A Tesla Truck on the Beach

 

How do they handle in deep snow? 

But they will save the planet, some say.

The Asian Roof Line! The Mercedes-Benz W 113: 230, 250 and 280 SL "Pagoda"

 Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally, 27 to 31 August 1963. The eventual winners Eugen Böhringer and Klaus Kaiser with the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113) and starting number 39 on the gravel tracks of the Karst region near today's Podgorica in Montenegro, then Titograd in what was then Yugoslavia, one of the worst sections of the route. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: U17265)

Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113)

Memorable: What an unconventional nickname for a car: “Pagoda”. The name was coined a long time ago for the Mercedes-Benz SL model series 113. This SL was called “Pagoda” for the first time in Italy, recalls former chief designer Bruno Sacco.

Style icon: The name “Pagoda” is based on the sports car’s characteristic hardtop, which is slightly curved inwards and is reminiscent of Asian temples. The shape was designed by Paul Bracq, who became the first designer in the “Main Department for the Development of Car Bodies” at the Sindelfingen plant in March 1957. The pagoda roof is a stroke of luck for the image and design of the sports car. And of course the overall design: clear lines of great simplicity and lightness create an expressive elegance. Even decades later, Bracq still described the design of the W 113 as “perfect”.

Stability: The idea for the concave roof line came from a technician. Force progressions in the bodywork are an area of expertise of Béla Barényi. He points out that a roof curved downwards is more stable than sheet metal that is curved upwards. This, however, is only of limited practicality for everyday use of the model series 113 since the hardtop of a sports car is rarely used with a roof luggage rack for transporting loads.

Innovative: Another of Barényi’s inventions is of great significance in terms of safety: his concept for the body with crumple zones at the front and rear and a customisable passenger compartment in between. In 1959, the Mercedes-Benz model series 111 was the world’s first vehicle with this safety body. Of course, the new SL, which appeared in 1963, also had it – a milestone in the world of sports cars. This underscores why this SL is in Legend Room 5: Pioneers – Safety and Environment, 1960 to 1982.

Predecessor model: The Geneva Motor Show from 14 to 24 March 1963 is the premiere venue for the 230 SL, the first version of the model series 113. The roadster with a 2.3-litre six-cylinder engine and 110 kW (150 hp) takes on a challenging legacy. It replaces two predecessors, the 190 SL (W 121) and 300 SL Roadster (W 198), both of which had been extremely popular and successful from the outset. The 300 SL had already become a legend with the coupé produced from 1954 on.

A true all-rounder: With the new model, the company opts for a happy medium. The 230 SL is neither an uncompromisingly tough roadster nor a gentle boulevard sports car. It is a comfortable yet sporty two-seater with a high level of driving safety.

Portfolio: The model series 113 is developed further. On 27 February 1967, the company presents the 250 SL, also with 110 kW (150 hp), but with a displacement of 2.5 litres and therefore greater torque. This is replaced less than a year later by the 280 SL with a 2.8-litre engine and 125 kW (170 hp), which is even more powerful.

Rally racer: Motorsport is also in the genes of this SL generation. The victory of Eugen Böhringer and Klaus Kaiser in a Mercedes-Benz 230 SL at the Spa-Sofia-Liège long-distance rally from 27 to 31 August 1963 – around 5,500 kilometres at top speed – is legendary. Böhringer calls the sports car a “dancer” because it is more manoeuvrable than the saloon with its longer wheelbase.

Young at heart: Production of the 280 SL comes to an end in March 1971. Its successor is the completely newly designed 107 model series. A total of 48,912 units of the three SL models of the W 113 are produced in eight years of production. Today, they are among the brand’s most popular classics. No wonder: they combine sportiness with a high level of everyday practicality, comfort and timeless elegance. The comprehensive supply of Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts available through the manufacturer is a major advantage when it comes to preserving any “Pagoda”. Looking for a part? Click here for the parts finder: https://teilesuche.mercedes-benz-classic.com.

Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo -- 40 years! Musuem Exhibit!

