1924 Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio

Another Targa Florio run

The Mercedes 2-Liter Targa Florio has participated in numerous historic events around the world, including the Targa Florio Classica held in Sicily, Italy in October 2024. This century-old historic racer has received rave reviews at events such as the Imola Grand Prix, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and Pebble Beach Automotive Week, and is now back at the Mercedes Museum.

In 2024, F1 driver George Russell, Mercedes-AMG F1 boss Toto Wolff, and former F1 driver Karl Wendlinger all took to the wheel of the Mercedes 2-liter Targa Florio. Episode 2 of “Back on the Road” provides a detailed look at how they faced off against a 100-year-old racing car.

Markus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, reflected on the past year of the Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio:

“We are deeply moved that this Targa Florio racing car has once again visited Sicily, the site of this great victory 100 years ago. This experience is also special for us at Mercedes-Benz, as we handle outstanding historic cars every day.”

“In 1924, our brand made a major step in motorsport history with the two-litre racing car. 100 years later, a car from that era has once again captured people’s hearts in this memorable year. Thanks to the combined expertise of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive and our strong network of experts, we were able to participate in various events.”

Winner of the 1924 Targa Florio

In April 2024, after a complex and challenging restoration, the 1924 Mercedes 2-Liter Targa Florio will undergo its first road test. Afterwards, this precious racing car with its beautiful red body will head to a global historic event.

The Targa Florio Classica will be held in Sicily, Italy, from October 10th to 13th, 2024, at the very site of this Mercedes victory 100 years ago. This revival event will bring together classic racing cars to retrace the steps of the great Targa Florio. With former Mercedes-Benz F1 driver Karl Wendlinger at the wheel, he will captivate spectators on a section of the historic Madonie circuit.

The Mercedes 2-liter Targa Florio that appeared in the Targa Florio Classica is the original car that Christian Lautenschlager drove to an 11th-place finish on April 27, 1924. That same year, his teammate Christian Werner drove the same Mercedes to a historic victory in the Targa Florio. Unfortunately, the 1924 winning car no longer exists.

The Mercedes 2 Litre Targa Florio will be returned to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, where it will first be placed on special display in Classic Island, before being returned to the racing curve where it has been on display until now.

Check out Episode 2 of Back on the Road!

Related reading

Mercedes-Benz unveils the world’s first mass-produced four-wheeled vehicle, the Benz Motor Velocipede, in a running condition

Mercedes-Benz Classic has restored the Benz Motor Velocipede to running order, celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2024. The Benz Motor Velocipede, developed by Karl Benz in 1894, is a valuable vehicle known as the world’s first mass-produced four-wheeled automobile.