'Holy Halls' Mercedes Car Collection Book Is A Work Of Art

Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts may want to add a certain book to their Christmas lists. Titled "Holy Halls. The Secret Car Collection of Mercedes-Benz", it is chock-full of incredible photographs, insights, and stories regarding the German automaker's massive vehicle collection with over 1,000 cars.

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The author of the book is Christof Vieweg, a well-known journalist with multiple published books under his belt, and with the permission of Mercedes, Vieweg was able to get up close and personal with many vehicles not often seen by the public eye. For those looking to see some of the collection in person, the museum in Untertürkheim houses approximately 160 cars, and others can be found on display at events worldwide. However, the biggest slice of the collection is stored among 12 different unsuspicious commercial buildings around Stuttgart dubbed the "Holy Halls".

Mesmerizing images of the cars were shot by talented automotive and architecture photographer, Igor Panitz. In addition, the aforementioned 50 cars selected to be highlighted were photographed inside the inside the Sindelfingen studio and directed by Harry Ruckaberie. In fact, Ruckaberie invented and patented a Circulight lighting technology process used in the stunning studio photos.

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The book starts out with series models up to 1945. Soon after that, readers can find themselves deep into 125 years of racing history. Here is where the record-breaking cars are featured including the Silver Arrows from the 1930s and '50s all the way to the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 W09 Power+. Continue on to rare and distinct models including a '35 150 Sports Roadster and a 300 SLR "Uhlenhaut Coupe", among others. Last but not least, the last chapter shows certain models in the collection on display at different exhibits and rallies.

Picking up and leafing through the pages of a physical book doesn't seem as common thanks to to the instant gratification of the internet. But for the Benz fan, the Holy Halls book takes you into the mesmerizing beauty of the secretive Mercedes-Benz collection.

Source: The Auto Channel