The Mercedes Classic Car Rally 2015

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.