Kuala Lumpur, May 8, 2011: -- The most exclusive and largest gathering of Mercedes Benz classic cars in Southeast Asia with an estimated value in excess of RM80 million converged at the Palace of the Golden Horses here for the first ever Historic Mercedes-Benz Concours 2011 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the invention of the automobile.

Mercedes-Benz and classic car enthusiasts feasted their eyes on 125 immaculately groomed cars, some costing several million ringgit a piece as the proud owners sprang feverishly into action to buff away dust specks and carry out last minute inspections to ensure that their years of painstaking restoration met the discerning standards of the panel of judges.

On show were cars from a bygone era including a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K Roadster estimated to be worth a whopping RM24 million, a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gull Wing worth about RM5 million and a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 320B which travelled across the Johor causeway; all vying for the top prize in the vintage (pre 1960) category. Two other categories were the classics (1961-1975) and modern classics (1976-1989) models.

The fine automotive specimens on display at the Concours also provided a vivid lesson in automotive history as they reflect the 125 years after Carl Benz filed his historic patent for his “gas-engine powered vehicle” that marked the birth of the automobile.

“When Carl Benz registered his Benz Patent-Motorwagen on January 29, 1886, nobody could have imagined the triumphant march the modern car would embark upon over the next 125 cars. Benz and Gottlieb Daimler’s inventions changed the world touching all aspects of our live and everyday culture.

“Over the last 125 years, Mercedes-Benz has contributed to numerous innovations, more than any other automotive manufacturer, making the automobile increasingly safe and comfortable and more exciting with a dazzling line up of design icons in following Daimler’s guiding principle ” the best or nothing”.

“125 years after inventing the automobile, we are continuing to re-invent the car. We need to meet the challenges of the future for eco-friendly cars which are efficient, safe and boast the best that technology can offer. Be it combustion engines, hybrids or fully electric vehicles, the inventor of the automobile is still ahead of the game,” said Roland S. Folger, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, on Mercedes-Benz’s relentless march for innovation in his opening speech at the Concours.

According to Folger, while celebrating the car maker’s jubilee year, the Concours was also dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of proud and appreciative Mercedes-Benz ‘die-hards’ in Malaysia who shared their enthusiasm, trust and loyalty to the three-pointed star.

“The cars showcased at this Concours is a proud reflection of Mercedes-Benz’s history, longevity, build quality, leading edge technology and design together with the painstaking efforts of the owners to maintain the rare collectibles in pristine, classic condition,” he added.

The panel of judges including Mr. Frank Reichert, Head of Sales and Marketing of the Mercedes-Benz’s Classic Car Centre in Stuttgart, Germany appraised the cars on preparation, condition, correctness, cleanliness and originality in the following categories namely engine and engine compartment, exterior, interior, trunk/booth and undercarriage/suspension wheels.

Owners of the top car in each of the three categories won an all-expense paid vacation for two to the renowned Mercedes-Benz Museum and Classic Car Centre in Stuttgart.

While there were only three winners in each categories, one familiar characteristic about all the participating automobiles is that years of painstaking restoration have rendered them in better shape than they’ve ever been.

Participants from the Klang Valley joined their fellow enthusiasts from Penang, Ipoh and Johor to showcase their models. Six cars were driven down all the way from Singapore.

Folger paid homage to these Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts and customers saying that the 125th anniversary of the automobile is made possible and successful primarily due Mercedes-Benz customers.

“With your support, Mercedes-Benz brand has reached a new milestone with the delivery of 30 million automobiles to customers worldwide since 1945 including more than 100,000 cars to a legion of proud and appreciative Mercedes-Benz ‘die-hards’ in Malaysia.”

He also pointed out that participation and interests in the Concours reflected the outstanding retention value of Mercedes-Benz cars, due in part, to the superior maintenance and premium service that Mercedes-Benz continues to provide to its customers as well as their appreciation of the quality, innovation and technology that comes with driving a Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will roll out a whole host of other exciting activities to continue the 125th anniversary celebrations in the coming months including dealer openhouses, a Facebook contest which runs from 8 May to 30 June and CRM dining events for selected loyal customers.

The history of Mercedes-Benz lives anew and continues to be immortalized in pop culture from movies having starred in over 500 films, in some 300 pop songs, including the legendary Janis Joplin’s Mercedes Benz (Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes) to Andy Warhol’s paintings of the three-pointed star.

The Concours was jointly organized by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Historic Motoring Ventures Sdn Bhd.