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Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

  • A branch of the orignial center in Stuttgart, the Irvine, Calif., location has access to all of Mercedes' original plans for its models.
    1/11

    Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

    A branch of the orignial center in Stuttgart, the Irvine, Calif., location has access to all of Mercedes' original plans for its models.
  • A full restoration at the center can take five years to complete.
    2/11

    Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

    A full restoration at the center can take five years to complete.
  • The Classic Center often houses 300SLs, whose values have skyrocketed to the millions of dollars.
    3/11

    Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

    The Classic Center often houses 300SLs, whose values have skyrocketed to the millions of dollars.
  • Even a 300SL in need of a through restoration can cost nearly $2 million.
    4/11

    Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

    Even a 300SL in need of a through restoration can cost nearly $2 million.
  • The center uses only factory-correct paint colors and sheens in its work.
    5/11

    Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

    The center uses only factory-correct paint colors and sheens in its work.
  • A worker shifts a car during restoration.
    6/11

    Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

    A worker shifts a car during restoration.
  • The exterior of the center
    7/11

    Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

    The exterior of the center
  • While it looks like a museum, many of the older cars are being checked to ensure they can still be driven.
    8/11

    Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

    While it looks like a museum, many of the older cars are being checked to ensure they can still be driven.
  • Mercedes-Benz technicians working on vehicle.
    9/11

    Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

    Mercedes-Benz technicians working on vehicle.
  • The center uses original factory blueprints in its restorations.
    10/11

    Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

    The center uses original factory blueprints in its restorations.
  • Among the 50,000 rare parts.
    11/11

    Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

    Among the 50,000 rare parts.
A branch of the orignial center in Stuttgart, the Irvine, Calif., location has access to all of Mercedes' original plans for its models.
A full restoration at the center can take five years to complete.
The Classic Center often houses 300SLs, whose values have skyrocketed to the millions of dollars.
Even a 300SL in need of a through restoration can cost nearly $2 million.
The center uses only factory-correct paint colors and sheens in its work.
A worker shifts a car during restoration.
The exterior of the center
While it looks like a museum, many of the older cars are being checked to ensure they can still be driven.
Mercedes-Benz technicians working on vehicle.
The center uses original factory blueprints in its restorations.
Among the 50,000 rare parts.

A Valhalla of sorts for Mercedes enthusiasts, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center offers owners a factory-owned place to restore their cars — or to buy a classic in need of work.