By Gunnar Heinrich

This 30 second spot by the ad agency that did commercials for Mercedes-Benz of North America in the late 90s must rank as one of the greatest automotive commercials of all time.

Tasteful and elegant in execution, the advertisement features the sultry voice of Marlene Dietrich and plenty of archival shots of gorgeous postwar Benzes past. To fans of the marque, the commercial is emotionally stirring.

It's a beautiful piece that contrasts nicely with some of the more vulgar adverts to come from the company in the last few years.

The full 90 second version of this shorter spot is said to exist, however, it has disappeared from YouTube.

That parting shot of the SLK kompressor is priceless...

[Source: YouTube]