The iconic Mercedes-Benz C 111 super sports car, known for its revolutionary rotary piston engine, has once again captured attention after its reappearance on the road. Originally unveiled in September 1969, the C 111 made waves at its world premiere and continued to do so during the Pebble Beach Automotive Week from August 15 to 18, 2024. This experimental vehicle, which never went into mass production, remains a symbol of innovation and design.
At the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2024, Sandra Button, Chairman of the event, expressed her gratitude towards Mercedes-Benz Classic for showcasing the original C 111 with its Wankel engine in the featured class of “Wedge Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes.” She highlighted the car’s historical significance and praised Mercedes-Benz Classic for bringing this piece of automotive history back to life.
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Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH’s CEO, Marcus Breitschwerdt, reflected on the company’s legacy of pushing technical boundaries, citing both the 1924 Mercedes Targa-Florio racing car and the 1970 C 111-II as prime examples of their innovative spirit. He emphasized that the company’s engineers have always explored the limits of technology and design, a tradition that continues with modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
During the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance on August 15, a 1970 C 111-II from Mercedes-Benz’s collection led the procession alongside a 100-year-old Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio racing car and a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+. The C 111-II, powered by its meticulously restored four-rotor Wankel engine, flawlessly completed the 100-kilometer journey along Highway 1 to Big Sur and back, showcasing its enduring engineering excellence.
On August 18, the C 111-II was prominently featured in the special “Wedge Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes” class at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, drawing considerable attention despite being displayed outside the competition.
In addition to the C 111-II, the event also featured a 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R, an original Formula One race car that will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at the Mercedes-Benz Museum later in 2024. This legendary vehicle is expected to fetch a record bid, and following Pebble Beach, it will undergo expert evaluation at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach.
Mercedes-Benz also took the opportunity to unveil two world premieres at Pebble Beach, both celebrating the brand’s storied past and its future. The new Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series made its debut, continuing the legacy of luxury and craftsmanship that defines the Maybach name. This new addition to the Maybach lineup impressed attendees with its opulence at the “Concept Lawn” of the Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Moreover, Mercedes-Benz marked the 130th anniversary of motorsport, a milestone rooted in the first automotive competition from Paris to Rouen in 1894. To commemorate this, the limited-edition Mercedes-AMG GT3 Edition 130Y Motorsport was introduced. The brand’s rich racing history was further celebrated through an extraordinary display of historic motorsport vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz W 154 from 1939, the W 196 R from 1955, the Penske-Mercedes PC 23 from 1994, and several other iconic models.
For enthusiasts of the C 111, Mercedes-Benz Classic will release an English version of the definitive history of this mysterious supercar on March 28, 2025. The book, titled “C 111 – The Definitive History of the Mysterious Supercar that never was,” will be available for pre-order through Schiffer Publishing. This extended edition promises to delve deep into the development and legacy of the C 111, providing a comprehensive look at one of Mercedes-Benz’s most intriguing vehicles.
The Pebble Beach event also showcased two other significant Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The 1924 Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio racing car, celebrating its 100th anniversary, was meticulously restored to its original glory, while the futuristic 1970 C 111-II experimental vehicle, capable of reaching 300 km/h, continued to captivate car enthusiasts with its advanced design and engineering.
For more details on these historic vehicles and the broader legacy of Mercedes-Benz, additional resources are available through Mercedes-Benz Classic and their associated media channels.
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