Retro Classics 2026: Mercedes-Benz – 140 years of innovation driven by passion

• More service, more heritage: Mercedes-Benz Classic Center doubles its workshop capacity
• Whether in light ivory or black: Mercedes-Benz Classic genuine parts presents new steering wheels and more
• Three SL models, three eras: selected vehicles for sale - including a spectacular "barn find"

Mercedes-Benz dedicates 2026 to celebrating 140 years of innovation. Ever since the invention of the motor car by Carl Benz in 1886, the passion for innovative engineering and an unwavering commitment to the future of mobility have defined Mercedes-Benz as a brand. This anniversary also shapes the presence of Mercedes-Benz Heritage in Hall 1 at Retro Classics in Stuttgart. The trade fair celebrating driving culture will take place from 19 to 22 February 2026.

Mercedes-Benz Heritage will present the groundbreaking results of its reorganisation at Retro Classics, aimed at further strengthening the brand's heritage. A key element is the major extension and refurbishment of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach near Stuttgart, which is nearing completion. This milestone almost doubles workshop capacity, significantly expands the range of advisory and spare parts offerings, and further develops Mercedes-Benz Classic Vehicle Trade. By early summer 2026 the site will become the world's largest restoration and workshop facility for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

"Retro Classics is the ideal platform for us, with its enormous international appeal, to showcase 140 years of innovation since the invention of the motor car. Mercedes-Benz Heritage preserves the brand's unique heritage in all its facets, carries it forward into the future, and in doing so makes a significant contribution to the brand's unmistakable identity. Our claim succinctly captures this important role: 'Heritage Creates Future'. This includes passionate craftsmanship at the Classic Center, digital driving experiences, selected classics direct from the manufacturer, and the impressive diversity of the brand clubs."
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Executive Vice President, Mercedes-Benz AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH

Mercedes-Benz Classic Center: Maximum expertise across all eras

The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center's presence at Retro Classics will be significantly enhanced. With its far larger workshop area, modernised workstations and equipment designed for highly efficient processes at the highest quality level, the Classic Center is ideally placed to handle even more restoration and service orders in the future. Young classic owners in particular stand to benefit: The Classic Center is a first-class point of contact for service work on their vehicles.

As a unique centre of excellence, the Classic Center brings together expertise in classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles from all eras: from the pre-war and post-war periods through to the brand's young classics and rare motorsport vehicles. It also supports vehicles of the predecessor brands and serves as an authorised service partner with specialised expertise for SLR McLaren and Maybach. In the enlarged workshop area, all trades required for vehicle restoration come together under one roof. This allows almost all work steps to be carried out centrally and to the highest quality - delivering excellence from a single source. At Retro Classics, a customer adviser will be there to provide comprehensive information on service, repair and restoration. Those interested will also have the opportunity to arrange a workshop appointment at the stand.

Mercedes-Benz Classic Vehicle Trade will be offering three outstanding Mercedes-Benz SL models for sale at Retro Classics. They impressively reflect the brand's sporting heritage and the progress of automotive engineering. One highlight is a "barn find": a 1960 300 SL Roadster (W 198), which will be shown in Germany for the first time. The spectacular vehicle was discovered by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Long Beach, Pennsylvania. The open-top super sports car impresses with "matching numbers", i.e. components that correspond to the original factory specifications, and an authentic patina. This condition makes it ideal for factory restoration by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, with the aim of achieving the highest level of originality.

Also on offer is a 230 SL "Pagoda" (W 113). The sports car was restored in the 2010s. As part of a collection, it was only driven on special occasions. The third vehicle offered for sale is a dark blue 300 SL (R 107) with 29,300 kilometres on the clock from first ownership. The carefully maintained vehicle in original condition features an extensive range of equipment that includes the distinctive rear bench seat.

Detailed information on the vehicles for sale can be found under the following links:

• Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198) "barn find"
• Mercedes-Benz 230 SL "Pagoda" (W 113)
• Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R 107)

Comprehensive genuine parts supply for Mercedes-Benz classics from the manufacturer:

Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts presents its current programme at Retro Classics. The experts on site will provide advice on the supply of genuine parts. The range of parts for historic Mercedes-Benz model series currently comprises around 160,000 items. It is being continually expanded in line with the manufacturer's strict quality standards.

