Mercedes-Benz Joins Veteran Car Run

Car: 32 HP, 37 MPH Max Speed

The iconic London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is coming back next week, showcasing in excess of 400 outstanding vintage vehicles, ranging from bicycles to cars. Among the competitors is Mercedes-Benz, who are submitting an illustrious 1904 Mercedes-Simplex 28/32 hp for the event.

For those in the dark, a car rally is staged across the UK to commemorate the Locomotive on Highways Act of 1896. Passing through Parliament, this act increased the maximum speed to 19.2 km/h (12 mph), and no longer necessitated somebody with a red flag to walk ahead of automobiles in order to caution other travelers.

As one of the most historical car producers on the planet, along with Peugeot, Mercedes had the privilege to join the occasion, which recovered in 1927.

The anticipated Mercedes-Simplex 28/32 horsepower is expected to have a streamlined structure, thereby granting the engine to be held beneath its frame. Boasting a 5.3-liter inline-four motor, this marvelous marvel of engineering exudes 32 horsepower. To give an example of the advancements that have been made in the automotive industry since then, the latter Merc drivetrain with its colossal five liters of displacement could generate more than 500 horsepower and was affixed to AMG models in the 2010s such as the 6th-gen S-Class.

A 60HP variant of the Mercedes-Simplex triumphed in an Austrian hill climb race at Semmering in 1903.

Mercedes’ participation in the Veteran Car Run has enabled it to hit maximum velocities of 37 mph; possibly quite sluggish compared to other more contemporary cars, such as the Aixam Coupe, nonetheless, still outstripping its pace.

“With over 1,000 collection vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is bringing its history to life. Many of these cars are in perfect condition and are used for events around the globe. The specialists at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center have worked hard to get the Mercedes Simplex 28/32 hp ready for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run,” declared Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage.

“It would be unthinkable for Mercedes-Benz, the world’s oldest car manufacturer, to not be present at the LBVCR. This is especially true given our strong ties with the Royal Automobile Club since its creation, and our participation in the very first ‘Emancipation Run’ from London to Brighton in 1896.”

The celebrated London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is due to take place on the 5th November. Entrants who will partake in this remarkable event, featuring both Peugeot and Renault classic vehicles, will be driven for a distance of 60 miles.