Mercedes-Benz South Africa marked 140 years of automotive innovation by showcasing both its rich heritage and latest technology at the annual Cars in the Park event held at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria over the weekend, reports The Citizen.

The celebration, hosted in support of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Club, brought together classic car enthusiasts, collectors and owners to honour the legacy of one of the world’s oldest automotive brands.

Combustion engine milestone remembered

Speaking at the event, Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s Justin Jacobs said the occasion commemorated the filing of the patent for the first internal combustion engine by Carl Benz 140 years ago, a milestone widely regarded as the birth of the modern automobile.

While the event paid tribute to the brand’s history, it also highlighted Mercedes-Benz’s continued focus on innovation.

On display were the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Simola Hillclimb-winning Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, representing the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz engineering.

Jacobs said the new CLA showcases the company’s technological direction with integrated artificial intelligence features, including Google Gemini and Google Maps.

This demonstrates how Mercedes-Benz continues to embrace new technologies while building on its heritage.

Classics remain main attraction

Classic models remained the stars of the day, with owners proudly displaying vehicles that have stood the test of time.

Sbu Tshabalala brought along his 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC, a car that will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

He described Mercedes-Benz as a brand synonymous with timeless design and said events such as Cars in the Park provide an opportunity to appreciate not only the vehicles themselves but also the passion shared by enthusiasts.

Custom creations join classic originals

For Colin Kean, the event was the perfect place to showcase a unique custom creation, having worked on Mercedes-Benz vehicles since 1980.

Kean transformed a W123 230E into a V8-powered machine using a 5.6-litre Mercedes-Benz engine, fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning a V8 Mercedes.

Collector Connie Oosthuizen, from Klerksdorp, also attracted attention with his beautifully preserved Mercedes-Benz roadsters, including examples fitted with both hard and soft tops.

He described them as enjoyable cars that remain a pleasure to drive decades after they first left the factory.

From meticulously restored classics to AI-powered modern luxury cars, the event demonstrated how Mercedes-Benz continues to celebrate its past while driving confidently into the future.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.