A spare parts highlight in 2026 is the elaborately reproduced oil pump, for the Mercedes-Benz M 108, M 114, M 129 and M 130 engines. These units are used in the W 111, W 113, W 108/109 and W 114 model series. As original oil pumps generally cannot be repaired, this precisely reproduced version is essential. It is based on detailed design documentation and is manufactured using the latest methods, with some housing components produced as CNC-milled parts.

A world premiere will be marked by the new edition of steering wheels, including those for the Mercedes-Benz 600 (W 100). The mix of materials posed a particular challenge in the reproduction process: The die-cast aluminium hub, an outer ring with a tubular steel core, and a steering wheel rim applied by injection moulding in cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) - the original material used in the 1960s. Using demonstration models, the specialists at Retro Classics will illustrate the complex development process behind the new edition, in which the highest level of authenticity and the strictest safety requirements were paramount. This included extensive material testing carried out in collaboration with TÜV Rheinland. Steering wheels with the part numbers A 115 464 02 01 in black and A 115 464 03 01 in light ivory are presented for the W 108/109, W 110, W 111, W 113 and W 114/115 model series.

Other offers and attractions for visitors

Mercedes-Benz Heritage invites visitors to its stand during Retro Night on Thursday, 19 February 2026, from 6 p.m. Retro Night rounds off the first day of the fair in style. A standard admission ticket is sufficient for participation; separate registration is not required.

Under the motto "Zeig mir deinen Mercedes-Benz Fahrzeugschlüssel" (Show us your Mercedes-Benz car key), Mercedes-Benz drivers can present their vehicle key at the Mercedes-Benz Heritage stand at Retro Classics and look forward to a small surprise. There will also be a photo opportunity featuring an accurately reproduced Benz Patent Motorwagen, where visitors can take a seat and feel like Carl Benz in 1886.

Two high-tech simulators offer a unique virtual driving experience, allowing visitors to recreate the driving experience of John Fitch's famous 300 SL (W 198) at the 1955 Mille Miglia. The two simulators are part of the "417 Legacy Edition", limited to seven units, from cooperation partner Roarington. The highly exclusive product can be purchased for private use through Mercedes-Benz Classic Vehicle Trade: https://www.mercedes-benz.com/300sl-simulator

Brand club community with a new addition and a tribute to Hans Herrmann

A total of 19 Mercedes-Benz brand clubs officially recognised by the company will be presenting themselves on a shared area of around 2,000 square metres in Hall 5. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Club e. V. (https://www.sls-club.de) will take part for the first time in 2026. Numerous technical exhibits are the focus of the club presentations and provide detailed and varied insights into the many eras of the past 140 years.

An original Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR racing car (W 196 S) from the Mercedes-Benz vehicle collection is a highlight of the major "Hans im Glück" exhibition (named after the fairy tale "Hans in Luck" by the Brothers Grimm). Located in the entrance area of the fair, this commemorates the life and extraordinary career of former Silver Arrow racing driver Hans Herrmann, who passed away in January 2026. Numerous exhibits illustrate the varied career of this outstanding racing driver who competed in the 1955 Mille Miglia with this legendary vehicle.

Further research and multimedia material:
mercedes-benz-archive.com/museum

Mercedes-Benz Classic on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/mercedesbenzmuseum
https://www.facebook.com/mercedesbenzmuseum

Mercedes-Benz anniversary year "140 years of innovation"

Since Carl Benz registered the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built the motor carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes-Benz has been committed to constant innovation in order to build the world's most desirable cars for its customers. This aspiration has driven every innovation - from the world's first automobile in 1886 to the intelligent and safe electric vehicles of today, such as the new GLC and the award-winning new CLA. With the new S-Class, the company is continuing the largest model initiative in its history. With a passion for performance and pioneering spirit, excellence, and consistent customer orientation, the brand with the three-pointed star has always shaped the future of mobility. The result goes far beyond technical achievements - it creates the unmistakable feeling that Mercedes-Benz stands for in all its endeavours: Engineered around you.

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by sending three new S-Class saloons on a transcontinental journey to 140 destinations worldwide. Each location highlights the brand's technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and global presence. Along the way, customers, fans and colleagues can join in the celebrations - on an epic journey that will last until October. Follow the "140 Years. 140 Places" tour across six continents in our "140 Years of Innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media" special and in the Mercedes-Benz Community.