The streets of Mumbai came alive with the gleaming presence of Mercedes-Benzes during the 10th edition of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally (MBCCR) on 3rd December. As these rare and iconic vehicles glided from the iconic Taj Lands End to the picturesque Worli Sea Face, car enthusiasts couldn’t resist capturing the moment with their phone cameras.
The MBCCR, organized by Autocar India in association with Mercedes-Benz, has become a global sensation since its inception in 2014. This prestigious event has sparked a renewed passion for vintage and classic Mercedes cars in India.
The 10th edition of the MBCCR kicked off with great enthusiasm, thanks to Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, and Mumbai BJP president, MLA Ashish Shelar. Featuring a remarkable lineup of 81 Mercedes-Benz cars, showcasing 77 different model variants, this rally was a treat for all car enthusiasts.
“A decade is a great time to look back and I’m especially pleased with the number of debuts and superstar cars at the MBCCR both over the years and particularly this year,” said rally curator Perseus Bandrawalla. “This is incontrovertible evidence of the MBCCR’s pivotal role in nurturing and growing the eco-system of collectors and restorers in the country.”
The rally showcased an impressive line-up of cars, ranging from Pratapsinh Gaekwad’s classic 230 SL Pagoda to the iconic R129 SL that ignited the Goa road-trip culture in the film Dil Chahta Hai. Among the highlights were Yohan Poonawalla’s historic 190SL, once owned by Maharani Gayatri Devi, and the rare 300Sc Roadster from the renowned Bhogilal collection.
A host of well-regarded vintage and classic car collectors from across the country participated in the rally. These included publisher Viveck Goenka, industrialist Yohan Poonawalla, Himanshu Sinh of Gondal, Pratapsinh Gaekwad and Rajiv Kehr.
Industrialist Yohan Poonawalla shared his thoughts on the remarkable 10th edition of the MBCCR. “It’s the special 10th year and I’m here with my very special 190 SL in Jaipur Blue, which was restored just last year and belonged to the Maharani of Jaipur, Gayatri Devi,” he said.
“I’ve been a part of the MBCCR for a while and every year the event keeps getting better. Being a part of such an event among people who are so passionate about classic Mercedes is truly a pleasure,” said Pratap Gaekwad, who participated in the rally with his 230SL Pagoda.
Here’s a quick look at some of the Mercedes-Benzes that garnered a lot of attention at the MBCCR 2023.
600 Grosser: The Grosser, which made its MBCCR debut and celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, was the de facto choice for world leaders and celebrities. Known to be the best car in the world with a cost-no-bar approach, the Grosser cemented Mercedes’ position as the number one car manufacturer back in the 1960s.
300Sc: One of just 50 cars ever produced, the 300Sc, which participated in the first MBCCR back in 2014, was back after a fresh restoration this year.
500K: Owned by reputed publisher Hormusji Cama, the iconic 500K sports a supercharged inline 8 engine, and was the gold standard for grand tourers in the 1930s.
300SL: The only 300SL in the country and one of only a handful the world over still owned by the original owner since new, this breathtaking automobile has an illustrious record of winning almost every race it participated in. Yes, the Maharaja of Gondal actually raced the car, which is now owned by his son, Himanshu.
Nurburg: The W08, with its straight 8 engine (Mercedes’s first passenger car with a straight 8), was developed by Ferdinand Porsche. This particular 1929 with a tourer body, owned by Mumbai’s Yashwardhan Ruia, is one of the few and best examples of the Nurburg in the world.
