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More Than a Car Club | We’re a Community

Simply stated, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, or MBCA, is a community of people with a passion for Mercedes-Benz—one of the most revered luxury vehicles in the world. Our community is comprised of men, women and young adults living in the United States, Canada and 22 foreign countries from Argentina and Brazil to New Zealand and Norway.

Since 1956, we have introduced tens of thousands of Mercedes-Benz owners and lessees to a network that shares a common enthusiasm for an uncommon automobile. 

We Offer Refined Recreation, with an Edge

While Mercedes-Benz has long been regarded as a beacon of automotive class and distinction, our members believe in roughing-up their tire treads on a regular basis, too. Throughout the year, we race against the clock in competitive autocross and test our navigation skills in open road rallies. We off-road our 4x4s and test drive new car classes. We conduct defensive driving schools for beginner, intermediate and advanced participants, all led by pre-eminent driving school professionals.

On the traditional side, we host Concours d’Elegance events at five-star locations—events in which members’ Mercedes are judged for their condition, pristine appearance and authenticity. We corral cars under white-cover canopies where members can star-gaze an austere group of Mercedes-Benz vehicles (and very often, an austere group of guests) When we’re not racing our cars (and heartbeats) on the road and track, we’re having fun off of it; gathering at group barbeques, technical how-to sessions, sporting events, holiday parties and more.

We Teach Members How to Become Their Own Automotive Experts

Our worldwide group of technical advisors, drivers, restorers and engineers don’t believe in keeping their years of maintenance and service experience buried under the hood. Whether members want to know more about servicing their brakes, the best brands of oil, how to keep their car clean or how to customize a Classic, our community of experts is available to give their expert advice at no charge, by phone, online or through our award-winning Club magazine, The Star®.

Come Explore Our Community

You’ll find discussions and forums for just about every interest group — Women on Wheels, Young Guns, Gullwing, SLS, AMG and more. If it’s about driving, maintaining, servicing, test-driving, racing, restoring, displaying or buying a Mercedes-Benz, it’s here for the taking. We hope you enjoy the ride.
 


Our History

Established in 1956, MBCA has approximately 30,000 members in 85 local sections throughout the U.S. and Canada. Each region is administered by a regional director who is responsible for assisting and inspiring the sections in the region. The regional director also fosters the formation of new sections, co-ordinates regional activities and represents the constituents as a member of the national board of directors. Hundreds of events are organized by sections, from social gatherings to tech sessions, from car shows to driving events. Most sections publish a newsletter of information and events and each section has its own officers and by-laws.

In 1985, MBCA finished construction of a new club-owned building in Colorado Springs which now serves as the national headquarters. The national business office staff provides a vital and personalized link between club members and the club.

Prior to 1952, only 34 Mercedes-Benz automobiles were registered in the United States, but enthusiasts were hard at work to form a club. Dr. Milton J. Allen of Summit, New Jersey, petitioned Daimler-Benz in Stuttgart for permission to use the name and trademark for this purpose in 1955. Concurrently, a group of Chicago members of the British Mercedes-Benz Club formed their own organization. Both groups established clubs and were chartered in 1956.

The Easterners were joined by a newly formed Western group, received factory sanction, adopted the name Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Inc., and grew to 500 members in 19 states by 1957. In 1959, they merged with the Midwestern group, forming a truly national club.

Although the Mercedes-Benz Club of America is a not-for-profit organization, and is not an affiliate of Mercedes-Benz USA or Daimler-Benz AG, the Club does enjoy the unique position of being sanctioned by MBUSA. Since MBCA's inception, a Mercedes-Benz representative has provided liaison in support of the club's functions, activities, and business affairs. In addition, Mercedes-Benz and Daimler-Benz have supplied generous quantities of historical and technical information and assistance. The club is very proud of this relationship and its permission to use the name and trademark of Mercedes-Benz.