Mercedes’ first and shortly to be notorious small automobile was first launched in 1997 – the A-Class. The primary Good Fortwo adopted quickly after. Nonetheless, the primary check on this section befell in 1981.
That summer season, an idea referred to as NAFA (an acronym for “Nahverkehrsfahrzeug”, or “native transport automobile”) was offered. The thought was to mix city dimensions with the everyday Mercedes type and class. Properly, you’ll be able to resolve for your self whether or not it succeeded.
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Mercedes-Benz
A revolutionary design
With a size of simply 2.50 metres and a width of 1.50 metres, the NAFA instantly catches the attention with its compact and weird proportions – strongly harking back to a first-generation Good.
The design research conceived by Bruno Sacco (who beforehand designed the legendary W126 and later the A-Class) displays the minimalist and practical styling of the Eighties: angular traces, a windscreen inclined at 45 levels, massive glass surfaces and a totally vertical rear window.
Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes NAFA Idea (1982)
Regardless of its small dimension, the inside provides a stunning quantity of consolation for 2 occupants. Sliding doorways additionally guarantee quick access within the tightest parking areas.
Entrance-wheel drive for the primary time
Along with its notably extravagant look, the NAFA is the primary Mercedes with front-wheel drive. And that is not all. Its most spectacular function is the all-wheel steering, which permits a turning radius of simply 5.7 metres and thus ensures distinctive manoeuvrability within the tightest of areas.
Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes NAFA Idea (1982)
The engine, then again, is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 40 PS, which inserts below the quick bonnet on the entrance and is completely sufficient for city journeys and the presumably somewhat low weight.
Sadly, the NAFA was not adopted by a manufacturing mannequin, however it’s clear that each the long run A-Class and the Good have been modelled on its idea. The latter was launched in 1998 and achieved rapid success all through Europe with the revolutionary Fortwo.
