The Centomobil was a concept vehicle built by Mercedes-Benz, conceived less as a preview of future production models than as a one-off centerpiece for a celebration. An initial image of the car was released at the end of 1985, and it was created for the ARD Eurovision broadcast "Die Zukunft hat Geburtstag," which marked the 100th anniversary of the automobiles of Benz and Daimler on January 29, 1986. At the elaborately staged but widely criticized anniversary event for Daimler-Benz AG, the Centomobil was driven onto the stage by Grand Prix racing driver Niki Lauda.
The design originated from ideas developed by Mercedes-Benz stylists and researchers. Its transparent body panels produced reflections of the surrounding environment, and it featured four glass seats along with lighting sources that were not visibly apparent from outside the car. It also incorporated a visual and acoustic communication system linked to a computer terminal, capable of producing filmed trick effects.
