- Restored 1910 Benz Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen with 59kW won the Charles A. Chayne Trophy at Pebble Beach.
- Mercedes-Benz highlighted F1’s 75th anniversary with displays of the W 196 R, 300 SLR and 2009 SLR McLaren Stirling Moss.
- New concept and luxury models showcased, including the Concept AMG GT XX and Vision V people mover.
Mercedes-Benz turned Pebble Beach 2025 into its own red-carpet premiere, showcasing everything from a 115-year-old race car to a concept AMG coupe with more wings than a gull.
The brand’s Classic and modern divisions went all-in across the Concours d’Elegance, the Tour d’Elegance and Laguna Seca, celebrating heritage while teasing the future.
A 1910 pioneer steals the show
Leading the Tour d’Elegance was the 1910 Benz Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen, a solid machine featuring 59kW from its 5.7-litre four-cylinder, complete with four-valve heads and dual ignition.
Only two survive today, and Mercedes’ Classic Centre restored this one expertly. This classic car even won the Charles A. Chayne Trophy, awarded to the most advanced vehicle of its era.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, was at the wheel: “The Benz Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen from 1910 set standards in engine technology and design 115 years ago. Its award once again underlines the innovative strength of our brand.”
Silver Arrows, Stirling Moss and a 75-year salute
Sunday’s Concours coincided with Formula One’s 75th anniversary. On display: the 1955 W 196 R Grand Prix car (up to 213kW), Fangio’s title-winning machine; the 300 SLR sports car (228kW), famed for Stirling Moss’ 1955 Mille Miglia heroics; and a modern echo, the 2009 SLR McLaren Stirling Moss with a hefty 478kW.
Even the current F1 W16, as raced by George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, joined in. Laguna Seca’s track demos made sure this wasn’t just a static celebration.
Cinema, concepts and a green Maybach twist
Mercedes also staged its own drive-in, the “Stargaze Theatre”, where film clips and actual movie-star Mercs, from Jurassic Park’s M-Class to Beverly Hills Cop’s 380 SL, took a bow.
On the future-leaning side, the Concept AMG GT XX made an appearance as an extreme take on the brand’s sports car, while the Vision V teased a luxury people-mover.
For ultimate opulence, the Maybach S 680 Edition Emerald Isle also arrived, just 25 units, inspired by Pebble Beach’s coastal setting.
With a century-plus of racing metal and fresh concept machinery sharing the same lawn, Mercedes proved its motto “Heritage Creates Future” can be a live-action time machine.
