Masterpieces of Individualisation by Mercedes-Benz at Hampton Court Palace

• As “Celebrated Manufacturer of the Year”, Mercedes-Benz inspired at the exclusive Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace from 4 to 6 September 2026
• Renewed collaboration with bespoke tailors Henry Poole & Co of London’s Savile Row
• The culture of individualisation came to life at the joint demonstration workshop
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class impressively showed the wide breadth of individualisation options

Expertise, many years of experience and an in-depth understanding of materials: these are the qualities shared by the upholsterers at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre, the specialists at Mercedes-Benz MANUFAKTUR and the bespoke tailors at Henry Poole & Co of London’s Savile Row. At the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace from Friday, 4 September to Sunday, 6 September 2026, the experts presented the art of their craft together for the second consecutive year, once again delighting onlookers. 

“There is much that connects us with the bespoke tailors from Henry Poole: an in-depth understanding of materials, outstanding craftsmanship and the continuation of the finest traditions are the prerequisites for creating masterpieces in terms of craftsmanship. The same applies to the interior of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL as it does to a bespoke jacket from Savile Row: the individual workmanship results in lasting value.”
Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH 

“I am fascinated to see the dedication and skill with which the specialists at Mercedes-Benz Classic apply their craft. Against the magnificent backdrop of Hampton Court Palace, their masterful work serves an impressive complement to that of our bespoke tailors. Such an authentic and precise expression of craftsmanship creates something truly unique.”
Simon Cundey, Chairman of Henry Poole & Co 

Upholstering and tailoring craftsmanship at the highest level

The Mercedes-Benz Classic upholsterers showcased their outstanding craftsmanship at Hampton Court. The upholstery shop is one of seven traditional automotive trades represented at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach. Right next to this, experienced bespoke tailors from Henry Poole & Co created a men’s jacket in the joint demonstration workshop. Every step performed by the experts highlighted just how much experience, knowledge and craftsmanship go into creating individually crafted masterpieces. Both the brand with the star and Henry Poole & Co are suppliers to the British Royal Household. 

Mercedes-Benz as “Celebrated Manufacturer of the Year”

In 2026, in the role of “Celebrated Manufacturer of the Year”, Mercedes-Benz presented the diversity of personalisation options under the motto “Masterpieces of Individualisation”. Four exceptionally configured vehicles demonstrated how top craftsmanship, exclusivity and individual design can mutually inspire one another. Two exhibits, each presented as corresponding pairs, brought together automobiles from the past and present: a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupé (W 198) and a prototype of the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon with long wheelbase (model series 223) combined shades of grey with a delicate light blue in the interior. Thanks to MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure, the S-Class demonstrated just how individually a Mercedes-Benz can be configured today. The elegant exterior paint finish of the exhibited Mercedes-Benz S-Class in MANUFAKTUR silicon grey already emphasises the model’s sophisticated and timeless appearance. The real highlight, however, is revealed inside: the exclusive “Vista Blue” colour scheme creates an exceptional sense of depth and tranquillity. Combined with Made to Measure features such as the personalised headrest cushions, seat cushions, floor mats, boot mat and individually designed door sill panels, the interior is transformed into a personal retreat. The result is an unmistakable one-off vehicle which reflects the personality of its owner in a unique way, making the S-Class one of a kind. 

 A similarly exclusive pair was presented in shades of red: one of only fifty-three 300 Sc Roadsters (W 188) ever built was displayed together with a current Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series. Both vehicles couple exceptional luxury with high-performance driving dynamics. The Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series combines the sporty architecture of the Mercedes-AMG SL with distinctive Maybach design elements. Handcrafted Monogram patterns on the bonnet, chrome accents and a crystal white nappa leather interior define its appearance.

