distribution of the Sprinter I to the world market. In addition to production at the German plants, Mercedes also expanded factories in Argentina, Mexico, Taiwan and Russia. The German van was so innovative and technically advanced that it won the title of Van of the Year 1995.
Mercedes Sprinter 1995 Brochure
Extended equipment of the Sprinter I
The first generation Sprinter was equipped with disc brakes on each axle, ABS or even ESP (since 2002). The styling of the body was also completely changed, giving the front of the vehicle a more streamlined shape. The trend started with the 1985 Ford Transit has continued to the present day, Mercedes only deciding to make such a move in 1995. The engine no longer generated any additional noise, as it was located outside the driver cabin. From the very beginning the model was available with 3 different wheelbases, 2 heights and in 2 lengths. Passenger versions were available in 7-passenger and 9-passenger variants, similar to the VW LT. The great interest in the German van led to the extension of production of the Sprinter I under the name "Classic" and the resumption of production for the Russian market from 2013. The biggest problem with the Sprinter I was its susceptibility to corrosion, which ate away at the vehicle's bodywork at a premature rate. Two generations of diesel engines were available to drivers: 2.3 litres with 78bhp and the iconic 2.9l engine previously used in the G and E classes with 122bhp. A 143bhp petrol engine was also available as an alternative, but was much less common. Regardless of the engine version, the vehicle could be fitted with an automatic transmission.
Sprinter James Cook and other Mercedes versions
Among the versions of the first-generation Mercedes Sprinter on offer were minibus, popularly used as people carriers. Factory versions made for urban transport included 13-seat, 16-seat and 19-seat versions. Even before the start of the 21st century, Mercedes featured a digital odometer below the speedometer. The available equipment versions included manual air conditioning, an airbag and a tachometer, interchangeable with the analogue clock face. In 1995 a camper version debuted on the market, hailed as the James Cook Sprinter. The Mercedes camper was equipped with a toilet, kitchen and sleeping space for 4 people. The name referred to the English traveller and explorer. The iconic Westfalia bodies were also on the market. In 1998, a version of the van with 4x4 drive, designed for the largest versions of Mercedes, debuted on the market. In the following years, there were also twin constructions designed for the American market sold under the names: Freightliner and Dodge Sprinter.
