Mercedes-Benz will mark 140 years of automotive innovation and motorsport heritage by fielding four historic 300 SL models in the 2026 1000 Miglia, the renowned Italian road race scheduled for June 9-13.
The manufacturer’s participation highlights a century of success in one of motorsport’s most prestigious endurance events. Alongside the factory-supported entries, seven customers will compete as part of the Mercedes-Benz works team. Technical support for all participating vehicles will be provided by specialists from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.
“The Mille Miglia is the ideal stage to bring our ‘Heritage Creates Future’ philosophy to life. For 140 years, Mercedes-Benz has been setting technical standards with innovation, shaping the future of mobility in every era. This includes our great successes at Mille Miglia. This lineage continues with unwavering consistency: The current S-Class epitomises the progress that comes from our unique heritage.”
— Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH.
The 2026 entry list includes one of only 10 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing sports cars (W 194) ever produced. The model played a pivotal role in the brand’s return to motorsport in 1952, when Mercedes-Benz made an immediate impact at the Mille Miglia by finishing second and fourth overall.
The W 194 entered in this year’s event was originally driven by legendary racer Rudolf Caracciola and co-driver Paul Kurrle during the 1952 Mille Miglia, making it one of the most historically significant vehicles in the field.
Mercedes-Benz will also enter three examples of the production 300 SL (W 198), better known as the iconic “Gullwing.” Two vehicles will come from the company’s own collection, while a third will be supplied by Mercedes-Benz Italy.
Introduced in 1954, the W 198 was derived directly from the W 194 racing car and quickly established itself as one of the most advanced sports cars of its era. The distinctive gullwing coupe remained in production until 1957, with 1,400 examples built. A roadster version followed and remained in production through 1963.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential sports cars ever produced, the 300 SL was named “Sports Car of the Century” in 1999 by an international panel of automotive journalists.
Mercedes-Benz says its presence at the 2026 1000 Miglia reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating the technological innovations and motorsport achievements that have defined the brand throughout its 140-year history.
More information on 1000 Miglia customer packages is available HERE
Above contents © 2026 Mercedes-Benz AG reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee , @rexmcafee
Related resources: Mercedes-Benz Heritage | Mercedes-Benz Museum | Classic Mercedes-Benz Vehicles | Gullwing History | Sports Car Heritage | Motorsport Legacy | Historic Racing Cars | Automotive Innovation
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