Retro Classics 2013: Mercedes-Benz S-Class and brand clubs take centre stage

Mercedes-Benz Classic and the brand clubs officially recognised in Germany are putting the fascinating history of the S-Class on centre stage during their joint appearance at Retro Classics 2013 in Stuttgart. The internationally renowned trade show for classic cars and motorised vehicle culture will be taking place this year at the Stuttgart Trade Fair from 7 March (preview) to 10 March 2013.The Classic Division of the world’s oldest car manufacturer and the brand clubs bearing the three-pointed star standard will have a strong presence on 2,400 square metres of floor space in hall 7. “This year, Mercedes-Benz Classic will be appearing with the officially recognised brand clubs in hall 7. This joint presence is of central importance for us, both in terms of content and from a spatial perspective, as it highlights the strong association between Mercedes-Benz Classic and the highly dedicated members of the brand clubs,” says Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic.

S-Class showpieces from various historical eras

The unique tradition of the S-Class will come alive at Retro Classics 2013 with showpieces from all eras of the premium and luxury class vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and the predecessor brands. The showpiece selection underscores how deeply rooted the S-Class is in the brand’s history – far beyond the more recent model-series history since the 1950s.

Mercedes-Benz Classic have brought an absolutely spectacular showpiece out of the museum and to the exhibit: the 60-hp Mercedes-Simplex, model year 1904, which served as the touring car of businessman Emil Jellinek, the father of Mercedes Jellinek, the brand’s namesake. And from the company’s own collection, the exhibit features a 1929 Nürburg 460 (W 08) and a “Großer Mercedes” (large Mercedes) 770 (W 07) dating from 1931.

The brand clubs have added to the showpiece collection from Mercedes-Benz Classic with cars from the period before the Second World War, such as the Mannheim (W 10) or the 500 K (W 29) model, for instance. But showpieces from the more recent vehicle history will also be on display.

First-rate parts supply for fascinating vehicles

Mercedes-Benz Classic ensures and promotes an active passion for classic motor cars first and foremost with a first-rate parts supply. The parts catalogue currently lists 38,702 model-specific spare parts items plus some 15,000 identical parts; the latest addition to Mercedes-Benz Classic’s parts stewardship is the model 140 S-Class (1991 to 1998). Genuine parts are available from all Mercedes-Benz dealerships, authorised trade partners and via the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center – many items are even available within 24 hours. Mercedes-Benz genuine parts for vehicles from all eras are therefore a further focal point at Retro Classics in Stuttgart this year.

Retro Classics will be held this year for the sixth time at the Stuttgart Trade Fair next to Stuttgart airport. This will be the trade show’s 13th year in all. Retro Classics has long been considered one of the most important dates on the classic scene’s calendar, not only in the Southern German Baden-Württemberg region with its extraordinary historical motor car tradition, but throughout Germany and the rest of Europe.The exhibit will open in the afternoon of Thursday 7 March 2013, with a preview for the press and professional visitors. Once again the hosts are expecting several thousand guests over the next three days: last year, approximately 65,000 visitors came to the 12th Retro Classics, where over 3,000 classic cars were on exhibit.