Benz Lens June 2023 Volume 38.2

Hanjo Stier

GreetingsandSalutations.

Somewhere in the hustle and bustle of this year’s fantastic AGM and National Gathering (starting on page 4), our conversation took aturntotalltalesinvolvingcars.

One of the first things we learnt in journalism class was to “never let facts get in the way of a goodstory.”

It’s this human attribute - to dress up an interesting anecdote you overheard - until we end up with some automotive myths and turbocharged tales which border on downright ridiculous. A little bit of research into the matter reveals that only a few of the popular car myths we’ve heard have a basis in truth;somewhere.

Others are golden favourites because they appeal to the judge and jury in us all, like the age-old saga of a shabbily-dressed gent

walzingintoaluxurycarshowroom (most people will pick their least favourite)andbeingdeniedservice duetohislackofdresssense.

After which, he procedes to give them a full “watch this” exit ritual and marches over the street to the conveniently-located rival brand: probably the story-teller’s favourite one. The man obviously buys their most expensive model and(ratherbizarrely)leavesalmost instantly in full view of the other, snobbishsalesperson.

Then there’s the story of a Rolls-Royce that broke down in deepest Africa and, upon the ownersendingalettertoitsmaker, a man turned up to quietly fix it. And in their reply letter, the factory deniesanyknowledgeofit...

I’m yet to find confirmation of such an event, but can tell you that in the early 90's, my uncle broke down in Noordoewer with a 960's

Silver Shadow and a local man immediately started wrenching on it.Aftermyuncle’sworriedenquiry, it turned out that this retired mechanic worked at Rolls-Royce in Crewe for many decades. The big Shadow, needless to say, ran beautifullyafterthisincident.

Lastbutcertainlynotleast,I’m thrilled to have finally found proof ofalocallegend:ifyoureadthelast sentence of the admittedly blurry “Tegniek” article about a 540K and 300SL,youcanlearnthatsomeone once traded in a 540' for a Ponton bakkie!

Please let me know what your favourite automotive fable is, and feelfreetogetintouchwithanyfun facts or amazing anecdotes you mayhave.

Asalways,happyreading!■

President's Reflections on the AGM and National Gathering 2023

Dear Members of the

Mercedes-Benz Club of SouthAfrica,

As I sit here and reflect on our recent AGM and National Gathering 2023, hosted by the Northern region, I am filled with a senseofgratitudeandexcitement.

It was truly an amazing weekend, reminiscent of the camaraderieweexperiencedinthe old days. The event was a great success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our AGM team, whomIwouldliketoextendahuge thankyouto.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to Anna-Lee Dos Santos and her team from the Northernregionforthemeticulous planning and execution of all the arrangements.

Their efforts were greatly supported by members from the Northern region, who volunteered theirtimetoassistwithregistration and various tasks throughout the weekend.

The AGM was a significant part of the agenda, where I had the honor of presenting the President'sreportfor2022.

This was followed by reports from Treasurer and Membership, as well as the different regions, all of which were well-received by the attendees.

I would like to take this moment to express my deep gratitude to all the Club members who supported me during the past year, as well as the National Committee. Your unwavering beliefinmeasthePresidentistruly appreciated, and I assure you that I will continue to work tirelessly to upholdthetrustyouhaveplacedin me.

Congratulations to Annalie Kachelhoffer, Jan-Willem Wielsma, and Johan Kemp on their reelections to the Club’s National Committee. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with them, as well as with the regional chairpersons, as we strive to achieveourcollectivegoals.

Furthermore, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my wife, René, for her constant support. Without her, I would not be able to lead our Club with the dedication it deserves.

Now,let'sshiftourfocustothe highlights of the weekend. I'm sure many of you have already seen and heard about the wonderful moments captured in the photos. One standout experience was the thrilling day we had at the AMG DrivingAcademy

I want to extend a special thank you to Clint Weston and his team at the academy for their exceptional leadership. I would also like to express our gratitude to Miklos Hegyi and FundaWheels for their invaluable support throughouttheday.

On Friday evening, we had the privilege of attending the opening of Pius Mokgokong's “Makotpong Cars” museum, where we were treated to a magnificent collection ofMercedes-BenzClassiccars.

Anna-Lee Dos Santos and I had the honor of welcoming past President Kgalema Motlanthe and Pius Mokgokong, along with their spouses, to the museum's grand opening.

After the ceremonial ribbon cutting, I had the pleasure of showcasingsomeofthestunningcarsto thepastPresidentduringourtour.

We are incredibly grateful to Pius, a fellow Club member, for his unmatched hospitality. It was with a touch of nostalgia that I saw my

collection of Classic Mercedes trucks in the museum, as I recently entrusted their custodianship to Pius.

During our charity auction, the Northern region successfully raised R95,000 through the auctioning of various items. The beneficiary, namely Seeds of Africa, will greatly benefit from the generosity of our members. Well done and thank you to all those whocontributed!

Saturday morning took us to the SAA/SAL Museum in Benoni, where we had the opportunity to delve into the rich history of South African Airways, presented by an ex-pilot.

If you haven't visited this museumyet,Ihighlyrecommendit for an insightful and fascinating experience.

Of course, our Gala evening was nothing short of spectacular, andwehadtheprivilegeofarriving by Gautrain. I want to extend our sincere gratitude to MercedesBenz South Africa for their continued generous sponsorship of this prestigious event. We were honored to host Wendy Matai from Mercedes-Benz South Africa duringtheGalaevening.

At the Gala dinner, I had the pleasure of presenting special memberships to Clint Weston of AMG Dynamic Driving Academy

and Miklos Hegyi. Additionally, I had the privilege of presenting Hero awards to Pieter Booysen, Sven Krassnokutski, and Koos du Toit. These special memberships and Hero awards are a testament to the valuable service rendered to the Club and the promotion of the Mercedes-Benz Marque by the nominated recipients. They truly embody the spirit of our Club and theMarque.

Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to AnnaLee Dos Santos once again for her exceptional dedication and enthusiasm in organizing the Club's 38th AGM and National Gathering2023.

She has truly delivered nothing but the best, living up to the Mercedes-Benz promise. Your remarkable efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for all that you have done forourClub.

This year's AGM and National Gathering served as a powerful reminder of the value our Club holds and the joy we derive not

onlyfromourbelovedcarsbutalso from the treasured friendships we haveformedalongtheway.

I am incredibly proud to be a part of this fellowship of determined loyal, caring, and supportive individuals who are passionate about people, things, and life. Each member of the MBCSA inspires me, and I am gratefultocallyouallfriends.

Serving as President of the MBCSA has been a true honor, and I eagerly look forward to many moreadventureswithyouall.

ONLYTHEBEST!■

committee of the Benz-Lens

images. The winning

All about the star

As a Mercedes-Benz Club member, you will receive a 10% discount on everything except technical literature on your purchase at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Store provided by EVO Eitel & Volland GmbH. The discount cannot be combined with other promotions.

