Eight editions of Mercedes-Benz classic cars lights up Mumbai’s streets

Date:

Trending

Over 50 rare and impeccably maintained classic Mercedes-Benz lit up the streets of the city on Sunday as part of the eighth edition of the Mercedes- Benz Classic Car Rally (MBCCR). 

- Advertisement -

Organized by Autocar India in association with Mercedes-Benz, the rally, first held in 2014, has grown to be an integral part of Mumbai’s winter tradition and catalyzed the creation of a classic car community in the country.

The rally, flagged off by Eknath Shinde, Cabinet Minister of urban development and PWD, Maharashtra, also saw Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde, Mr. Anil Kumar Gakewad, joint managing director of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, and Dipankar Datta, honorable chief justice of the Bombay High Court.

- Advertisement -

The rally, which started from the Taj Lands End, in Bandra, featured, as always, some special cars, which attracted classic car aficionados in droves.

These included publisher and collector Viveck Goenka’s 220S Ponton; Hormusji Cama’s Mercedes-Benz 500K; Pratapsinh Gaekwad of Baroda’s 230 SL ‘Pagoda’, and, industrialist Yohan Poonawala’s SLS AMG Coupe, which was among the cars that represented modern Mercedes classics at the rally.

Also part of the line-up were rare models such as the W186 and W189 Mercedes- Benz 300 Adenauer limousines. The Adenauers at the MBCCR included a W186 Limousine owned by the Dubash family, a W189 Limousine owned by Abbas Jas- danwala, and two W186 Cabriolets belonging to industrialist Gautam Singhania and the Jam Sahib of Nawanagar, respectively. 

The latter’s car both Gautam and Jam Sahib’s car restored for the show has been restored by Mayur Khasrani of Rajkot. Other classic Mercedes that got spectators curious included the 170V range, some S-Class coupes and cabriolets, a Unimog motorhome, and a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, the company’s — and the world — the first-ever automobile.

The Mercedes classics weren’t just savored on the lawns of the Taj Lands End. Automotive enthusiasts lined the streets as the participants and their cars drove in a convoy from the hotel to Worli Sea Face and back.

“Cars and roads go together,” said Shri Eknath Shinde, “Despite Covid-19, the state government has been focused on strengthening and expanding the road infrastructure. We are looking at creating a 5000km access control grid that can get people and goods to their destinations safely and quickly,” said Shri Shinde.

Martin Schwenk, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said that the MBCCR was like a rolling museum on wheels. “That’s what is so special about the rally — these magnificent cars are on the road! And I never fail to be impressed by their beauty and how impeccably they are maintained. Our motto this year is ‘Reimagining Excel- license, and when I see this kind of excellence on four wheels, I feel the obligation and responsibility to transport that heritage into the future. Mercedes-Benz stands not only for history but also for the future,” said Schwenk.

The Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally also witnessed participants from several parts of the country, including Goa, Kochi, and Pune. According to Viveck Goenka, the MBCCR has been a godsend to classic car lovers.

 “Thanks to this rally, many Mercedes have now come out of the woodwork. Cars are being restored and it’s lovely to see them out on the roads and at events like this. Every year we see several new cars at the rally,” said Goenka.

“This is my second time at the rally and I have genuine admiration for how it brings knowledgeable lovers of classic Mercedes together. It is great to meet them and learn more about their cars,” said Pratapsinh Gaekwad.

Speaking at the event, rally curator Perseus Bandrawala said that the MBCCR had, for the past eight years, succeeded in keeping a part of India’s motoring heritage alive. “We are all custodians with the responsibility of preserving India’s automotive heritage, and the MBCCR has been integral to doing that. It has spurred interest in classic Mercedes and it is the most popular brand with classic car collectors in the country and has also helped in creating a vibrant community” said Bandrawala. 

THE SNAPSHOTS

Sign up to get quick snaps of everyday happening, directly in your inbox.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

- Advertisement -

Support our independent journalism PayPal (Outside India) For PayU (For Indian Readers).

Krishna Mali
Krishna Mali
Founder & Group Editor of TechGraph.

More Latest Stories

More Articles

Life Insurance Death Benefit Payouts: What Your Family Needs to Know

It is important to know more about life insurance policies and their operational modalities. The most important factor is, of course, the pre-fixed insurer...

Wired vs. Wireless Headsets: A Comparative Guide for Evolving Audio Needs

Across a wide range of demographics, including gamers, fitness enthusiasts, business executives, and remote workers, the use of headsets has dramatically increased. Headsets are an indispensable tool that may be used for business meetings, gaming audio improvement, and music listening while working out. Headsets are...

The Rise of Conversational AI: What It Means for Tech and SaaS Businesses

Back in the time, when AI was not as prominent, businesses used to struggle...

Union Budget 2025: Real Estate Experts See SWAMIH 2.0, ₹15,000 Cr State Support to Ease Housing Bottlenecks

The real estate sector views the Union Budget 2025-26 as a step toward addressing...

