After falling hard for this machine in Amelia Island,it is great to meet the rest of the crew.

This trio of amazing Mercedes-Benz racing machines took a 1-2-3 victory at the 1914 French GP near Lyon. Reuinted 100 years later in Pebble Beach — looking not a day older and perhaps a bit cleaner than the finished the race out front!

 

1914 Mercedes-Benz French Grand Prix Cars

 

Mercedes-Benz At The Pebble Beach Concours D’elegance: Coupes From The Past, Present And Future

August, 2014

• International debut of the 540K Streamliner Coupe

• 1914 French Grand Prix 1-2-3 racers reunited

• Concept Coupe SUV – U.S. Debut

• World premiere of the S65 AMG Coupe

Pebble Beach, CA – Mercedes-Benz will showcase its long tradition of history and innovation at the 64th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance from August 14-17, 2014 with a display of vintage, modern and futuristic coupes.  As the ultimate expression of luxury, coupes have always held strong emotional appeal with owners and brand aficionados alike.

Mercedes-Benz will display significant coupes from the past as well as the world debut of the 2015 S65 AMG Coupe.  Marking a return to the S-Class nameplate for large coupes, this model is the ultimate version of the newly-expanded S-Class model range, featuring a 12-cylinder biturbo engine producing an astounding 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.  The S65 AMG Coupe will make its showroom debut in late 2014.  On display at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, the one-of-a-kind Concept Coupe SUV will make its U.S. public debut.

Mercedes-Benz Classic will also showcase the one-off 540K Streamliner coupe.  Following an extensive restoration and reconstruction, this extraordinary vehicle dating from 1938 will celebrate its international public premiere.  Developed in a wind tunnel, this exceptional vehicle features a powerful supercharged engine for high-speed long-distance motoring and a unique, lightweight aluminum bodyshell.   The 540K Streamliner will participate in the Tour d’Elegance on Thursday, August 14 followed by an exhibition at the Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, August 17.

 

Three 1914 Mercedes-Benz French Grand Prix Cars

Another theme of this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the French Grand Prix of 1914.  On July 4, 1914, Mercedes-Benz celebrated an epic one-two-three victory near Lyon.  The three remaining examples of this legendary race car will be reunited in a specially created judging class, including the winning vehicle from 1914.  The Grand Prix cars come from the collections of George Wingard, the Collier Collection and the Mercedes-Benz Classic.

Offering a glimpse into the future, the Concept Coupe SUV celebrates the long-standing coupe tradition at Mercedes-Benz with a flowing side line, stretched greenhouse and bold radiator grille.  At the same time, the Concept Coupe SUV stands out with its muscular proportions, large wheel arches, 22-inch wheels, high beltline and generous ground clearance. 

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe to the flagship S-Class and the SLS AMG GT.  

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans, and smart products in the U.S.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.

Three 1914 Mercedes-Benz French Grand Prix Cars

This car does not photograph with quite the same intensity and impact of seeing it up close.

There are numerous elements that truly reminded me more of a racehorse than a racecar — including the specially-made leather bonnets for much of its suspension and braking gear. Why? To keep the grime out while putting its 105-horsepower to use hitting nearly 67MPH. In 1914, those were death-defying speeds.

The Dunlop Cord tires are filled harder than horseshoe steel: 80-plus PSI to maintain shape, versus about a 35PSI max in modern cars.

But the real racehorse impression? This car is at once both difficult to tame, but easy to love.