We’re used to hearing about driving experiences automakers have dreamed up for their customers, from simple track days to sessions on a frozen lake. But this latest one is special. Mercedes is offering three of its wealthiest fans the opportunity to compete in the modern-day version of the legendary Mille Miglia at the wheel of a classic 300 SL Gullwing.
And you do need to be wealthy to jump on this one because prices start at an eye-popping €150,000 ($162,000) plus taxes, which makes a couple of grand for the two-day Mercedes ice driving event we wrote about the other week look like pocket change.
But maybe it’s not so bad when you consider that you’re being let loose in a car that’s worth millions of dollars, will have a professional race driver as a navigator, and will enjoy the full backing of the Mercedes technical support team to keep you on the road. You’ll also get to spend a weekend in Stuttgart familiarising yourself with the SL in preparation for the event, which is probably a good thing. I drove a 300 SL a few years back and that swing axle suspension can make high-speed cornering rather interesting.
Related: AMG Adds Snowy G-Glass Adventure To Ice Driving Experience
To be considered for a spot in one of the three available cars prospective drivers need to be aged between 25 and 80, have held a valid international driving license for at least four years, and be able to show a medical certificate confirming that they’re in good enough physical shape to take on the challenge. While the modern-day 1000 Miglia event is hardly as crazy as the one that saw Stirling Moss compete all 992 miles (1,597 km) in an insane 10 hours and 8 minutes back in 1955, it still requires some real stamina.
If you like the idea of burning through the kind of money that would buy a brand new SL in only a handful of days next June you can apply for one of the places here. But if you’re already lucky enough to own a vintage Mercedes but still like the idea of competing in the rally with full tech support from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, you can sign up for the rather more affordable sum of €15,000 ($16,000).
