Mercedes-Benz after 90 Years Once Again Sponsor of the Mille Miglia Race
The close connection between the Milla Miglie race in Italy, which used to be held in the years 1927-1957 and the car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz is coming back after almost 90 years! This year Mercedes-Benz is again sponsor of the luxury motoring event, a beautiful race which is to be held from 16. to 19. May and which will copy the original legendary route, 1000 miles long, Brescia-Rome-Brescia.
Luxury veteran cars on the starting line
Participation of Mercedes-Benz Classic with its luxury veterans is traditionally the highlight of the modern 1,00 Miglia race. On the starting line this year you can admire luxurious types of these vehicles: The SSS (W 06), 300 SL "Gullwing" (W 198), 190 SL (W 121) and 220 "Pontoon" (W 180). Behind the steering wheels will appear ambassadors and fans of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
The race and the car plant are linked by common history
The race and the carmaker are very closely associated through their shared history. The brand has participated in the race from 1930, when the racer Rudolf Caracciola and his riding mechanic, Christian Werner won a 6. place with Mercedes-Benz SSS (Super Sport Short). A year later Rudolf Caracciola won as the first non-Italian racer and his riding mechanic, Wilhelm Sebastian, with Mercedes-Benz SSSL (Super Sport Short Light).
In 1952 the model 300 SL (W 194) had a première - the first newly-developed racing car after the Second World War. Karl King and his riding mechanic Hans Klenk won a 2. place. Successful positions also won vehicles 300 SL "Gullwing" (W 198) in Grand Tourism and type 180 D (W 120) won three times in diesel class. In 1956 excelled the luxury model 220 "Pontoon" (W 180) and successful also was Mercedes-Benz car, 190 SL (W 121).
The association of the brand and this racing tradition is also illustrated by cooperation between Mercedes-Benz Classic and the Museum Mille Miglia in the historical monastery complex of Sant'Eufemia della Fonte near the city of Brescia.
