[Aditya]

NOTE : This report was actually compiled on the afternoon of November 24, 2024.

It was that time of the year when Mercedes owners and fans from all over India gathered for the Mercedes Benz Classic Car Rally in Mumbai. The 2024 edition was special because it marks 30 years of Mercedes-Benz in India and 40 years of the good old W124. The 2024 edition of the Rally had 95 cars in attendance.



As has been the case in the recent past, the cars gathered at Taj Land's End (Bandra). A huge number of fans turned up:


Every edition of the Rally brings out something special. This year was no exception. We had some fabulous classics to admire.

Let's have a look at some of the star cars of the event starting with this 300:



















This 300 SC Cabriolet from the Bhogilal collection was probably the most stunning car of the show:
















Also from the Bhogilal collection was this 540K Cabriolet:














We have seen this beautiful 500K in previous editions of the Rally:








The Nurberg was there as well:


Another supercharged beast:












1938 Mercedes 230:






Other star cars included this 300 Adenauer...






...and 300 Convertible that we have seen in earlier editions of the Rally:

[Aditya]

What is this unassuming W124 doing so early in this report?





Remember I had mentioned earlier that Mercedes has completed 30 years in India? Well, this E220 is the very first car that Mercedes brought here. It graces the cover of the Auto India magazine from back then:




Getting back to the glamorous stuff, nothing says it better than a well sorted SL. Here are some SLs from various generations:


























































A couple of SLS AMGs were present as well:

[Aditya]

Some of these cars have been regulars. They are still interesting, especially this 4-door convertible:

[Aditya]

A couple of SECs were also on display:

[Aditya]

Some sedans with modifications were present:

[Aditya]

The usual dose of sedans:

[Aditya]

This W123 was driven from Mysore for this event. Very hard to match the longevity of a fully mechanical Merc!






Thhe paint job on this 280S was stunning:
























































Some long wheelbase and stretch limousines were also present:

[Aditya]

Other attractions included a couple of current-day Maybachs:








Mercedes had also displayed some merchandise:

[Aditya]

After the display, the cars drove to Worli Seaface and back via the Bandra-Worli Sealink Bridge. By the time the cars were flagged off, it was well past 10.30 am.

The pilot car for the parade was the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV:






























































































Cars that were not parked in the main display area were let out through another gate:

[Aditya]

Here are Some pictures of the drive:

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line.

[PSOPS]

Wow @Aditya this will be the most extensive coverage of the event. Hats off to you for the commitment and the detailing.

Had been to this event couple of times and the beauty and the pride of owners to showcase their cars is brilliant. The consistency with which Perseus conducts this event is very nice and the commitment from Mercedes-Benz India to classic cars is someting every owner will be proud of.

The reality that the cars value is going up many fold showcases the Love for these vintage cars and as an investment opportunity too.

[Aditya]

Originally Posted by PSOPS

Wow @Aditya this will be the most extensive coverage of the event. Hats off to you for the commitment and the detailing.

Thanks man. I was thinking of you at the Rally this year. All the others were there.

Had been to this event couple of times and the beauty and the pride of owners to showcase their cars is brilliant. The consistency with which Perseus conducts this event is very nice and the commitment from Mercedes-Benz India to classic cars is someting every owner will be proud of.

It's very nice of a company to keep supporting even some of its earliest cars. Helps customer confidence no end. And yes, this is one of the best-organised classic car events in the country. That's why I never miss it.

[nitrogary]

Excellent coverage. I have been missing this past couple of years. Will certainly be there next year. Quite a few known faces and known cars especially the 80s and 90s cars.

The older era vintage and classic cars were in stunning shape! Appreciate the effort you took to put together the report and the pics.

[aah78]

Thanks for the report, Addy!
What an impressive range of well maintained classic (and modern) Mercedes-Benz(s) in India.