Enter your Mercedes-Benz ClubCard ID when you enter your customer details..

Mercedes-Benz Classic Store www.mercedes-benz-classic-store.com

April - June 2023

Anniversaries

April 2023

Mercedes: racing successes in southern France

1 April 1903

The Nice - La Turbie hillclimb ends in a one-two finish for the 60 horsepower Mercedes-Simplex models of Otto Hieronimus and Wilhelm Werner. On 7 April, Mercedes tastes success once again, this time in the mile race and record-breaking attempts on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.

Ferdinand Porsche succeeds Paul Daimler

30 April 1923

Ferdinand Porsche takes over as head of the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft design office at as the successor to Paul Daimler, following the move of the longstanding technical manager to Horch on 1 January

Rally success in East Africa in a Mercedes-Benz 219

4 - 7 April 1958

At the 1958 running of the Coronation Safari, a grueling rally across Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika, John Manussis wins the overall classification in a Mercedes-Benz 219.

Series production of the 123 series station wagon

1 April 1978

At the start of April, series production of the Mercedes-Benz123-series estate begins at the Bremen plant. The historic plant, which saw the construction of Borgward cars until 1961, becomes the second passenger car plant of Daimler-Benz AG.

C 111-III: records in series in Nardò

29/30 April 1978

In Nardò, Italy, the Mercedes-Benz C 111-III breaks nine speed world records and 11 international records for its class during a twelve-hour run, averaging speeds of approximately 320 km/h. The engine used in this record-breaking car is once again the five-cylinder OM 617 LA turbodiesel with intercooler, its power output boosted to 169 kW / 230 hp.

FIA GT: triple victory in a Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR

12 April 1998

In the first race of the 1998 FIA GT Championship Klaus Ludwig/Ricardo Zonta, Jean-Marc Gounon / Marcel Tiemann and Bernd Schneider / Mark Webber capture triple victory in a Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR.

Five-millionth car comes off assembly line in Bremen

11 April 2008

A Tenorite Grey C-Class Estate from the 204 series rolls off the assembly line as the five-millionth Mercedes-Benz passenger car built by the Bremen plant. The milestone vehicle is handed over to its new owner at the end of the line.

Anniversaries

May 2023

Daimler presents motor car in Chicago

1 May - 31 October 1893

At the World Exposition in Chicago, Illinois/USA, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft presents the first fully operational automobile to be shown publicly in the USA The model exhibited is a modified version of the motorised quadricycle (the wire-wheel car). Gottlieb Daimler visits the World Exposition during his honeymoon with his second wife, Lina.

1-2-3 wins in new W 154 racing car

15 May 1938

Mercedes-Benz scores a triple victory at the Tripoli Grand Prix with the new W 154 3-litre formula racing cars: Hermann Lang wins, with Manfred von Brauchitsch and Rudolf Caracciola placing second and third. The French Grand Prix on 3 July and the Swiss Grand Prix 21 August also end in triple triumphs for Mercedes-Benz.

Two-millionth Mercedes-Benz passenger car produced since Second World War

9 May 1968

The two-millionth Mercedes-Benz passenger car produced since the Second World War, a 220/8 (W 115), rolls off the assembly line at Sindelfingen and is offered as a prize on the television lottery show "Ein Platz an der Sonne für jung und alt".

New name: the successor to the 190 is the C-Class

10 - 31 May 1993

With a trial driving presentation at the Lämmerbuckel site, Mercedes-Benz presents the new 202-series compact saloon to the press, which goes by the name C-Class. Sales also commence on 10 May and the market launch takes place on 18 June.

New designations for all passenger car models

10 May 1993

With the start of C-Class sales, model designations of all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars change. A letter or combination of letters – such as C or SL – before the threedigit number indicates the class of vehicle, and any subsequent letters, e.g. D, E, T, which hitherto served identified the engine and body variant, are discontinued.

Upgraded models in the E-Class and SL-Class

10 May 1993

Simultaneously with the C-Class (202 series), upgraded models in two further car series go on sale. The stylistically revised models of the 124 series are launched under a new name, "E-Class", and in the R 129 SL series, now called SL-Class, the SL 280 and SL 320 models succeed the previous six-cylinder models 300 SL and 300 SL-24.

Merger: contract signed with Chrysler

7 May 1998

Daimler-Benz AG and America’s Chrysler Corporation sign a contract to merge the two companies, after discussions about a potential merger become public knowledge just the day before.

Anniversaries

June 2023

Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft: fire destroys Cannstatt plant

9/10 June 1903

A major fire at DMG’s Cannstatt plant destroys the production hall, also gutting a total of 90 cars. Among the vehicles lost are the three 90 hp racing cars intended for the Gordon Bennett Race. As a result, work is stepped up on the new factory in Untertürkheim, with day and night shifts introduced.

Benz wins Prinz Heinrich Rally

9 - 18 June 1908

The first Prinz Heinrich Rally, a touring car event under the patronage of the brother of the German Kaiser, takes place from Berlin to Frankfurt am Main via Hamburg and Cologne. Fritz Erle secures the race win in a 50 hp Benz tourer

US Army commissions Daimler-Benz with management of repair workshops

June 1948

In addition to operating the Waiblingen workshop, Daimler-Benz is requested by the US Army to take over management of the workshops in Esslingen, Böblingen and Schwäbisch Gmünd, previously run by the US Army and now employing 4,600 people.

Test-driving electric vans

26 June 1973

Daimler-Benz AG hands over the first test unit of the LE 306 electrically powered van to "Gesellschaft für Elektrischen Straßenverkehr" (GES), which is to cooperate in the testing of 30 electric vans.

One-two win for new CLK-LM racing sports car

28 June 1998

The first competitive outing of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-LM racing sports car in the FIA GT Championship at the Hockenheimring ends with a one-two win for Bernd Schneider / Mark Webber and Klaus Ludwig / Ricardo Zonta.

International distinction for AMG 5.5-liter V8

4 June 2003

The Mercedes-AMG M 113 ML supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine wins the title "Best Performance Engine" at the "International Engine of the Year Awards". The 476 to 500 hp eight-cylinder engine debuted in 2001 in the SL 55 AMG and is also available in the E-Class, the S-Class and the CL-Class since Autumn 2002.

J.D. Power awards for Mercedes-Benz

4 June 2008

In the Initial Quality Study carried out by J.D. Power & Associates, Mercedes-Benz receives three awards for highest quality: E-Class and CLK get the Gold for highest product quality in their market segments, and the Sindelfingen plant receives the Platinum Award, bestowed on the production facility with the best delivery quality

Did you know?

In April 1908, a Daimler cross-country passenger car with all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering completed a 1,677 km test run from its production plant Berlin-Marienfelde to Untertürkheim and back

In May the vehicle was shipped to Swakopmund in German South West Africa (present-day Namibia), where Bernhard Dernburg, permanent secretary at the Imperial Colonial Office, went on to clock up many kilometres at the wheel.

