Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

• Mercedes-Benz Classic Days premieres in England
• Eight days of demanding classic excitement– with excursions, a Concours d’Elégance and programme of cultural events
• Regularity trials at Brands Hatch and Goodwood

Stuttgart/Brooklands, Germany/United Kingdom, Aug 22, 2008 - Now in its ninth year, this year’s edition of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Days will be held for the first time in England from August 30 to September 7. In true British style, the event slogan, “Variety is the spice of life,” says all you need to know about the eight-day event, promising a programme packed of exclusive automobiles and cultural attractions.


Built on the premises of the legendary Brooklands race track, Mercedes-Benz World is the venue for the start and finish points, base camp, meeting place and parc fermé for the Mercedes-Benz Classic Days. The oval circuit is the oldest racetrack in the world – although it remains only partially intact today. Nowadays the main attraction at the historic site is Mercedes-Benz World , built in 2006, which provides an ideal starting point for a week of automotive thrills and exclusive entertainment.

The first Mercedes-Benz Classic Days was held in 2000 – initially a rally involving around 200 participating classic vehicles bearing the three-pointed star. Ever since that first event, one distinctive feature of the Classic Days has been its varied programme of demanding excursions through wonderful scenery and extensive regularity trials on racetracks especially reserved for Classic Days participants. The programme also includes a Concours d’Elégance as well as gala evenings with excellent food and entertainment. In addition, participants have access to an exceptional programme of support events and outstanding food and drink to accompany the driving days. Mercedes-Benz Classic Days now represent the largest meeting of pre- and post-war Mercedes-Benz classic cars organised by the Stuttgart automobile manufacturer.

Participation is open to members of any club recognised by Mercedes-Benz Club Management owning Benz, Mercedes and Mercedes-Benz automobiles dating from 1988 or earlier. The number of Classic Days teams is limited to 180, however. As Michael Bock, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH, under whose leadership Mercedes-Benz Club Management organises the Classic Days event, explains: “We limited the number of Classic Days teams so as to be able to offer individual service to every participant optimum. After all, the drivers of classic cars are ambassadors for the Mercedes-Benz brand, whose commitment we value extremely highly. Their historic vehicles help bring the fascination of the brand to the public roads and in so doing create the equivalent of a mobile museum.”

The event week is split into two modules – the Sports and Rally events – which can also be booked as a complete package. The programme of the Sports event, which runs until Tuesday, features a visit to the DTM race at Brands Hatch – including a lap of honour around the racetrack for participants. Monday and Tuesday is reserved for sports regularity trials on the former Brands Hatch grand prix circuit.
Special attractions of the fifth day, Wednesday, include either a driver safety training session or a bus tour to London, and in the evening a “Driver’s Night” together with the teams from the Rally event. After an excursion on Thursday, Classic Days participants will have the opportunity on arriving at their destination to explore the Goodwood racetrack, otherwise closed to the public; Friday is devoted to a tour of Windsor Castle, and Saturday’s programme features the Concours d’Elégance at Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands – before the day is rounded off with an outstanding gala evening.

An exclusive support programme of events has become a traditional feature of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Days, and this year is no exception. After the Welcome Party on the opening day, the second-day programme includes an evening meal in the DTM hospitality tent at Brands Hatch ; and the third day is crowned with a rustic dinner in the rambling grounds of Leeds Castle.

Other highlights on the support programme include the “Mercedes-Benz Driver’s Night”, lunch at Goodwood House, a stylish barbecue evening at London’s Hurlingham Club, a show evening at Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands and following the Concours d’Elégance on Saturday, the grand evening gala with awards ceremony at an exclusive venue in the heart of London, the Royal Courts of Justice.

The fascination of historic Mercedes-Benz automobiles can be also be experienced live by spectators at the Brands Hatch racetrack or at Mercedes-Benz World, where the starting line-up will include the 24/100/140 hp Mercedes-Benz 630 models, the legendary supercharged S, SS and SSK racing cars of the late 1920s and early 1930s, luxury sports cars of the late 1930s and post-war classics such as the 300 SL “Gullwing”. The mobile museum will also feature such S-Class rarities as the 300 SEL 6.3 and the 500 SL roadster from the R 107 series of the late 1980s.

Mercedes-Benz World is a brand experience centre – and the word ‘experience’ is not used lightly. At this impressive attraction, visitors will find simulator rides, interactive challenges, enthralling exhibits and, most excitingly – the opportunity to take any one of the Mercedes-Benz car models around 2.5km of handling circuits. For off-road fans this extends to a 10 acre off-road terrain course complete with deep muddy water and steep slippery slopes.

For those with a passion for cars there’s the opportunity to see, touch and feel every current Mercedes-Benz model, which are joined by a host of beloved classics. Fascinating stories give visitors the chance to appreciate the inspirational events that have linked Mercedes-Benz with Brooklands.
Mercedes-Benz World is open every day from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day). For more information visit www.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk</span> .

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