Mercedes has two major timelines. The first starts in 1885, when Carl Benz created what became known as the Benz Patent Motor Car, aka “the first automobile.” The second starts in 1926, the year that Daimler (the manufacturer of Mercedes-branded vehicles) and Benz merged, creating Mercedes-Benz. To commemorate that special year (and every vehicle that came after it), the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles will open its newest exhibit, “World-Class: 100 Years of Mercedes-Benz,” on May 23.
“The exhibition brings together a broad range of models that have shaped and cemented the company’s legacy over the past century, exploring how two pioneering automakers evolved into a single global symbol of engineering excellence, innovation, and renown,” the museum states.
1991 Mercedes-Benz C 112 (Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz)
As of right now, there’s no word on which specific models will be on display, but the Petersen’s website may give a hint. At the top of the page is the 1991 C 112, a mid-engine, V-12-powered experimental vehicle with gullwing doors and advanced technologies such as active aerodynamics, tire pressure monitoring, rear-axle steering, and adaptive cruise control.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz)
Near the bottom of the page is the 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300SL one-off, an evolution of the 1952 race car that featured a 3.0-liter I-6 with direct fuel injection, transaxle, more aerodynamic bodywork, shorter wheelbase, narrower track widths, and revised rear suspension. Given the wide time span covered by the exhibit, it’s reasonable to assume that it will include heavy hitters such as a majestic prewar car, an S-Class (or two), a 300SL “Gullwing” coupe (which the Petersen owns), several AMG models, and a G-Wagen (another one from the Petersen’s collection). I myself am crossing my fingers that a 280SE 3.5 cabriolet and W123 300D turbodiesel sedan will make the cut.
1983 Mercedes-Benz 300GD by AMG (Photo courtesy of the Petersen Automotive Museum)
On May 21, the Petersen will host an opening reception for the Mercedes-Benz exhibit. Attendees will enjoy German-inspired hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine, as well as “an engaging and thoughtfully curated panel discussion that explores the extraordinary legacy and cultural impact of Mercedes-Benz.”
Tickets for the World-Class: 100 Years of Mercedes-Benz opening reception are $75; Petersen Automotive Museum members get in for $60. Ticket prices for the exhibit itself start at $12 for kids ages 4-11 and go up to $22 for adults. Click here for the full range of ticket prices.