The first Marco Polo based on the T1 van
 

• Since 1984: Four decades of camping with the Mercedes‑Benz Marco Polo
• To conclude the anniversary year, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the first Marco Polo as a special exhibit at the Mercedes‑Benz Museum

To mark the 40th anniversary of its Marco Polo camper van, Mercedes‑Benz is presenting the first Marco Polo from 1984 as a special exhibit at the Mercedes‑Benz Museum. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the beginnings of the Mercedes-Benz camper van from early December 2024 to the end of January 2025. The special exhibit is located in the atrium.

1984: The first Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo celebrates its premiere

Forty years ago, the Venetian explorer became the namesake for the camper van from the brand with the star. In 1984, the first Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo made its debut. The model was based on the T1, the so-called "Bremer Transporter." Its characteristic features included the stubby hood, the Bahama beige paint, and the beige-brown interior, which was considered a "must-have" for discerning campers at the time. Additionally, with a height of 2.97 metres, it made an impressive appearance. 

From generation to generation: The Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo continues its success story

Following the first Marco Polo in 1984, the second generation based on the Vito was introduced in 1996, and the third generation based on the Viano followed in 2003. Since 2015, the Marco Polo has been built on the
V-Class. In between, there have been numerous product enhancements according to customer preferences.

With each generation, the Marco Polo has become more compact, more stylish, and more comfortable - thanks in part to intelligent technology.

In the here and now: The Marco Polo as the smart glamping vehicle for travel and life

The current V-Class Marco Polo, which was relaunched at the beginning of the year, places a special emphasis on aesthetics - both inside and out. The interior presents itself as an exclusive lounge, from the cockpit to the living area. Highlights include a yacht-style floor, atmospheric LED interior lighting - including ambient lighting - and a wide range of design packages, high-quality trim elements, and upholstery. With this, the current model offers a true glamping experience.

The V‑Class Marco Polo also excels in comfort thanks to intelligent technology, including the innovative MBUX (Mercedes‑Benz User Experience) multimedia system and the advanced MBAC (Mercedes‑Benz Advanced Control) camper control unit, transforming the vehicle into a smart home for travellers and digital nomads.

The current model also places great emphasis on safety and driving pleasure, making it ideal for both travel and life. This virtue is further strengthened by its compact exterior dimensions of under two metres.

The living concept has remained unchanged since the first generation. It still includes a roof bed, a rear seat/bed bench, swivel driver and passenger seats, a kitchenette with sink, stove, and cooler, as well as cabinet and drawer modules.

Further information and press material on the current V-Class Marco Polo can be found here.

Marco Polo special exhibit at the Mercedes-Benz Museum: Open daily from Tuesday to Sunday

The Mercedes‑Benz Museum - with the special exhibit of the first Mercedes‑Benz Marco Polo in the atrium - is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday between 9 am and 6 pm. The ticket office always closes at 5 pm. For registration, reservations, and current information, you can contact them Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm: phone number 0049 711 17-30000, email classic@mercedes-benz.com, online www.mercedes-benz.com/museum.

Contact Mercedes-Benz Vans: 
Diana Boch, +49 (0) 176 30 932 601, diana.boch@mercedes-benz.com 
Ingeborg Schulenburg-Gärtner, +49 (0) 160 867 0044, ingeborg.schulenburg-gaertner@mercedes-benz.com

Contact Mercedes-Benz Museum: 
Friederike Valet, +49 (0) 151 58622944, friederike.valet@mercedes-benz.com 
Julia Löwenstein, +49 (0) 151 58610215, julia.loewenstein@mercedes-benz.com

Mount Shavano, Colorado

 

Lars Leber Photography

1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R "Stromlinienrennwagen" at auction, February, 2025

 Offered in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Heritage, this 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R “Stromlinienrennwagen” with streamlined body holds the unique distinction of being driven by two of motor racing’s best drivers, Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss. Donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by the Mercedes-Benz factory in 1965, this iconic W 196 R will be auctioned in an exclusive, standalone event in Stuttgart on 1 February 2025, through RM Sotheby’s in partnership with Mercedes-Benz Classic.