The “Dernburg-Wagen” had its own chauffeur / mechanic who would occasionally visit Germany for parts and service items. This unique vehicle also served the military police, was apparently converted to rear-wheel drive but disappeared around the time of the First World War.

70 Anniversary in London

The Mercedes-Benz Club of the United Kingdom, the oldest of its kind in the world, celebrated its 70th anniversary with a jaunt through London. A truly star-studded show with like-minded people and around 80 classic cars gathered.

2023 NATIONAL GATHERING & AGM

By Anna-Lee Dos Santos

Trains, Planes and Automobiles...

NORTHERN REGION

The MBCSA Northern Region

committee were excited to plan and host our 38th AGM and NationalGatheringinGauteng

The programme included registration at the beautiful Courtyard Hotel, our Annual General Meeting, a Gatsby cocktail evening, an AMG Dynamic Driving Experience at Zwartkops raceway, an African-themed spitbraai evening at Pius Mokgokong Classic Car Museum, a visit to the SAA MuseumandtheGalaDinneratthe stunningrooftopvenueinSandton.

WELCOMING&ARRIVAL:Itwas perfect weather on Thursday 27 April 2023, to welcome guests at the Courtyard Hotel, Waterfall City in Midrand. The Club’s Klerksdorp group meticulously managed the registration process and hand over of the amazing branded goodie bags Meanwhile, guests checked in at the hotel and were enjoying thelovelyfacilities

Annual General Meeting

On Thursday 27 April 2023 at

6:00, the Annual General Meeting took place at the new Courtyard Hotel, Waterfall City, Midrand. Our National Committee wasre-elected.

From a Northern Region perspective, I presented three motivations for Special Club Membership, all of which were unanimously accepted. Special Membershipwasawardedto: •PiusMokgokong,MakotopongCar Museum

• Miklos Hegyi, Owner & CEO of FundawheelsMahle

• Clint Weston, CEO: AMG Dynamic DrivingAcademy

The Club continues to drive collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Corporate and we look forward to thenextAGMinKZNin2024.

GALLERY

Gatsby Evening

The Gatsby evening kicked off in

the most magnificent roof top bar of the Courtyard Hotel. Guests were dressed in Gatsby attire and enjoyed the spectacular view over Midrand.

The hotel’s rooftop venue was exclusively dedicated to our Club. Members were treated to the most delicious finger supper and the evening was filled with fun and laughter.

AMG Dynamic Driving

ll cars lined up outside of the Ahotel building on Friday morning, to gather and head in convoytoZwartskopsRaceway Members enjoyed breakfast in the magnificent AMG Dynamic Driving Centre. It was a jam packed day as members were able to race their own vehicles on the track as well as racing in the AMG sports cars.

Ahugethanksandappreciation goes to Clinton Weston & Miklos Hegyi who collaborated with us to make this day possible! Miklos Hegyi has been a Club member since2yearsold,introducedtothe club by Steve Rademeyer, who fetched him in his 300SEL 6.3 and indelibly etched his love affair for Mercedes-Benz. He currently owns 30classic,youngtimerandmodern Mercedes-Benz’ with more than 30

restorationsdoneduringthelast30 years. His 300 Adenauer was class winner in the Group B SA national concours 2022. His oldest is a 949 V70S.

Miklos is currently part of the AMGProDrivedevelopmentracing team, participating in the South African endurance series. He is the founder and CEO of the Funda group which is the owner of FundawheelsandtheMahleClassic LineDistributorsforAfrica.

Clint Weston started his motor racingcareerin997,takinghisfirst SA National Championship title in 998; his second a few years later.

Clint is the CEO of AMG Advanced Driver Training School, he runs the localfleetoperationsforMercedesBenz South Africa, is involved in every new Mercedes launch, and races in the GT endurance series... ...which he won last month at ZwartkopsintheAMGGT3.

The AMG Driving Academy operatesoutofZwartkopsRaceway as well as the Mercedes-Benz Dynamic Driving Centre based at ZwartkopsRaceway.

Clint has won numerous rallies and other races nationally and internationally. To add a little spice to life, his services as a stunt driver are regularly called upon by TV production companies for car commercials. He’s also an expert at hosting car discussions and is one of the biggest Mercedes-Benz AmbassadorsinSouthAfrica.

Ahugethanksandappreciation forthesponsorshipofthisfantastic AMG Dynamic Driving Experience day - Clint and Miklos received Special Membership Awards at the Gala Dinner for their invaluable support.

GALLERY

“...members were able to race their own vehicles on the track...”

African-inspired Museum unveiling

The Northern Region was

excited to partner with Standard Bank to host a most magnificent "African-inspired" Museum unveiling event, in the company of former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, the Mokgokong family, Club President Dr.WaldoScribante,Clubmembers andesteemedguests.

This official ribbon cutting and openingceremonywasforthenew Makotopong Car Museum, owned by Northern Region member Pius Mokgokong.

Guests were transported by bus from the hotel to the Museum premises in Boshkop, Pretoria. As guests stepped out the luxury coaches, they were welcomed by African dancers and given special gifts to mark this wonderful occasion. Cocktails were served to all guests outside where the live entertainment was enjoyed and all officialproceedingstookplace.

The welcoming address was done and the ribbon cutting formally opened this five-star facility holding over 300 beautiful classiccars. 60guestswereseated on one long table in the middle of the museum building with cars on either side. A delicious spitbraai dinnerwasenjoyedandtheauction wasreadytostart.

GALLERY

It is customary that the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa organizes a Charity Auction sale. This year, Seeds of Africa was ourchosencharity.

Art pieces were sponsored by Steve Erwin and X-Spere Marketing Design for the Charity Auction. John Austen, company secretary of SeedsofAfrica,sharedanoverview of the NGO. John recognizes the importanceofinfluencingothersto generate wealth through the processofcreatingentrepreneurial skills, and the ability to understand and develop sustainable business intheinformalsector.

In summary, John shared that he subscribes to the notion of facilitating the provision of fishing rods as opposed to giving fish. R90,000 was raised for Seeds of Africa.

InspecialmemoryofourClub’s formerVice-President,Christopher Carlisle-Kitz, who sadly died of Covid,andwhowasinstrumentalin bringingPiusintoourclosecircle,a special hand-over was done by his brother, Francis Donovan CarlisleKitz. He arrived from the UK to be part of this historic occasion and donated a little "Piece of Chris" to thisbeautifulmuseum.

Guests were entertained by a live Jazz band and near midnight, most attending Club members were transported back to the CourtyardHotel.

The South African Airways

Museum at Rand Airport is a “working” museum that is run by enthusiasticvolunteers.

Their story began in 973 with ZS-ASN, a Lockheed Lodestar. This iconicaircraftwasmanufacturedin 940andusedontheshuttleservice toandfromEgypt.Itwastheoldest aircraft in existence to have served South African Airways (SAA) and was gathering dust in a storage building at the South African RailwaysMuseum.

