Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally 2025 draws record crowds, showcases rare icons in Mumbai

Among the biggest attractions was the Tribute Class featuring the iconic Red Pig W108 tribute cars. PIC VIA RAJENDRA B AKLEKAR

The 12th edition of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally (MBCCR) concluded in Mumbai with a record turnout, reaffirming its position as India's premier vintage and classic car showcase. Held at Taj Lands End, Bandra, the rally featured more than 100 meticulously restored Mercedes-Benz classics, including over 75 making their debut appearance.

For the first time, the rally introduced a Saturday showcase, drawing hundreds of ticketed visitors who got an up-close look at the rare machines before they embarked on a city-wide parade on Sunday. Chief Guest and MLA Ashish Shelar flagged off the event alongside Amrit Baid, General Manager - Marketing and Customer Experience at Mercedes-Benz India.

Among the biggest attractions was the Tribute Class featuring the iconic Red Pig W108 tribute cars, modern recreations of the earliest AMGs, owned by Viveck Goenka and Pratapsinh Gaekwad. The display also included India's only two 1000SELs, luxurious Adenauer limousines, multiple 190SLs including the one originally gifted to Jawaharlal Nehru, the ultra-rare 300Sc from the Pranlal Bhogilal Collection, the legendary 600 Grosser, and a factory-spec restored SLS AMG.

In a special moment, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar unveiled his father's restored 300D (W124), the official state car of Mewar. This edition marked the first time all these rare models were showcased together.

Organisers highlighted the rising value of Mercedes-Benz classics, noting that while the broader vintage market has slowed, MBCCR-featured cars have tripled or quadrupled in value in recent years. Curator Perseus Bandrawalla credited the rally with fuelling a new wave of young collectors and popularising "youngtimer" Mercedes-Benz models in India.

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, said the event has evolved into a cultural tradition celebrating the brand's legacy and the dedication of collectors who preserve these classics. Autocar India Editor Hormazd Sorabjee added that the diversity and rarity of this year's line-up reflect the depth of India's growing collector community.

With its largest and most diverse display yet, MBCCR 2025 set a new benchmark for classic car events in Asia. Organisers say next year's edition aims to be even bigger, as enthusiasm for classic Mercedes-Benz cars continues to rise across India.