Mercedes-Benz will compete in its thirteenth consecutive Classic Adelaide rally when the event kicks off in the South Australian capital next Wednesday, setting a record of unbroken support and involvement with the annual event.

The German car maker will again be out to excite local crowds with a four- vehicle team in this year’s “Thoroughbred Touring” category.

Le Mans 24-hour endurance race winner and Classic Adelaide event patron Vern Schuppan will again be AMG-mounted for the event’s annual running. The SA native will lead the rally in the new AMG Sports package-equipped 285kW Mercedes-Benz E500 coupé.

Launched only a couple of months ago the all-new E-Class coupé is not only the world’s most aerodynamically efficient production car; it’s also proving a big hit with buyers. And with Schuppan behind the wheel it’s expected to be equally popular with Adelaide’s rally fans.

Making its Australian debut at the hands of five-time world MotoGP winner and long-term AMG owner, Mick Doohan, will be the thundering all-new E63 AMG. Ahead of its Australian release in December, this year’s Classic Adelaide will be the new model’s first official outing on Australian roads.

Amongst other technical highlights, it is fitted with a hand-built 386kW 6.3- litre V8 engine, AMG SPEEDSHIFT clutch-operated MCT 7-speed sports transmission, huge 360mm internally ventilated/perforated brakes and three-stage Electronic Stability Programme ESP. The debut of this stunning sports sedan continues the marque’s tradition of launching latest-release AMG sports cars at Classic Adelaide.

The specification of the new E63 AMG is unique to the Australian market. It features a standard equipment list unlike that in any other Mercedes-Benz market. For example, the standard Australian specification will include the rear boot spoiler, sun protection package, and 19-inch AMG alloy wheels. These items are normally available as part of selected option packages.

Making a come-back appearance will be a 2008 crowd favourite: the C 63 AMG.

This third vehicle will be piloted by well-known trucking and logistics operator Glen Cameron as well as a small selection of Australia’s top motoring journalists. Nicknamed the “compact sledgehammer” by last year’s drivers, the 6.3-litre C 63 AMG is expected to raise more then a few cheers again this year.

In another first from Mercedes-Benz, this year’s entry list will include a surprise Mercedes-Benz entrant; a vehicle type that has never before competed in Classic Adelaide. It will be driven by well-known Classic Adelaide identity and Bathurst 1000 endurance veteran Peter Gazzard.

This will be Gazzard’s fourth Classic Adelaide with the Mercedes-Benz troupe, and the challenge posed by this special Mercedes-Benz he will be piloting will no doubt test his driving skills.

The Senior manager for Corporate Communications at Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific, David McCarthy said “With the all-new E 63 AMG for Mick and Vern behind the wheel of the AMG-enhanced E 500 coupé spectators can expect dramatic launches, jumps and precision driving, the types of action that have been hallmarks of their previous Classic Adelaide appearances.

“Both Mick and Vern have always been big crowd pleasers and as this is our thirteenth consecutive Classic Adelaide we expect more of the same!

“After driving for almost a week in the recent Global Green Challenge I am sure Vern will welcome the opportunity to actually compete in an exciting motor sport event,” said McCarthy.

“We continue our tradition of having a customer in our driving team and this year we welcome transport operator Glen Cameron, who will be driving the exciting C63 AMG.

“And finally, for a bit of intrigue, we have a special type of vehicle that has never before competed in Classic Adelaide. South Australian Mercedes- Benz dealer Peter Gazzard will pilot what we expect will be both a crowd pleaser and a crowd teaser.

"In previous events Gazzard has caught and passed more than a few wide-eyed drivers of fancied European marques and we expect the same this year,” concluded McCarthy.