OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
- The anniversary is the focal theme for Mercedes-Benz Classic at the world’s largest trade fair for classic automobiles
- An opportunity in this anniversary year: original parts for Mercedes-Benz Classics at reduced prices
Stuttgart, Germany, Mar 24, 2011 – Under the motto “125 years! Inventor of the automobile”, Mercedes-Benz Classic is presenting the unique story of the automobiles with the three-pointed star at the 2011 Techno-Classica. The exhibits tell a fascinating history, from the birth of the motor car through to present and future design and drive technology, and bring this history to life with twelve automotive milestones.
Mercedes-Benz Classic is setting new standards with its stand in Hall 1 at the Essen trade fair complex, where, on an area covering 4,700 square metres, the full diversity of the brand’s historical activities and passion for cultivation of tradition are brought vividly to life. The heroes of the 125 years of automotive history are the classic automobiles themselves. This is true of the collection’s milestone vehicles, ranging from the patent motor car of automotive pioneer Carl Benz from 1886 right through to the protagonists of the Mercedes-Benz strategic product initiative of the 1990s.
These automotive milestones also include exhibits from the most recent of times, such as a passenger car with the fuel-cell drive of the future, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL. And the “Aesthetics 125” sculpture embodies visionary design elements of future Mercedes-Benz classics.
The purpose of Mercedes-Benz Classic is not just to preserve automotive history, but also to communicate that history and bring it to life. This role is accomplished, among other things, by the trade in vintage vehicles and young classics. Therefore, Mercedes-Benz Classic is presenting an assortment of select commercially available vehicles at Techno-Classica. These include, for example, sports cars of the SL model series R 107 and R 129 as well as classic E-Class, S-Class and G-Class models. “These vehicles embody the high standards we set for classic automobiles of the highest quality with optimum value retention,” says Michael Bock, Director of Mercedes-Benz Classic.
Alongside its own in-house offering, Mercedes-Benz Classic is joined at Techno-Classica by some of its partners. As authorised dealers, Leseberg Automobile (Hamburg), Rosier Classic Center (Oldenburg) and Autohaus Weicker (Kelkheim) are presenting their specialist expertise in classic automobiles, both in the workshop and also in the form of vehicles for sale.
In addition to its particular expertise, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center will demonstrate its supreme feel for automotive history at Techno-Classica by presenting a restored icon of the brand history: the factory restoration of a 300 SL Roadster (W 198 II) not only sets new standards with regard to quality of workmanship and documentation. Also in terms of a vehicle that has been restored in accordance with the manufacturer’s stringent standards using original replacement parts and appropriate methods, the 300 SL Roadster presented is an outstanding example. “Mercedes-Benz Classic employs its exceptional technical knowledge in such projects. This expertise is nurtured, preserved and constantly expanded,” explains Michael Bock.
Techno-Classica is also the starting point of an attractive offer for fans of the brand and for owners of classic Mercedes-Benz automobiles: under the motto “Our parts. Your advantage.”, the availability of 1,250 original parts at reduced prices can be checked on the Internet. They will be online from the beginning of April and can be ordered through Mercedes-Benz branches in Germany. The German portal can be accessed at www.mercedes-benz-classic.com/originalteile, and the English one at www.mercedes-benz-classic.com/spareparts. The focus will be on the most popular model series, such as R/C 107, W 126, W 123 und W 201.
The presence of brand clubs at the world’s leading trade fair for classic automobiles once again in 2011 will strongly enhance the bond with historic Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The clubs’ presentations are integrated into the overall presence of Mercedes-Benz Classic. Under the new motto “Mercedes-Benz & Friends”, the offer of the club management includes, for example, an event in the south of France in April at which club members will be out and about following the tracks of the brand’s history.
The Techno-Classica in Essen is the world’s largest trade fair for classic automobiles. It will be held from 31 March until 3 April 2011 (preview on 30 March). Founded in 1988, the event has developed into the leading international trade fair for vintage vehicles and young classics. Alongside passenger cars, the show also features racing cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. This year, over 1,100 exhibitors from some 30 countries will be present in Essen; the organisers expect around 180,000 visitors.
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