Is it possible to cultivate a diverse and exciting car collection centered around a single marque? Absolutely, especially when that marque is Mercedes-Benz. While a garage might not house the stark contrast of a compact city car beside a rugged SUV, the world of Mercedes-Benz offers a rich tapestry of driving experiences, design philosophies, and emotional connections. For one enthusiast, Maxence Benoist, this singular marque has become the cornerstone of a captivating collection.
Maxence’s deep-seated interest in automobiles stretches back to his childhood, a passion ignited, he believes, by his father. Growing up in France, his fascination gravitated towards German engineering, specifically Mercedes-Benz. He fondly recalls his father’s W201 Turbo Diesel, a car that sparked his own research into the “Baby Benz” lineage. He was captivated by the W201’s aesthetic, its motorsport pedigree – particularly the iconic race where a young Ayrton Senna famously showcased his skills – and the breadth of models within the 190 range.
This fascination culminated in Maxence acquiring his own Cosworth-engined W201, a 2.3-liter 16-valve variant, remarkably in the same hue as Senna’s race car. Owning this model has been a dream realized, a car that has rewarded his care and attention. While not a Formula 1 driver himself, Maxence relishes the playful handling of the 190E, especially on the winding, undulating roads of the French countryside.
The W201 chassis resonated so strongly with Maxence that he acquired two more. One, a black example, underwent a significant transformation, receiving a larger 3.0-liter straight-six engine in place of its original 2.6-liter unit. He further enhanced this car with a Cosworth 190E body kit, Bilstein B6 suspension, and aggressively styled Brabus Monoblock II wheels, embracing the iconic 1980s aesthetic. This W201 is dedicated to track days, even tackling the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. Another W201, a Turbo Diesel reminiscent of his father’s, completes his trio of “Baby Benzes,” ready for everyday driving duties.
Before the W201 era, however, came the W123 280 – Maxence’s first Mercedes-Benz. This acquisition was serendipitous, stemming from a conversation with a new neighbor. Learning of Maxence’s Mercedes-Benz passion, the neighbor offered him his low-mileage 280 sedan, which he could no longer store in France. The condition? “Restore it, but don’t sell it.” And so, Maxence became the custodian of a W123, rusty yet running, acquired without any initial cost.
Honoring his promise, Maxence embarked on a restoration journey, transforming the W123 into an AMG tribute. Rust repairs were meticulously executed with new metalwork before a fresh coat of paint was applied. Inspired by the powerful V8 AMG W123s of the 80s, he aimed for a visual homage. While his 280 retains its smooth and torquey carbureted engine, it embodies the spirit of those iconic AMGs through its aesthetic enhancements: rear window louvers, 16” Rial wheels, and a BBS front spoiler.
Another passion of Maxence, vintage cycling, finds its perfect automotive complement in his S124 wagon. This 1991 300 TE 4-Matic is frequently seen with a classic bicycle mounted on top. Furthermore, his interest in film photography aligns perfectly with the S124’s practicality and all-weather capability. The 4-Matic all-wheel-drive system, arguably more sophisticated than contemporary systems with its selectable torque distribution and locking differential, ensures access to ideal photography locations. The S124 is a workhorse, consistently proving its utility and carrying capacity.
The newest addition to Maxence’s collection is a 1995 R129 280 SL Mille Miglia edition. This rare model, one of only 630 produced, fulfills a long-held aspiration to own an SL. Owning any SL is special, but this rarity amplifies the joy. Maxence appreciates the lineage of SL models leading to the R129 and admires Bruno Sacco’s timeless design. Beyond aesthetics, the R129 excels as a grand tourer, a fact confirmed by an 800-kilometer journey to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Maxence Benoist, at 26, already credits Mercedes-Benz for enriching his life in countless ways. From career opportunities to friendships and unforgettable journeys, the three-pointed star has been a constant and guiding presence.
