40 Years of W124
In celebration of the legendary W124 E-Class's 40th anniversary, we’re showcasing every iteration of the W124 series at #MBCCR2024.
India’s most prestigious classic car rally gears up for its 11th edition
First organised by Autocar India with Mercedes-Benz in 2014, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally (MBCCR), now in its 11th edition, has set a global standard for vintage and classic car rallies. MBCCR has fostered a vibrant community of seasoned collectors and restorers alongside a younger generation of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts in India. Iconic cars showcased over the years include Viveck Goenka's S-Class collection, Pratapsinh Gaekwad's 230SL Pagoda, Gautam Singhania's 300S Adenauer cabriolet, Yashvardhan Ruia's 1929 Nurburg, HH Yuvraj Himanshu of Gondal's 300 SL, and Pranlal Bhogilal’s 300Sc Roadster.
This year, over 60 cars will participate across traditional (E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class) and new categories. Highlights include the Bruno Sacco class, celebrating the legendary designer; the Supercharged class with cars like the 500K, 540K, and 630K; and the Superlimousine class with the Nurburg, 600 Grosser, and 300 Adenauer series. The W124 Series celebrates 40 years, and the Mile Muncher class features cars from far-flung cities. A tribute to Motorsport will include special tribute cars.
New this year, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Showcase will travel to Chennai, Kochi, and Goa, bringing automotive art to enthusiasts across India, while Mumbai will host an unforgettable display of these timeless classics.
Exciting Classes at #MBCCR2024
Bruno Sacco
The late Bruno Sacco is well-regarded as one of the best-known designers in automotive history. In remembrance of this iconic designer, we have introduced a new class to celebrate the timeless designs of this Italian maestro.
Supercharged Class
Mercedes-Benz pioneered the concept of supercharged road cars, and to celebrate this engineering marvel, we’re presenting a special supercharged class featuring models manufactured as early as the 1930s.
Super Limousine Class
Cars with an extra long wheelbase designed for royalty and dignitaries worldwide will be featured in this exclusive class.
Tribute Class
This class honors cars crafted as tributes to the originals, including a 190E EVO II tribute, a W124 Hammer replica and a few more surprises.
Mile Munchers
Highlighting the robustness and reliability of Mercedes-Benz engineering, the "Mile Munchers" class will showcase classic Mercedes-Benz cars that have journeyed from far-flung places such as Lucknow, Rajkot, Goa, and Kochi, among others.
Stories
HIGHLIGHT
Hormazd Sorabjee,
Editor, Autocar India
"The Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally (MBCCR) makes its grand return to Mumbai for 2024, continuing its tradition of showcasing the finest Mercedes classics—from the iconic ‘Pagodas’ to the legendary SL Roadsters. Now in its 11th edition, the MBCCR will feature special themed classes, including a tribute to renowned designer Bruno Sacco and a 'Supercharged' class, celebrating Mercedes' century-long legacy of automotive excellence."
Perseus Bandrawalla,
Curator, MBCCR
"The MBCCR has fostered a thriving ecosystem of authorised dealers and independent specialists dedicated to classic car restoration. Over the years, nearly every type of classic Mercedes-Benz in India has graced the event, with many meticulously restored to concours-quality standards, showcasing the brand’s enduring quality and robustness. Since becoming an annual event, the MBCCR has also significantly elevated the resale values of classic Mercedes models in India, setting a benchmark unmatched by any other brand."
Stay Tuned for the Route Map
From the Archive
The convoy of classic Mercedes-Benz cars rolled off from Taj Lands End in Bandra to Worli Sea Face and back as part of the rally.
The rally was flagged off by Mumbai BJP president and MLA Ashish Shelar and Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.
It saw participation from 81 cars across 77 model variants – among the largest gatherings of a one-make series.
The W08 Nurburg and 600 Grosser were among star cars of the show.
This freshly restored 300Sc is just 1 of 50 cars ever produced worldwide.
The iconic 300SL of the Maharaja of Gondal that has won every race it has participated in.
the iconic 500K was the gold standard for grand tourers in the 1930s.
The 129 SL – best remembered from its appearance in the 2001 film, Dil Chahta Hai
All classic generations of the SL-Class on display
Every Mercedes-Benz car on sale in India 30 years ago was on display in the ‘Class of 1994’ section.
Even some rare estates like the Ponton W120, W115, W123 and W124 were present.
The 300SL led the convoy of the classic Merc with the 190SL behind it.
The vintage WO8 Nurburg rolling down the streets of South Bombay.
