Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with automotive excellence, crafting vehicles that represent luxury, performance, and groundbreaking innovation. While the “1920 Mercedes Benz” keyword might specifically evoke images of the roaring twenties and nascent automotive technology, the legacy of Mercedes-Benz extends far beyond a single year. To truly appreciate the marque’s enduring appeal, we can delve into a curated collection that showcases the evolution of Mercedes-Benz design and engineering, much like the prestigious Mercedes-Benz World collection at Brooklands in the UK.
Stepping into this automotive sanctuary is like taking a journey through time, where each model tells a story of innovation and style. Let’s begin our exploration with a vehicle that embodies the pre-war elegance and sophistication that Mercedes-Benz became renowned for: the 1937 540K Cabriolet C. This magnificent machine, with its sweeping lines and imposing presence, instantly captures the essence of classic automotive design. Even with its iconic running boards and wings, the 540K transcends mere vintage charm, exuding a timeless class that remains captivating today.
The allure of classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles often lies in their meticulously sculpted forms. The 540K is a prime example; its design commands attention with an assertive yet refined grace. While modern Mercedes-Benz models have embraced contemporary aesthetics, the 540K’s design philosophy – prioritizing elegant curves and handcrafted details – remains a hallmark of the brand’s heritage.
The seemingly endless bonnet of the 540K hints at the powerful inline-eight engine beneath, a testament to the engineering prowess of the era. In an age where automotive craftsmanship was measured in weeks of painstaking handwork per curve, the 540K stood as a bold statement against the utilitarian designs of the time, embracing fluidity and artistry in its every contour.
Priced at a staggering $14,000 when new – equivalent to approximately $225,000 today – the 540K was an automobile reserved for the elite. Owners like Hollywood magnate Jack Warner and silver screen icon Clark Gable exemplified the car’s exclusive appeal. A dedicated team of 1,500 artisans at the Mercedes factory meticulously crafted each 540K to order, offering bespoke options to discerning clientele. This bespoke approach cemented the 540K’s status as a symbol of ultimate luxury and exclusivity, akin to a modern-day Bugatti Veyron in its bespoke nature and high-performance pedigree. The Autobahnkurier variant, with its even more pronounced curves and enclosed rear wheels, further amplified this sense of opulent speed.
Beyond its striking aesthetics, the 540K delivered impressive performance for its time. Its 5.5-litre engine, boosted by a Roots supercharger derived from Mercedes-Benz’s Grand Prix racing program, produced 180 horsepower and enabled a top speed of 106 mph. This performance, coupled with luxurious comfort, made the 540K a truly exceptional machine. With only 32 Cabriolet C models ever produced, and this particular example being one of only three right-hand drive versions imported to the UK, its rarity further elevates its desirability. The 540K’s value is underscored by a recent auction where one sold for an astounding $11.8 million, solidifying its position as one of the most valuable automobiles globally and a pinnacle of pre-War automotive engineering.
Transitioning to the post-war era, the 1951 170S Cabriolet B represents Mercedes-Benz’s resilience and adaptation. Positioned prominently near the entrance of the collection, this drop-top variant of a design lineage dating back to 1936 showcases the evolution of Mercedes-Benz styling while retaining a connection to its pre-war roots.
While the 170S Cabriolet B might appear more dated compared to the opulent 540K, it embodies significant advancements for Mercedes-Benz. Features like hydraulic brakes, a rear swing axle, and a reliable 75hp straight-four engine marked a step forward in engineering and reflected the changing automotive landscape of the early 1950s.
No exploration of iconic Mercedes-Benz models would be complete without the breathtaking 300SL Gullwing. This car transcends mere automotive admiration; it defines the very essence of a beautiful sports car, seamlessly blending stunning aesthetics with exhilarating performance.
The 300SL Gullwing’s impact is immediate and visceral. Its sculptural curves and poised stance evoke a sense of motion even when stationary. Seeing a Gullwing in person is an experience that ignites automotive passion, a testament to its enduring design legacy.
The racing pedigree of the 300SL is undeniable. The competition version achieved a remarkable one-two victory at the 1952 Le Mans 24 Hours in its debut race. When the production 300SL Gullwing debuted in 1954, it captivated the world. Even before appreciating its cutting-edge spaceframe chassis and innovative direct injection technology, the car’s visual impact alone was revolutionary.
Responding to market demand, particularly from the United States, Mercedes-Benz developed the 300SL Roadster. With 2,000 units produced, this open-top variant retained the high-performance character of the Gullwing, boasting a top speed of 160 mph.
The Roadster featured a strengthened chassis and redesigned sills with conventional doors, improving accessibility compared to the coupe’s challenging ingress and egress – a characteristic inherited from its racing origins. While roadsters might not appeal to every enthusiast, the 300SL Roadster’s allure is undeniable, offering open-air driving pleasure without compromising on performance or style.
