London Concours 2022 to feature iconic Mercedes-Benz cars

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz will be honored at the 2022 edition of the London Concours, hosted by Montres Breguet. The show, which will take place on June 28 to 30 at the Honorable Artillery Company (HAC), will feature models from the company that originally developed the motorcar and has been a consistent leader for innovation, luxury, and engineering excellence.

The London Concours will gather exquisite Mercedes-Benz models on the wonderfully groomed lawns of the HAC. The lineup will span decades, bringing together the brand’s most iconic models, all of which are high points in terms of luxury and performance.

In a statement, London Concours Director Andrew Evans said, “We are extremely excited to reveal that this summer’s ever popular ‘Great Marques’ class will celebrate the seminal automotive brand – Mercedes-Benz. Long associated with style and luxury, qualities central to our event, we will assemble the rarest and most alluring examples from this wonderful, storied manufacturer – all in an immaculate setting in the heart of the City of London. Guests to the Honorable Artillery Company will be treated to an astonishing array of cars, as well as delectable food and drink options, and a carefully curated lineup of designer brands and boutiques, at the summer’s ultimate automotive garden party.”

True automotive icons like the 300 SL “Gullwing,” considered by many to be the most beautiful car ever manufactured, will be among the stunning vehicles on display. The 300 SL, codenamed “W 198,” was introduced at the International Motor Sports Show in USA in February 1954. With its lightweight structure and 215hp straight-six engine, the Gullwing was capable of 155mph, which was impressive in the mid-1950s. In 1957, a similarly spectacular roadster variant was released and by the time production ended, a total of 3,258 cars had been built.

The HAC will also welcome the SL “Pagoda,” the roadster that succeeded the 300 SL. Mercedes-Benz’s drop top of the '60s and early '70s has become one of the most admired automotive shapes of all time – simple, sleek, and of the best quality. The SL was available with a variety of inline-six cylinder engines ranging in size from 2.3 to 2.8 liters, all of which delivered quick acceleration. The “W113,” which was frequently specified with both a soft top and a removable hard top, was a favorite of the rich and famous, with owners including Juan Manual Fangio, John Lennon, and Sophia Loren.

The event will also include the SLS Coupe, a modern Mercedes-Benz designed in the image of the 300 SL. The high-performance SLS was introduced in 2009, and it was a strict two-seater with a long bonnet and dramatic doors. The SLS was also a direct successor to the McLaren SLR. It is powered by a growling, naturally aspirated 563hp 6.2-liter V8 engine that drove it to a top speed of 196mph. Throughout is production run, the SLS evolved, culminating in the vicious, bewinged “Black Series” cars. All variants of this superb GT car have been modern legends.

Guests will also be able to admire the finer points of one of Mercedes-Benz’s sought-after modern models, the CLK DTM Coupe. With its vented bodywork and sharply flared arches, the DTM was introduced in 2004 to celebrate the brand’s triumph in the 2003 German Touring Car championship, with Bernd Schneider at the wheel. With a 582hp 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, the vehicle accelerated from a standstill to 60mph in 3.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 199mph. The CLK DTM in one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz performance models, with only 100 units made.

Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s most luxurious limousines, the majestic Mercedes-Benz 600 LWB “Pullman.” When it was first introduced in 1963, this technological marvel set new benchmarks for both performance and opulence. The “Grosser” was powered by a 6.3-liter V8 engine that gave it a fittingly commanding performance. The 600 LWB was a favorite of state leaders and celebrities, with a diverse roster of owners ranging from Sadam Hussein to David Bowie. With only 428 LWB units produced, this event will be a rare opportunity to explore the intricacies of this colossal automobile legend.

These and other spectacular Mercedes-Benz models will be on display at the ultimate automotive extravaganza in the heart of London. More details about the further classes will be revealed in the coming weeks and months.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz

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