Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally: The Golden Age of Motoring

Vintage cars hold a spe­cial place in the hearts of automotive­ enthusiasts and collectors alike capturing­ the true essence­ of automotive history. The­se classic masterpieces e­voke nostalgia as they repre­sent a past era characte­rized by elegance­, craftsmanship, and innovation. Dete­rmining the value of vintage cars is a comple­x process that combines objective­ assessment with subjective­ factors considering various key eleme­nts that contribute to establishing the worth of the­se automotive treasure­s. The 1962 Fe­rrari 250 GTO holds the distinguished title of be­ing referred to as the­ holy grail among vintage car enthusiasts.

The 11th edition of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally concluded in spectacular style, cementing its reputation as India’s premier event for vintage and classic car enthusiasts. 

Held in Mumbai, this year’s rally brought together an unparalleled collection of over 95 timeless Mercedes-Benz classics, with around 60 of the icons making their debut at the show, drawing record crowds to witness the grandeur and legacy of the brand with the three-pointed star. What started as a one-off event to celebrate 120 Years of Motorsport with Mercedes-Benz has turned into a behemoth of an event, with car lovers flocking to the grand streets of Mumbai from all parts of the country. The cars were laid across majestically on the sprawling, grand lawns of Taj Land’s End in Bandra, before taking on the rest of the city. 

With Chief Guest & MLA Mr. Ashish Shelar in attendance, the rally was flagged off by Mercedes-Benz India MD & CEO, Mr. Santosh Iyer, along with Mr. Lance Bennett, VP-Sales & Marketing, and Mr. Emmanuel Bacquet, Curator of MAC – Museum Art & Cars in Germany and Head of the Selection Committee for Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. 

Among the standout highlights was the much-anticipated Supercharged Class, showcasing the iconic Kompressor (German for supercharger) models from the 1920s and 1930s that ushered in the age of superchargers pioneered by Mercedes-Benz. Spectators were enthralled by the elegance of the 500K, the sheer presence of the 540K, and the engineering marvel that is the 630K—each a masterpiece of Mercedes-Benz innovation and craftsmanship. The 2024 MBCCR marked the first time in history that all three of these titans were present at the same location, making the event all the more grand and memorable. 

The Superlimousine Class provided a rare glimpse into Mercedes-Benz’s opulent history. Cars like the Nurburg, 600 Grosser, and the multiple 300 Adenauer variants turned heads with their majestic proportions and stately grace, offering a window into an era of unrivalled luxury and prestige. Another head-turner featured in this class was a 1000SEL (V126), which drew hundreds of pictures from fans and enthusiasts alike. 

The Bruno Sacco Class paid tribute to the legendary Italian designer, spotlighting his timeless creations. This class was a celebration of design excellence, featuring iconic models that bore Sacco’s visionary touch, reminding enthusiasts of his transformative influence on Mercedes-Benz aesthetics. This includes the first-generation SLK, the legendary G-Wagen and the timeless SEC (C126) S-Class coupe, which is largely considered one of his greatest works. 

Adding a unique charm to this year’s rally was the Mile Munchers Class, which honoured participants who drove down in their classic beauties from distant locations like Goa, Lucknow, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mysore and Rajkot. Their journeys, spanning hundreds of kilometres, epitomised the enduring spirit and reliability of these classics and their owners’ unbridled passion for restoring these legends to Concours standards. Some of the beauties that made the drive to Mumbai were the 190 (W201), the 240D (W123) and E220 (W124). 

Perseus Bandrawalla, Curator of MBCCR said “The MBCCR is a museum on wheels, showcasing cars right from the world’s first automobile; the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen (replica), to the state-of-the-art modern classic; the SLS AMG with its iconic gullwing doors. You can practically see the evolution of automobiles over the last 130 years.” 

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India had this to say about the rally’s 11th edition, “We are thrilled to celebrate the 2024 edition of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally, a true celebration of automotive history, craftsmanship, and innovation. For over a decade, this event has become the highlight of Mumbai’s winter season. MBCCR continues to bridge the past, present, and future of automotive excellence. I am proud to see the legacy of Mercedes-Benz preserved through this vibrant community, and it is inspiring to witness the dedication of collectors and restorers who keep these timeless vehicles in pristine condition.” 

With its grandeur and impeccable curation, the 11th edition of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally has been a resounding success, reiterating its position as the gold standard for vintage and classic car rallies worldwide. While this year was the grandest yet, we are likely to see many more stunning Mercedes-Benz classics at next year’s MBCCR as the classic car bug continues to spread amongst India’s burgeoning community of auto enthusiasts.