• Mercedes-Benz 600 owned by opera legend Maria Callas as an exclusive sales vehicle
• Two 300 SL versions for sale: “Gullwing” coupé from 1955 and R 107 from 1988
• Mercedes-Benz C 111-II experimental vehicle from 1970 and Wankel engine
• Mercedes-Simplex 28/32 hp from 1904 at the FIA Historic stand
• 5 to 9 February 2025: International kick-off for the classic season

Maria Callas thrilled the world with her voice. She chose a fascinating car to travel through Europe in style: Mercedes-Benz Classic is presenting the legendary opera singer’s Model 600 “Grand Mercedes” (W 100) as an exclusive sales vehicle at the Salon Rétromobile show in Paris. It is a short-wheelbase saloon dating from 1971. The opera singer, who was living in New York at the time, personally took care of the car’s registration in France by letter.

“This Mercedes-Benz 600 formerly owned by the great Maria Callas is a luxurious contemporary witness to an era in which the ‘600’ was as much appreciated by royalty as by film and music stars. Our Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre has carefully refurbished the elegant saloon for sale with its classic expertise. We are delighted to bring this car back to Paris.” 
Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH

The rare two-tone paintwork with the body in silver-grey metallic (code DB180) and the roof in blue metallic (code DB387) emphasises the elegant individuality of the vehicle. For her Mercedes-Benz 600, Maria Callas chose an interior that perfectly combines luxury and functionality. This includes a specially customised Becker Grand Prix audio system that can be operated from the rear seat. The individualised system testifies to the opera star’s love of music and sense of exclusivity. The original service booklet documents that this vehicle accompanied Maria Callas to San Remo, Milan and Paris, among other places. In these cities, Callas thrilled millions with her art – and her W 100 saloon was given its regular inspections there.

Mercedes-Benz is also offering two vehicles with the legendary 300 SL model designation for sale at the Rétromobile show. One of them – a 300 SL “Gullwing” (W 198) – dates from 1955. This coupé is currently undergoing a factory restoration at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre. The bodyshell, which has already been restored, is on display at the stand. It documents how the experts proceed: the aim is always to preserve the original components. If this is not completely possible, they professionally insert new sheet metal sections. The future owner of the legendary super sports car can find out about the vehicle and the work up to its completion in detail at the Rétromobile. The “Gullwing” will be painted in silver-grey metallic (DB180) as before, with the interior in “blue-grey chequered gabardine” (L1). In parallel with this restoration work, the drivetrain is being completely overhauled.

Also for sale: a 300 SL of the R 107 model series from 1988. Its original mileage of just 3,587 kilometres is impressive. The condition of this classic is correspondingly good. The 300 SL also stands out with its unusual paint finish in surf blue (DB900) – one of the rarest colours for this model series produced from 1971 to 1989. In combination with the grey leather interior and the manual transmission, this creates a sporty and elegant overall impression.

Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH’s services include the sale of particularly high-quality classic vehicles of the brand – as well as the services of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre, manufacturer’s expert reports on the authenticity and history of individual vehicles, and the supply of genuine parts.

Innovative leadership and an FIA exhibit

The role of Mercedes-Benz as an innovative leader in the automobile industry is illustrated by the presentation of a C 111-II at the Rétromobile show. The spectacular super sports car from 1970 was an experimental vehicle to demonstrate the possibilities of the Wankel engine and new design methods. All remaining vehicles are part of the company’s own collection. Mercedes-Benz Classic is showing this C 111-II together with a rare technical exhibit: an original four-rotor Wankel engine.

The Historic section of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) is presenting a special Mercedes-Simplex 28/32 hp from the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection at the Salon Rétromobile: this 1904 car took part in the 2024 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and symbolises the triumph of the Mercedes-Simplex at the beginning of the 20th century. The Mercedes-Simplex 28/32 hp was produced from 1904 to 1909. Its four-cylinder engine has a displacement of 5,322 cubic centimetres and an output of 23.5 kW (32 hp) at 1,200 rpm.

International kick-off to the classic car season

The Salon Rétromobile is one of the world’s most important trade fairs for classic cars. This year it will take place from 5 to 9 February 2025 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in the Saint-Lambert district of the 15th Arrondissement of the French capital. The Rétromobile show is a fascinating start to the international classic car season in the city of love of beautiful automobiles.