LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — Mercedes-Benz has built some timeless cars over the years. Given Southern California’s mild weather, time has been kind to Mercedes-Benz.

Which is why the only Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in the U. S. is located in the Southland.

“We have our number one, or our own top traditional center in Stuttgart, in Fellbach (Germany), where the brand was born. But our second one, and so far second-biggest plus best, is now here inside Los Angeles, ” said Dimitris Psillakis, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.

It’s not just a classic middle for service and restoration, but it’s a brand new one, replacing the former location in Irvine that opened in 2006. The repair team quickly outgrew the particular facility in Irvine, and was eager to move into quarters with more work space.

“It’s much larger, it’s purpose-built, it can much more efficient for us, and you know, we can really step up the business with this brand new facility, inch said Michael Kunz, long-time manager of the operation.

The new Classic Center is set within Mercedes-Benz’s enormous building inside Long Beach, the previous McDonnell-Douglas factory. A pricey investment within the 40, 000 square foot portion of the larger building, but one that the company feels is important.

Psilakis was in town for the ribbon cutting and grand opening on the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.

“I think classics are always classics, and the classics follow the trends of the particular time. So , we respect our past… we live today, but also designing plus taking care of the future, ” Psillakis said.

Mercedes-Benz likes to say the center has parts with regard to pretty a lot every car they’ve ever made, and if f they don’t have a particular part, they have the engineering drawings going back decades, and these people can have the particular part made.

Procuring parts is an issue when it comes to restoring and maintaining classic cars. As older technicians age out of the company it’s a challenge to figure out who will take over for these technicians yet Kunz says looking forward they will look towards new talent. Kunz has hired many McPherson graduates through the years.

“It is a challenge, but we have a collaborative relationship with McPherson College in Kansas. We have quite a few students who came through that will college as interns, later employees. So that builds our talent base, inches Kunz said.

There are usually young people getting degrees in automotive recovery at McPherson. Skilled hands that will be able to work on these vehicles for years into the future.

So whether your Mercedes is 30 years old or 100 years old, this gleaming new showroom and service department is the place to keep it inside fine fettle. But keep in mind, the work here is not inexpensive, since it’s essentially a Mercedes-Benz dealership regarding vintage rides.