Instrumentation had began to disappearfromthecockpitandthis denigration of SAA's oldest aircraft wasthetriggerforJohannProzesky and a team from the SAA Apprentice Training School to start with the restoration of the Lockheed Lodestar. After months of hard work, ZS-ASN was restored to former glory. Striking in the period colour scheme, ZS-ASN made its public debut at an open day in 975. The real and tangible beauty of this timeworn aircraft ignitedapassionfortherestoration ofcivilaviation.

This passion has led a group of ordinary people and hobbyists to volunteer their time and effort to preserve the aircraft for future generations to appreciate. The Mercedes-BenzClubwashostedto an informative group outing to the SAA museum. A pizza lunch was enjoyedatthenearbyHarvardCafé afterwards.

SAA Museum visit

“...a ‘working’ museum that is run by enthusiastic volunteers.”

On Saturday 29 April 2023 at

8:30, the Gala Dinner took place at "The Venue”, Green Park, Sandton.

The theme for our 2023 Gathering was "Trains, Planes & Automobiles" and what a ride it was! Thanks were given to Mercedes-Benz South Africa, the Mercedes-Benz Club of SA, Standard Bank, Pius Mokgokong, ClintWestonandMiklosHegyi.

A special gift hand-over was done for the event’s Organizing Committee: Pieter Booysen, Johan Van Der Walt, Johan Van Heerden,

Almarie Booysen, Hannetjie Van DerWaltandAltaVanHeerden.

The members of the Regional Committee were congratulated for their contribution and seamless execution of the three-day event. Special gifts were also awarded to Jan-Willem, Koos, Christopher Dooley, Winifred Du Toit, Marcell Mostert, Miklos Hegyi, Jannie and Marthie Van Aswegen. With John Austen being present, everyone was thanked for their auction contributions: R90,000 was raised forSeedsofAfrica.

Anna-Lee Dos Santos, current Chairperson of the Northern Region, announced that she will be

stepping down from her role at the end of the year, after two years as Chairperson and 5 years as a regionalcommitteememberofthis extraordinary Club. She played a beautiful video which captured images and the spirit of the magnificentAGMevent.

She then handed over to Avish Maharaj, Regional Chairperson of KZN and the host of the upcoming 2024AGM;tobeheldinKZN.

Looking forward to sharing many more memories together in thefuture!■

GALLERY

Gala Dinner

It wasn't a cold Winter's morning

By Marcell Mostert

In Johannesburg we are surrounded by interesting people and interesting cars...

Avery well-known car club, the

Vintage&VeteranClub(better known as the VVC), is a prime example of where you will find interesting people and interesting cars. Members of the VVC have a spectacular collection of cars and motorcycles. I remember the first time I attended a gathering with Jan-Willem back in 206. My young mind was blown (mind blown emoji inserted here for reference). Never had I imagined that these carswouldexisthereinAfrica.

We fast forward to 2023, and still I am amazed by the cars I get to see, touch and smell when the VVC unites.

ThemonthlygatheringforJune had a German theme, which is a great opportunity for the Northern Regiontogettogether.

Steffan Liebenberg had a great ideathatwehavea“carsandcoffee” with mutual friends and the Northern Region. I counselled my counsel, and we unanimously agreed that Steffan's suggestion was the perfect start to the VVC's German Day Wesley Booth is the owner of a very cool coffee shop in Emmarentia called “Fingers Crossed”. I reached out to Wesley, whowasveryexcitedtohostus.His coffeeshopisatruefavouriteinthe area, regularly patroned by fellow car friends and enthusiasts like the VespaClub.Heoffersgreatparking whereyoucanlookatyourcarwhile enjoyingthebestcortadointhecity.

Pulling into Levubu Road I was greeted by Cary with a W4 250CE and an R07 300SL already parked infrontofFingersCrossed.

ThediscontentonCary'sfaceis amomentIwillcherishforever,asI pulled in with my 998 BMW E39 540i.Momentslater,mybestfriend made a graceful entrance with his 996 C24 E320 (a stunning UK import) This prime example recently received an extensive mechanical restoration from Ryan Uys. I now know what a new E320 coupe must have felt like, back in theday

Wewerejoinedbymorefriends and cars, of which two were lowmileage,pre-faceliftW24's:a230E anda300Erespectively,sparklingin thesunlight.

As was to be expected, I got severe backlash from some club members. I like stirring the pot. Convinced that these ungrounded comments about my BMW are acts ofjealousyandfear, Ipaidthemno further attention, until a friend of Doeke Tromp arrived in his lowmileageBMWE34525i,whichisthe predecessor 5-Series to mine (see photoontheleft).Thismasterpiece of Bavarian motoring is basically theW23ofBMW.

I suddenly had a very cheeky grin on my face and continued to enjoymycortadowithJohanKrogh, drooling over his lovely W23 280E manualandreminiscingonthelast timehisAlfadidn'tbreakdown.

Fingers Crossed then blessed us with delicious and superblyroastedcoffee.KoosduToitwentso fartosaythiswasthebestcoffeehe everhad.Idon'tblameKoos.

As we left Fingers Crossed, our convoy got slightly confused, and everyonewenttoSteffan'shouseto helpswapcars...whichwasabitofa giggle.

Eventually we got going (me now leading the pack in a stunning R29 300SL-24). When we all arrived at the VVC, Jan-Willem and Christopher reserved a great spot forus.

“Oh man, were we treated with a great display of cars!”

“Oh man, were we treated with a great display of cars!”

The VVC has a lovely clubhouse situated in Oaklands, around the cornerfromMelroseArch.

Arriving at the VVC, their club members were up and about, serving tea and scones. Brian Noik, the chairman of the VVC, happily welcomed all participants and memberstothemonthlygathering, pointingusintherightdirectionfor parking.

Ohman,werewetreatedwitha great display of cars! My favourites of the morning included a Sun Bug

(I called it a convertible Beetle because I am clueless); a very sentimental W08 280SE; a pair of beautiful Porsche 356's; a RHD 964 Turbo 3.6 (one of only a handful built),andevenaBMWE9!

Iwanttoextendmygratitudeto BrianandtheVVCforhostingsucha greatgathering,andforwelcoming the Northern Region of our Club to gate crash their party. We always feelwelcomedbytheVVC,andIvery muchenjoytheinteractionswithall the members and their fascinating cars.

The usual 0am beer is also a firm favourite of mine, especially whenLouisFouriejoinsmeforone. Ortwo.

Onewouldexpectthecarstobe the highlight of the day, but they weren't. The highlight(s) of my day was bringing friends and our Club together; having a good laugh, sharing our passion; driving through this beautiful city on a winter's morning, and starting my daywithanexcellentcupofcoffee.

It wasn't a cold winter's morning.■

CENTRAL REGION

Central Region: onwards towards the icy months

By Jaco Kachelhoffer

Following the success of the George Car Show, our region's events needed some serious “oemf” to get started again...

nfortunately,ourMarcheventUdidnotliveuptoexpectations as only a few members joined us for a breakfast run to Tom's Place justoutsideBloemfontein.

