Mercedes-Benz Celebrates 125 Years of Innovation at Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

-- 125 Years of Innovation Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Display

-- New 2012 CLS 63 AMG and SLK 350 Make Concours Debut

-- A first on U.S. Soil: The 1965 600 Pullman Laundelet used by Pope Paul VI

-- Mercedes-Benz Annual Gala Dinner with Honoree Bobby Rahal

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Mar 13, 2011, 10:40 ET

MONTVALE, N.J., March 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz celebrates the 125 year anniversary of the invention of the automobile at the 16th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance from March 11-13, 2011, which features nearly 250 rare vehicles and benefits Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/NY58315LOGO )

A prominent display situated on the golf course at the Ritz Carlton is featuring four symbolic Mercedes-Benz vehicles that showcase a piece of the Company's fascinating 125 year history and its contributions made to the automobile industry:

1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, marks the invention of the automobile in addition to Carl Benz's patent issued 125 years ago.

1908 Grand Prix Car, a groundbreaking racecar that featured an innovative four-cylinder engine that could generate 120 horsepower. It won the French Grand Prix on July 7, 1908.

1935 500K Special Roadster, showcases many new performance technologies and luxury equipment of the era from the supercharged engine, bespoke interiors, and overall legendary design that to this day for many is considered one of the most beautiful cars ever created.

1958 180D Ponton, established a new era for post-war vehicle development while demonstrating new safety innovations, diesel engines, and the Company's overall ability to create mass production processes.

Among these historic Mercedes-Benz vehicles, several of the most innovative AMG vehicles are also on display and available during Concours weekend for car enthusiasts to test drive including the exclusive 2011 SLS AMG "Gullwing" supercar the 2012 CL 63 AMG and the all new redesigned 2012 CLS 63 AMG, which is available in June. In addition, Mercedes-Benz is displaying the all new redesigned 2012 SLK 350, which features MAGIC Sky Control Roof that allows the adjustment of its transparent roof from light to dark at the touch of a button.

Beyond the Mercedes-Benz displays, a Class within the Concours field is featuring Mercedes-Benz 600 sedans including the 1965 600 Pullman Landaulet built for Pope Paul VI. The historic vehicle used by Pope Paul VI is making its first appearance on U.S. soil. Alongside this historic vehicle will also be displayed a 1972 600 Pullman SWB (small wheel base) limousine which was owned by Luciano Pavarotti and was used to chauffeur him while on his many tours in the United States and a 1972 600 Pullman first owned by Huge Hefner as his personal daily drive when his Playboy headquarters were still in Chicago.

Mercedes-Benz is also hosting its gala dinner during the Amelia Concours with this year's honoree -- legendary driver Bobby Rahal.

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 in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.

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SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA