Mercedes-Benz AAV (Film Universe)
The Mercedes-Benz AAVs were a fleet of 3 ML 320s, modified by Mobile Field Systems for use by John Hammond's expedition to Isla Sorna in 1997.
History
Design & Specification
Production Notes
Pre-Production
A partnership between Universal and Mercedes-Benz was formed in which Mercedes would provide 6 of their new M-Class SUVs to be used in the film, under the agreement that in spite of any modifications they must be recognisable as an M-Class. The Mercedes' Advanced Design Studio in Iriving, California would complete the modifications to the cars which were manufactured in Tuscaloosa. Gerhard Steinle oversaw the design team at Mercedes, who develop several of their own concepts before receiving artwork commissioned by Steven Spielberg from the art department and artists at ILM.
Production
At least 7 vehicles were modified for use in the film.
| AAV | Variant | Production Designation | Production Name | Transmission | Purpose | Post-Filming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Montana | Baby T-Rex | Automatic | Location filming in Hawaii | Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center, Vance, Alabama |
| B | Location filming in California, Stage filming at Universal Studios | Universal Studios Hollywood (1997-) | ||||
| 2 | A | Fontana | Tower Vehicle | Location filming in California | Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart | |
| B | ||||||
| 2 | A | Santana | T-Rex Victim | Location filming in Hawaii | Mercedes-Benz Museum, Frankfurt | |
| B | Manual | Location filming in California, Stage filming at Universal Studios | Universal Studios Florida (1997-1999) Universal's Islands of Adventure (2005-) | |||
| C | Universal Studios Hollywood 1997 |
