Skip to main content
HomeSilver Star Preservation Submission
Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

MBCA Concours  ·  Preservation Program

Silver Star
Preservation Class

Recognizing original, unrestored Mercedes-Benz vehicles that have withstood the test of time — because they are only original once.

Original. Unrestored.
Unrepeatable.

The Silver Star Preservation Class was born from a simple truth shared by two MBCA concours participants — Morgan Taft of the Western Reserve Section and Jim Sweeney of the Pittsburgh Section. They had original, untouched cars and wanted a classification that celebrated that originality rather than penalized it.

Presented to the National Concours Committee and approved by the MBCA National Board of Directors, the Silver Star Preservation Class now stands as one of the most respected and rapidly growing classifications at concours events across North America — following the lead of Pebble Beach and major shows worldwide.

The philosophy is simple: you cannot restore originality. The Silver Star Preservation Class formally recognizes owners who have resisted the temptation to restore and treated their vehicles with the care and respect their history deserves.

Built for Driver-Quality Original Cars.

This class is designed for Mercedes-Benz vehicles 25 years or older that are largely original and have been unrestored since new. It celebrates cars that have withstood the ravages of time, climate, and daily driving — not show queens trailered to events, and not barn finds that haven't turned a wheel in years.

  • Vehicle must be at least 25 years old
  • Must be driven to the event under its own power
  • Original engine and drivetrain required
  • Largely original — partial refurbishments accepted
  • No complete restorations accepted
  • Must be in good working order
  • Must be entered in a MBCA sanctioned concours

How Certification Works

The Silver Star Preservation Class uses a self-judged scoring process reviewed by a certified judge at the event. No special preparation or training is required — just an honest, well-kept original Mercedes-Benz and a willingness to share its story.

01

Enter a Sanctioned Concours

Enter your eligible Mercedes-Benz in any MBCA sanctioned sectional, regional, or national concours. Talk to your Section event organizers or Regional Director to find out when and where Silver Star events are being offered near you.

02

Complete the Score Sheet

At the event you'll receive a Silver Star Preservation Classification Score Sheet. The process is self-judged — you document which aspects of your car are entirely original and which have been altered. A Preservation Class Judge then reviews the completed form with you at the car.

If the car earns enough points, the Chief Judge and Class Judge verify and initial the form. A digital photo is taken at the show.

03

Receive Your Certificate

The completed form and photo are forwarded to the MBCA National Business Office, which creates and mails your official Silver Star Certificate — suitable for framing, and a permanent addition to your car's provenance. You may also purchase a specially designed grille badge.

Cars may be certified at additional shows in succeeding years. Many cars have been certified two and three times.

How to Receive Your Certificate

To receive your official Silver Star Preservation Certificate and become eligible to purchase the Silver Star Preservation Grille Badge, follow the two steps below. Please read carefully — the submission process has been updated.

Step 01

Print & Complete the Score Sheet

Download and print the Silver Star Preservation Classification Score Sheet. Attend a qualifying MBCA event and have your vehicle judged. The form must be completed and signed by both the owner and the reviewing judge. Ensure all fields are filled out before submission.

Step 02

Submit Online

Submissions must be made through the online submission form on this page. Fill out all required fields and upload a PDF or clear image of your completed, signed score sheet.

Important: Email submissions are no longer accepted. Photos are no longer accepted and will not be featured on certificates. Online submission only.

Ready to Certify Your Mercedes-Benz?

Find a sanctioned concours near you, download the score sheet, and join the growing community of Silver Star certified owners. Questions? Reach out to the National Business Office.

Not a Member Yet?

Join MBCA and get access to member pricing, exclusive events, The Star Magazine, and a community of over 10,000 Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts across North America.

MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB OF AMERICA

3472 Research Pkwy Ste 104 PMB 464
Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm Mountain Time

Phone: 719-633-6427
Email: info@mbca.org
Contact Us