National Historical Museum, 1987-1996.

A long process begins for the restoration of the PROTOS, worn down by time. The Museum’s Friends Association runs after the sponsorship of associates, consulates, cultural institutions, as well as public and private enterprises. Together, the viability of this almost 10 year’s project becomes possible.

The first stage was the survey of the technical and historical informations concerning the vehicle, in order to orientate its restoration. With the support of Lufthansa, it was possible to consult the Archives of the Deutsches Museum and the Siemens Museum, to collect drawings of mechanical parts, photos of the different bodywork models fabricated for the PROTOS and other makes of the epoch, that were fundamental, as well as suggestions given by specialists in the recuperation of old cars.

In february 1993, the restoration has its start. The car was completely dismounted: the mechanical parts were of the responsibility of Mercedes-Benz, the bodywork sent to R&E Restorations, a specialized firm in restoring old cars, both enterprises in São Paulo. The motor parts were supplied by Bosch, Cofap and Metal Leve. But, to enable the car to leave Rio in a wagon, it was necessary to fix the suspension and change the tyres, which was possible thanks to Michelin and Fabrini The company was pround when, in the inside part of the wheel, the make "Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand" was identified.

But not only financial support was important. Two years were necessary to obtain a magneto distributor - the very heart of the motor’s ignition system. A rare brazilian mineral, donated by the Amsterdam Sauer Museum, in Rio de Janeiro, had to be exchanged with the Deutsches Museum to obtain the magneto.

In july 1995, the PROTOS gave its first ride in the Mercedes- Benz’s patio. Mechanics, engineers and directors, all became enamoured with the car. Soon after the mechanical parts were ready, the PROTOS was taken to R&E Restorations for the assembling of the bodywork. Other firms joined the project: Renner Dupont, Curtume Carioca, Ceras Johnson and Siemens, collaborating with funds and material for the coachwork’s restoration, that now shines again.

November, 1966: The Ministry of Culture, the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage/IPHAN, and BR Distributors financiated the mounting of this exposition, that will show the public the rare example of early 20th Century’s technology, in perfect conditions in the 21th Century.

The restoration of the PROTOS is the living proof of the success of the partnership with volunteers, private enterprises, public and private institutions and the Ministry of Culture, for the preservation of the national heritage.