Is it possible to cultivate a diverse and exciting car collection when every vehicle proudly displays the same three-pointed star? Absolutely. While a garage housing only Mercedes-Benz models might not present the stark contrast of a Mini Cooper next to a Hummer, the spectrum of driving experiences, design philosophies, and emotional connections within the Mercedes-Benz marque is remarkably broad. For me, this single marque has become a lifelong fascination, culminating in a personal collection of six Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
My interest in automobiles has been a constant throughout my life, a passion so deeply ingrained that its origin is lost to memory. Despite living in France, my automotive affections have long been directed towards German engineering, and specifically, Mercedes-Benz. If I were to pinpoint a source for this brand loyalty, it would undoubtedly be my father. Like many car enthusiasts, my father played a significant role in shaping my automotive tastes. He owned a W201 Turbo Diesel during my childhood, igniting my curiosity about the “Baby Benz.” I became captivated by its aesthetics, its rich racing heritage—including the legendary one-make race where a young Ayrton Senna famously outmaneuvered seasoned champions in the Cosworth version on a rain-soaked track—and the extensive variety within the 190 model range.
My own pursuit of the Cosworth legacy led me to a 2.3-liter, 16-valve version of the inline-four engine, remarkably in the same iconic blue-black color as Senna’s race car. Owning this 190E 2.3-16 has been an absolute pleasure. It’s a car that rewards care and attention, and I strive to provide just that. While I may not possess Senna’s Formula 1 prowess, I find immense joy in the occasional controlled drift on rain-slicked country roads. The sweeping curves and gentle hills of my local landscape become my personal racetrack when I’m behind the wheel of this exceptional machine.
Such is my appreciation for the W201 chassis that I’ve expanded my collection with two more examples. One is a black 190E, which has undergone a significant engine upgrade. The original 2.6-liter straight-six has been replaced with a more potent 3.0-liter variant. Furthermore, I’ve enhanced its visual appeal and performance with a body kit reminiscent of the Cosworth 190E, Bilstein B6 sport suspension, and a set of iconic Brabus Monoblock II wheels, fully embracing the sharp, angular aesthetics of the 1980s. This particular W201 is dedicated to track days, and it has seen its share of circuits, including a memorable trip to the Nürburgring Nordschleife this past spring. While the day on the track was exhilarating, it concluded with a minor setback – a generator failure that resulted in a nerve-wracking 300-kilometer journey home powered solely by the car’s battery. The most recent addition to my W201 trio, a Turbo Diesel much like my father’s, is not pictured here but is destined for frequent use.
Predating my W201 acquisitions was the W123 280, my inaugural Mercedes-Benz. The story of how I acquired this car is rather serendipitous. Shortly after a new neighbor moved in, our conversations naturally gravitated towards cars, inevitably landing on the topic of Mercedes-Benz. He mentioned owning a low-mileage 280 sedan but lamented his lack of storage space in Belgium and his son’s surprising disinterest in the vehicle. Sensing my strong affinity for the car, he offered it to me under the condition that I “restore it, but don’t sell it.” This is how I became the custodian of a W123 – rusty in places, but wonderfully drivable, and acquired for the princely sum of free.
Honoring my promise, I embarked on a restoration journey, transforming the W123 into an AMG-inspired tribute. The rust was meticulously addressed with new metalwork, followed by a fresh coat of paint. In choosing the aesthetic direction, I decided to pay homage to the legendary V8-powered AMG W123s of the 1980s. While my 280 retains its original carbureted inline-six, placing it more in line with the Moroccan taxi variant in terms of outright speed, the engine remains remarkably smooth, delivers ample torque, and is a pleasure to drive. Beyond the cosmetic transformation, I’ve added period-correct rear window louvers, 16-inch Rial wheels, and a distinctive BBS front spoiler, completing the vintage AMG look.
Another personal passion of mine is vintage bicycles, and this is where my S124 wagon truly shines. My 1991 300 TE 4-Matic is rarely seen without a classic bicycle mounted on its roof. I also have a keen interest in film photography, and the S124’s capable four-wheel-drive system is invaluable for reaching remote locations to capture the perfect shot. I believe Mercedes-Benz’s 4-Matic system of this era was remarkably advanced, arguably surpassing Audi’s Quattro with its selectable torque distribution modes (30/70, 50/50, and a locking differential setting). This S124 is the epitome of versatility, and I strive to utilize its full potential whenever possible. It has been a reliable workhorse, transporting countless items and enabling numerous adventures.
Finally, we arrive at the newest member of my collection, a 1995 R129 280 SL Mille Miglia edition. This special edition model is one of only 630 produced, and owning an SL, particularly a rare variant like this, has been a long-held aspiration. Now that this dream is a reality, the experience of owning and driving this SL surpasses even my anticipation. I often reflect on the rich lineage of SL models that precede this R129. Bruno Sacco’s timeless design is, to my eye, perpetually stylish, but beyond its captivating looks, the R129 is simply a superb car to drive. While not a sports car in the purest sense, it is an exceptional 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 it’s remarkable to consider how much of the positive aspects of my life can be attributed to a single automotive brand. From career opportunities to lasting friendships and unforgettable journeys, the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz has consistently been a guiding force.
