On view in the Mawater Gallery at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), the exhibition brings together three exceptional automobiles that represent innovation, performance, and cultural significance across different eras of automotive history. Two vehicles will remain on display throughout the exhibition period, while a third will rotate every few months, allowing visitors to experience a changing selection of rare and historically important cars.
On display
1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France
The 1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB (Long Wheelbase) Tour de France is among the most celebrated sports cars of the post-war era. One of only nine examples built to the ultimate specification, this car features coachwork by Sergio Scaglietti, the legendary Italian designer known as the “Sculptor of Dreams” and a close collaborator of Enzo Ferrari.
Part of the second series of lightweight aluminium 250 GT Berlinettas, the car is distinguished by its elegant proportions and the signature row of 14 louvres behind the side windows. During the late 1950s and early 1960s (widely regarded as a golden age of motorsport), the Ferrari 250 GT dominated the three-litre GT category. The Long Wheelbase Berlinetta proved especially successful, achieving remarkable victories across Europe.
The example on display boasts an impressive competition history, having participated in iconic races including the Mille Miglia, Tour de France, Reims, and the German Grand Prix. It stands today as a symbol of Ferrari’s racing heritage, technical mastery, and timeless design.
1965 Mercer-Cobra Roadster
This rare Mercer-Cobra Roadster is a singular concept car and a surviving work by one of the most influential American automobile designers of the 20th century, Virgil Exner Sr. Commissioned by the Copper Development Association of America, the project aimed to demonstrate innovative uses of copper in automotive design. Exner, together with his son, envisioned a bold, sculptural vehicle that would merge American design language with European craftsmanship. The body was built by the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Sibona & Basano, while the car was fitted with a powerful 4.7-litre Ford V8 engine sourced through Carroll Shelby and mounted on AC chassis running gear. The exterior incorporated 11 different copper and brass finishes, creating a striking visual statement unlike anything else on the road at the time.
The Mercer-Cobra was exhibited at major international auto shows in Paris, Turin, and New York, where it was celebrated as a forward-looking experiment in materials, form, and performance. Today, it remains a key milestone in automotive design history.
1970 Mercedes-Benz 600
The Mercedes-Benz 600 series, produced between 1963 and 1981, represented the pinnacle of automotive luxury and engineering in its era. Widely regarded as one of the most technologically advanced cars ever built, the 600 was powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine capable of reaching speeds exceeding 201 km/h. Its advanced hydraulic system operated windows, seats, air conditioning, and boot closing, while an independent air suspension ensured exceptional ride comfort. Each vehicle was hand-built to order and reserved for heads of state, royalty, and world leaders.
The example displayed at QAM holds exceptional historical significance. It belonged to H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Al Thani, the sixth ruler of Qatar (1972–1995), and was used during Queen Elizabeth II’s state visit to Qatar in 1979.
Special features include bulletproof glass, a glass partition separating front and rear compartments, foldable rear antennas, and a royal flag mount. These elements highlight the car’s ceremonial and diplomatic role, reflecting both prestige and security at the highest level of state representation.
