Tenth anniversary edition to be held on December 2 and 3; over 25 ‘star’ cars and 30 debutants to participate.
One of the world’s most prestigious classic car rallies is back and this time, it is celebrating its tenth year. This edition of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally (MBCCR) will be held in Mumbai on December 2 and 3. First organised by Autocar India in 2014, the stellar event will follow a two-day format like the previous edition. The much-awaited and popular rally, which has galvanised interest in classic Mercedes-Benz cars as well as generated curiosity about classic cars in general, has garnered much praise from collectors and enthusiasts alike.
As always, the MBCCR will feature big draws from all across India driving around iconic landmarks of Mumbai. Among the star-studded lineup are classics like the legendary 300SL roadster – the only one of its kind in the country – alongside every generation of the SL (including facelift variants). Expect to see a host of debutants across the board such as the ultra-luxurious Grand Mercedes-Benz 600 ‘Grosser’. The iconic R129 SL, credited with kickstarting the Goa road trip culture with its appearance in 2001’s Dil Chahta Hai, is also expected to be among the vehicles on show.
The 10th-anniversary rally will have over 75 cars on display and nearly 50 percent of the cars at the show will be making their debuts or appearing after a major restoration process, said Perseus Bandrawalla, who has curated the MBCCR since its inception. “This year is a landmark year for us, so we have about 25 ‘star’ cars, icons that defined an age for automobiles. I also see it as a year of debuts. This is a reflection of the tremendous impact MBCCR has had, and the role it has played in reviving the romance of Mercedes-Benz classics,” Bandrawalla said.
He added that another first this year will be a charity auction. “We expect to see a classic Mercedes-Benz, either an E-Class or S-Class from the 1960s, ‘70s or ‘80s go up for auction. Mercedes Benz India will make a charity donation equalling the winning bid.”
Classic generations of the C, E and S-Class cabriolets, coupes, limousines and more are also slated to make an appearance alongside legends such as the Pagoda California Coupe and the SLC Coupe from the R107 range. Classic car enthusiasts will also be reintroduced to such rare delights as Adenauers (W186 and W189) models in multiple variants, the 170V in every body style, the 500K, and the Nuburg W08, alongside some very special SLs, including the 300SL Roadster. Other highlights include rare variants of the W124 Ambulance and W115 Ambulance body styles.
The two-day event will feature a gala dinner and a tribute performance by one of India’s best music bands on the night of December 2, followed by the rally the next morning. Special guests from the world of motorsport are also expected to grace this year’s event. Stay tuned for more updates. For queries, write to mbccr@haymarketsac.com
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