Two years ago, we planned a trip to one of motoring’s most significant cities. Stuttgart, Southwestern Germany’s largest city, is the home of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The tristar company dominates much of the city’s commerce. Symbols such as the huge revolving Mercedes logo atop the main train station and the numerous Benz cars, trucks and buses are evidence that here, DaimlerChrysler rules.
From our hotel near the main commercial district, we took a short ride on a train to the expansive manufacturing plants of DaimlerChrysler. From the reception area at the Unterturkheim plant, we boarded a bus for the Mercedes Museum within the complex.
We previously dubbed this expansive two-level museum as the Louvre of the automotive world. Don’t expect an I.M. Pei glass pyramid at the entrance, though. The building is nondescript, and from the outside could be mistaken for a company cafeteria (There is a modest one inside.)
Then the glass doors slide open and it’s as if one has entered Aladdin’s cave. A treasure trove of historic Mercedes awaits the visitor. Few automotive marques have a history as rich as Mercedes-Benz. One of the company’s founders, Karl Benz is recognized as one of the inventors of the automobile. The other, Gottlieb Daimler, was an early competitor of Benz. Daimler hated compromises. His motto was a categorical “The best or nothing at all.”
The ground floor of the museum begins the experience. The birth of the automobile is celebrated here. Karl Benz’s first steam-powered Mercedes three wheeler and the world’s first motor cycle are the first vehicles on display. The series shows the evolution from open three-wheelers to the more recognizable closed carriages. After a few more model years, the engine placement and controls are now recognizable to any modern driver.
The ramp leading to the next level contains a several stunning racing cars, including, Karl Kling’s Carrera Panamericana SL and Juan Manuel Fangio’s Formula One racer, all in their original racing glory.
The museum also shows how the company’s tradition of providing cars to the most discerning clients. Such customers include Emperor Hirohito of Japan and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. The Mercedes tristar on the hood is replaced with the emperor’s own crest.
Then there are the gorgeous sports cars and roadsters. The 500K and 540K are the epitome of 1930s style.
At the approach to the exit is the McLaren-Mercedes Formula One car. F1 is the pinnacle of motorsports, and the ultimate proving ground for Mercedes technology. The company will be adding more historic cars to this collection, and in a few years, the Museum will be replaced by a grander structure containing even more vehicles.
The best way to experience a Mercedes is of course behind the wheel, and this time we were not so lucky. But seeing such historical and stunning vehicles was an immensely rewarding experience. Perhaps one day we’ll get to drive that Gullwing.
By Jason Ang | Photos by Jason Ang
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
