Can a car collection centered around a single brand truly offer diversity? Absolutely. While it may not present the stark contrast of a garage housing both a compact city car and a rugged SUV, a collection of Vintage Mercedes Benz vehicles can showcase a remarkable spectrum of driving experiences, design philosophies, and emotional connections. For Maxence Benoist, a passionate enthusiast residing in France, Mercedes-Benz is the marque that fuels his automotive passion, exemplified by his impressive collection of six iconic models.
Maxence’s fascination with cars is a lifelong affair, a spark ignited in his youth, possibly influenced by his father’s affinity for German automobiles. His father owned a W201 Turbo Diesel, and young Maxence delved into the history of the “Baby Benz,” captivated by its aesthetics, motorsport heritage – including Ayrton Senna’s legendary performance in the 190E Cosworth at the Nürburgring – and the broad model range within the 190 series. This early exposure laid the foundation for a deep appreciation of vintage Mercedes Benz cars.
The Thrill of the 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth
Following in Senna’s tyre tracks, Maxence acquired his own Cosworth-powered vintage Mercedes Benz, a 2.3-liter 190E 2.3-16, even in the same iconic blue-black hue as Senna’s race car. Owning this model has been a dream realized, a testament to the engaging driving dynamics and robust engineering synonymous with vintage Mercedes Benz. While not pursuing Formula 1 glory, Maxence finds joy in the car’s balanced chassis, indulging in spirited drives on winding country roads, appreciating the subtle drifts on wet surfaces and the car’s agility through sweeping bends.
W201 Evolution: From 2.6 to 3.0 Straight-Six
Impressed by the W201 chassis, Maxence expanded his collection with two more examples. One, originally a 2.6-liter, underwent a significant transformation, receiving a 3.0-liter straight-six engine transplant. Embracing the vintage Mercedes Benz tuning scene, he incorporated a Cosworth 190E body kit, Bilstein B6 suspension, and iconic Brabus Monoblock II wheels, creating a distinctly 1980s aesthetic. This modified W201 is purpose-built for track days, including a memorable outing to the Nürburgring Nordschleife, although a generator malfunction added an unexpected element of adventure to the return journey. The latest addition to his W201 trio is a Turbo Diesel, reminiscent of his father’s car, slated for regular use.
The W123 280: A Free Entry into Vintage Mercedes Benz Ownership
Before the W201 era, there was the W123 280, Maxence’s first vintage Mercedes Benz. This acquisition story is unique: a neighbor, upon moving to town, lamented his inability to store his low-mileage 280 sedan and his son’s lack of interest in it. Recognizing Maxence’s enthusiasm, he offered him the car for free, stipulating only that Maxence restore it and never sell it. Thus began the journey of bringing a slightly rusty but running W123 back to its former glory.
W123 AMG Tribute: A Nod to 80s Performance
Staying true to his word, Maxence embarked on a restoration, transforming the W123 into an AMG replica. Rust repairs were meticulously executed with new metal sections, followed by a respray in a period-correct color scheme. The project became an homage to the powerful V8 AMG W123s of the 1980s. While lacking the V8 grunt, the carbureted inline-six engine provides a smooth and torquey driving experience. Adding to the 80s vibe are rear window louvers, 16” Rial wheels, and a BBS front spoiler, completing the vintage Mercedes Benz AMG-inspired transformation.
S124 300 TE 4-Matic: The Versatile Workhorse
Another passion of Maxence’s is vintage bicycles, and his 1991 S124 300 TE 4-Matic wagon perfectly complements this hobby. This vintage Mercedes Benz estate car frequently carries one of his bicycles on its roof rack. Furthermore, his interest in film photography benefits from the S124’s capable four-wheel-drive system. Maxence considers the 4-Matic system, with its selectable torque splits and locking differential, to be more advanced than contemporary Quattro systems. This allows him to reach diverse locations for photography, highlighting the practicality and utility ingrained in vintage Mercedes Benz engineering. The S124 has proven to be a reliable and spacious companion for both leisure and practical needs.
R129 280 SL Mille Miglia: The Realized Dream
The newest addition to Maxence’s vintage Mercedes Benz collection is a 1995 R129 280 SL Mille Miglia edition. This rare model, with only 630 units produced, represents a long-held aspiration to own a vintage Mercedes Benz SL. Bruno Sacco’s timeless design and the car’s inherent touring capabilities make it a joy to own and drive. A recent 800-kilometer trip to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart solidified its grand tourer credentials. Maxence cherishes the connection to the lineage of SL models that preceded his R129, appreciating its blend of style and driving pleasure.
A Life Enriched by the Three-Pointed Star
Maxence Benoist, at 26 years old, acknowledges the profound impact vintage Mercedes Benz has had on his life. From career opportunities to friendships and unforgettable journeys, the three-pointed star has consistently been a guiding force. His collection is not just about cars; it’s a testament to a passion that has shaped his life in countless positive ways.