Healthcare Reactions to Budget 2025-26: Experts Back Investments in Cancer Care & AI but Call for Broader Mental Health Policies

The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has drawn mixed reactions...

Preparing Your Staff To Host A Successful Business Event In Another City

A business event, a convention, and exhibition, a trade show - all of these...

Income Tax Slabs Revised in Budget 2025-26: Experts Applaud Relief for Salaried Class, VDA Taxation Still a Concern

With income tax exemption raised to ₹12.75 lakh and revisions in tax slabs, the...

Union Budget 2025-26: MSME Leaders Back Investment Limit Hike, Call E-Shram Expansion Crucial

The MSME sector has responded positively to the Union Budget 2025-26, with experts highlighting...

Union Budget 2025-26 Reactions: EV Makers Welcome Tax Relief and Infrastructure Investments

India’s electric vehicle industry has welcomed the Union Budget 2025-26, citing exemptions on capital goods and improved credit access as critical for scaling operations....

From GCC & AI to DeepTech Investments: How Tech Experts React to the Union Budget 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2025-26 has drawn mixed reactions from technology industry...

Union Budget 2025-26 Reactions: Education Sector Applauds AI, Skilling Initiatives but Flags Funding Gaps

India’s education sector leaders have responded to the Union Budget 2025-26 with optimism and...

Budget 2025: Fintech Sector Hopes for Regulatory Support in Digital Lending and AI Investments

As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Budget 2025 on February...

Union Budget 2025: Investors, Startups React to Govt’s Push for Fund of Funds, FSS Scheme and Deeptech

The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, has drawn...

Union Budget 2025: Medical Education Seats Increased by 130% in 10 Years; 10,000 More to Be Added

Education sector Budget LIVE: Presenting the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the number of undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats has...

Union Budget 2025: Kisan Credit Card Loan Limit Increased to ₹5 Lakh Under Modified Interest Subvention Scheme

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Union Budget 2025-26 speech, announced an increase in Kisan Credit Card loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh. This move aims to provide greater financial support to farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers...

Union Budget 2025: IIT Student Strength Doubles, ₹500 Crore AI Education Center Announced

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 in Parliament today, outlined...

Union Budget 2025 LIVE: FM Sitharaman Announces Reforms in Finance Sector; Increases FDI Limit to 100%

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget for 2025-26 in Parliament today,...

Union Budget 2025: Farming, Agriculture Sector Pushes for Greater Subsidies, Policy Support

With Union Budget 2025 just days away, the agriculture sector is vouching for a...

Budget 2025: Pre-Owned Car Market Requests Financing Reforms, Auto Industry Looks for GST Clarity

With the Union Budget just days away, the auto sector is hoping for game-changing...

Budget 2025 Expectations: Semiconductor Industry Looks for Support to Boost Domestic Manufacturing, Incentives, and Innovation Investment

As India's Union Budget 2025 approaches, the semiconductor manufacturing sector is seeking measures to...

From GST Reform to Supply Chain Stability: What the F&B and Restaurant Sector Expects from Budget 2025?

With Budget 2025 approaching, the restaurant and F&B sector is outlining its expectations for...

Krikya Bangladesh Casino App Review

The Krikya app delivers a seamless and engaging mobile gambling experience for users of...

IIFL Finance Thane Branch Raided by Income Tax Authorities

The Income Tax Department carried out a search operation on Tuesday morning at IIFL...

Budget 2025: Crypto Sector Looks For TDS Cuts, Loss Clarity and Investor-Friendly Tax Rules

As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, the Indian cryptocurrency industry is urging the government...

Budget 2025: Fintech Sector Hopes for Regulatory Support in Digital Lending and AI Investments

As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Budget 2025 on February...

Union Budget LIVE: Finance Minsiter Nirmala Sitharaman Tables India’s Budget for 2025-26

LIVE Union Budget Coverage: The Union Budget 2025, set to be presented by Finance...

AI in Skill Development: What Budget 2025 Should Do to Close the Workforce Skills Gap

India, with its vast pool of young talent, faces a significant challenge: a widening...

Cash out Tether USDT to Renminbi in Guangzhou

If you need to quickly and safely Cash out Tether USDT to Renminbi in...

Union Budget 2025 Expectations: Insurance Sector Eyes Tax Incentives, Sops to Expand Health Insurance Reach

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget 2025 on February...

Union Budget 2025: Investors, Startups React to Govt’s Push for Fund of Funds, FSS Scheme and Deeptech

The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, has drawn...

IIFL Finance Thane Branch Raided by Income Tax Authorities

The Income Tax Department carried out a search operation on Tuesday morning at IIFL...

Evolution of Festival Advertising – A journey from Traditional to Hyperlocal Strategies

When it comes to festival advertising, brand strategies have seen notable changes shape the...

Budget 2025: Crypto Sector Looks For TDS Cuts, Loss Clarity and Investor-Friendly Tax Rules

As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, the Indian cryptocurrency industry is urging the government...