380 Komprossor Cabriolet A

Yes an amazing event is about to take place in Irvine, California. Mercedes-Benz  USA,LLC, is about to open a one-of-a-kind automotive historical center. Now you say,....Big deal another factory musuem. Well this is anything but a musuem.  Mercedes is about to unleash what is the fantasy of almost anyone who has ever loved classic cars.

Replica of the first automobile, 1886 Benz Patent Wagen.... yes it's a driver

A few days ago a freind of ours, and well known collector Ron Kellogg, called me and suggested that I tag along to visit the new Mercedes Classic Center.  What a great idea. When you arrive the center is tucked away in an industrial center just off the freeway. The building looks blank, but then you walk in the door and you start to get a little dizzy as vibe is something a kin to entering a time machine.

Ron & Sonya Kellogg listening to Mr.Hanson's details of the operation

Our host is Thomas Hanson, Supervisor, Parts Operations, Mr.Hanson begins to speaking but the words seem to hit the floor like bolders. Mercedes is opening a factory resotration and sales center !! You will be able to bring any model of Mercedes here for service or restoration.  The Center  handles origional "new" old stock parts from over 100 years of its inventory. WOW !

A few of the many fine cars on display

Now to most of your reading this story, let me put this in perspective. Mercedes Benz will resore your personal car. If you don't own one, they will help you find a particular car, and restore it to their standards, and sell it to you.

This is a first time offering by any manufacturer in the USA.

So lets say you have an old 6.9 and it's engine needs overhaul. The Classic Center can accomodate your need. 

While were we visiting we walked into the parts room and looked at new in the crate 6.9 engines. The Calssic Center can resource almost any need. Were talking fabrics, trim, rubber, lights...All from original stock.

Original 1895 Benz Velo

The "Mercedes Benz Classic Center" as it is officially named will also offer every possible Mercedes collectable merchandise from it's extensive catalogs. So clothing, watches, toys, books, jewelry, it;s all here. Just showup and take home what ever is your hearts desire.

1970 C 111 four- rotor prototype

Lets say your in love with the 190 SL "racers", well your in luck. Our host took Ron & Sonya Kellogg in the back to show us 2 original 190 racers. One is on consignment and the other is a factory musuem display car.

A pair of 190SL "racers" ???

Let say your a big fan of the Silver Arrow Group C endurance racers of recent history well you just might be able to have one. Take a look at this perfect factory example.

C 291 Sauber Mercedes

C 291 Sauber Mercedes

So no matter how old or rare, Mercedes has the staff on site and the parts that only exist inside the shrine known as the Mercedes Classic Center, in Irvine California.

The 130H , Mercedes idea for a peoples car !!

To say this was fun was an understatement. Our thanks to Ron & Sonya Kellogg for the invitation to tag along. As well as our excellent host from Mercedes...Thomas Hanson, Supervisor, Parts Operations.

1923 Mercedes Targa Florio

You can be sure that we will be visiting to show off some of the spectular restoration projects that are soon slated to take place. Many events will also be taking place at the Classic Center.

A tip of the hat to Mercedes Benz for making restoration and supporting fans of it's history one in the same.