• The first W 196 R with streamlined body ever offered for private ownership
• The car forms part of an outstanding collection from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum that will be sold by RM Sotheby’s to benefit the Museum's collection and restoration efforts
• Chassis No. 00009/54 is one of four known complete examples mounted with the exquisite factory-built enclosed-fender “Stromlinien” coachwork
• Driven to victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix by future five-time Formula One Drivers’ World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio
• Sir Stirling Moss achieved fastest lap at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza with today’s streamlined bodywork
• Donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum by Mercedes-Benz in 1965
• Now offered after years of fastidious care by the IMS Museum

One of the world’s most historically significant racing cars, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Formula One “Stromlinienrennwagen”, chassis number 00009/54, is to be offered in an exclusive standalone auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart on 1 February 2025. The car forms part of an outstanding 11-car collection from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum that RM Sotheby’s will be offering via a three-auction series to support the Museum's collection and restoration efforts, and is being offered in close collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Classic. Experts from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach and the company's own archive are working on a manufacturer’s expert report regarding the originality and authenticity of the vehicle.

Few historic racing cars resonate as strongly as the famous Mercedes-Benz “Silver Arrows” that dominated Grand Prix racing in the immediate pre- and post-war era. They were admired for their advanced technology and spectacular speed. The W 196 R was developed to meet the new “up to 2.5 litre” regulations that applied from 1954, and it soon proved to be the car to win races in the hands of legends such as Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.

The W 196 R features a straight-eight engine displacing 2,494 cubic centimeters and designed around a complex Hirth roller-bearing crankshaft. The fuel-injected powerplant was essentially two four-cylinder motors in unison, with two camshafts for each intake and exhaust. A jewel of an engine, it guaranteed reliable and smooth power delivery and was capable of producing 213 kW (290 hp) after two seasons of development. Since the new 1954 formula specified few limitations to the coachwork, Mercedes-Benz concluded that a streamlined, aerodynamic body with enclosed wheels would optimize the car for high-speed courses, while an open-wheel body would be ideal for more twisting circuits.

The new Mercedes-Benz race cars made their highly anticipated debut at the French Grand Prix at Reims with a trio of the new W 196 R streamliners. Mercedes-Benz achieved a spectacular double victory: the driver team Juan Manuel Fangio, Karl Kling and Hans Herrmann came in 1st, 2nd and 7th, with Herrmann driving the fastest lap of the race. The race marked a resounding success for Mercedes-Benz on its long-awaited return to racing. Juan Manuel Fangio won the 1954 Formula 1 World Championship with the new Silver Arrow.

Chassis No. 00009/54 in competition:

For the 1955 season, the W 196 R was further developed to remain as competitive as possible. The engine was improved in numerous aspects, including the addition of a new intake manifold. The decision was made to run the open-wheel grand prix bodies for almost all of the 1955 races, while improvements and updates resulted in an approximately 70-kilogram reduction in weight over its predecessors. The race team also recruited Stirling Moss to join their stable of drivers.

The Formula Libre Buenos Aires Grand Prix on 30 January 1955 would mark the first race for this car, chassis number 00009/54, fitted with an open-wheel monoposto body and piloted by Juan Manuel Fangio. Fangio earned pole position and eventually proved victorious in the race conducted over two heats.

By 1955, Italy’s Monza circuit had been rebuilt with a new high-speed bank that has since become legendary in motorsport. For the Italian Grand Prix, it was decided that chassis number 00009/54 should be fitted with the streamlined body for the first time in the 1955 season, and driven by Stirling Moss. Fangio secured pole position in a similar car, with Moss 2nd on the grid at the start. Moss took the lead from Fangio in the ninth lap of the race, but would eventually finish 7th after encountering some mechanical difficulties. Significantly, the Englishman registered the fastest lap of the race in chassis number 00009/54, clocking a time of 2:46.900 at an average speed of 215.7 km/h.

At the conclusion of the 1955 Formula One season, Fangio captured his second Formula One Drivers’ Championship in a row, with Moss finishing 2nd, sealing the W 196 R’s legend status in the process.

The W 196 R’s pedigree was now unimpeachable. In two seasons, the W 196 model family—which included its racing sports car variant, the two-seat 300 SLR (W 196 S)—had won three championships in two different racing series. In 12 appearances at Formula One points events, the W 196 R had won a commanding nine times, and it won two additional non-points races, totaling 11 victories in 14 starts. 

