As early as at the end of 1905, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) delivered five Mercedes-Simplex 45 hp with various bodies to the court of the Tsar in St. Petersburg. Along with other customers of high rank, the Tsar was never satisfied with owning just one vehicle; the tsarist fleet is also said to have included a Benz 60 hp and a Mercedes-Knight 16/40 hp.
Speed, power and style, visionary technology and an awareness of history, but not least elegance and luxury: those are the strengths of the Mercedes-Benz brand. And they are facets that add up to pure automotive fascination, drawing thousands of visitors to the Festival of Speed year after year. Mercedes-Benz Classic is a regular at the Festival of Speed and will also be participating at this year’s event, which is scheduled to be held from 1–3 July 2011 under the theme “Racing Revolutions – Quantum leaps that shaped motor sport”. Its line-up of landmark racing cars is set to negotiate the 1.86-kilometre-long hillclimb circuit. And in 2011 Mercedes-Benz Classic will also be presenting the exhibition “125! years inventor of the automobile” which celebrates milestones of the brand’s history, right back to its origins with Carl Benz’s Patent Motor Car from 1886.
Cultivated sportiness is the common feature of the many new models presented by Mercedes-Benz at the first major European motor show of the automobile’s 125 anniversary year. The C-Class Coupe, which celebrates its world premiere, is just as remarkable as the new-generation C-Class sedan and station wagon for its driving fun and outstanding efficiency. In keeping with their sporty character, the new C-Class models were introduced by players from the successful German women’s national soccer team. A further highlight of this year’s “Geneva Salon” is the third iteration of the SLK, which redefines the roadster experience while consuming up to 25 percent less fuel than its predecessor. Making its debut on the eve of the show was the new top-of-the-range version of Mercedes’ bestselling model range – the C 63 AMG, which generates up to 358 kW (487 hp) and consumes around ten percent less fuel. The inventor of the automobile is also presenting the SLS AMG E-CELL, which makes its European motor show debut in Geneva.
The first weekend of November hosts a firm fixture in the international classic car calendar: the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in England. At the 2010 event, held on 7 November, Mercedes-Benz Classic will be entering two vehicles – a 1902 Mercedes-Simplex racing car and a 1904 Mercedes-Simplex touring car.