140 Years of Innovation

The faithful replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen (Benz patent motor car) commemorated the “140 Years of Innovation” anniversary at Hampton Court. In 1886, Carl Benz filed the patent for his three-wheeled motor vehicle, ushering in the age of the automobile. Henry Poole & Co is also celebrating an anniversary in 2026: the bespoke tailoring house with a rich tradition was founded in 1806 and therefore looks back on 220 years of history. Mercedes-Benz shares a particularly significant chapter of its company history with the United Kingdom. Back in 1891, Frederick Simms, a friend of Gottlieb Daimler’s, acquired the British licence rights to manufacture Daimler engines. In 1895, he founded Daimler Motor Syndicate, Ltd. in London, which was the company’s first overseas subsidiary. It is regarded as the seedbed of what would later become the British car industry. 

The Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace provides a unique stage for presenting excellence in craftsmanship. The renowned event has been held annually since 2017 on the grounds of the royal palace measuring approximately 24-hectares in south-west London. The Concours of Elegance made its debut at Windsor Castle in 2012. 

Top-class craftsmanship for Mercedes-Benz classics

The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach is the centre of expertise for classic vehicles with the star. In addition to trading in exclusive vehicles, its specialists provide servicing and restoration for classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles and are the first point of contact when it comes to Classic Genuine Parts. With access to original vehicle documents in the company’s own archives, which preserve and maintain an extensive body of evidence of the history of the company and the brand, Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH has a unique knowledge base at its disposal that is of global significance. For example, an in-house upholstery shop and comprehensive metalworking facilities safeguard the highest levels of technical expertise and craftsmanship. This year, the total floor area of the Classic Center in Fellbach will grow to 18,000 square metres, with almost 70 specialists on site to care for classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles and those of its predecessor brands. The company operates another Classic Center in Long Beach, California, USA. 

MANUFAKTUR: Individualisation at the highest level

MANUFAKTUR is the cross-model individualisation programme from Mercedes-Benz for selected model series, offering customers an exclusive selection of materials, colours and finishes. MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure goes one step further. MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure represents the highest form of individualisation: virtually limitless possibilities for designing a vehicle according to the customer’s own preferences, down to the smallest detail. At a personalised one-to-one consultation, customers are given access to the full range of technically feasible colours and bespoke design options. This makes MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure the pinnacle of individualisation at Mercedes-Benz and the place to go for customers on the lookout for a unique vehicle that meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. 

Henry Poole & Co – A bespoke tailoring house on Savile Row with a rich tradition

Generations of the Poole family have been fulfilling customers’ wishes ever since James Poole began tailoring military uniforms during the Napoleonic Wars. His son, Henry Poole, is regarded as the founding father of Savile Row, which has been the centre of British bespoke tailoring for more than 200 years. To this day, Henry Poole & Co offers a comprehensive service for bespoke clothing, which is cut and sewn on site in London. In the course of history, Henry Poole & Co has received 45 royal warrants and has dressed many distinguished clients, including King Edward VII, Winston Churchill and Charles Dickens. Every garment is expertly made by hand – using techniques and traditions which are passed down from one generation to the next. 

Further research and multimedia material:
mercedes-benz-archive.com/marsmuseum
  
Mercedes-Benz Classic on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/mercedesbenzmuseum
https://www.facebook.com/mercedesbenzmuseum
  
Mercedes-Benz anniversary year “140 years of innovation”

 Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes-Benz has dedicated itself to constant innovation and to creating the world’s most desirable cars for its customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to the biggest product launch programme in the company’s history, which is currently underway. With a passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling which defines Mercedes-Benz in all it does: Welcome home.
  
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by sending three new S-Class saloons on a transcontinental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and global presence. Along the way customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations – on an epic adventure that will run until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 years of innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes-Benz Community.
  
Enquiries by email to classic@mercedes-benz.com or online at www.mercedes-benz.com/classic
  
Press photos and further press information: media.mercedes-benz.com

¹ The specified values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedures). The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a passenger car depend not only on the efficient utilisation of the fuel and/or respective energy source by the passenger car, but also on driving style and other non-technical factors.