In 1964 chassis number 00009/54 was earmarked to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and was officially donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation on Sunday, 30 May 1965. For almost six decades, the W 196 R has been fastidiously stored and maintained by the IMS Museum, occasionally being invited to attend important exhibitions, such as the 1996 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, the 2003 Canadian International Auto Show, and the grand re-opening of the redesigned Petersen Automotive Museum in December 2015. Although the car has appeared at prestigious shows, including most recently as part of the Mercedes-Benz display at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the car has never been submitted for judging at concours events.

A true motorsport icon, 00009/54 is one of only four known complete W 196 R chassis to be mounted with the magnificent factory-built streamlined coachwork at the conclusion of the 1955 season. The racing car represents only the second W 196 R ever offered for private ownership, and the first example offered with the streamlined coachwork. It is presented in its proper Monza livery from the 1955 Italian Grand Prix, and documented with a trove of period materials.

40 Years of the Mercedes-Benz W 124 (E Class after 1993): Aesthetics and Reliability

 

40 years ago, a success story begins at Mercedes-Benz which continues to this day: in November 1984, the brand unveils the saloons of the 124 model series. Just one month later, this completely redesigned generation of upper mid-size class vehicles hits the market. Customers and industry experts are captivated by its timelessly modern design and innovative engineering. From 1993 onwards, the 124 series was named E-Class for the first time. After 13 years of production and more than 2.2 million units, series production of the 124 model series ends in 1997. The saloons, estates (T-models), coupés and cabriolets quickly become highly sought-after modern classics. Rare versions attain the status of collector’s items years ago.

Today, every vehicle in the 124 model series is an invitation to philosophise. Is it a beloved witness to the vibrant 1980s and the dawn of the 1990s product offensive? Or is it a timeless classic remaining forever young? Without a doubt, this generation of upper mid-size class vehicles from Mercedes-Benz radiates a unique charm, reflected in the model series’ large fan base and its significant role in the classic car scene.

One great strength of the 124 model series is its timeless aesthetics and exceptional practicality in day-to-day use, making these vehicles a reliable gateway to the world of classic cars. Mercedes-Benz Classic continues to build on this success story, especially by ensuring the global supply of spare and wearing parts through Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts, as well as by supporting the fan community via company-recognised brand clubs.

Reliable spare parts supply from Mercedes-Benz Classic

From best-selling spare parts like the Mercedes star and individual components which are newly manufactured according to strict manufacturer’s specifications, all the way to mud wings which are still available from original production, Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts offer an unparalleled range of spare and wearing parts for the 124 model series. Currently, more than 5,800 spare parts are available for this generation of upper mid-size class vehicles – including more than 1,000 so-called exclusive parts used solely in this model series.

Fast, reliable worldwide spare parts delivery is one of the most important services provided by Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH for owners of classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Classic Genuine Parts are currently available for 57 of the brand’s historical model series. Parts which are no longer available are continuously being identified and reproduced. One focus is on safety-critical and driving-related components. These currently include a rev counter and a transverse control arm for the 124 model series. Most parts can be shipped to customers within 24 hours via the worldwide network of sales partners. This high-quality service aims to ensure that classics with the star remain operational in their authentic condition in the long term as a result of genuine parts – which is also critical for value retention.

Link: https://partssearch.mercedes-benz-classic.com/

Sharing a passion for the 124 model series

The company-recognised Mercedes-Benz brand clubs form a unique international community. Members share a mutual enthusiasm for the brand, specific eras, classes or individual model series. These brand clubs, with their extensive knowledge, also support new enthusiasts interested in owning a Mercedes-Benz classic. This invaluable commitment to the brand is supported by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Club Management, the central organisation which oversees nearly 80 clubs with over 120,000 members worldwide.

Link: https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/exclusive/mercedes-benz-classic-club/club-addresses/

One premiere address for owners and fans of the 124 model series is the W 124 Club Deutschland e.V., which hosts numerous events ranging from drives and annual meet-ups to technical workshops. The club celebrated the 40th birthday of the model series at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The technical resources which the club makes available to members, covering all the versions of the modern classic car, are of particular importance.

