Mercedes-Benz Heritage will present an extraordinary display of automotive history at ModaMiami 2026, a prestigious automotive and lifestyle event held at the historic Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables in Florida. Taking place from 27 February to 1 March, the event brings together vehicles representing more than a century of engineering and design innovation. Through this curated showcase, Mercedes-Benz highlights its enduring legacy and celebrates 140 years since the invention of the automobile.
A central highlight of the exhibition is the Benz Patent Motor Car, widely recognised as the world’s first automobile created in 1886 by Carl Benz. At ModaMiami, visitors will have the rare opportunity to witness the historic vehicle in motion as it leads sections of the event’s classic drive and offers demonstration rides around the showfield. The presence of this pioneering machine serves as a powerful reminder of the origins of modern mobility.
Another significant exhibit is the rare “American Mercedes,” a vehicle produced in the United States in the early twentieth century under licence from Daimler. Built by the Daimler Manufacturing Company in Long Island, New York, the car represents an important chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s historical relationship with the American market. The model mirrors the Mercedes 45 PS, one of the earliest high-performance luxury automobiles of its time.
The showcase also features several iconic vehicles that demonstrate the evolution of luxury and performance within the brand’s history. Among them are the elegant Mercedes-Benz 290 Cabriolet A from the 1930s, the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing,” and the stately Mercedes-Benz 300 d, a favourite among political leaders and industry figures during its era. Each vehicle illustrates a different moment in the development of Mercedes-Benz engineering and design philosophy.
Motorsport heritage also plays a key role in the exhibition. A rally-prepared Mercedes-Benz 300 SE “Fintail” celebrates the brand’s success in endurance racing and international rally competitions during the 1960s. This era demonstrated Mercedes-Benz’s ability to combine durability, speed, and precision in competitive motorsport environments.
Modern performance is represented by the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar, a groundbreaking model that brings Formula One hybrid technology to the road. Powered by a sophisticated hybrid system combining a turbocharged engine with multiple electric motors, the hypercar reflects the cutting edge of automotive innovation and engineering excellence.
Further highlights include the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II, a legendary homologation model developed for touring car racing, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series. Together, these vehicles demonstrate the brand’s ongoing commitment to performance, craftsmanship, and technological advancement. Through its presence at ModaMiami 2026, Mercedes-Benz offers visitors a unique journey through automotive history—from the birth of the automobile to the forefront of modern engineering.
