Buying a Mercedes-Benz is more than just making a commitment to the finest engineering and design available in a modern automobile. It’s also a statement of solidarity with the past, a way of getting in touch with the roots of the evolutionary process that has seen Mercedes-Benz climb so high in the minds of drivers and enthusiasts alike.
Recognizing its debt to history, Mercedes-Benz has taken a number of steps to support those who are as fascinated with early examples of their fine machines as they are with those on the cutting edge.
The Mercedes-Benz Classic Community is a multi-faceted initiative that ties into both events and clubs that celebrate the brand across America. The German marque has been an active participant in helping out those who seek to preserve antique vehicles built by the company, as well as those who celebrate their passion through a number of different shows, contests and driving events.
There are four main clubs recognized by Mercedes-Benz in the United States. The largest is the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc. (MBCA), which has been in operation since 1956. Over 20,000 active members belong to the MBCA, which includes local chapters spread out across more than 80 regions in both the U.S. and Canada. The group is fully sanctioned by Mercedes-Benz, and its headquarters is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Benefits of membership include unique access to special events, discounts and gatherings of members both online and in-person. Other clubs that have official standing with Mercedes-Benz include the Gull Wing Group International (celebrating the Mercedes-Benz 300SL in all its forms), the 190 SL Group (dedicated to maintaining and celebrating the history of the iconic roadster) and the M-100 Group (an organization focused on the ultra-luxurious M-100 sedans and limousines).
In 2009, Mercedes-Benz was happy to be involved in 15 special events that took place across North America. Everything from all-out “concours”-style shows to more casual regional meets was celebrated, and even a Cars and Coffee in Irvine, California saw the participation of the German brand. Mercedes-Benz has strived to support both the upper levels of classic car collection and the grassroots movements that help to keep the hobby alive by introducing new fans to the more accessible and affordable strata of Mercedes-Benz ownership.
Mercedes-Benz is also happy to recognize individuals who have taken their enjoyment of the company’s automobiles to an extraordinary level. One way Mercedes-Benz achieves this is through the Mercedes-Benz Classic High Mileage Award, which comes in the form of a Star and Laurel grille badge that can be affixed to the vehicle in question or framed and proudly displayed in a garage or den. The minimum milestone that qualifies owners for the award is an odometer reading of 155,000 miles. There are five increments in total: 312,000, 466,000, 625,000 and 1,000,000 miles, each with its own unique badge. In order to apply, Mercedes-Benz drivers can download and fill out a special form on the company’s website and then bring it to a local dealership where mileage is verified. Currently, the highest mileage classic Mercedes-Benz to have been recorded belongs to Gregorios Sachinidis who has clocked 2.8 million miles – and counting – on his 1976 240D sedan.
For those who would prefer a different sort of link to their Mercedes-Benz special heritage, a Classic Certificate is also available from the company. This professionally bound document is issued by the Daimler Corporation Archives, and it lists the specifications and equipment originally sold with the vehicle. It also includes the name of the owner and is a very classy companion piece to be displayed alongside the automobile in question.
Coordinating much of the company’s involvement with individuals, clubs and events is the Classic Center in California, a special place that has become the focal point for Mercedes-Benz outreach efforts among the Classic Community. The experts employed by the Center offer an unmatched pool of historical and technical knowledge that is a true boon to enthusiasts looking to maintain or bolster their Mercedes-Benz collection.
The Mercedes-Benz Classic Community represents a concerted effort on the part of the premium car company to bring all Mercedes-Benz owners into the fold, whether they are proudly piloting a million-mile survivor on a daily basis or hiding an ultra-rare collector’s item in a climate-controlled garage.
