140 years since the invention of the automobile: The Mercedes-Benz Caravan stops in Bucharest on Saturday, September 12
In 1886, Karl Benz patented the world's first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine, forever changing the way humanity moves. Today, 140 years after that pioneering moment, the Stuttgart-based company is celebrating this impressive legacy with an unprecedented global tour: the international caravan "140 Years. 140 Places".
The event, which crosses over 50,000 kilometers and six continents, arrives in Romania at the end of this week. The caravan's first stop on Romanian soil is scheduled right in the capital, at the prestigious Țiriac Collection gallery.
A tour of the world in 140 symbolic destinations
The "140 Years. 140 Places" project is not just a simple car parade, but an epic journey designed to connect communities of enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Over 50,000 kilometers, traveled on the roads of Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia, tell the story of technological evolution from the first three-wheeled vehicle created by Karl Benz to the 超級 hyper-technological cars of today.
The caravan brings together a symbolic convoy of vehicles representative of the brand's history, carrying the message that the spirit of innovation defined by the brand's founders – "The best or nothing" – remains just as relevant after 140 years.
Elite meeting at Țiriac Collection – Saturday, September 12
The stop in Bucharest offers the Romanian public a unique opportunity. On Saturday, September 12, the cars from the international caravan will be able to be admired up close at the Țiriac Collection gallery, the only private collection in the world that owns all eight generations of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury series produced to date.
The stars of the international convoy – three representative examples of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class model – will be exhibited alongside some of the most spectacular cars already in the Otopeni collection:
- Mercedes-Benz 540 K (1937): An absolute symbol of interwar elegance and classic German engineering.
- Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: An extremely rare limited edition that pays homage to the motorsport legend.
- Mercedes-AMG One: The modern hypercar that brings pure Formula 1 technology directly to public roads.
The combination of pieces from the international caravan and the jewelry already existing at Țiriac Collection transforms Saturday's exhibition into one of the most important automotive events hosted by Romania in recent years.
The route through Romania – From the hustle and bustle of the capital to the spectacle of the Transfăgărășan
After the official exhibition in Bucharest, the Mercedes-Benz caravan will continue its adventure on a spectacular route through the heart of the country. The Romanian route was specially chosen to highlight both the cultural heritage and the beauty of the mountain landscapes.
The convoy will cross cities steeped in history such as Sebeș and Sibiu, landmarks on the industrial and cultural map of Transylvania. In fact, the connection between Mercedes-Benz and Sebeș is a deep one, the municipality in Alba county hosting one of the important production units for gearbox components used by the German group.
The highlight of the Romanian route will be the crossing of the famous Transfăgărășan. The mountain road that splits the Fagaras Mountains will provide a dramatic setting for a memorable pictorial and endurance test, where legends of the past and innovations of the present will tackle some of the most spectacular curves in Europe.
The Legacy of the Three-Pointed Star – The Bridge Between the Past and the Future
The arrival of the "140 Years. 140 Places" caravan in Romania underlines the important place that the local automotive community occupies on the international map of major manufacturers. From Karl Benz's invention in 1886 to today's advanced autonomous driving or electric propulsion systems, Mercedes-Benz continues to redefine the notion of mobility.
For fans of the brand and car lovers in Romania, Saturday, September 12, represents a rare opportunity to see pages from the living history of the automobile gathered in the same place, before the caravan leaves its Carpathian route and continues its journey to other continents.