Even though we were small in numbers,theenjoymentofthetrip with our friends made up for that. Our very active Vaalharts region members once again arranged theirmonthlybreakfastruns.

InAprilitwastimeforthemuchawaitedNationalGatheringhosted by the Northern Region. They certainlydidnotdisappointandthis event will be fondly remembered foralongtimetocome.OurCentral Region members thoroughly enjoyed, amongst others, the drives at Zwartkops – even if Lofty andFanie'sW123camehomewitha few sounds that were not there before! Our sincere thanks and appreciation go to Anna-Lee and herteamforalltheirhardwork.

InMayitwastimeforourannual Bloemfontein Cars in the Park and weweredelightedtobeabletohost our President Waldo, our Southern CapeRegionalChairladyRené(also known as Waldo's wife) and our National Treasurer, Johan Kemp at thiseventaswell.

Onceagain,ourclubstanddrew quitealotofspectatorsaswehada

beautifulcollectionofvehicles.The daywastingedwithabitofsadness as the late Louis Coetzer's children brought his beloved 250 SEC to be displayed – a very special sight to see. Japie Vos' beautiful Ponton 220S Cabriolet decided to throw a tantrum or two, but as the saying goes: “all's well that ends well” and ourdaywasquiteasuccess.

Later that month, wegatheredforoneofour technical evenings again; this time hosted by Kundendienst, our Bloemfonteinrestorationspecialists.

Also present was another restoration specialist, Japie Vos, who is well known for his meticulous attention to detail with all things renovationandrestoring.

The details shared by Japie (as well as Herman van As of Kundendienst)leftourmembersinaweofallthatneedstobedone inordertorestoreaclassictoitsfullbeauty OurthanksalsogotoClub memberTheovanRensburgandhisteamforthisevent.

InJunewevisitedourKimberley Club members for a lunch at The HeightsRestaurant. Ourdeparture from Bloemfontein was timed so that we would have two hours to travel the 150km to Kimberley; keeping in mind that Gert Coetzee in his Fintail would be leading our smallconvoy.

Gert decided to prove us all wrong and his Fintail had no problem in substantially reducing ourtravellingtime!

We look forward to the rest of theyear'sactivitieswherewewillbe followingmorethree-pointedstars tovariousdestinations.■

2023 Gariep Stars Celebration

By Annelie Kachelhoffer

As is customary in our club, we celebrate various anniversaries of our lovely classics and 2023 was the 60-year anniversary of a very special car: the W113 or, as it’s more commonly known, the Pagoda.

ur President, Waldo, initiated Othe negotiations to honour the W3 as part of a “Stars Celebration Run” to Gariep Dam, and Jaco and I were keen to take it furtherbydoingthenecessary Invitations were sent out and I waited with bated breath for the influx of Pagoda entries, as we had 22 Pagoda's on display during a 2003 Western Cape Pagoda run. Alas,itwasnottobe.

We received only three Pagoda entries – and then Waldo's broke down.Anotherwaswithdrawn,but fortunately Wynand and Dinie Fourie with their 280SL made sure that we had at least one of the beautiespresent.

However, as this run was not limited to Pagodas, we had quite a nice selection of SL's and various othermodels.

All of our club regions were represented with Eastern Cape takingtheleadintermsofmember numbers;andtheNorthernRegion comingaclosesecond.

Arrival was set for the Friday afternoon,whereafterwewouldall get together for a buffet dinner at the Gariep Forever Resort. If prizes were to be given for perseverance after vehicle breakdowns, Waldo (whose second choice vehicle also refused to do the trip) and Sean Newland-Nell from Eastern Cape wouldhavebeenworthyrecipients!

We enjoyed a lovely buffet dinnerandthestagewassetforthe restoftheweekend.

The weather decided to work with us... Friday’s cold wind abated andSaturdayturnedouttobeanice sunny day After breakfast, we droveinconvoyupthehillandover the Gariep Dam wall en route to Bethulie.Attheentrancetothewall, we received loud cheers and whistles from visitors relaxing on thelawnsatthedamwallentrance. Goosebumpstuff!

Our official photographer, René Scribante, was very ably chauffeured by Waldo and they stopped along the route to capture ourspecialdrive-bymoments.

My GPS took us on a scenic (incorrect) route, but this gave us the opportunity to do a u-turn and view all the other vehicles in the convoyatcloserange.

We stopped on the Hennie Steyn bridge just outside Bethulie. This magnificent structure is a combined road and rail bridge –km+ long and 5.5 m high. After a shortandwindystop,wemovedon to the Royal Hotel in Bethulie. The owner, Anthony Hocking, is a treasure trove of historical facts which he shared with us before a traditional “boerekos” lunch of bobotie. The thousands of books and long-play records on display werequiteimpressive.

We returned to the Gariep Forever resort for our photoshoot; scheduled for Saturday afternoon. What a sight it was when all the vehicles were displayed with the sail boats on the dam providing a beautifulbackdrop.

Then it was time for our main event: a spitbraai in an open lapa. Duetoitbeingwinter,thisobviously calledforahugebonfireandlotsof sweetliquidstofacethecold!

Loadshedding left us in the dark for quite a while, but we were warmedfromtheinside.Thesheep onthespit,coupledwithtraditional “pap-and-sous” and salads went down well; and the malva pudding withcustardroundedoffthemeal.

Anna-Lee Dos Santos was our self-appointed DJ for the weekend andshestartedcallingforrequests of favourite songs from members aroundthebonfire.

This turned out to be the signal for some of the members (enter Sean Newland-Nell….) to do their “moves” accompanied by loud cheeringandlaughter.

Who would have guessed that Avish Maharaj could do a nice renditionofa“langarm”dancewith me to the beat of some oldfashioned“boeremusiek”?

Too soon, the weekend filled with our club's usual brand of camaraderie was over, and the third Gariep Stars Celebration run wasdoneanddusted.

My sincere thanks and gratitude must go to all the members who attended this weekend, thus providing another huge batch of fond memories to storeinourclubvault!■

“...the weekend filled with our club's usual brand of camaraderie...”

Brunch at

Bluevibes Café

By Nikiforos Georgiou

EASTERN CAPE REGION

April saw us putting together a

brunch drive out to the Bluevibes Café in Seaview, this being up the west coast of Port Elizabeth,justshortofMaitelands.

We had a great turnout with some of the older ladies coming to stretch their legs a bit. We decided toheadontothefreewaytogivethe girlsachancetowarmup;andthen took the Seaview offramp with a meanderdowntotherestaurant.

With a classic PE perky breeze blowing, we had to sit inside, but this didn’t spoil the morning as one has an almost 180-degree view of the ocean from anywhere in the venue.

We had quite a few younger potential members join us for the outingand,fromtheirfeedback,we are confident that we’ll get some newmembersshortly

A good brunch was enjoyed, with a lot of banter, which saw us wellintothelunchtimetraffic.From there, it was decided we all head home to try make up some family time.■

Monthly Eastern Cape noggin

By Fabian Cairns

Lastyearwedecidedtohaveone

relaxed and informal evening per month where we could catch up. And so our regular “bring and braai”cameintobeing.

