Dublin car showroom hosts unique exhibition of vintage Mercedes-Benz cars

A selection of the most iconic and rare vintage passenger cars from the acclaimed O’Flaherty Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection is on exhibition from today in the recently redeveloped showrooms of MSL Ballsbridge Motors on Dublin’s Shelbourne Road.

Intended as a tribute to company founder, the late Stephen O’Flaherty and his eldest sons, Michael and Nigel O’Flaherty, this is the first occasion on which the Collection will be placed on display for public viewing.

Cars from the collection will be displayed on a rotational basis for a limited four-week period in each case throughout the year, each model being replaced by another until visitors have had the opportunity to view all of the cars involved.

Centrepieces at a reception to launch the exhibition were the two most prized models in the O’Flaherty Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection. These are a limited-edition working replica of Karl Benz’s famed 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car, the world’s first passenger car, and a 1898 Benz Velo Comfortable — the first motor car ever imported into Ireland.

Amongst the models that will feature for periods throughout the course of the year will be an extremely rare 1911 vintage Benz model 8/18, the imposing 1935 Mercedes-Benz 200 two-door sports-roadster, a 1936 500 K Cabriolet and a two-door 1955 300 SL Gullwing with its distinctive upwards-lifting doors.

Showrooms at MSL Ballsbridge Motors can accommodate over 30 vehicles. In addition, the location has its own very special place in Irish motoring history, being the premises where, in 1950, the first Volkswagen Beetle built outside Germany was assembled.

Pictured are the 1911 Benz 8/18 (top), 1935 Mercedes-Benz 200 (above),  and (below) 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabriolet.

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