Given the massive ball-ache this year has been, the chances of a car show happening were fairly slim. And most certainly impossible in a city which has had its share of restrictions due to the pandemic. But Bombay knows how to get back on its feet rather quickly. And for car lovers, it so bloody well did! The 2020 edition of Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally, which for the most part this year seemed highly unlikely, finally happened. Here are a few photos from the event (there are two galleries below). Enjoy.

This is the seventh edition of the Autocar (India)-organised Mercedes-Benz event, and it’s evident that the event hasn’t lost its appeal at all. The ongoing pandemic restrictions might have meant the entry this year was limited, but that didn’t mean the cars which made it to the venue were any lesser — fewer, yes. And witnessing classic, well-maintained Mercedes-Benz cars tidily arranged on a concourse isn’t ever going to be ordinary, anyway.

The headline-grabbing cars continued to be the Nurburg, a couple of R121s, the W136, among others. But the modern-classic/Youngtimer fan would have appreciated everything that was more abundant in comparison. The 126 Series was represented fairly well, in both the saloon and coupe form — although without LS Ravi’s C126, Rayo’s 560 SEC ‘Vader’ was the sole coupe participant. The R107 SLs (and the slightly longer C107s) enjoyed their prominence, unfazed by the presence of the rarer 230SLs (113-series) and the newer R129 examples.

The gaggle of W123s and W124s that would otherwise be welcomed with open arms (those are such lovely cars) was missing, although sat right amidst the SLs was a 124-series convertible, complementing the C123 parked diagonally opposite. There were also a few Pontons, W111s, W110s, W108/109s, and even a handful of W116s. Even with JUST 46 cars on display (and subsequently on the move), there was a wide variety of Mercedes-Benz models. Although spectators could only witness the cars from the multiple vantage points along the route, the entire lot of Mercs travelling through Bombay must’ve made for quite a sight.

Gallery:

What the spotters with their mobile phone cameras and high-fps cameras would’ve missed were the two tiny scale models inside one of the Stricht-Achts. Or the insurmountably high level of craftsmanship that went into the restoration (and maintenance) of the W111 cabriolet. Or how handsome the 190 saloon parked in the Taj lobby looked even though it wasn’t a part of the event. And quite possibly the presence of wide grins hidden behind those unflattering but essential face masks, accompanied by laughter and nods of appreciation, and most importantly a tinge of relief that this event actually happened.

Gallery:

Brainchild of Perseus Bandrawalla, the MBCCR 2020 also saw an inordinate effort from the participants and the teams at Autocar, Mercedes-Benz, and Taj Land’s End. The rally is a clear sign that while most everyday things in life can be handled virtually, a gathering of like-minded car enthusiasts and their cars is very much an offline event. And long may it continue that way!