125 Years of Auto History Travels to Monterey California

MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A celebration encompassing the history of the automobile and the 125 year anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz 1886 Patent Motorwagen is creating a blissful paradise for car aficionados heading to the Monterey Peninsula for the annual Pebble Beach Automotive Week and Concours d'Elegance August 16-21, 2011.

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At the heart of a four day auto extravaganza is a significant number of world-class Mercedes-Benz collector cars that represent the marque's famed history throughout the world.  On Sunday, August 21st, The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is featuring five special classes across the famed 18th fairway to mark Mercedes-Benz 125 year anniversary including one class with nine pre-war Grand Prix vehicles known as "white knights."  The classes also include Mercedes-Benz 380K-770K, 300 SL Gullwings and Roadsters, and a preservation and 125 year celebration group covering Benz, Daimler, Mercedes and Mercedes-Benz.  Over fifty cars including some of the rarest examples representing the Mercedes-Benz brand are traveling to Monterey, some over great lengths including parts of Europe and South America.

"The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance showcases special vehicles every year, but this coming weekend establishes a new realm to mark a historical milestone for the Mercedes-Benz brand," said Ernst Lieb, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.  "There are treasures from every era descending on to Monterey, which captures the essence and fascination of the three pointed star from design to innovation, and a legacy that is unmatched."

The Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge on the 3rd Fairway leading to the Lodge at Pebble Beach is also themed around the anniversary milestone.  It is featuring not only classic and rare vehicles including the American Mercedes of 1905, which was built in conjunction with the William Steinway Co. in Long Island City, NY., but also the future of Mercedes-Benz innovation with displays of the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster and the Concept A-Class.

Several high profile auctions are also taking place with multiple rare Mercedes-Benz vehicles on the blocks. Headlining RM Auctions' Monterey sale, August 20th, is an exquisite 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster, chassis 154140 from the private collection of Sam and Emily Mann.  One of just a select few built with the most desirable configuration of high door, long tail and covered rear spare, of which it is believed just three examples survive, 154140 is expected to establish a new world record for Mercedes-Benz sold at auction when it crosses the podium on Saturday evening.  

The stunning 540 K will be surrounded by an impressive series of four other supercharged eight-cylinder cars from the 1930s - each recently inspected by an expert from Mercedes-Benz Classic in Germany - as RM Auctions celebrates the marque's 125th anniversary with one of the most important collections of Mercedes-Benz automobiles ever offered at public auction (full details at www.rmauctions.com).

The Gooding Auction on August 21st is featuring a 1959 190 SL Roadster owned by singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow that is going on auction with proceeds of the sale to benefit the Joplin Schools Recovery Fund.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.  

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA

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