Link: https://w124-club.mercedes-benz-clubs.com/w-124-technik/

A versatile classic

The 124 model series impresses with its variety, not only in terms of the body versions, but also with a diverse array of models. Engine options range from four-cylinder entry-level versions such as the Mercedes-Benz 200 and 200 D all the way to high-performance saloons powered by V8 engines. The iconic 500 E, unveiled at the Paris Autosalon as a top model in 1990, features an eight-cylinder engine producing 240 kW (326 hp); the driving performance transforms the saloon into a powerful sports car.

The E 60 AMG follows in 1993. This is one of the first AMG vehicles which Mercedes-Benz integrates in its official product portfolio. This is the year that the brand lays significant groundwork for the future. For instance, the vaehicles of the upper mid-size class are renamed “E-Class”. To this day, the name is synonymous with the brand’s business vehicles of the upper mid-size and executive classes.

40 years ago, the 124 model series sets technical benchmarks in its segment with distinguishing features such as high-strength sheet steel panels and weight-reducing materials. Exceptional passive safety is demonstrated by challenging offset crashes. The optimised aerodynamics lead to top scores for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The groundbreaking systems which premiere in the 124 model series include the panorama windscreen wiper, with what is then the world’s largest wiping field, and the first generation of the 4MATIC four-wheel drive system.

Further information and photos in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Multimedia Archive and Research System M@RS:

• Saloon (W 124) – https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/de/instance/ko/Limousinen-der-Baureihe-124-1984---1989.xhtml?oid=5258
• Estate (T-model) (S 124) – https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/de/instance/ko/T-Modelle-der-Baureihe-124-1985---1989.xhtml?oid=5387
• Coupé (C 124) – https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/de/instance/ko/Coups-der-Baureihe-124-1987---1989.xhtml?oid=4558
• Cabriolet (A 124) – https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/de/instance/ko/Cabriolets-der-Baureihe-124-1991---1993.xhtml?oid=4639

The Mercedes 2 Liter Targa Florio Race Car -- Celebrating the 1924 Victory

Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio racing car from 1924. Vehicle with the number 32, driven at the Targa Florio 1924 by Christian Lautenschlager with co-driver Wilhelm Traub. Photo shot during the drive past the stands in the start/finish area. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives: R575)

 “I was deeply touched by the Targa Florio racing car’s returning to Sicily, to the place of our great triumph 100 years ago. This experience is something very special, even for us at Mercedes-Benz Classic who deal with outstanding classics each and every day. In 1924, our brand wrote motorsport history with the 2-litre racing car. A hundred years later, one of the original vehicles has once again been stealing people’s hearts at its outings marking the anniversary. We owe our thanks to the combined expertise of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre, the Group archive of Mercedes-Benz Classic and a strong network of experts, who together made it all possible. After the racing car’s return to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, every visitor can now admire it, initially in a special display on the Classic Island, and later in its regular place in the racing curve.”

Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH

A hundred-year-old’s trip around the world

The first moment to cause goosebumps was when the classic vehicle was put into operation in April 2024 after it’s complex restoration. This was followed by fascinating guest appearances at international highlight events for automotive classics. The racing car experienced a brilliant end of the season in Italy at the Targa Florio Classica from 10 to 13 October 2024 – at the site of the great Mercedes victory 100 years ago. This revival brings together racing cars of earlier eras and is reminiscent of the legendary years of the great Targa Florio road race. In the Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio racing car, former Formular One racing driver Karl Wendlinger inspired spectators on a section of the historic Circuito delle Madonie.

This is the original vehicle in which Christian Lautenschlager finished in 11th place in the Targa Florio overall ranking on 27 April 1924. His teammate Christian Werner won the historic victory in an identically constructed Mercedes – the first driver not hailing from Italy. He won the race in 6:32:37.4 hours across four laps, each 108 kilometres long. The winning car from 1924 has not been preserved.

For the motorsport history of the brand, the great significance of the Targa Florio extends beyond Werner’s victory in 1924. In 1921, a Mercedes racing car took second place overall. The first overall victory with a privately entered Mercedes followed in 1922. In 1955, the double victory of Stirling Moss/Peter Collins and Juan Manuel Fangio/Karl Kling with the 300 SLR (W 196 S) secured the decisive points to win the sports car world championship.