Classic Center by Michael Kunz
Photographs by Gary Anderson, Dave Gooley, Marina Pushkareva, and Nadine Schwartz
Rare Cars at Pebble Beach
Priceless Classics and Collectible Examples on Display
An understanding of history helps one to appreciate the present and guess what the future might bring, which is one reason why Mercedes-Benz went to great lengths this year to assemble eight historical examples of the marque for display in the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge on the third fairway at Pebble Beach during Monterey Classic Car Week.
The display of eight icons spanning 108 years showcased the super sports cars from Mercedes-Benz that provided the banners of their periods around which employees could rally and with which customers could be drawn to the marque.
The 1955 300SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe,” named after Mercedes-Benz chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, was a closed-roof version of the famous 300SLR race car that won the Mille Miglia, designed to provide the most comfort for demanding long-distance races. Only two Uhlenhaut Coupes were built, as the car debuted the same year that Mercedes-Benz discontinued its racing program.
Right: Over a period of 10 years from 1969 to 1979, Mercedes-Benz developed multiple C111 concept and experimental vehicles representing the future of Mercedes-Benz sports cars – where comfort, luxury, and performance were not mutually exclusive. The C111 vehicles were a technological tour de force that claimed nine speed records. Several technical and safety innovations debuted on the C111s, ranging from ABS, advanced front suspension later integrated into the S-Class, and turbodiesel engines.
Above, left: The 1902 Mercedes Simplex was displayed at the Lounge before being shown on Sunday at Pebble Beach. First launched in 1902, the Simplex, the first car to carry the Mercedes name, quickly became the leading high-performance vehicle of its day, competing and winning numerous hill climbs and road races. With three model series based on horsepower – 18/20, 28/32, and 38/40 – the Simplex was enjoyed in competition and leisure. The 1902 that was on display at the Star Lounge is fitted with a 28-horsepower engine and had just completed a 1,600-mile journey from Seattle to participate in Pebble Beach. It is the oldest known Simplex on the road today. Above right: The Star Lounge. Left: Built from 1928 to 1932, the Mercedes-Benz SSK, short for “Super Sport Kurz” (short), was loud and fast. Known as the “White Elephant” for its brute force, the SSK had a commanding presence and dominated road races due to its shorter wheelbase, Roots supercharger, and large displacement 300-horsepower engine, which boasted an impressive top speed of 120 miles per hour. A 2011 Maybach is displayed in the background.
Right: The 1954 W198 300SL is the standard production version of the 1952 W194 race car. Inspired by the race car’s unique styling and impressive performance, the 300SL Gullwing coupe was brought to market through the efforts of U.S.-based Mercedes-Benz distributor Max Hoffman, who guaranteed an order of 500 units. Built from 1954 to 1957, only 1,400 300SL Gullwing coupes were produced. Today they are among the most sought-after of collectible vehicles. The example pictured here in Carmel at the end of the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance on Thursday of Monterey Week was driven by Sir Stirling (in plaid shirt) and Lady Moss at the head of the caravan of cars participating in the Tour d’Elegance.
Left: California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a certified gearhead, paid a visit to the Star Lounge to check out the SLS AMG. Right: The back deck of the Star Lounge, overlooking the Pebble Beach Golf Course and the cove below the Lodge, was a comfortable place to relax. The 230SL was one of the cars that the Classic Center was offering for purchase.
Left: The 2011 SLS AMG GT3, the racing version of the SLS AMG, was conceived as a customer competition vehicle for participation in race series that follow FIA GT3 regulations. Meticulous lightweight construction and optimized chassis, brakes, and aerodynamics deliver uncompromising dynamics. The version on display was liveried as a tribute to the Laureus Foundation, which Mercedes-Benz supports. (See page 24.)
The 1952 W194 300SL, built in just nine months, marked the debut of the SL designation, meaning “Sport” and “Light.” While many chassis components were derived from a sedan model, its rigid tubular spaceframe forced developers to create its iconic gullwing doors. This example was recently driven on the Panamericana re-creation (See The Star May-June 2010).
The tradition of developing super sports cars throughout Mercedes-Benz history and setting new standards along the way continues with the 2011 SLS AMG, the first Mercedes sports car produced entirely by AMG. The SLS AMG is a modern super sports car with exceptional comfort and timeless style, featuring all the luxury and safety features expected in a Mercedes-Benz. Its aluminum space-frame body, 563-horsepower AMG V-8 front-mid engine, and rear-mounted dual-clutch transaxle provide a low center of gravity and race-car-like handling, with the ability to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The performance is combined with luxury Designo-styled interior, full COMAND system, and iconic gullwing doors, ushering in a new era of supercar leadership. Visitors to the Star Lounge could sign up for test-drives of the new SLS on 17-Mile Drive, though unfortunately there were no opportunities to test the acceleration figures.
