Is it possible to cultivate a diverse car collection when every vehicle bears the same emblem? Absolutely. While it might not present the stark contrast of a Fiat 500 beside a Toyota Land Cruiser, the world of Mercedes-Benz offers a surprisingly broad spectrum of driving experiences, aesthetic styles, and emotional connections. For me, this marque is Mercedes-Benz. Currently, my garage houses six of these iconic vehicles.
My fascination with automobiles has been a lifelong journey, its origins lost in the mists of childhood memory. Despite residing in France, my automotive affections have long gravitated towards German engineering, specifically Mercedes-Benz. If I were to pinpoint a source for this loyalty, it would undoubtedly be my father. Like many car enthusiasts, I have my dad to thank for igniting this passion. He owned a W201 Turbo Diesel during my formative years, sparking my deep dive into the history of the “Baby Benz.” I was captivated by its design, its motorsport heritage—including that legendary race where a young Ayrton Senna famously outmaneuvered seasoned drivers in the Cosworth version on a rain-soaked track—and the sheer breadth of models encompassed within the 190 range.
The Allure of the W201: More Than Just a ‘Baby Benz’
My own foray into W201 ownership began with the acquisition of a Cosworth variant, specifically the 2.3-liter, 16-valve inline-four model, even mirroring Senna’s car in color. Owning this classic Mercedes 190E has been a true delight. It’s been remarkably reliable, a testament to its engineering, and I’ve reciprocated with meticulous care. While I may not possess Senna’s Formula 1 prowess, I still relish the occasional controlled drift on rain-slicked country roads. The joy of navigating sweeping curves and gentle hills in this car is truly fulfilling.
Track-Ready W201: The Six-Cylinder Swap
My appreciation for the W201 chassis runs deep, so much so that I’ve acquired two more. One, a black example, has undergone a significant transformation. I replaced its factory 2.6-liter straight-six with a more potent 3.0-liter unit. Further enhancing its performance and aesthetics, I added a Cosworth 190E body kit, Bilstein B6 suspension, and a set of aggressively styled Brabus Monoblock II wheels, fully embracing the hard-edged 80s aesthetic. This car is purpose-built for track days, and it has seen its fair share, including a memorable trip to the Nürburgring Nordschleife last spring. It was an incredible experience, albeit punctuated by a generator failure that led to a nail-biting 300-kilometer drive home on battery power alone. My most recent W201 addition, a Turbo Diesel reminiscent of my father’s, isn’t pictured here, but it’s destined for regular use.
The Free W123: A Restoration Journey Begins
Before my W201 acquisitions, 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, inevitably landing on Mercedes-Benz. He recounted owning a low-mileage 280 sedan and his dilemma of storing it in Belgium due to limited garage space and his son’s lack of interest. Recognizing my genuine enthusiasm, 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, acquired without spending a penny.
W123 AMG Tribute: Paying Homage to an 80s Icon
I honored my commitment, embarking on a restoration journey to transform the W123 into an AMG replica. Rust was meticulously addressed with new metal sections expertly welded in, followed by a fresh coat of paint. During this process, I decided to pay tribute to one of my favorite 80s automotive icons: the V8-powered AMG W123s. While my rendition doesn’t boast the same raw power—performance-wise, it aligns more closely with the Moroccan taxi variant of the W123 spectrum—the carbureted engine remains incredibly smooth and delivers ample torque. Beyond the paintwork, I’ve incorporated rear window louvers, 16” Rial wheels, and a BBS front spoiler to complete the 80s AMG-inspired transformation.
The Practical Classic: S124 300 TE 4-Matic – Utility and Versatility
Another passion of mine is vintage cycling, and this is where my S124 wagon truly shines. This 1991 300 TE 4-Matic frequently carries one of my vintage bicycles on its roof. I’m also a keen film photographer, and the S124’s capable four-wheel-drive system—arguably more advanced than contemporary Quattros with its selectable 30/70, 50/50 torque splits, and locking differential—allows me to reach ideal locations to capture the perfect shot. This classic Mercedes wagon is immensely practical, and I strive to utilize its versatility as much as possible. It has served me, and countless items transported within its spacious interior, exceptionally well.
The Dream Realized: R129 280 SL Mille Miglia – A Touch of Roadster Rarity
Lastly, we arrive at the newest member of my collection, a 1995 R129 280 SL Mille Miglia edition. With only 630 of these special models produced, owning any vintage SL, let alone a rare variant like this, has been a long-held aspiration. Now that dream is a reality, and the joy of ownership surpasses even my anticipation. I find myself frequently reflecting on the rich lineage of SL models that preceded this car. Bruno Sacco’s timeless design is visually stunning, but beyond aesthetics, it’s an exceptional car to drive. While not a sports car in the purest sense, it excels as a blissful grand tourer, a quality affirmed by a recent 800-kilometer journey to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
My name is Maxence Benoist, I am 26 years old, and I can confidently attribute so many positive aspects of my life to a single automotive brand. From career opportunities to lasting friendships and unforgettable journeys, the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz has consistently guided my path.
