The 12th edition of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally (MBCCR), held at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai, marked a milestone in India’s automotive heritage calendar. With over 100 timeless Mercedes-Benz cars showcased — including 89 first-time participants — this year’s rally witnessed record attendance from collectors, enthusiasts, and the public alike, reaffirming its status as India’s premier classic car event.
India’s Biggest Mercedes-Benz Gathering Yet
What began in 2014 as a one-off celebration of 120 years of Mercedes-Benz motorsport has now evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The 2025 MBCCR celebrated both the rich legacy and modern relevance of the three-pointed star in India.
The rally was flagged off by Ashish Shelar, Minister of IT and Cultural Affairs, Maharashtra, alongside Dr. Hugo Weihe, former Director of Asian Art at Christie’s. The event drew not only collectors and automotive historians but also families, younger enthusiasts, and industry leaders — signaling the rally’s growing cultural importance.
A Cultural Phenomenon in Motion
Perseus Bandrawalla, Curator of MBCCR, highlighted the event’s evolving legacy:
“MBCCR has inspired a new generation of young collectors and enthusiasts who are passionate about youngtimer Mercedes-Benz cars — modern classics that bridge eras. The rally not only celebrates history but also drives the modern classic movement in India.”
Adding to this, Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, remarked:
“The Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally has become an extraordinary tradition that unites a vibrant community of enthusiasts. Seeing these cars meticulously restored and proudly displayed underscores the enduring emotional connection people have with the brand in India.”
Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor of Autocar India, further praised the event:
“This year’s MBCCR truly raised the bar. The diversity and quality of cars showcased — many seen publicly for the first time — reflect the incredible depth of India’s collector car community. Events like these don’t just celebrate automotive heritage; they preserve it for future generations.”
Rare Icons Take the Spotlight
This year’s rally brought together some of the rarest, most storied Mercedes-Benz cars ever assembled in India. From royal roadsters to limited-production limousines, the variety reflected the marque’s century-spanning engineering excellence and craftsmanship.
Notable Highlights Included:
- Mercedes-Benz 190SL – One example originally gifted to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and another once owned by Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, both painstakingly restored.
- Two Mercedes 1000SELs – Custom-built luxury sedans from the 1980s, specially commissioned by elite clients; extremely rare on Indian roads.
- Mercedes-Benz W108 AMG “Red Pig” Tributes – Modern recreations inspired by the legendary AMG racing sedans that competed at Spa-Francorchamps in 1971.
- Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser – The opulent limousine favored by statesmen and royalty worldwide, known for its advanced hydraulic systems and unmatched craftsmanship.
- Mercedes-Benz 300Sc Roadster – A star from the Pranlal Bhogilal collection, among the earliest fuel-injected four-seater cars ever made.
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – A contemporary classic with its iconic gullwing doors, fully restored to original factory specifications.
The event also showcased Pagoda SLs, R107s, and W126 S-Class limousines, including examples previously owned by Vijay Mallya and Osho — adding a distinctly Indian narrative to the global Mercedes-Benz story.
Classic Mercedes Values on the Rise
Beyond nostalgia, the rally also reflected a growing collector car market in India. Prices for classic and modern Mercedes-Benz models have tripled or even quadrupled over the past five years, with the most dramatic appreciation seen in models like the 190SL, 300Sc, and 600 Grosser.
While traditional vintage segments have slowed globally, demand for modern classics — particularly 1980s and 1990s Mercedes models — remains strong. The event highlighted how younger collectors are entering the scene, drawn by the combination of timeless design, mechanical purity, and rising investment value.
A Rally that Preserves Heritage and Inspires Generations
The Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally 2025 reaffirmed its role as not just an exhibition but a living tribute to automotive craftsmanship. From first-time buyers to veteran collectors, the event offered a glimpse into how Mercedes-Benz has shaped — and continues to influence — the definition of luxury and performance in India.
As the sunlight glinted off the chrome of century-old legends and the newest modern classics alike, one thing became clear: the spirit of Mercedes-Benz is not just being preserved — it’s being reborn with every generation of enthusiasts.