To make it convenient, and not put pressure on the members to offer their homes, can be a bit of a mission. We had a chat with the Eastern Provinces Vintage Car Club (EPVCC) who kindly agreed to open the club facilities for us on the first Thursday of every month for a very nominalcharge.

Thishasworkedoutratherwell, and from 17h30 the bar is opened andafireislitforthosewhowishto tan a chop or steak, etc. We all take turns to bring along a bag of wood, and initially some salads and rolls, butthiswehavestoppedbothering with as it seems we are pure meat eaters in this neck of the woods. So it’sdopandtjopfromnowon.

We’realsousingtheseevenings to invite fellow Mercedes owners withaviewtogettingthemontothe MBCSAmemberslist:slowly-slowly weareseeingsuccess.Ourmonthly meet-up is also open to any of the MBCSA fellows who may be on a visittoPE,justgiveoneofusacallso we know when you are in town to join us for a bite or a drink... it’s alwaysgoodfun!■

Fabian: +27 82 900 0359

Workshop Day and Bunny Chow Barometer

By Matt du Sart

Sometimes workshops have less motor oil and a little more cooking oil.

The KZN Region was recently

hosted by JCA Automotive for thefamedBunnyChowBarometer!

Whathasbecomeaninstitution for the region (read: an excuse to combine a few of our favourite things in cars, food and good company), members were treated to what are by (so) far the hottest bunniestriedandtested!Thiswhile the younger Club members had knowledgeoftheinnerworkingsof one of the cleanest diesel W204's impartedtothem.

Don’t worry. We washed our handsbeforetuckingintolunch!■

NATAL REGION

Bunny Chow Barometer: Jeera

By Matt Du Sart

Were we expectant? Yes.

Were we disappointed? No. Were our tastebuds suitably assaulted?Mostverydefinitely...

In our incessant quest to find the ultimate Bunny

June found the KZN Region visitinganupmarketvenue,tucked away within the SunCoast Towers. One more question: did we feel fancy? You bet your coriander leaveswedid!

Jeeraisunassuminginitsdécor and location. But the moment you open the menu, it becomes clear that chillis should not be judged by theirshape,size,toneorcolour…

Deliciously succulent lamb ensconced in the most exquisitely

flavoured gravy cemented this as the tastiest bunny chow I have experiencedyet.

As per usual, the culinary experience was nothing without the warm atmosphere that is delivered in pot-fulls when our membersgettogether.Therewere nocarsphotographed,butthestars are definitely within those with whom we share our time. It helps that they all have a passion for the brand![Ed:excuseaccepted]

Keepyoureyespeeledformore to come! We are only beginning to warmup…■

Chow (in Durban), our taste buds led us coastwards.

“Were we disappointed? No.”

Cars in the Park, Pietermaritzburg 2023: a Saga

Marcell's arrival:

fter attending the 38th ANational Gathering, spending a great weekend with fellow club members, I find myself at O.R. Tambo International Airport, awaiting a flight to Durban on a Fridayafternoon.

I am working an extended notice period, so my priorities are strictly Mercedes-centric. I have since learnt that I am very spontaneous, and I quite like it. After all, it was our beloved Christopher Carlisle-Kitz who said: “Lifeisbutadaringadventure.”

I land in Durban, shortly after sunset, to be welcomed by Matt du Sart. Our friendship has lasted as long as my membership with the Club (almost 10 years). I expect our friendshipwilloutliveanyW123.As we depart from the airport, it becomes evident that Matt is a qualified racing driver, and we RUSHofftoenjoyadeliciousdinner.

Saturday morning we are greeted by Raymond van Rooyen andhisson,andthefourofusRUSH off[Ed:Isense atheme here]tohelp prepareStand24fortheevent.

Co-Authored by: Marcell Mostert and Matt du Sart

Climbing out of a “once-off” racing versionoftheW164ML350CDI,I’m greeted by the friendliest region. Foralargeportionoftheday,weset up camp, rearrange cars, have a braai and enjoy each other’s company. As a visitor to the KZN region,theirhospitalityandfriendly naturewasagreattreat.

It's roughly 3.30AM on Sunday morning when we prepare to head to Stand 24 for final preparations before the gates open. Again, we RUSH off to Pietermaritzburg with the seat warmers on the highest setting and great music blasting fromthesoundsystem.

Matt's Round-Up:

Cars In The Park, Pietermaritzburg has been taking place in various locations and in a number of differentiterationssince1976.

47 years later and there are morecars,thousandsmorevisitors and more enthusiasm than could power the thirstiest V8! And the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africacontributedmorethanitsfair sharetothiswell-oiledmachine.

Stand 24 was quite literally bursting at the seams with the overwhelmingsupportfromacross the KZN Region. From G-Wagons thatappeartobereproducingatan alarming rate to two Adenauers, a handful of 107s, a Pagoda and a sublimeW111Cabriolet.Shoo!The sunshonebrightlythatSunday,but thestarswerecertainlyouttoo!

As always, our hospitality tent rivalled even the most elaborate marqueeattheDurbanJuly.

Not because of trifles and trinkets, but due to the sparkling company and camaraderie shared by our members, including some whohadtravelledfromtheEastern CapeandGauteng.Onecannotput apriceonthatsortofluxury…

There were prizes to give! The stunning vehicles on show could not travel all that way without the best (or nothing) taking away an accoladeortwo.

CATEGORY: WINNER!

Best Detailed: W204 C300 belonging to Hiresh Maharaj

Best Two-Door: W111 280SE Cabriolet belonging to Peter Hayter

Chairman’s Choice: W460 300GD belonging to Justin Arnold

Furthest Travelled: C126 560SEC belonging to Gregory Naudé

Oldest C-Class: 2005 W203 C200K belonging to Pravishkar Chandaka

People’s Choice: W189 300d Adenauer belonging to Warren Geyser

After all the excitement had dissipated, a hearty breyani was consumed together with Avish’s face on dessert. In his absence, he still managed to put a smile on all ourfaces!

These events are nothing without those who work tirelessly in the background to bring it all together.Thankyou!

Where will CITP take us next year? Well, you’ll just have to stay tunedtofindout…

Marcell’s sweet departure:

After a splendid day of looking at beautifulcars,eatinglambburgers, enjoying fine wine and great laughter, we RUSH home to Durban, to prepare for my flight back to Johannesburg. We enjoy a final peaceful moment in Matt’s tranquilgarden,beforeweRUSHto the airport, which felt like it was on theothersideofthecountry

My spontaneous weekend has taught me a few things: How valuable friendships are; how wholesometheKZNRegionis,what an incredible racing driver Matt du Sart is and how much I enjoyed being his passenger, with a smile thatspokeathousandwords.

