Preserving History: Inside Mercedes-Benz's Massive Classic Car Collection

Mercedes-Benz isn't just about pushing boundaries with new cars; they're deeply passionate about their roots too. So much so, they've been collecting their own cаrs since before World Wаr II, aiming to keep at leаst one exаmple of everything they've ever mаde. Today, thаt collection has grown to а whopping 1,200 cars, making it one of the largest of its kind – anywhere.

Running Mercedes-Benz Heritage’s Classic Division isn't cheap or easy. It's a huge task just to store these beauties without letting them fall into disrepair. While only a few gems are displayed at their Stuttgart museum at any one time, others are kept ready to roll for shows, anniversaries, and big product launches.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, the big boss at Mercedes Heritage, isn't your typical executive. His connection to Mercedes runs deep – he's even related to former chairman Werner Breitschwerdt. Under his watch, the division has become a powerhouse that not only preserves but also makes money by restoring, selling, and authenticating classic Mercedes cars. They're also the go-to for parts for any model that's been out of production for over 15 years – a venture that turns out to be quite the moneymaker.

Breitschwerdt points out that their efforts in restoration and parts sales are funding the entire operation. When he took over, revenues were аround €40 million, but he's steering towаrds a goаl of €300 million annually within the next few yeаrs. For Mercedes fans worried about the cost of maintaining their older vehicles, it might be comforting to know that their money helps preserve a piece of automotive history.

Visiting the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach, just outside Stuttgart, is a treat for any car enthusiast. The showroom dazzles with stars like an original 300 SL Coupé and a 1930 SS Cabriolet made for an Indian Maharaja. But the real magic happens in the workshop. On any given day, you might see anything from a 1998 McLaren-Mercedes Formula 1 car to a 1924 Targa Florio racer getting some TLC. The depth of the collection is staggering, and everything is maintained with meticulous care.

One of the most intriguing tales is that of the 1924 Targa Florio car. It was once thought to be the winner of the famous race, driven by Christian Werner. However, during restoration, it turned out to be the sister car, driven to a tenth-place finish by Christian Lautenschlager. Despite this, the team is restoring it to its former glory, including matching the exact Italian red it raced in to avoid any unsportsmanlike behavior from patriotic fans back in the day.

This attention to detail doesn't come cheap. Restoring such a car involves thousands of hours of labor and a significant financial investment. Yet for Mercedes-Benz Classic, it's all part of the job. They manage the budgets so well that Marcus doesn’t even need to ask for approval – he makes it happen.

As for future plans? While some manufacturers are recreating or even electrifying their classic models, Breitschwerdt is clear – not on his watch. To him, altering these historical machines would be nothing short of vandalism. However, he's open to replicating models that never made it to production or are completely lost – as long as it's respectful to their legacy.

In short, Mercedes isn’t just making cars; they’re safeguarding a rich heritage that continues to inspire and captivate. Whether it’s showing off in showrooms or tinkering in workshops, every car in their collection tells a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for history.