A Classical Expose of the Shining Silver Stars

A Classical Expose of the Shining Silver Stars

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A Classical Exposé of the Shining Silver Stars

Kuala Lumpur, 17 December 2004: The magnificent and awe-inspiring exhibits of the Mercedes-Benz Shining Silver Star exhibition have finally landed on Malaysian shores after touring four countries in the Asia Pacific region. The much awaited exposition, which made its debut in Asia in May this year, features vintage models of one of the world’s most successful premium automobile brands. It also offers a rare glimpse into the history of its founding inventors’ contribution to modern motorised road transportation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Frank Steinleitner, President and Chief Executive Officer of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia said: “At Mercedes-Benz, we believe the future of the automobile does not begin with the latest models, but with a history of more than 100 years. Seen in this light, we have always been working in the business called future”.

Keeping the brand’s unique heritage and history alive is the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, which houses numerous classic gems from the world-renown automotive brand, including those featured in the Shining Silver Star exhibition.

A special guided tour of the exhibition was given beginning with fascinating stories and facts of the world’s first motor vehicle – the Benz Patent Motorcar. It was revealed that Bertha Benz, the wife of one of the founding inventors, Karl Benz, was the first woman driver who secretly took the vehicle for a test drive for 92 miles, proving the actual performance of the motor car.

The next exhibit was the Mercedes 37/70 hp Simplex, the breakthrough “modern automobile” which belonged to the 1907 model generation – a car that was associated with its legendary racing success and brought about the birth of the Mercedes brand name.

Invited guests and members of the media were then shown the Benz 8/20 hp convertible touring car, which made its début in 1912. The improved version of this car was actually advertised as the “silent Benz” due to its smooth running engine. This appealing and creatively styled model was nicknamed the “snake car”, derived from its car’s horn.

The following exhibit was the Mercedes 28/95 hp, the first of a series of “grand” Mercedes automobiles that ranked among the leading automobiles during the years before and after World War I. This model initiated the car’s association with power and exclusivity and credited to its innovative engine technology, it became a wining car in motor racing.

The next car on display was the Mercedes-Benz 320 Streamliner saloon with fastback and rear-wheel coverings – one of the first cars with aerodynamically efficient bodywork. This “Motorway Courier” was fitted with an additional transmission for high cruising speeds in the 1930s, in response to the growing use of the motorways during that time.

The last model on show was the Mercedes-Benz 300, the largest and fastest German produced car. History has it that the German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer insisted on being chauffeured in the Mercedes-Benz 300 for years, which resulted in the car becoming popularly known as the “Adenauer Mercedes”.

Guests and the media were then offered a ride in the 118-year-old three-wheeler Benz Patent Motor Car. Tipping the scales at just under 300kg, the engine alone accounted for more than 100kg, making the Benz Patent Motor Car an extremely light and filigree vehicle.

The Shining Silver Star exhibition, which is opened to the public from 18 – 24 December, will feature exciting contests throughout the exhibition period and the crowd can also get to enjoy live crossovers with both, Mix.fm and Light and Easy. In addition, there are classic activities installed for Mercedes-Benz’s customers such as the live solo Jazz performances by Claressa Monteiro from Singapore and Anne Weerapass, violin performances by Joanne Yeoh, and a Elvis Presley impersonator.

As a finale to the event, there will be a Christmas Eve surprise for kids on the last day of the exhibition. Be sure to bring your family to meet Santa Claus and sing along to familiar Christmas carols.

Admission to the classic car exhibition is free and will take place from 12noon until 7pm on weekdays, and from 12noon until 9pm on weekends.


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