Mercedes-Benz Classic Center polishes the past’s jewels

They are the classics that have shone bright over a long history of 125 years – the owners of these vintage Mercedes-Benz want them to shine just as vibrantly today. That’s when the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center (MBCC) becomes an asset as valuable as gold or platinum. There, over 50,000 parts from the model lineup over a century are available, not too mention restoration services from the company that built the vehicle originally and knows what the owners want now.

The MBCC, located in Irvine, CA, has only been around for five years and yet possesses the knowledge of the ages when it comes to finding rare parts or meticulously restoring classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles to original factory standards.

In just 60 months, the MBCC has provided one service or another to over 6,200 customers, building upon their dedicated service by qualified Mercedes-Benz brand technicians and providing an unprecedented business product in the marketplace.

"The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center is in a unique position because of the knowledge and resources that we have onsite and can tap as a result of being part of the oldest car company in the world," said Mike Kunz, Manager of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA. "Our customers trust us with special cars that are valuable either monetarily, historically or sentimentally and know that their vehicles are being reviewed or worked on by experts in their field that are backed by 125 years of history."

As only such enterprise in the United States, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine maintains a close partnership with its sister institution in Fellbach, Germany, establishing a direct link to parts, tools, service manuals and production records needed to work on vintage Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The MBCC Center not only sustains these vehicles by helping customers locate even the rarest parts buy also by maintaining an extensive archives of documents on vehicle history dating back to original owners. Restoration experts from the Classic Center can even access the original build sheet and this is often free of charge to the customer.

Mercedes-Benz strives to create not just an automobile, but rather a family heirloom to be handed down through successive generations. Accordingly the MBCC embodies the brand’s promise that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are built to endure many lifetimes.

The Center recently went to great lengths to do a full mechanical restoration of a 1910 Mercedes-Benz Simplex, originally owned by one of the founders of R. H. Macy & Co. The vehicle sat for many years and technicians at the MBCC are in the process of bringing it back to life, including the complete fabrication of a water pump and radiator.

Beyond classic car owners, enthusiasts continue to visit the MBCC throughout the year to browse vintage vehicles on display, take advantage of retail car services or shop the boutique’s wide range of auto memorabilia, accessories and literature. The Center also hosts special events and parties.

Mercedes-Benz points to world-renowned durability and the devotion of their owners as the cornerstone of the business’ success. Decades-old Mercedes-Benz automobiles are common in many parts of the world, and 60 authorized Mercedes-Benz clubs around the world include some 130,000 members who look to the Classic Centers as a "garage majal" for the three pointed star.

The staff provides support to t enthusiasts outside its doors by participating in numerous classic car events throughout the year – ranging from the Colorado Grand to the Amelia Island and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Over the past several years, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center has taken a leadership role in education for proper restoration techniques through a scholarship program with McPherson College, located in McPherson, KS. The scholarship program supports three students each semester, providing an internship at the MBCC where real world experience is learned first hand, developing the students’ career paths in automotive restoration.