I extend my warmest gratitude to Matt, Raymond, Justin Arnold andtherestoftheKZNRegionfora trulywonderfulweekend.

I had the best time helping the RegionsetupforCarsInThePark,as well as eating Mia’s delicious brownies. I even got to meet a member of our extended Smythe Brother’s family, Audrey Austin, the most efficient and friendly insurance professional you would everneed!

Whenisthenextevent?Saveme aspotplease!■

Salty River

Sunset Session

By René Scribante

SOUTHERN CAPE REGION

reetings Mercedes-Benz G enthusiasts!

The Southern Cape chapter of the Mercedes-Benz Club recently embarked on a captivating outing that showcased the camaraderie and passion we share for luxury automobiles. On Saturday 3 June, our adventure began at the esteemed Stanmar Motors in George, where members gathered in anticipation of an unforgettable day

The weather conditions may have been typically cold and wet for the Southern Cape, but that didn't dampen our spirits. We set off in unison, a fleet of elegant Mercedes-Benz vehicles forming a captivating procession towards KleinBrakRiver.

The journey itself was a delight, with scenic landscapes and the open road beckoning us forward.

As we arrived at Klein Brak River, we were thrilled to be joined byfellowmembersfromLittleBrak RiverandMosselBay

The gathering of vehicles was truly a sight to behold, with a diverse array of Mercedes-Benz models proudly on display. But the beautiful sightings were far from over.

Onthewaytoourdestination, we were pleasantly surprised when Byelveld, a distinguished member of the club, seamlessly merged onto the N2 at Oubaai, behind the wheel of his simply magnificentSL65AMG.

A memorable outing with the Mercedes-Benz Club: embracing the Southern Cape spirit

The addition of this highperformance beauty only added to the excitement and flair of our convoy

The venue proved to be a perfect setting for our gettogether: despite the weather, we found solace, warmth and a cozy atmosphere inside Delectable pizzas, mouthwatering focaccia, and tantalizing nachos awaited us, complemented by ice-cold craft beerandrefreshingginontap.

Our taste buds rejoiced, and conversations flowed effortlessly as we shared stories and bonded with our Mercedes-Benz Southern Capefamily.

As the day progressed, a remarkable sight unfolded before our eyes: the clouds momentarily parted, allowing a faint winter sun to grace us with its presence. The radiant beams illuminated the picturesque countryside, revealing a tranquil scene of small calves frolicking playfully with their nurturing mothers. It was a reminder of the beauty and serenity that surrounds us, even in themidstofarainyday.

As the late afternoon arrived, andtherainmadeitsreturn,webid each other farewell. Despite the temporary departure, our hearts were filled with joy and a renewed sense of connection. This outing had invigorated our spirits, and we eagerly anticipated our next gathering.

The Mercedes-Benz Club of the Southern Cape prides itself on fostering a tight-knit community of automobile enthusiasts who appreciate the performance, elegance, and heritage of these exceptional vehicles. Our recent outing was a testament to the bonds we share and the memories wecreatetogether.

We extend our gratitude to Stanmar Motors for hosting us, and to all the members who joined us on this remarkable day. The success of the event was a collective effort, driven by our shared love for Mercedes-Benz and the desire to forge lasting friendships.

When one reflects on this unforgettable outing, we eagerly awaitthenextopportunitytocome together. Whether rain or shine, we will continue to celebrate our passion for Mercedes-Benz and the extraordinary experiences that accompanyit.

Until we meet again, keep the engines roaring and the spirits soaring!■

Hawthorn Boutique Hotel – Breakfast

By René Scribante

e had our cars, we had rain, Wwehadfun,wehadlaughter, wehadascrumptiousbreakfast,we had champagne, we had tea, we had coffee, we had peacocks... but most of all, we had togetherness with our MBCSA Southern Cape family.

Whatalovelymorning... ■

2023 Knysna Motor Show

By René Scribante

A delightful gathering of Petrolheads...

Dear Mercedes Enthusiasts,

we are thrilled to share with you the unforgettable experience we had at the 2023 Knysna Motor Show, hosted by the Garden Route Motor Club on the picturesque Thesens' Island in Knysna. Held on Sunday May, this event brought together automotive enthusiasts from near and far for a day filled with classic cars, camaraderie, and scenicdelights.

Representing the MercedesBenz Club from the Southern Cape region was a lovely 220S Ponton, owned by the passionate Kobus Harris. Despite being the sole entrant from the Mercedes Club, Kobus showcased the elegance and timeless beauty of the Mercedes-Benz marque with pride. To enhance the journey, we joined forces with the Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC) members, assembling at the Sasol garageinKraaibosch.

Together, we embarked on a memorable journey along the beautiful Garden Route coast, soaking up the breathtaking views aswemadeourwaytoKnysna.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by a rather magnificent display of automotive excellence. The Knysna Show had a wide array of prestigious brands with Bentley, Mini and Morgan taking center stage to celebrate milestones of 00,60,and0years,respectively

This year’s event was a true testamenttotheenduringallureof these iconic vehicles. The SCOCC membersproudlyshowcasedtheir cherished rides, from veteran classics to vintage treasures, adding a touch of nostalgia to the vibrantatmosphere.

Asthedayprogressedandour excitement grew, we gathered at the delightful Tapas & Oysters restaurant for a well-deserved lunch. Surrounded by fellow petrolheads, we indulged in the mouthwatering flavours of tapas and savoured the refreshing taste ofcoldbeer.

The conversations flowed effortlessly as we shared stories, exchanged knowledge, and also deepened our love for all things automotive. It’s the sense of community, and the bonds forged during events like these, that truly makethemspecial.

As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow over the horizon, we bid farewell to the 2023KnysnaMotorShow.

We left Knysna with cherished memories, new friendships, and a renewed appreciation for the timelessallureofclassiccars.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Garden Route Motor Club for organizing such a remarkableevent.

Until the next time, fellow Mercedes enthusiasts, may the road ahead be filled with thrilling adventures and unforgettable experiences.■

An outing to The Succulent

By René Scribante

G

reetings, Mercedes-Benz

enthusiasts!

On Human Rights Day 2023, Monday the 2st of March, the Southern Cape region embarked on a gastronomic adventure that left our taste buds tingling and our hearts full of joy We set out on a delightful outing to the Succulent Restaurant at the Reed Valley EstatenearMosselBay.

A Culinary Delight in the Southern Cape: The Succulent Restaurant Outing

Led by the vision and culinary expertise of award-winning Chef Michelle de Jager, the Succulent Restaurant is a haven for food lovers. Chef Michelle's philosophy issimpleyetpowerful:keepitfresh and local. With a focus on freerange chickens and freshly caught fish from Mossel Bay, their menu highlightstheregion’sbounties. Additionally, many of the ingredients used are sourced directly from the farm itself, including those grown in their hydroponicssystem.

As a firm testament to this commitment to local produce, you can even purchase these ingredientsfromtheDeli.

