In July 1894 the world’s first car race takes place from Paris to Rouen. And so begins the successful motorsport history of Mercedes-Benz. The two winning vehicles are powered by an engine developed by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. For 125 years engines and vehicles by Mercedes-Benz and its predecessor brands have ensured countless triumphs. In this anniversary year Mercedes-Benz Classic is publishing newsletters dedicated to the various formats of motorsport at regular intervals.
Stuttgart. From the first ever car race in July 1894 to the latest involvement in motorsport: the racing activities of Mercedes-Benz and its predecessor brands tell a success story that has its roots at the early time of the car. Since the 19th century the racing and rally cars have always been right at the forefront of sporting competition. Their successes exemplify innovative technology, the irrepressible will to win of the drivers and excellent teamwork. No other brand has had the topic of motorsport enshrined in its DNA for as long or as intensively as Mercedes-Benz.
Outstanding moments in racing history of the brand include the successes in the world’s first car competitions in 1894 and 1895, the win of the first Mercedes at the Nice Week in 1901, the triple-win of Mercedes at the Grand Prix of Lyon in 1914, the successful time after the introduction of compressor cars in 1922 and, above all, the era of the Silver Arrows in the 1930s and 1950s as well as many successes at rallies and record drives.
Current wins such as the five consecutive Formula 1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships or the win of the Drivers’, Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championship in the DTM 2018 as well as regular wins in customer sport continue the success story.
2019 will be a strong motorsport season – in both a current and historic context. A glance at the calendar:
- In Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz is taking part in the tried and tested constellation. The new vehicle will be celebrating its world premiere on 13 February 2019.
- In Formula E two fully electrical Silver Arrows will be starting as of the 2019/20 season.
- Mercedes-Benz Classic will, amongst other things, be taking part in these top-class events with vehicles from the company’s own collection:
- 1000 Miglia (15 to 18 May 2019)
- Silvretta Classic (4 to 6 July 2019)
- Goodwood Festival of Speed (4 to 7 July 2019)
- Grand Prix of Germany (26 to 28 July 2019)
- Classic Days Schloss Dyck (2 to 4 August 2019)
- Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik (September 2019)
- Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (31 October to 3 November 2019)
The next newsletter is set to be released on 26 February 2019 and will focus on the successes of Mercedes-Benz in Formula 1.
Contacts:
Frank Mühling, +49 176 3095 1412, frank.muehling@daimler.com
Ralph Wagenknecht, +49 160 865 8077, ralph.wagenknecht@daimler.com
Julia Höfel, +49 151 5861 0215, julia.hoefel@daimler.com
Enquiries by email to classic@mercedes-benz.com or online at www.mercedes-benz.com/classic
High-resolution photographs and more press releases: https://media.daimler.com/go/classic
Current video and photographic material: https://mercedes-benz-archive.com/marsMuseum
Have you heard of our multimedia archive and research system? https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
Further information about Mercedes-Benz is available online: www.media.daimler.com and www.mercedes-benz.com
@MercedesBenzMuseum