Historic 17-Badge Collection with W108 Grille

This rare display features a historic collection of 17 vintage automotive badges mounted on an original W108 grille removed from a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5. The assembly was previously displayed at The Zimmerman Museum in El Segundo, California prior to its closing. Each badge was sourced directly from the museum by the seller and represents an international assortment of automotive clubs, motoring events, national emblems, and motorsport history.

A metal mounting bracket has been attached to the rear of the grille, allowing the piece to be safely hung as wall art or displayed standing. The grille itself is original chrome W108 equipment, and the full badge collection offers an eclectic blend of enamel, brass, and cast metal craftsmanship spanning multiple decades and countries.

This is a museum-origin collection, assembled and displayed as a curated historical exhibit. Badge collectors, motorsport historians, and Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts will find this a unique and highly displayable piece.

Badges Included in the Collection

Below is the full list of the 17 mounted badges, including condition notes and measurements as reported by the seller.

1. One Lap of America for RMCC Badge

• Size: 3″ diameter

• Condition: Collector-grade; excellent enamel and finish

2. Rotterdam Badge

• Size: 1¾” × 2¼”

• Condition: Collector-grade

3. Paris–Dakar Rally “Isuzu Trooper Champion ’94” Badge

• Size: 3¼” diameter

• Condition: Shows enamel wear; features Eiffel Tower and desert rider motif

4. Royal Automobile Club of Canada Badge

• Material: Cast brass

• Condition: Moderate wear; sections of enamel missing

5. Deutschland Flag Badge

• Size: 3″ × 2¼”

• Condition: Light wear; small enamel chip

6. Bolivia Flag Badge

• Size: 2¾” × 2¼”

• Condition: Good; minor use marks

7. Upper Volta Flag Badge

• Size: 2¾” × 2½”

• Historical Note: Pre-1984, before the country was renamed Burkina Faso

• Condition: Good vintage example

8. Argentina Flag Badge – Light Blue Version

• Size: 2¾” × 2½”

• Condition: Some enamel loss; above-average presentation

9. French Flag Badge

• Size: 3″ × 2½”

• Condition: Light wear

10. Argentina Flag Badge – Dark Blue Version

• Size: 2¾” × 2½”

• Condition: Good overall

11. Gulf Daytona Badge

• Size: 2½” wide

• Condition: Strong coloration; well preserved

12. Gulf Research Racing Company Badge

• Condition: Good condition with vibrant enamel

13. Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Badge

• Size: 4¼” wide

• Condition: Very good; classic blue-and-silver crest

14. International 1000 Rally Silver Anniversary MG Club Badge

• Size: 1¾” × 3″

• Condition: Light wear

15. Montserrat Badge

• Size: 2″ × 3″

• Material: Cast brass

• Condition: Missing enamel; blue and white base colors visible

16. Switzerland Badge

• Size: 4″

• Condition: Good; bright red with white Swiss cross

17. (Final Badge Confirmed in Count)

The arrangement includes all seventeen badges mounted as displayed at the museum; exact positioning matches the original Zimmerman exhibit layout.

Grille Details

• Model: Original Mercedes-Benz W108 grille

• Vehicle Origin: 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 4.5

• Finish: Chrome

• Display Setup: Rear bracket installed for hanging/vertical mounting

• Condition: Presents well for display; consistent with age

Additional Notes

• All badges were museum-displayed pieces with natural patina from age and handling.

• No major structural damage reported on any badge.

• The collection is offered exactly as originally mounted and curated.

This is a museum-sourced, multi-national badge collection displayed on an authentic W108 grille—an uncommon and highly decorative piece suitable for garages, collections, offices, or automotive exhibits.