Mumbai witnessed the grandeur of automotive history as the 11th Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally (MBCCR) 2024 concluded on a high note. Held at the picturesque lawns of Taj Land’s End in Bandra, the rally showcased over 95 vintage and classic cars, with 60 making their debut. The event attracted record-breaking crowds, cementing its status as India’s premier gathering for classic car enthusiasts.
The rally was flagged off by Mercedes-Benz India MD & CEO Santosh Iyer, alongside VP-Sales and Marketing Lance Bennett and Emmanuel Bacquet, curator of MAC Museum Art & Cars in Germany. MLA Ashish Shelar was also present, adding to the rally’s grandeur.
A standout feature of this year’s event was the Supercharged Class, spotlighting the legendary Kompressor models of the 1920s and 1930s. For the first time in history, icons like the 500K, 540K, and the engineering marvel 630K were displayed together, leaving spectators in awe.
The Superlimousine Class highlighted the opulence of Mercedes-Benz’s luxury lineage, featuring models like the Nurburg, 600 Grosser, and the 300 Adenauer variants. Among these majestic vehicles, the rare 1000SEL turned heads and became a favorite among photographers.
The rally also paid homage to Bruno Sacco, the legendary designer, through a dedicated class. Models such as the first-generation SLK, the iconic G-Wagen, and the SEC S-Class coupe—often regarded as one of Sacco’s finest works—celebrated his transformative impact on automotive design.
Adding an adventurous spirit was the Mile Munchers Class, which honored owners who drove classic cars from distant cities like Goa, Lucknow, Kochi, and Rajkot. Vehicles such as the 190, 240D, and E220 undertook these extensive journeys, showcasing their enduring reliability and the passion of their owners.
Curator Perseus Bandrawalla described MBCCR as a “museum on wheels,” with exhibits ranging from the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the world’s first automobile, to modern classics like the SLS AMG.
Santosh Iyer praised the rally’s role in preserving automotive heritage, calling it a “true celebration of craftsmanship and innovation.” Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor of Autocar India, lauded the event as the backbone of India’s classic car movement.
From its humble beginnings celebrating 120 years of Mercedes-Benz motorsport, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally has become a global benchmark for vintage car rallies. With this year’s success, enthusiasts eagerly await even more iconic classics at the 2025 edition.
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