May 25-28, 2006 in Bielefeld/Germany
After my previous article about a drive down the Pacific Coast in an SLR and SL65 (Click this link to read about touring the Pacific coast in an SLR)
I had the opportunity to participate at the Annual Meeting of the German 300SL Club with a brand new 2007 SL55, compliments of AMG in Affalterbach /Germany.
After a visit to the new Mercedes-Benz Museum in Untertürkheim , which you should put on your “must do” list, if you are in the area, I take the Autobahn for the 300 mile trip to Bielefeld . Since I have the ultimate mode of transportation for this task, the drive turns into an absolute blast, especially since the SL55 is equipped with the optional performance package, which allows a top speed of approx.185 mph.
Thursday
I arrive at the Gerry Weber hotel north of Bielefeld just in time for the opening reception. Surprisingly there are only very few 300SL's outside. After I pick up the registration package I learn that the cars are kept in a guarded parking lot at the Mercedes dealership in Bielefeld.
Friday
After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, shuttle busses bring the members to the Mercedes dealership.
Everyone is busy preparing for the days activities, affixing the rally plates to the front and rear of their cars.
I do the same on my SL55. Even though it is verboten to cover the license plate, I cannot find a better way to attach the blue rally tag.
At 9AM sharp the convoy of EIGHTY-TWO 300 SLs, Gullwings and Roadsters, with an SLR, my SL55, a 3.5 convertible, a 600 Pullman and some other Mercedes models mixed in, starts leaving the dealership.
The first part of the rally (approx. 50 miles) takes us over scenic roads through the beautiful surrounding area called Teudoburger Wald, to the historic town of Hameln .
The weather cooperates and the roadsters have a chance to put their tops down.
All cars assemble on the Rathausplatz, where the local residents are invited to view the cars.
While most of the members enjoy a guided tour of the city, I climb up to the top floor of the Rathaus, trying to squeeze all cars into one picture.
Wow, what a sight!
We are getting hungry, so it's off to our next stop, only 10 miles away.
After a car with a locked up rear wheel is taken care off by the mechanic from the Classic Center and another car is push-started, we say good-bye to Hameln.
Half an hour later we arrive at the historic Schlosshotel Muenchhausen, a beautifully restored 16 th century castle.
The center courtyard of the castle forms a perfect surrounding for a number of 300SL's, while most other cars had to be parked outside.
I notice that many perfectly restored cars have polished intake manifolds, which certainly draws attention.
The patio of the castle has been turned into a relaxing outdoor lunch setting, with each team of driver and co-pilot receiving a picnic basked filled with an unbelievable selection of delicacies.
After lunch we have a chance to enjoy the impeccably kept grounds of the castle.
We reluctantly return the now empty baskets (too bad, they would not fit into any of our cars).
The 65 mile return trip to the dealership leads us over scenic roads through many small towns, where local residents stand in awe over the endless procession of 300 SL's passing by.
Unfortunately it is starting to rain and the tops have to be raised again. The president of the club, in his SLS recreation with a chopped windshield, no wipers and no top, has to wear diving goggles for the remainder of the trip.
An evening at a most unusual, exciting restaurant crowns this eventful day. Great food and entertainment is waiting for us in a converted church building, with a beautiful bar upstairs, from where you can keep an eye on the “congregation” below.
Saturday
The weather cooperates for a parade of cars through the center of Bielefeld .
The event has been announced in the local press and many people turn out to enjoy the once in a lifetime opportunity. The cars proceed to the center square, where the mayor of Bielefeld welcomes us.
For the next couple of hours the cars are on display to be admired by the local people.
This beautiful setting with the cars lined up between historic buildings forms an ideal background for taking pictures.
An endless array of 300SL's graces the Klosterplatz.
After a hearty buffet lunch at the Brauhaus nearby, the afternoon is free for sightseeing or visiting a local member's private car collection.
The gala dinner and dance at the Gerry Weber convention center forms the highlight of the meeting.
Sunday
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel everyone heads home.
I pass a number of 300SL's on my way back to Stuttgart , thinking that the same picture could have been taken almost 50 years ago, except it would have been in black and white.
Much too soon I have to return my wonderful SL55 to AMG in Affalterbach , a small town north of Stuttgart , surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque villages.
Click this link: to read about driving this car for a week in Germany.
The next convention of the German 300SL Club is scheduled to be held in May 2007 in Stuttgart . The 50 th anniversary of the roadster and the fact that the meeting is being held in Mercedes' backyard promises to be a great event.
Take this opportunity for a trip to Germany !
Rent a Mercedes or pick up a new car in Sindelfingen and experience it on the Autobahn!
I'll be there looking for you.
If you need help and advise for making the arrangements please feel free to contact me at easchef@aol.com
About the author
Eckart Scheffler, a lifelong Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, sends us this report from a recent trip to Germany to visit the sparkling new Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Maybach Center of Excellence. An early retirement from the publishing business has allowed Mr. Scheffler to indulge in his passion for these great cars. In addition to playing with an ever changing collection of Mercedes, he is a freelance writer with an experienced view on the world of performance cars.
© Copyright 2006, Eckart Scheffler. All rights reserved.
Photos and text may not be reproduced without written permission from the author.
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