- Mercedes-Benz Heritage will showcase a major Classic Centre expansion at Retro Classics 2026.
- A 1960 300 SL Roadster barn find with matching numbers will be offered for sale.
- The Classic parts catalogue now covers around 160,000 items.
Mercedes-Benz will use Retro Classics 2026 to celebrate 140 years since the invention of the automobile, and to show it’s investing heavily in its past as well as its future.
The Stuttgart show, running from February 19 to 22, will spotlight Mercedes-Benz Heritage and a major expansion of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach. Once completed in early summer 2026, the site will become the brand’s largest restoration and workshop facility worldwide.
Classic Centre doubles capacity
The redevelopment nearly doubles workshop capacity, adds modernised workstations and expands parts consulting and vehicle sales operations. Mercedes says the upgraded facility is designed to handle more restoration and service work across all eras, from pre-war models to youngtimers and even rare motorsport machinery.
The centre also serves as an authorised partner for SLR McLaren and Maybach models, while supporting vehicles from predecessor marques. Owners will be able to book workshop appointments directly at the show.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Executive Vice President of Mercedes-Benz AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, says: “The Retro Classics is for us the right stage with great radiance for the 140-year history of innovation since the invention of the automobile.” He adds: “Our claim sums up this important role: ‘Heritage Creates Future’.”
Three SL icons for sale
The Classic Center’s vehicle sales arm will bring three standout SL models to Stuttgart, spanning multiple decades of the brand’s sporting heritage.
Headlining the display is a 1960 300 SL Roadster (W 198) described as a genuine barn find.
Discovered by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Long Beach, Pennsylvania, the car retains matching numbers and an authentic patina. In its current condition, it is presented as a strong candidate for a factory restoration.
Also on offer is a restored 230 SL “Pagoda” (W 113) from the 1960s, along with a dark blue 300 SL (R 107) showing just 29,300km from first ownership. The latter includes the rare rear seat option and remains in original condition.
New parts and digital driving
Mercedes-Benz Classic Original Parts will showcase a catalogue now covering around 160,000 items. A key addition for 2026 is a newly reproduced oil pump for M108, M114, M129 and M130 engines used in several classic series. The component has been re-engineered using original drawings and modern CNC manufacturing methods.
A newly remanufactured steering wheel for the 600 (W 100) will also debut, built using aluminium die-cast hubs, steel-core rims and period-correct cellulose acetate butyrate material. Extensive material testing was carried out with TÜV Rheinland.
Visitors can also sample a high-end 300 SL driving simulator, limited to seven “417 Legacy Edition” units, and view a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W 196 S) displayed in tribute to the late Hans Herrmann.
It’s a reminder that for Mercedes-Benz, heritage isn’t just about museum pieces. It’s an active business, and one that’s still expanding.