Following the iconic 300SL Gullwing and Roadster, the 190SL emerged as a more accessible sibling, sharing similar design cues in a smaller package. While less powerful with its 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine, the 190SL still incorporated advanced technology from the 300 series, including independent front suspension with coil springs and telescopic dampers, and a sophisticated rear suspension setup. This technology underscored the 190SL’s sporting intentions and refined driving dynamics.
Utilizing a modified chassis from the W121 saloon, the 190SL was offered with both a fabric folding roof and a removable hardtop. This 1956 drop-top model, on loan from a private collector, exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the Mercedes-Benz World collection, where privately owned gems complement the manufacturer’s own heritage fleet.
Inside the 190SL, a luxurious cockpit awaits, adorned with sumptuous red leather and gleaming chrome switchgear. It’s easy to understand why the 190SL became a favorite among celebrities, with owners like Alfred Hitchcock and Elvis Presley adding to its glamorous image. Priced at the modern equivalent of £100,000 when new, the 190SL represented accessible luxury and timeless style – a value proposition that resonates even today.
Following the success of the 190SL and 300SL, the “Pagoda” SL models, starting with the 230SL, presented a significant design departure. Embracing modern straight lines and a distinctive, slightly concave roofline, these models became instant icons, democratizing the Mercedes-Benz SL experience to a wider audience.
The Pagoda roofline was not merely a stylistic choice; it was integral to the car’s structural integrity, contributing to its pioneering crumple zones – an early example of safety engineering in sports cars. Power steering and servo-assisted brakes further enhanced the Pagoda SL’s user-friendliness and modern driving experience.
The Mercedes-Benz World collection showcases multiple Pagoda SLs, all in soft-top configuration. With engines producing over 150 horsepower and a top speed of 124 mph, these models were perfectly suited for cruising scenic coastal routes and boulevards, becoming a symbol of sophisticated leisure and open-top enjoyment.
The 280SL, the final iteration of the Pagoda line, arrived in 1969 with a larger 2.8-litre engine, following the 2.3-litre and 2.5-litre variants. Production figures for each Pagoda model reached approximately 20,000 units, significantly higher than the 190SL, indicating the growing popularity of sports cars and Mercedes-Benz’s expanding market reach.
Venturing into the realm of luxury and comfort, the 1962 300SE cabriolet can be considered a precursor to the modern S-Class. Larger and more refined than the 200 range, the 300 series prioritized passenger comfort over outright performance. This particular 300SE boasts a celebrity connection, having been owned by the legendary comedian Peter Sellers, while his wife Britt Ekland famously drove a matching white 230SL, adding to the allure and desirability of these classic Mercedes-Benz convertibles.
The 1988 560SEC, another prominent exhibit at Mercedes-Benz World, represents the powerful and luxurious coupe lineage of Mercedes-Benz. This “sledgehammer luxury sleeper,” as it’s aptly described, packed a potent 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 300 horsepower, making it the most powerful Mercedes-Benz of its era.
Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing high-performance vehicles, often reserved for the racetrack or discreetly marketed within the supercar category.
This approach shifted dramatically with the 2003 SLR McLaren, a collaboration with then-Formula 1 partner McLaren. Named in honor of Mercedes-Benz’s legendary Mille Miglia victory in 1955, the SLR McLaren represented a bold foray into the realm of high-performance supercars. The final year of production, 2009, saw the release of the exclusive 75 Stirling Moss special editions.
The SLR Stirling Moss edition pushed the boundaries of open-top performance, utilizing a groundbreaking carbon-fibre chassis that provided exceptional rigidity. Stripping away 200kg of weight and harnessing the power of a 650hp V8 engine, the Stirling Moss achieved a blistering top speed of 217 mph, delivering a truly visceral driving experience.
The SLR Stirling Moss, with its extreme performance and limited production, became an instant collector’s item, often seen only as a fleeting blur on the road.
The CLK GTR stands as another testament to Mercedes-AMG’s engineering prowess, a car born from racing homologation requirements but transcending its initial purpose to become a road-going legend. Developed for FIA GT racing and Le Mans competition in the late 1990s, the CLK GTR faced formidable rivals like Porsche and McLaren F1.
In a tradition dating back decades, manufacturers often prioritized creating race cars first and then fulfilling homologation requirements for road-going versions. While a single road car prototype existed in 1997, Mercedes-AMG completed the full production run of 25 cars by 2006, ensuring compliance with FIA regulations.
While retaining the grille from a standard CLK, the CLK GTR was essentially a race car for the road, constructed extensively from carbon fibre and boasting staggering horsepower figures that rivaled Le Mans prototypes.
Mercedes-AMG ultimately produced 26 CLK GTRs – 20 coupes and six roadsters. These machines prioritized raw performance over comfort, echoing the spirit of legendary road-going race specials like the Porsche 917 and 962 street cars. Despite being the most expensive road cars of their time, the CLK GTRs sold out instantly, testament to their exclusivity and desirability. One CLK GTR roadster found its way to the Sultan of Brunei, a fitting destination for such an extravagant and high-performance machine.
