Berlin marks 125th anniversary of automobile invention

From Xnhuanet.com: Berlin marks 125th anniversary of automobile invention
BERLIN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Mercedes-Benz, the world leading luxury car producer, celebrates the 125th anniversary of its invention of automobile with what it claimed the largest gathering ever, at the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin on the weekend.

The Mercedes-Benz Club and Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts greet visitors with some 1,800 well-assorted Mercedes-Benz-branded vehicles, ranging from vintage and classic passenger cars to a variety of historic commercial vehicles, on a vast open areas of 250,000 square metres of the abandoned Tempelhof airport, which was closed in 2008.

It took Mr. Lauritzen and his wife two days' drive of their cherised wecker of Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet B. 320.W 142.-3,4l to reach here for taking part in the pageant.

"It is a long journey, but we are happy to be here to see more class cars and more friends with same interests," Mrs Lauritzen said.

Owners take the opportunity to present their lovingly cared-for vehicles, which include a number of truly rare items of automotive history, to the Berlin public.

The couple of Mr. Kerner drove their red Mercedes-Benz 170Dba, a made-in-1952 model with a range of special and unique designs which are very rarely seen now, over journey of 155 km from Bitterfeld to join in the gala.

"I'm fond of driving my classic car of Benz," said Mrs Kerner, despite it can run maximally at a speed of 50 to 80 km per hour, "but I truly enjoy the diesel engine sounds and the historic feeling it evokes."

The legendary Silver Arrows, dating from the 1930s and 1950s, are also presented from the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection for demonstration drives.

"The brilliant history of the Silver Arrows will be brought to life with a demonstration of their impressive engine sound and incredible driving dynamics," said Michael Bock, head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and Director of Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH.

"It is not often that these racing cars are driven in public, so this will be a true highlight of the program of events in Tempelhof."

During the grand show, visitors are also accessible to first-hand experiences of the latest technologies applicable in the future for in passenger cars, commercial vehicles and racing cars.

"Some 125 years ago, Carl Benz submitted his patent application for the Benz Patent Motor Car to the Patent Office in Berlin", the organizer appealed to the visitors, saying now Mercedes-Benz is returning to Berlin to celebrate together with Berliners.