Mighty Maybach

MERCEDES RESURRECTS A DREAM MACHINE

When the prototype of the Mayboch-a reprise of the sybaritic presedan once possessed by Enrico Caruso and the Emperor of Ethiopia-made its maiden voyage to Manhattan for a day, its tires barely touched asphalt. Lifted from the Q.E. 2 by helicopter, the auto. mobile sailed through the sky to an event on Wall Street-rather like Feftini's chopper-borne statue of Jesus in the opening scene of La Dolce Vito. For the celebrities and royals who have already placed orders for the 20-foot-long, high-performance dream machine, the Maybach is heaven on wheels. Each $350,000 vehicle will be custom-built-the cabinetwork, for example, can be commissioned in burr walnut, omboyna root, or cherrywood with block lacquer. Most of the Mayboch's opulent amenities are standard: rear choirs that recline like recomiers; on immersive sound system with 2~ speak ers; a second set of gouges that allow backseat drivers to monitor speed, time, and temperature; two flat-screen TVs; and an icebox equipped for silver cham pagne flutes. If all this seems an embarrass ment of riches, a 1 9-foot version, meant to be owner-driven, con be acquired instead. Un like most cars, typically broken in by 20 peo pIe before the consumer inserts his key, the Moybach is shipped in an inviolable vacuum sealed container, keeping the 550-horsepower auto immaculate-at least until the buyer has his way with it.

AMY FINE COLLINS