When Mercedes-Benz introduced the 124 series saloons in November 1984 they caught the attention of both trade and public alike. But this premiere 25 years ago would not be the last, for during its lifetime until 1997 the series notched up a string of firsts. And for the first time in winter 2009, the 124 took its first steps to becoming a Young Classic.

In November 1969 Hans Scherenberg gave the go-ahead to set up Daimler-Benz Research, which laid foundations for many important developments in motor vehicle engineering, for instance the anti-lock braking system, the airbag and the navigation system.

On 28 November 2009 the Mercedes-Benz Museum is holding its first collectors’ fair for models, brochures, literature, pins and accessories. Between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. dealers, collectors and connoisseurs can rummage around 100 tables.

Racing driver Stirling Moss celebrates his 80th birthday on 17 September 2009. He drove for Mercedes-Benz in one season, 1955 – an unforgettable year for the brand owing to the many, many triumphs.

In 1889 the eyes of the world turned to Paris and the World Exposition. The biggest attraction – in all senses of the word – was the tower wrought in iron by Gustave Eiffel. But something else that fascinated the crowds of visitors to the show was the use of electric bulbs to illuminate many of the exhibition stands – the very epitome of the modern age. Never one to be left behind, Gottlieb Daimler installed thirty electric light bulbs around his stand. They highlighted one exhibit in particular that had yet to achieve its breakthrough – the four-wheeled “wire-wheel car”.