Is it truly possible to cultivate a diverse and exciting car collection when every vehicle proudly displays the same three-pointed star? Absolutely. While perhaps not as outwardly contrasting as parking a petite Fiat 500 beside a hulking Toyota Land Cruiser, the world of Mercedes-Benz offers an incredible spectrum of driving experiences, design philosophies, and deeply personal emotional connections, especially within its lineage of older models. For me, this marque is more than just a brand; it’s a lifelong passion embodied in my collection of six Mercedes-Benz vehicles, each with its own unique story.
My fascination with automobiles began in my early years – a spark ignited so long ago that its origin is lost to memory. Despite living in France, my automotive heart has always leaned towards German engineering, and more specifically, to Mercedes-Benz. If I were to trace the roots of this loyalty, I would undoubtedly point to my father. Like many car enthusiasts, my passion was nurtured from a young age. He owned a W201 Turbo Diesel during my childhood, and I vividly remember immersing myself in research about the “Baby Benz.” I was captivated by its aesthetic appeal, its rich racing heritage – including the legendary race where a young Ayrton Senna masterfully outmaneuvered seasoned champions in a Cosworth-powered version on a rain-soaked track – and the sheer variety within the 190 model range.
The Thrill of the 190E Cosworth: A Nod to Racing Heritage
My personal journey with the iconic 190E Cosworth began when I found my own 2.3-liter, 16-valve inline-four version, remarkably in the same shade of grey as Senna’s race car. Owning this car has been an absolute pleasure, a dream realized. It’s a vehicle that rewards careful maintenance and respectful driving, and in return, it provides an exhilarating experience. While I may not possess Senna’s Formula 1 prowess, I still relish the occasional controlled drift on rain-slicked country roads. The sweeping curves and gentle hills of my local landscape become my personal racetrack, where the 190E truly comes alive.
Expanding the W201 Family: From Track Days to Turbo Diesel Memories
Such is my admiration for the W201 chassis that I’ve acquired two additional models. One, initially a 2.6-liter, black example, has undergone a significant transformation. I replaced the original engine with a more potent 3.0-liter straight-six, enhancing its performance capabilities considerably. To further amplify its sporting character, I installed a complete Cosworth 190E body kit, upgraded the suspension with Bilstein B6 dampers, and embraced the bold aesthetics of the 1980s with a set of iconic Brabus Monoblock II wheels. This particular W201 is purpose-built for track days, and it has seen its fair share of action, including a memorable trip to the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife last spring. While the day was thrilling, it ended with an unexpected challenge: a generator failure that forced a stressful 300-kilometer journey home relying solely on battery power. My most recent W201 addition, a Turbo Diesel, mirrors my father’s car and while not pictured, is destined for regular use, carrying forward the legacy of the “Baby Benz.”
The W123 280: A Free Classic and AMG Homage
Before my foray into the world of W201s, there was the W123 280 – my first Mercedes-Benz. The acquisition of this classic Old Mercedes Benz was serendipitous. Shortly after a new neighbor moved in, we bonded over our shared interest in cars, inevitably leading to a conversation about Mercedes-Benz. He recounted owning a low-mileage 280 sedan, lamenting his lack of storage space back in Belgium and his son’s surprising disinterest in the car. Sensing my genuine enthusiasm, he offered me the W123 for free, with a single condition: “Restore it, but don’t sell it.” And just like that, I became the owner of a rusty yet functional W123, embarking on my Mercedes-Benz collecting journey.
True to my word, I embarked on restoring the W123, transforming it into an AMG replica as an homage to the powerful V8 AMG W123s of the 1980s, cars I deeply admire. The rust was meticulously addressed with proper metalwork, followed by a fresh coat of paint. While my 280 may not possess the raw power of its V8 AMG inspiration – its carbureted engine offering a more relaxed driving experience akin to the Moroccan taxi versions of the W123 – it is remarkably smooth, delivers ample torque, and is an absolute pleasure to drive. Beyond the visual transformation, I added period-correct touches like rear window louvers, 16” Rial wheels, and a BBS front spoiler, completing the 80s aesthetic.
The Versatile S124 300 TE 4-Matic: Combining Utility and Adventure
Another passion of mine is vintage bicycles, and this is where my 1991 S124 wagon truly shines. This 300 TE 4-Matic is my go-to vehicle for combining practicality with my hobbies. Perched atop its roof, you’ll almost always find one of my vintage bicycles, ready for an adventure. My interest in film photography further complements the S124’s capabilities. Its advanced four-wheel-drive system – arguably more sophisticated than the Audi Quattros of the same era with its three distinct operating modes (30/70 torque split, 50/50, and a locking differential setting) – enables me to reach remote locations, ensuring I can capture the perfect shot, regardless of terrain. This S124 is a paragon of utility, and I maximize its potential whenever possible. It has faithfully served as a hauler of bicycles, photography equipment, and countless other items, proving its worth time and time again.
The R129 280 SL Mille Miglia Edition: A Dream of Open-Top Motoring Realized
The newest addition to my collection is a true gem: a 1995 R129 280 SL Mille Miglia edition. With only 630 of these special models ever produced, owning any SL, particularly a rare edition like this old Mercedes Benz, had been a long-held aspiration. Now that dream is a reality, and the experience of owning and driving this SL surpasses even my anticipations. I find myself constantly reflecting on the illustrious lineage of SL models that preceded this Bruno Sacco-designed masterpiece. Its timeless aesthetics are undeniable, but beyond its visual appeal, the R129 280 SL is an exceptional car to drive. While not a sports car in the purest sense, it excels as a luxurious and comfortable tourer, a fact underscored by a recent 800-kilometer journey to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, which it handled with effortless grace.
My name is Maxence Benoist, and at 26 years old, I can confidently say that a single brand of automobile has profoundly shaped my life. From career opportunities to lasting friendships and unforgettable journeys, the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz has consistently guided my path. My collection of old Mercedes Benz vehicles is not just a display of cars; it’s a testament to a lifelong passion, a celebration of automotive history, and a driving force in my life’s adventures.
