Three Iconic Mercedes-Benz Machines Set to Captivate at the 2025 Edition of Concours of Elegance
This year, Concours of Elegance – presented by A. Lange & Söhne – will showcase three extraordinary Mercedes-Benz examples at Hampton Court Palace. Spanning pioneering experimental cars to legendary Grand Prix racers, the spectacular trio represents milestones in the brand’s history of innovation, performance, and design, highlighting Mercedes-Benz’s enduring commitment to engineering excellence and motorsport heritage.
Leading the display is the 1970 Mercedes-Benz C 111-II, a visionary experimental super sports car that first captured the world’s attention at the 1969 International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Powered by a four-rotor Wankel engine delivering 257 kW (350 hp), the C 111-II could reach speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
With its extreme wedge shape, gullwing doors, and pop-up headlights, the C 111-II not only pushed technical boundaries, introducing glass fibre reinforced plastic and innovative joining techniques, but also shaped Mercedes-Benz’s image of sportiness and luxury. The C 111-II continued a line of record-breaking experimental vehicles, cementing its place in automotive history.
From the racetrack comes the 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Formula One car, one of the most successful and technically advanced racing machines of its era. Chassis 13 carries particular historical significance, having delivered Juan Manuel Fangio to victory at the 1955 Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. Its eight-cylinder inline engine produced 213 kW (290 hp), and the car’s design – adapted for winding circuits with a straight intake manifold and revised drum brakes – helped Fangio secure his second World Drivers’ Championship title, ensuring the W 196 R remains an enduring symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s motorsport prowess.
Bringing the story into the modern era, the 2014 Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid represents a turning point in Formula One history, marking the shift to hybrid powertrains in the sport. The Silver Arrows dominated the 2014 season, winning the Constructors’ World Championship and delivering Lewis Hamilton his second Drivers’ Championship title after a dramatic season-long duel with teammate Nico Rosberg.
The W05 Hybrid embodies Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team’s innovation, precision and racing success, leaving an indelible mark on both motorsport and Mercedes-Benz’s legacy.
James Brooks-Ward, Concours of Elegance CEO, said: “Mercedes-Benz has long been at the forefront of automotive innovation, combining cutting-edge engineering with striking design. To see the C 111-II, the W 196 R, and the F1 W05 Hybrid together at Hampton Court Palace is something truly remarkable. These three landmark cars offer visitors a rare opportunity to explore the brand’s extraordinary history in a single, unforgettable display. Their presence adds a unique and compelling dimension to this year’s event, creating memorable moments for enthusiasts and collectors alike, and helping to make this edition of the Concours of Elegance even more exciting.”
This trio of Mercedes-Benz vehicles will feature as part of an exceptional concours line-up, bringing together 70 of the world’s most remarkable and rare automobiles, drawn from private collections across the globe. Beyond the central concours, visitors can enjoy a range of curated experiences, including the Levitt Concours, celebrating female ownership and passion for classic cars; the 30UNDER30 class, highlighting the next generation of automotive enthusiasts; and the Club Trophy, featuring some of the finest vehicles from Britain’s motoring clubs.
Guests can also immerse themselves in a weekend of refined hospitality, with champagne from Charles Heidsieck, gourmet picnics by Fortnum & Mason, and curated offerings from leading brands in fashion, jewellery and art. Presenting partner A. Lange & Söhne will be displaying a selection of its most exquisite timepieces, adding a further touch of sophistication to the event.