Mercedes-Benz delivered a striking tribute to its motorsport legacy during FuoriConcorso 2025, showcasing a seldom-seen pairing of the 1997 CLK GTR race car and its road-legal counterpart alongside a 1990 C 11 Group C prototype. The trio was dramatically craned into the gardens of Villa del Grumello, drawing the eyes of collectors and enthusiasts from around the world.
The event, held May 24–25 on the idyllic shores of Lake Como, featured some of the world’s most exclusive automobiles, but it was Mercedes-Benz Classic’s historic display that captured the spotlight. Both the championship-winning CLK GTR and its ultra-rare road-going version — one of only 20 coupés ever produced — were reunited in public for a rare appearance. The street version, on loan from The Loh Collection, boasts a 6.9-liter V12 producing 612 horsepower.
Completing the historic trio was the 1990 C 11, a dominant force in the Group C racing era. That machine claimed a one-two debut at Monza and played a key role in Mercedes’ World Sportscar Championship victory that year. With both the C 11 and CLK GTR enjoying Italian racing success — including podium finishes at Monza and Mugello — the Lake Como setting was particularly fitting.
Mercedes-Benz CEO of Heritage Marcus Breitschwerdt also participated in motorsport heritage panels at nearby Villa Sucota, discussing the enduring influence of the brand’s racing past and its cultural significance across generations.
“The legacy of Silver Arrows competition runs deep, and to see these icons displayed together in such an evocative setting is incredibly special,” said Breitschwerdt.
The showcase not only highlighted German engineering excellence but underscored FuoriConcorso’s emergence as one of Europe’s premier venues for celebrating motorsport heritage in style.
Shawn Henry