In a visual treat for travellers and car enthusiasts, the German luxury and commercial vehicle Mercedes-Benz was recently showcased on Mumbai's streets during the 10th edition of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally. The selection of iconic vehicles moved from Taj Lands End in Bandra to Worli Sea Face. It returned, attracting vintage and classic car enthusiasts who lined the route with their phone cameras prepared.
Autocar India, alongside Mercedes-Benz, arranged the MBCCR, which was initially hosted in 2014. Over time, it has evolved into a prominent automotive gathering globally and sparked enthusiasm for vintage and classic Mercedes in India. The rally exhibited 81 Mercedes-Benz cars, spanning 77 unique model variants, with nearly half of the showcased vehicles making their first appearances.
"A decade is a great time to look back, and I'm especially pleased with the number of debuts and superstar cars at the MBCCR both over the years and particularly this year," said rally curator Perseus Bandrawalla. "This is incontrovertible evidence of the MBCCR's pivotal role in nurturing and growing the eco-system of collectors and restorers in the country."
The rally featured various cars, ranging from Pratapsinh Gaekwad's 230 SL Pagoda to the renowned R129 SL, known for igniting Goa's road-trip culture after its appearance in the 2001 film Dil Chahta Hai. Also among the lineup were Yohan Poonawalla's 190SL, formerly owned by Maharani Gayatri Devi, and the rare 300Sc Roadster from the esteemed Bhogilal collection, one of just 51 ever produced. Vintage and classic car collectors like Viveck Goenka, industrialist Poonawalla, Himanshu Sinh of Gondal, Pratapsinh Gaekwad, and Rajiv Kehr attended the event.
600 Grosser: Making its debut at MBCCR and commemorating its 60th anniversary, the Grosser was the preferred choice for global leaders and celebrities. Its presence at the event solidified Mercedes' dominance as the foremost car manufacturer in the 1960s.
300Sc: Among the 50 cars ever produced, this car took part in the inaugural MBCCR in 2014 and returned this year following a thorough restoration.
500K: Owned by publisher Hormusji Cama, this iconic vehicle boasts a supercharged inline eight engine, setting the standard for grand tourers during the 1930s.
300SL: As the sole 300SL in the country and among a handful worldwide, this remarkable automobile has a noteworthy racing history, triumphing in nearly every competition it entered. Raced initially by the Maharaja of Gondal, the car is now in the possession of his son, Himanshu.
Nurburg: The W08, featuring Mercedes' first passenger car with a straight eight engine, was developed by Ferdinand Porsche. This 1929 model, with a tourer body and owned by Yashwardhan Ruia from Mumbai, is one of the world's few finest examples of the Nurburg.