Shifting from race-inspired road cars to pure racing machines, the Sauber C9 represents Mercedes-Benz’s resurgence in top-tier sportscar racing within the prestigious Group C category.
The Sauber C9 embodies the essence of a purpose-built racing car, prioritizing function and performance above all else.
Clean lines and aerodynamic efficiency defined the Sauber-Mercedes Group C cars, echoing the legacy of the legendary Silver Arrows and dominating the competition.
Chassis #5, showcased in the collection, achieved remarkable success, winning both the World Sportscar Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1989. The Sauber C9 also holds the record for the highest speed ever recorded in an officially timed race, surpassing even Formula 1 cars in sheer velocity.
Reaching a staggering 253 mph on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, the C9’s 5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, derived from the SL500 block, produced over 800 horsepower in qualifying trim, showcasing the immense power and engineering sophistication of Group C racing.
The Mercedes-Benz World collection extends its racing heritage display with a selection of Formula One cars, including a disassembled example that offers a unique perspective on the complex engineering of these machines.
“View Suspended II: An Artwork,” a creation by artist Paul Veroude, presents a deconstructed Formula 1 car, originally conceived with a Honda and reimagined here as a Mercedes-Benz, offering an artistic interpretation of racing technology.
The Formula One collection includes various cars, representing different eras and teams associated with Mercedes-Benz power. Identifying the precise provenance of each car becomes a game for enthusiasts, given the common practice of using spare chassis and components in displays. Nico Rosberg’s MGP W01 from 2010, the car marking Mercedes-Benz’s return to F1 as a constructor after acquiring Brawn GP, is among the showcased models.
Regardless of the exact chassis history, the presence of these Formula 1 cars offers a captivating glimpse into the pinnacle of motorsport engineering and the technological advancements within Mercedes-Benz racing programs.
A Force India VJM02 from 2009 highlights Mercedes-Benz’s engine supply program and a successful period for the Force India team, showcasing the broader reach of Mercedes-Benz’s motorsport involvement.
Beyond the cars themselves, the steering wheels on display offer a fascinating insight into the evolution of Formula 1 technology. Comparing the complex carbon-fibre hubs of modern wheels to the simpler designs of earlier eras reveals the dramatic advancements in driver controls and car management.
McLaren-Mercedes partnerships are also represented, although their future within the collection might be uncertain given the evolving relationship between the two companies.
The MP4/22 from 2007, driven by Lewis Hamilton (potentially based on an MP4/20 chassis), showcases the pinnacle of complex external aerodynamics in Formula 1.
The MP4/22’s bodywork is a labyrinth of interwoven carbon curves and channels, reflecting the intense aerodynamic development of that era.
Even the steering wheel of the MP4/22, while seemingly chunky, reveals a multitude of dials and controls, raising questions about the practicality of managing such complexity at high speeds, even with the prominent Mercedes-Benz logo potentially serving as a visual distraction.
The oldest Formula 1 car in the collection is Mika Häkkinen’s MP4/14 from 1999, the car that secured his second championship for McLaren. Comparing its aerodynamics to the MP4/22 reveals a significant evolution in design philosophy, with the MP4/14 appearing more rudimentary and angular in its aerodynamic approach.
The MP4/14’s steering wheel, with its comparatively simple array of five buttons and four dials, underscores the rapid technological advancements in Formula 1 cockpit controls over a relatively short period.
Finally, the F200 concept car, while potentially a mock-up, holds significant relevance by showcasing technologies that eventually found their way into production Mercedes-Benz models.
Concept cars often represent aspirational visions of the future, and the 1996 F200 concept served as a testing ground for innovations like side airbags, swiveling gullwing doors, variable bi-xenon headlights, and electro-transparent panoramic roofs – all features that later appeared in Mercedes-Benz production vehicles.
The F200’s interior immediately reveals a radical departure from conventional controls. Notably absent are a steering wheel and pedals, replaced by fighter jet-style sticks for steering, braking, and throttle.
Video cameras and screens replaced traditional mirrors in the F200, showcasing forward-thinking concepts in driver interface and vehicle control. While stick-based steering hasn’t yet become mainstream, the F200’s innovative spirit and technology foreshadowed future advancements in automotive design.
This exploration of the Mercedes-Benz World collection provides a glimpse into the rich history and continuous innovation of Mercedes-Benz, from the elegance of pre-war classics reminiscent of the “1920 mercedes benz” era to the high-performance marvels of modern engineering. The collection serves as a powerful reminder of Mercedes-Benz’s enduring legacy and its ongoing pursuit of automotive excellence. The journey continues as we next delve into the high-horsepower world of the AMG collection.
