A collection of classics, including every generation of the S-Class, gathered at Nariman Point and took the route along the city’s western coastline up to Kala Nagar in Bandra and back in procession, with a huge crowd gathered at the starting line.
The group of pristine vehicles drove via Marine Drive, Pedder Road, Haji Ali and the Sea Link, and included a replica of the first car ever built, the 1886 Patentwagen.
Also among the opulent participants was the much sought-after two-seater Pagoda from the 1960s, as well as possibly the best examples of the 300 S and 300 SC in the country, owned by Behram Dubash and Anant Singhania respectively.
Roland Folger, Mercedes-Benz India CEO, who himself owned a 1988 380 SL in the US, went round the route in a 170V Cabrio and praised the event: “First of all, it’s important to say how well organised it was, and the turnout was outstanding.
“As you can see the level of attention and care put into these vehicles by the owners is amazing, and everybody is enjoying themselves.
“You should always be in touch with the past and cherish what you have achieved, and for us to have been around for 130 years is an outstanding achievement.
“As a manufacturer, it’s important to appreciate the past and look forward to the future, and this event helps us do that.”
A 170 V Cabriolet and 170 V roadster were the oldest cars in the rally, manufactured in 1934 and 1936 respectively, and the owner of the Cabrio, Vivek Himatsingka, said the event was a great way to bring together Mercedes owners.
“There are owners here who are part of Mercedes-Benz clubs, but this event puts everyone in the same fraternity and gives a sense of belonging to the brand and it was really enjoyable. I look forward to more events in the future.”
The vast majority of cars were in immaculate condition thanks to their passionate and careful owners, some of whom were up until the early hours before the rally to get their cherished classics in the best condition possible, and among the best examples were the rare 114 and 115 from America.
There were also two 190 SLs, and it was the first appearance at the show of the 450 SLC.
Much-desired in the 1980s, and with only a handful of examples around in India today, a 380 SEC owned by L. S. Ravi and Amit Sapre’s 560 SEC were also among the ranks of illustrious cars from Mercedes’ past.
Autocar India’s Perseus Bandrawalla and editor Hormazd Sorabjee helped organise the rally with Mercedes, and Bandrawalla worked closely with the car owners to get them to the show.
“I think the most interesting part of putting this together is seeing the lineage of all the car models,” Bandrawalla said.
“When they’re all together and you can see the history and evolution of Mercedes, that’s what makes it special.”
Sorabjee added: “There’s clearly a great passion shared by all owners, and we hope this event gets bigger and bigger.”
DOUG REVOLTA
Mercedes Classic Car Rally 2015 Gallery