It’s with amazement that I look back today, and cast a glance on the automotive world – its history, and the immense progress that we’ve made in the 125 years since the invention of the automobile. And the fact is that when you look back at the history of the automotive world, you do have to acknowledge one fact – it was Mercedes-Benz that started most of the early passenger vehicle development, and took it forward with constant innovations to bring it to the level that personal transportation has evolved to today.

So, when the kind fellows at Mercedes India called up and asked if we would like to join the 125th birthday celebrations of the automobile, I jumped at the opportunity faster than a Doberman jumping at his freshly laid-out meal! You see, apart from being innovators, Mercedes also holds the unique distinction of being one of the most coveted brands ever – and they’ve retained their brand values of innovation, luxury, and safety. So, naturally, over the years they’ve made cars that I’ve lusted to see and experience – and this was my opportunity to get up close-and-personal with them.

Upon entering the museum, and having finished with the introductions and pleasantries, it was time for a tour of the concept car section. Amongst the many cars parked there, it also featured two cars that I was always fascinated with – the first being the radical and revolutionary C111 concept car that Mercedes introduced in 1969. Initially, this was expected to be the successor to the groundbreaking 300SL – especially since it also featured a sleek sports car shape and gullwing doors. However, the C111 was actually only ever intended to be a test-bed for new and upcoming technology like a fiberglass body, and different engine technology. And it was a phenomenal success on that front – setting the record for the fastest diesel powered car in 1978 with a top speed of 322km/h.



The second, and the most fascinating car for me personally, was the F200 Concept, which Mercedes displayed at the ‘96 Paris motor show. It was radical because, not only did it have butterfly doors (which were later used on the SLR), and a panoramic sunroof (later used on the Maybach), but it also boasted of a new type of steering and input system where there was no steering wheel or pedals. All these functions were controlled by three joysticks that controlled steering, braking, and acceleration.

After viewing the concept cars, it was time to move on to the official guided tour of the museum – where we would get to see the story and history of Mercedes first hand. We started right at the beginning of motor cars, staring at a dummy horse standing as the first exhibit in the museum – signifying the predecessor of individual transportation, and the founding scale of an automobile’s power, one horsepower! And, as we moved on through the ages, it was evident that Mercedes has remained right up there in the automotive world chain primarily because there has always been a very strong focus in the company on innovation – on developing new technology on all fronts, and hence staying ahead of the curve at all times. That some of the most popular modern systems like Fuel Injection, ABS, and Airbags were developed by Mercedes is just a testament to this policy of innovation.

It was a tour of a few hours that took one through some of the most significant vehicles, technologies, events, and highlights of the company’s existence. My most beautiful memory of all, though, was seeing my favourite car of all time in flesh for the first time – the incomparable 300SL Gullwing. To say that I was grinning like an ape while feasting my eyes on the car would be an understatement of epic proportions! But, like all good things, this too had to end.

After the tour, ogling at all of the cars – many of which have been a lifelong dream – and engaging in enlightening discussions about the past and future of motoring, it was time to go back to the hotel and prepare for the next day’s drive to the home of all fast Mercs – the AMG factory. And what’s more, it promised to be an epic drive!