(July 12, 2013) WEST SUSSEX, England — In front of crowds estimated in excess of 50,000 people, Mercedes-Benz cars both old and new took on the notorious 1.16-mile Goodwood Hill at the 20th running of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Marking a dramatic and certainly loud start to the action on the Hill was the 300 SLR "Uhlenhaut Coupé," driven by journalist Andrew Frankel. One of just two created, it was followed by its racing sibling, the 300 SLR. No less dramatic was the appearance of the 1910 Benz 21/80 ‘Prinz Heinrich’ as well as the W 154 Silver Arrow.

Making its UK dynamic debut at Goodwood was the new SLS AMG Black Series — the 631 horsepower Coupé taking to the Hill in suitably dramatic style. Joining it was the A 45 AMG, with 360 horsepower, the most powerful hot hatch of its kind. 

Away from the Hill, visitors were given the chance to visit the Mercedes-Benz stand where every new AMG product was on display — from the CLA 45 AMG to the new C 63 AMG 507 Edition as well as the SLS AMG Electric Drive. Also on display was the new S-Class, three months ahead of its arrival in UK showrooms.

Goodwood takes place as Mercedes-Benz celebrates its most successful six months ever, with 53,686 registered to the end of June. Likewise, AMG finished 2012 up 119 per cent year-on-year, its success continuing in 2013 as it remains the fastest-growing performance brand in the UK.

The action continues over the weekend at Goodwood with Lewis Hamilton due to take to the wheel of a modern Silver Arrow on Saturday before handing over to British Grand Prix winner Nico Rosberg on Sunday.