The Californian city of Rancho Mirage is holding a show for classic cars this week, which will feature a wide selection of vintage vehicles all arranged in the bright spring sunshine.

The lengthily named Rancho Mirage Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance will play host to two particularly important vehicles. The first is a Benz race car built in 1906 and the second is a 1910 Mercedes, also with a sporting heritage.

What makes these vehicles special is the fact that they were created prior to their two parent firms joining forces in 1926 and forming the luxury brand still well known today.

This show has only been running for five years, but founder, Paul Merrigan, explained that there would be over 300 classics turning up for the 2012 event, at the Westin Mission Hills Resort over the weekend.

On Saturday, about a third of this total will be taken out on the road by their owners to tour the local highways and stop off, so that members of the public can check out the rides on display.

Judges from a selection of major motor manufacturers will be present at the show to award prizes to the prime examples.