Now entering its ninth year, Mercedes-Benz Classic Days is once again set to kick off, with this year's festivities being held for the first time in Great Britain. Under the slogan "variety is the spice of life," the eight day event will be take place at Mercedes-Benz World in England, with the venue serving as the base camp for the event as a whole and the start and finish points for the diverse array of activities that will take place throughout the week.
As for what activities those partaking in the event will be able to experience, the week will be split up into two modules – Sport and Rally events – allowing drivers to take part in either one or both of the modules' various events. Under the Sport events, highlights include a DTM race at Brands Hatch which includes a lap of honor around the racetrack, while sports regularity trials on the former Brands Hatch grand prix circuit are also planned. Under the Rally events, events planned include a driver safety training session, the ability to explore the Goodwood racetrack, (otherwise closed to the public), a tour of Windsor Castle and a Concours d’Elégance. There's a host of additional activities planned as well, all of which are included in the press release below.
For those of you interested in simply visiting Mercedes-Benz Classic Days 2008, you too have a wealth of activities to experience. In addition to the host of attractions offered by Mercedes-Benz World, which includes simulator rides, interactive challenges, numerous exhibits and the ability to take any one of the Mercedes-Benz car models around 2.5km of handling circuits, a variety of historic Mercedes-Benz models will be on display as well. Highlights 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."
If you're interested in attending, Mercedes-Benz Classic Days 2008 kicks off on August 30th and runs through September 7th. Admission to Mercedes-Benz World is free, while standard entrance prices apply to the Brooklands Museum (Adult £8, Senior Citizens and Students £6, Children 6 - 16yrs £5, Children 5 and under are free).
To learn more about Mercedes-Benz Classic Days 2008 including the diverse array of events and activities planned, you can find the complete details in the official press release below.
Enjoy.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
First time in Great Britain: Mercedes-Benz Classic Days 2008
- 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
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 Mercedes-Benz UK - Mercedes-Benz World
Already in its ninth year: Mercedes-Benz Classic Days: A Success Story
A review of the last eight Mercedes‑Benz Classic Days reveals the ongoing success story of the event. Mercedes‑Benz organised the first edition of Mercedes‑Benz Classic Days in 2000. The event was an overwhelming success, as 400 classic car fans from 20 countries descended upon the historic city on the River Salzach to attend the world premiere with more than 200 vintage Mercedes‑Benz vehicles. The special attraction of the meeting was a driving program that successfully combined challenging tourist excursions and more competitive events – and also included a range of cultural and social activities to satisfy even the most exacting participants. This varied mixture was also to remain the most distinctive aspect of all Mercedes‑Benz Classic Days in the years that followed.
The second edition of Mercedes‑Benz Classic Days offered a split program at two different locations. Drivers harbouring sporting ambitions gathered at the Anneau du Rhin racing circuit near Colmar, France. Those seeking the tourist routes were able to avail themselves of the sights and delights of Merano, Italy. Whereas the event at Anneau du Rhin focused on the racing circuit, the teams in Merano were faced with the demanding mountain roads and steep passes of the Dolomites on which to test the 200 classic cars built between 1929 and 1980, as well as a grand Concours d’Elégance and motor procession through Merano. Both event venues also offered a sophisticated programme of cultural and culinary delights.
In 2002, the third edition of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Days was held in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, offering more than 400 participants and their 200 Mercedes‑Benz classic cars a programme of demanding yet entertaining driving events, including regularity trials on the Dunlop test circuit, tour events through the Ardennes and the most beautiful parts of Luxembourg, as well as a spectacular Concours d’Elégance as the automotive highlight prior to the grand evening gala.
For the fourth Mercedes‑Benz Classic Days event the organizers sought an attractive city in central Europe with wonderful scenery and a suitable racing circuit. These criteria brought the event back to its original venue – in 2003 Classic Days returned to Salzburg. In addition to the racing circuit and Gaisberg hillclimb, Salzburg also offered a very varied environment for demanding Alpine routes and more leisurely lakeside tours.
The six‑day programme took place in glorious sunshine and began with regularity trials on the Salzburgring circuit on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday saw two timed sessions on the nine-kilometre former hillclimb route on the Gaisberg. On Thursday and Friday participants were invited to the Karl Benz lakeside circuit and Gottlieb Daimler Alpine route, departing in the order of their start numbers. And on Saturday, following a long procession to the city centre, the cars were judged at the Concours d’Elégance under the critical gaze of a crowd of interested onlookers. The closing event and highlight of the Classic Days meeting was the grand gala and awards ceremony.
This events schedule proved to be the perfect cocktail of driving and social activities and was retained, with only slight variations, for all subsequent Mercedes‑Benz Classic Days events from 2004 to 2007 – evenings of organized entertainment and festivities, a gala as the crowning event, exquisite food and a support program featuring driver training sessions, visits to tourist attractions and cultural highlights provided an ideal mix of relaxation and action. And with the exception of 2007 – where a change in the weather brought snow, extra excitement and new challenges for the drivers – the Mercedes‑Benz Classic Days in Salzburghave always been blessed with glorious weather.
Since last year the number of participants has been limited to 180 teams. This allows Mercedes‑Benz Club Management to provide each participant with individual support of the highest standard – in typical Mercedes‑Benz quality. The fact that this year’s Mercedes‑Benz Classic Days was fully booked well ahead of the actual event is a measure of the event’s continuing success.
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