Local distributor aims to collate a fleet of 140 cars for six-day run.

OWNERS of older S-Class models and anyone still driving the forebear models to that flagship sedan are being asked to consider taking part in a national celebration of a Mercedes Benz milestone.

A six-day drive from Auckland to Queenstown next month is the New Zealand contribution to a year-long activity by the Stuttgart firm to celebrate 2026 being its 140th year of innovation.

The concept in totality is a global involvement, called “140 Years. 140 Places.” This kicked off in January and wraps up in October and in its entirety covers more than 50,000 kilometres across six continents.

The idea is to connect 140 iconic locations that reflect the brand’s pioneering spirit, heritage, and global presence.

The celebration traces its origins back to 1886, when Carl Benz patented the world’s first automobile, followed shortly by Gottlieb Daimler’s motorised carriage. Since then, Mercedes-Benz says, it has continuously set benchmarks in automotive engineering – from the invention of the automobile to today’s intelligent, safe, and electric vehicles.

The exercise also ties to the international reveal of the latest S-Class, which occurred earlier this year. The tour will reveal the new model ahead of its local market introduction.

The intent with the Kiwi run is to feature a unique showcase of 140 Mercedes-Benz vehicles “owned by passionate customers, collectors, and performance enthusiasts.”

Any owner of a Mercedes-Benz can register at 140 Places | Mercedes-Benz New Zealand.

The national distributor says it would particularly be interested to hear from owners of the S-Class 221 series (2005 to 2013), the 220 series (1998 to 2005), the 140 series (1991 to 1998), the 126 series (1976 to 1992) and the 116 series, aka the W 116 (1972 to 1980).

It’s also keen to draw in anyone with a 250S to 300 SEL 6.3 1965 to 1972 (W 108/109), the 220 to 300 SE/300 SE long 1959 to 1965 (W 111/112); the 220/220 s / 220 SE “Ponton” 1954 to 1959 (W180/W128) and the 220 1951 to 1954 (W 187).