The past has always had a certain allure. Today, we can capture hundreds of high-quality photos with our smartphones – yet we’re still drawn to the authentic, unpolished feel of film cameras. The same can be said for cars; as vehicle technology continues to advance, preserving and restoring classic cars will always carry a distinct appeal.

But it’s about more than just nostalgia – it’s about preserving history. That’s why we’re committed to keeping the 138-year heritage of Mercedes-Benz alive through the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive and Vehicle Collection. Comprising more than 1100 vehicles – passenger cars, racing cars and more – the collection tells the story of our brand and the astonishing growth of automotive engineering. 

Some of the historically significant vehicles in our collection (which includes about 160 exhibits) are on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, while other vehicles are presented at exhibitions, motor shows, classic car events and rallies. Along with our extensive archives – corporate, product and multimedia documents, photos and files – the vehicle collection forms the core of Mercedes-Benz Classic.

The Benz Patent Motor Car 

The story begins with what many consider the birth certificate of the automobile: Carl Benz’s 1886 “vehicle with gas engine operation”. The Benz Patent Motor Car or ‘Patent-Motorwagen’, represented in our collection by a faithful replica, marked the dawn of motorised personal transportation. This three-wheeled vehicle, with its single-cylinder engine and innovative design, laid the foundation for all automobiles that followed. It achieved a top speed of 16km/h.

Mercedes-Simplex 28/32 hp 

Building on the success of the revolutionary Mercedes 35 hp from 1900, the Mercedes-Simplex 28/32 hp designed by Gottlieb Daimler's chief designer, Wilhelm Maybach, showed an early commitment to innovation. Its groundbreaking architecture featured a low-profile design with the engine mounted deep in the frame and a distinctive honeycomb radiator at the front. 

The Mercedes-Simplex models created the blueprint for modern automotive engineering. In 1904 at Ostend in Belgium, a Simplex 90 hp driven by Pierre de Caters set the World Speed Record at 156.5km/h. This configuration fundamentally transformed automotive design, establishing principles that would influence vehicle architecture for decades to come.

The 1924 Mercedes two-litre Targa Florio racer

The Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre recently celebrated a centennial milestone by restoring the famous 1924 Mercedes two-litre Targa Florio racing car. This remarkable vehicle represents a pivotal moment in our racing heritage. 

In 1924, works racing driver Christian Werner drove the supercharged racing car – known for its distinctive red paintwork – to victory in the demanding Sicilian road race. The Mercedes team, which also included racing drivers Christian Lautenschlager and Alfred Neubauer, also clinched a triple-class victory that year.

To mark the vehicle’s 100-year anniversary, the Mercedes-Benz Classics Centre undertook an elaborate restoration project. Using a combination of historically correct processes and modern methods, and ensuring the highest originality and quality was fulfilled every step of the way, they brought the iconic red racer back to life – fully functional and in the authentic red livery of 1924.

Since its restoration, prominent drivers include George Russell, Toto Wolff and Karl Wendlinger.

“It's 100 years old, yet it drives just like a car from today,” says George. “The engine just [runs] so smoothly and the noise [is] incredible. It makes the hair stand up on my skin.”

The legendary 300 SL Coupé (W 198)

Unveiled to instant acclaim at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York, the iconic 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ Coupé sports car emerged from the legendary W 194 racing car of 1952. With its distinctive gullwing doors, the 300 SL wasn't just a style icon – its 158kW engine and top speed of 250km/h made it one of the most formidable production sports cars of its era. The combination of racing technology with road-going practicality set new standards for high-performance automobiles.

Mercedes-Benz 280 TE (S 123)

In 1979, the Mercedes-Benz 280 TE marked a significant departure from traditional station wagon design. The S 123 series transformed the utility-focused estate car into a lifestyle vehicle, blending practicality with sporty elegance. Sought after for its recreational value and travel comfort (the ‘T’ stands for ‘tourism’ and ‘transport’), this model demonstrated how Mercedes-Benz could reinvent established vehicle categories, creating a new market segment that would influence estate car design for generations.

The unstoppable G-Class

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the G-Model in 1979, few could have predicted the enduring legacy that would follow. The original Mercedes-Benz 230 G (W 460) – one of four engine variants offered from the introduction of the G model in 1979 – established the foundation for what would later become the G-Class legend. Its exceptional off-road capabilities attracted aid organisations such as the DLRG (German Life Saving Association), who began using the 230 G as a water rescue equipment vehicle in 1982.

More than 40 years later, the G-Class has transcended its utilitarian origins to become an automotive icon.

Mercedes-Benz E 60 (W 124)

The 1994 Mercedes-Benz E 60 represents a significant milestone in Mercedes-Benz history: the beginning of a flourishing partnership with performance marque Mercedes-AMG. As one of the first high-performance vehicles developed through direct cooperation between the two brands, this top-tier model of the W 124 series showcased the potential of combining the engineering excellence of Mercedes-Benz with the performance expertise of Mercedes-AMG.

Mercedes-Benz CL 600 (C 140)

The top-of-the-range 1998 CL 600 represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering of its time. Its 12-cylinder engine delivered exceptional power with remarkable refinement, while technological innovations like the adaptive damping system (ADS) and electronic stability program (ESP) demonstrated the brand's commitment to combining performance with safety and comfort. With its classic design and high level of ride comfort, the CL 600 is a highly sought-after collector’s item.

A living legacy

Each vehicle in our collection tells a story of technological advancement, design evolution, and the enduring pursuit of excellence that has defined Mercedes-Benz for over 138 years. From the very first automobile to our groundbreaking racing cars, innovative luxury sedans to rugged off-roaders, they all represent a chapter in our history as well as our ongoing commitment to innovation, quality and engineering excellence.