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The participation of Mercedes-Benz Classic with outstanding vehicles from its own collection is traditionally a
highlight of the modern 1000 Miglia. In 2018 there will be plenty of type SSK (W 06), 300 SL "Gullwing" (W
198), 190 SL (W 121) and 220 "Ponton" (W 180) vehicles on the starting line-up.
Mercedes-Benz Classic Brand Ambassadors and automotive aficionados will be at the wheel of the vehicles.
The modern version of the 1000 Miglia is a reliability run on a route which closely follows that of the original
road race. Entry is restricted to vehicle types that took part in the original 1000 Miglia during the period from
1927 to 1957.
Mercedes-Benz and the 1000 Miglia are very closely linked by virtue of their shared history. The German
brand has taken part in the 1000-mile race since 1930, i.e. almost since the very first event. At this debut
event, works driver Rudolf Caracciola and his co-driver Christian Werner took 6th place in a Mercedes-Benz
SSK ("Super Sport Short"). One year later Caracciola won the 1931 1000 Miglia as the first non-Italian driver
with his co-driver Wilhelm Sebastian in an evolved Mercedes-Benz SSKL ("Super Sport Short Light").
In 1952 the 1000 Miglia provided the arena for the premiere of the
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing sports car (W 194), the brand's first newly developed racing car following the
Second World War. Karl Kling and co-driver Hans Klenk took second place in their brand-new SL at their first
attempt. In 1955 Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson drove the 300 SLR racing sports car (W 196 S) to overall
victory ahead of their team mate Juan Manuel Fangio. Also triumphant were the 300 SL "Gullwing" series
production sports cars (W 198) in the Gran Turismo class over 1300 cc engine capacity, while the 180 D (W
120) landed a triple victory in the diesel class. In 1956 both the 220 "Ponton" (W 180) luxury class saloon and
a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (W 121) successfully took part in the race.
The connection between the brand and the racing tradition is also underlined by the cooperation between
Mercedes-Benz Classic and the Museo Mille Miglia in the historical monastical complex of Sant’Eufemia
della Fonte just outside Brescia.
Related Material
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