1930 Mercedes-Benz Type SS

Apologies for the late blog. We drove 230 km to Stuttgart and back in rain and heavy traffic and I was too buggered to write last night. If you are not a car buff you will probably be bored.

It was boys nirvana yesterday with a visit to both the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz museums. However what was supposed to be a 3 hour drive turned into 4.5 hours with very heavy traffic and clogged motorways.

Our first visit was to Porsche. A very classy museum extremely well presented.

Porsche Spyder 550, as owned by James Dean

Racing is a big part of both manufacturers.

1992 Porsche Boxster Studie

The history of Daimler and Benz goes back to 1878 and was well represented at the Mercedes-Benz museum. Daimler and Benz both developed engines and cars separately until 1928 when the companies merged due to the economic conditions in Germany. Daimler and Benz never met.

The museum is a unique masterpiece of design. The tour starts on the eighth floor and winds down era by era with non motor history of the eras between each floor. It is a very beautiful building and easy to negotiate.

Inside the Mercedes-Benz museum.

1886 Daimler 1 cylinder motor.

Daimler worked on many transport solutions including a boat, a flying machine, trucks and many others.

All the classic vehicles are magnificently restored and displayed.

My favourite is the 1955 SL Coupe Gullwing

And racing has always been very big for Mercedes

There were cars owned by celebrities on display.

The 1991 SL550 owned by Princess Dianna until forced to give it back by public opinion, trade unions and the government.

1980 Popemobile, built for John Paul II

It was a fabulous day of boys toys and a must for visitors to Stuttgart. Another busy 4 hour drive and home by 8pm and we were ready for a beer and dinner. Tomorrow exploring more locally.