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When Mercedes - Benz wheeled into BMICH

The Mercedes-Benz Club staged the largest ever Mercedes-Benz pageant in the country earlier this month with a gathering of 353 cars at the new wing in the BMICH and the Western Car Park. 'Mercedes-Benz 2003' saw the participation of Mercedes-Benz owners, their families and the general public. This year's pageant was open to anyone who owned a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. All they had to do was just drive into the BMICH in their Mercedes-Benz and register their car.

Sri Lanka boasts of a relatively good collection of Mercedes-Benz cars from pre-World War II to the very latest, including some rare collectors' models. Among the models that were on display, the 1952, 300 Series vehicle previously owned by legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa drew much attention. Now under the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, this 300 Series is the only car of that model available in the country today. The 300 was flanked by six other collectible cars both new and classic at the entrance to the exhibition hall.

The 300 played an important role in the history of Mercedes-Benz since it was the most significant post war model. Two SL Coupes were parked on either side of the 300. One was a 1957 black 190 SL bearing number plate 6 Sri 9421 owned by Bri Ponnambalam and a 1958 190 SL bearing number plate 1 Sri 6022 owned by Ray de Costa. Parked next to Bri's 190 SL was another collectible coupe, 1996 280SL owned by the current President of the Club Sidath Fernando. Unlike most other roadsters, this particular 280 SL can comfortably accommodate four passengers. A mint condition 1977 metallic red 300 SL coupe owned by the Akbar family was another crowd-stopper. There were also several 170S, 170V and 180SV Mercedes-Benz cars.

Diesel and Motor Engineering Company (DIMO), the general importers of Mercedes-Benz cars to Sri Lanka sponsored the pageant for the 12th consecutive year. Organizers of the pageant this year placed much emphasis on family participation. Sidath Fernando, the Chairman of the Mercedes-Benz Club said: "For generations Mercedes-Benz owners have shared the pride and honour of belonging to one of the most exclusive circles - the Mercedes-Benz family. We, as a club try to make all our events family events to further strengthen the most important unit of the society, the family."