A RARE Mercedes-Benz is taking centre stage at a classic and supercars event in July.

Organisers of the event at Sherborne Castle have announced that an 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen replica, kindly loaned by Haynes Motor Museum, designed by Karl Benz and widely regarded as the first automobile ever is set to go on display.

It’s hoped the event will raise up to £60,000 in aid of Cancer Research UK and local Dorset charities.

In addition a rare 1928 Mercedes-Benz 36/220 S Type Tourer, now housed at the National Motor Museum Beaulieu and kindly loaned by them, will also be featured. The S Type Tourer was designed by Ferdinand Porsche and this particular car was once owned by the actor Sir Peter Ustinov.

There were only 146 examples of this model ever produced and they are famous for being incredibly successful on the race track.

With the many other Mercedes-Benz cars on display, covering the whole spectrum from 1886 to the present day, the show will provide a comprehensive display of both historic and rare cars.

As ever the show will provide a feast of classic cars spanning some 80 years from early 1900s chain driven race cars to popular modern classics.

Motorsport, both race and rally will be represented, along with American, Custom and Hot Rod cars and of course a wide collection of Supercars including Lamborghini, McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Bentley, Shelby and Porsche.

Stuart Annett, show secretary of Classic & Supercars Sherborne Castle said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have secured these rare and unique Mercedes. The marque feature changes yearly and it’s fantastic to have this calibre and stature of vehicles in the display.”

Andrew Evanson, senior operations manager at event sponsors Lancaster Insurance, added: “These Mercedes-Benz vehicles are a fantastic addition to the weekend line-up of around 2000 cars and I’m sure they will delight show visitors and exhibitors alike - we certainly can’t wait to see them!” The event takes place on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, 16.

Visit classicsatthecastle.co.uk for more information.