Mercedes-Benz Auckland’s showroom traded new-car gloss for old-school charm in March, hosting its annual Classics & Collectables Open Day, an event that continues to grow into a proper fixture for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Held this past March 21st, the Newmarket space was transformed into a rolling timeline of Mercedes-Benz design and engineering, with more than 50 vehicles spanning decades of the brand’s history.
The result was equal parts museum, meet-up and petrolhead playground.
Icons, rarities and serious AMG muscle

The line-up mixed heritage classics with more recent high-performance machinery, giving visitors a broad look at how the brand has evolved.
Familiar heavy-hitters included the 2014 AMG SLS Black Series, the 2011 SLS Gullwing and the modern 2022 AMG GT Black Series.

But it wasn’t just about outright pace. Timeless classics like the 1960 190 SL, 1966 280 SE Cabriolet and 1967 280 SL “Pagoda” brought a quieter kind of presence as cars that still draw a crowd without needing to shout.
Rarer machinery added another layer, from the 2001 G 500 Cabriolet to a 2004 SL 55 F1 Edition and a CLK Black Series. Together, they formed a snapshot of Mercedes-Benz at its most diverse, from luxury cruisers to track-focused AMG specials.
More than a static display

Crucially, this wasn’t a stand-and-stare affair. The event leaned into its community feel, with families, collectors and casual fans all mixing under one roof.
Dealer Principal Michael Collins highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the day: “Classics & Collectables is always a special day for us. It brings together people who share a genuine passion for the brand, and it’s a privilege to showcase vehicles that mean so much to their owners.”
That owner involvement is key, as many of the cars on display come from private collections, giving the event a more personal edge than your typical showroom activation.
A heritage event with momentum

Beyond the metal, there was plenty to keep visitors engaged, including entertainment, kids’ activities and the ever-popular Racing Simulator Challenge, offering a digital taste of AMG performance.
As the event continues to expand, it’s becoming less about a single-day showcase and more about reinforcing the brand’s long history while keeping its community plugged in.
If this year’s turnout is anything to go by, Classics & Collectables is only heading one way.