Explore Motorsport History: Mercedes-Benz Classic Presents an Exciting Program at Solitude Revival 2024

At the 2024 Solitude Revival, Mercedes-Benz Classic showcases the restored 1924 Targa Florio car driven by Karl Wendlinger, along with other iconic vehicles, celebrating a century of motorsport heritage.

One of the highlights at the 2024 Solitude Revival will be the restored Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio car from 1924. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, this iconic vehicle will be driven by brand ambassador Karl Wendlinger.

Mercedes-Benz Classic is showcasing a range of historical vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz C 11 Group C racing car with its distinct engine sound. The event, taking place on June 22 and 23, 2024, will feature around 400 racing and sports cars on the legendary 11.4-kilometer circuit near Stuttgart, maintaining the memories of the traditional Solitude circuit alive.

A Century of Racing Heritage

The Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio racing car from 1924, recently restored, will be a star attraction. This car has been roadworthy since April 2024 and was driven by Mercedes-AMG Formula One driver George Russell at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix circuit in May 2024.

Originally, Christian Werner drove this model to victory in the 1924 Targa Florio and later showcased it in a lap of honor at the Solitude Hill Climb Grand Prix.

Otto Merz, another legendary driver, won the Großer Solitude Bergpreis with a Mercedes in 1924 and set a new track record. Merz’s successes, including winning the German Grand Prix for sports cars at the Nürburgring in 1927, highlight Mercedes-Benz’s rich motorsport history.

Racing Legends and Modern Stars

Racing drivers Karl Wendlinger and Bernd Schneider will represent Mercedes-Benz at the event. Wendlinger will drive the historic Targa Florio car, while Schneider, a five-time DTM champion, will be in the cockpit of a Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Official F1™ Safety Car from the 2008 season, serving as the pace car for the races.

The Mercedes-Benz C 11 Group C racing car, known for its impressive power and distinctive sound, will also be featured. This car, which helped the Sauber-Mercedes team win the World Sports Car Championship in 1990, will have its engine started regularly for fans to experience.

Showcasing Iconic Models

Mercedes-Benz Classic is bringing additional notable vehicles to the Solitude Revival, including:

Mercedes-Benz 300 SLS Touring Sports Car (W 198), 1957: An authentic replica of the car that Paul O’Shea drove to win the 1957 American Sports Car Championship.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 Track Tool (W 109): A modified version of the luxury saloon designed for taxi rides in the DTM, showcasing its sporting capabilities.
Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM (C 205), 2018: A car that competed in the German Touring Car Masters, with Gary Paffett winning the 2018 drivers’ championship.

Experience the Legacy

The Solitude Revival, held every two years since 2008, allows enthusiasts to relive the great races of the past. The Solitude circuit, integrated into the public road network, is renowned for its challenging terrain, featuring uphill and downhill sections, high-speed stretches, and numerous bends. This historic route has seen participation from legendary drivers like Jim Clark, John Surtees, and Jack Brabham.

Interactive Activities

Visitors can enjoy various activities in the display area, including a driving simulator and opportunities to change wheels on a Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM racing car. These interactive experiences offer a hands-on understanding of the brand’s rich racing heritage and advanced technology.

Vehicle Specifications

Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio Racing Car (1924)

Cylinders: 4/in-line
Displacement: 1,989 cc
Output: 50 kW (67.5 hp), with supercharger 93 kW (126 hp)
Maximum speed: 120 km/h

Mercedes-Benz 300 SLS Touring Sports Car (1957)

Cylinders: 6/in-line
Displacement: 2,996 cc
Output: 173 kW (235 hp) at 5,900 rpm
Maximum speed: 260 km/h

Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 Track Tool (W 109)

Cylinders: V8
Displacement: 6,332 cc
Output: 184 kW (250 hp)
Maximum speed: 220 km/h

Mercedes-Benz C 11 Group C Racing Sports Car (1990)

Cylinders: V8
Displacement: 4,973 cc
Output: 537 kW (730 hp)
Maximum speed: around 400 km/h

Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Official F1™ Safety Car (2008)

Cylinders: V8
Displacement: 6,208 cc
Output: 386 kW (525 hp)
Maximum speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)

Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM (2018)

Cylinders: V8
Displacement: 4,000 cc
Output: 386 kW (525 hp) at 7,500 rpm
Maximum speed: around 280 km/h

The Solitude Revival promises to be an exhilarating event, bringing together classic and contemporary motorsport marvels and celebrating the enduring legacy of Mercedes-Benz in racing history.