Can a car collection centered around a single brand truly be diverse? Many might think of stark contrasts – a tiny city car next to a rugged SUV – as the definition of automotive variety. However, within the realm of Mercedes-Benz, a world of different driving experiences, design philosophies, and emotional connections unfolds. For me, this marque, particularly its Classic Mercedes models, represents a spectrum of automotive passion. My garage, currently housing six Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is a testament to this belief.
My fascination with cars is a lifelong affair, so deeply rooted that pinpointing its origin is impossible. Though living in France, my automotive heart has always leaned towards German engineering, specifically Mercedes-Benz. If I were to trace the roots of this loyalty, I’d point to my father. Like many car enthusiasts, my passion was ignited by a parent. He owned a W201 Turbo Diesel during my childhood, and I vividly remember delving into the history of this “Baby Benz.” I was captivated by its aesthetics, its motorsport heritage – especially the legendary one-make race where a young Senna showcased his brilliance in the Cosworth version on a rain-soaked track – and the sheer breadth of the 190 model range. The W201 became my gateway into the world of classic Mercedes.
My own Cosworth materialized as a 2.3-liter, 16-valve inline-four, echoing Senna’s racing machine, even in the same striking silver hue. Owning this car has been a dream fulfilled. It’s been remarkably reliable and rewarding, a sentiment reciprocated by the care I lavish upon it. While I may not possess Senna’s Formula 1 prowess, I still revel in the occasional controlled drift on rain-slicked country roads. The joy of driving this classic Mercedes 190E lies in navigating sweeping curves and gentle hills, feeling the car respond to every input.
My appreciation for the W201 chassis runs so deep that I acquired two more. One, a black example, underwent a significant transformation. The original 2.6-liter straight-six was replaced with a potent 3.0-liter unit. I further enhanced its sporting character with a Cosworth 190E body kit, Bilstein B6 shocks, and a set of aggressively styled Brabus Monoblock II wheels, fully embracing the hard-edged 80s aesthetic. This car is dedicated to track days, and it has seen its share, including a memorable trip to the Nordschleife last spring. The day was exhilarating, only to be punctuated by a generator failure that led to a nerve-wracking 300-kilometer drive home on battery power alone. The latest W201 addition, a Turbo Diesel like my father’s, while not pictured, will certainly be a regular driver, completing my trio of classic Mercedes 190 models.
Before the W201 era, there was the W123 280, my first classic Mercedes. The story of this car began with a new neighbor. Shortly after he moved in, our conversations naturally drifted to cars, and inevitably, to Mercedes-Benz. He mentioned his low-mileage 280 sedan, lamenting his lack of storage space in Belgium and his son’s surprising disinterest in the vehicle. Sensing my immediate attraction, he offered me ownership, stipulating only that I “restore it, but don’t sell it.” And that’s how I became the custodian of a rusty but running W123, for free!
I honored my promise and embarked on restoring the car, transforming it into an AMG tribute. Rust repairs were meticulously executed with new metal, followed by a fresh coat of paint. I chose to pay homage to the iconic V8-powered AMG W123s of the 80s. While my 280 doesn’t possess the same raw power – its carbureted engine places it closer to the workhorse Moroccan taxi versions of the W123 in terms of speed – the engine is remarkably smooth, delivers ample torque, and is a pleasure to drive. Beyond the paint, I added rear window louvers, 16” Rial wheels, and a BBS front spoiler, completing the classic Mercedes AMG replica look.
Another passion of mine is vintage cycling, a pursuit perfectly complemented by my S124 wagon. This 1991 300 TE 4-Matic, a quintessential classic Mercedes wagon, almost always carries one of my bicycles on its roof. My interest in film photography also finds a partner in the S124. Its sophisticated four-wheel drive system, which I believe surpasses even the Quattros of the era with its three operational modes – 30/70 torque split, 50/50, and a locking differential setting – allows me to reach remote locations for the perfect shot. This car is a paragon of utility, and I strive to utilize its capabilities as much as possible. It has faithfully served me and countless loads carried within its spacious confines.
Finally, we arrive at the newest member of my collection, a 1995 R129 280 SL Mille Miglia edition. This special model, limited to just 630 units, represents a long-held aspiration: owning an SL, particularly a rare classic Mercedes SL like this. Now that the dream is reality, the car delivers even more pleasure than anticipated. I often reflect on the lineage of SL models that preceded it. Bruno Sacco’s design remains eternally stylish, but beyond aesthetics, the R129 is simply a wonderful car to drive. While not a sports car in the purest sense, it’s an exceptional grand tourer, a fact confirmed by an 800-kilometer journey to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
My name is Maxence Benoist, I am 26 years old, and I can already attribute so much of the positive aspects of my life to a single automotive brand. From career opportunities to friendships and unforgettable journeys, the three-pointed star of classic Mercedes-Benz has consistently guided my path.
