Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart, Germany
Until April 12, 2025
Youngtimers are riding high and attracting many collectors and car enthusiasts. It should be noted that youngtimers are commonly classified as cars that are no longer considered used but are not yet classified as collectibles (minimum 30 years old to be eligible). However, cars from the 1980s and even the 1970s are also sometimes labeled “youngtimers.” The Youngtimers exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart brings together around fifteen iconic models from the brand with the star logo, produced in the 1990s and 2000s. Around fifteen models are on display in a dedicated room in the museum, while others are displayed outside the museum.
In the indoor exhibition, the cars are divided into different colorful themed areas, representative of the character of the cars on display. The “Easy Life” theme features two convertibles, a comfortable and luxurious CLK 320 CDI (1998) and a more sporty SLK 230 with a supercharger. It should be noted that this SLK brought back the coupe-convertible configuration with a hardtop. In the “Refinement” category, there are two “high-end” models: a CL 600 (1999), a large 4-seater coupe equipped with a V12 engine, and a CLS 350 (2006), a model that introduced a new style of 4-door coupe bodywork, which was subsequently adopted by many other manufacturers.
The “Supersonic” theme suggests a high level of performance, and this area features four sporty models, starting with the legendary 1990 190 E 2.5L 16 Evo II. Next are two large sedans, a 1994 E-Class 500 and an even more “sharpened” E60 AMG version. Finally, there is an SLR roadster, a supercar resulting from the collaboration between McLaren and Mercedes and equipped with a V8 turbo engine with over 600 horsepower. Finally, the last area displays the 2000 SL 500, a large convertible heir to the SL line, and the 2005 Vision R 320 CDI concept, a very large, luxurious family minivan.
In addition to these iconic cars, each space features mannequins placed next to the cars, wearing original clothing created by leading international designers. This combination of fashion and cars completes this journey into the past. The exhibition is complemented by explanatory texts, interactive displays, and animations such as a 1990s-style arcade simulator.
Outside the museum, five other cars are presented in an original way, each vehicle being displayed as a scale model but in oversized packaging, the size of the car itself. The boxes bear the usual information found on toys, including the recommended age, which in this case is 18+! Among the models on display are the limited edition “Hakkinen” A-Class 160 (1998), celebrating the Finnish driver who won the 1998 Formula 1 world championship in a Mercedes. A 1998 CL 500 coupe, a 2004 ML 500 SUV, and a 2007 C 55 AMG compact sedan.
The photos on this page belong to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, no right of reproduction without the express permission of the museum.