Chef Michelle is a remarkable talent, having honed her skills at the prestigious Francois Ferreira Culinary Academy Her dedication to this craft has earned her numerous accolades, including regional awards and achieving third place in the National Young Chef's competition. Naturally, as theExecutiveChefoftheSucculent Restaurant on the Reed Valley Estate, her passion shines through ineverydish.

Our rendezvous point was at Mercedes-BenzStanmarMotorsat h00,wheremembersgatheredin anticipation of a memorable day. The sunlit late summer day provided a perfect backdrop for our convoy, with Waldo and René's magnificent 250SE Cabriolet leadingtheway.

JoinedbyafleetofsleekMercs and Smarts, our caravan included standoutvehiclessuchasHelgaard and Hanli Marais' striking W24 300E, adorned in its eye-catching "Nuts and Bolts" livery. We were also honoured to have JP and Nadine van der Poel from the Western Cape join us for this specialoccasion.

As we arrived at the Succulent Restaurant, our senses were immediately captivated The Succulent has an appealing, rustic, country setting. We indulged in a delectable lunch, accompanied by refreshing beverages, and revelled in the warm company of fellow Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts. It was atestamenttothepowerofshared passionsandthecreationoflasting memories.

With satisfied palates and hearts filled with camaraderie, we bid farewell to the Succulent Restaurant, cherishing the many unforgettable moments we had created.

This outing was yet another testament to the bond we share as Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts and the joy that comes from exploring theregion'sculinarytreasures.

We extend our gratitude to Chef Michelle de Jager and her team at the Succulent Restaurant for their warm hospitality and mouth-watering creations. Our outing was a resounding success, leaving us eagerly anticipating future adventures that will further strengthen our connections and appreciation for the MercedesBenzbrand.

Until we meet again, may the road ahead be filled with many unforgettable experiences and the lasting spirit of Mercedes-Benz camaraderie.■

WESTERN CAPE REGION

Western Cape Region celebrates 30 years of 202-Series

By Hanjo Stier

If you peruse the Mercedes-Benz

Anniversaries on page 0 of this issue, you'll see a small paragraph dedicated to one of the most importantmodelrangesinthe90's: the202-Series.

Although a somewhat cheeky acquaintance recently pointed out that the first official C-Class was “just a bread and butter seller”, I defended its significance with the greatpackaging,sturdydrivetrains and fresh trim lines offered by the smallestMercedesatthetimeofits launchinMay993.

MikhailKunneke,afellowW202 ownerandaficionado,joinedmein organising a breakfast run around thebeautifulWinelandsareaofthe WesternCape.

We extended the invitation to any club member with a strong emphasison202'sandtheirrelated 208 chassis CLK brethren. Also, in trying to avoid clashes with various other car events, we finally settled on a date at the tail end of May secretly hoping that the weather wouldhold.

Unfortunately, the week which precededourSundaybreakfastrun was marked by quite a few cold fronts sweeping across the Cape Peninsula.

Rivaleventsandinterestedclub members started dropping like flies, despite our discovery that Sunday would be fair weather, which meant that we only had six carsatthestartofourminiouting.

Meeting at a perennial car club favourite, the Engen N Winelands -Stop car park, we immediately engagedinchit-chatwithmembers of the brand-new Western Cape Mahindra Club, while enduring the rather noisy antics of a “Fast and Furious” brigade with an eclectic mix of modified vehicles. By this time, the weather had turned from slightdampnesstoabrightSunday morning.

Our stocky convoy of two W202's, two CLK's and two R7 SLK'sdepartedforaleisurelycruise towards Paarl, turning onto the picturesqueR45FranschhoekRoad butdeviatingtowardsStellenbosch ontheequallyscenicroutethrough PnielandoverHelshoogtePass.

WESTERN CAPE REGION

RANDOM GUEST LIST

After negotiating the Stellies traffic lights (where we temporarily lost one CLK to a toilet break) we arrived at our planned stop of Mooiberge Strawberry Farm near Somerset West. Here we were joined by a third W202 from the Helderberg area, so the honorary vehicles finally outnumbered the othermodelranges.

The humble 202-Series was represented by a facelift C80 and an almost-identical duo of facelift C200's. The pair of first-generation (208-Series)CLK'swasmadeupofa 430convertibleand55AMGcoupé, which found its high-performance equivalent in the silver set of second-gen SLK's, that included a clean200derivative.

Our jovial group of attendees thenenjoyedalengthybreakfastat TheThirstyScarecrow,Mooiberge's family-friendly restaurant with its perfect views over the strawberry fieldsandStellenboschmountains.

Our last arrivals were a momand-daughterteamintheirML500, rounding off a very enjoyable and extremelysunnybreakfastrun!■

View a short video here

Western Cape members attend Coffee & Cars

By Zillen Venter

number of Western Cape Amembers participated in the Coffee & Cars event which took place in early May at the Old TanneryinWellington.

This gathering happens fairly regularlyatrandomlocationsinthe Western Cape, attracting anything frommodernsportscarstovintage metal, motorbikes, tuned cars and amazinghome-builds.

The Old Tannery is an excellent venue for events like this, which, after being cancelled earlier due to bad weather, took place on a stunningautumnday.

The venue offers a variety of shops and stalls to cater for any taste. Our members brought some stunning cars to display, which includedasuperbgroupingof23's andacleanpairofW202's. ■

38th AGM & Oude Social Café

By Zillen Venter

The 38th AGM and National

Gathering was hosted by the NorthernRegionlateinApril.

A number of Western Cape members attended the event with took place in Gauteng. The theme for this year’s event was Planes, TrainsandAutomobiles.

Congratulations to Anna-Lee Dos Santos and her team for hostingamemorableevent!

TheOudeSocialCaféinWelgemoed was the venue for our region’s meetinglateinMay.

Members had the opportunity to meet up in relaxed atmosphere overapizzaandbeer. ■

Shaped by desire: the new Mercedes-Benz CLE

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its long tradition of sporty, elegant dream cars with a new, independent series. The new CLE Coupé uses the conceptual and technicalinnovations oftheC-ClassandE-Class.

Going its own way: the new CLE Coupé

With its expressive design, exclusive comfort equipment for maximum individuality and confident, sporty driving performance, the new two-door car goes its own way. The marketlaunchoftheCLECoupéwillstartinEuropeinNovember.

Open-air desire: CLE Cabriolet is due next year

The CLE Cabriolet will follow next year for open-air connoisseurs. With the new dream car series, Mercedes-Benz is fulfilling the wishes of many customers in the C-and EClasssegments.

Sprint Review: Mercedes-Benz C220d Avantgarde

By Hanjo Stier

To state the painfully obvious,

Not long ago, medium-sized turbo-diesel sedans were all the rage. Admittedly this trend was quite regional but no matter where these cars once ruled supreme, they’ve been mercilessly replaced by SUV’s, crossovers, EV’s or any bizarre combination thereof.

SUV’s and their ilk represent better versatility, increased freedom of (mild off-road) movementandanoftenmisplaced senseofheightenedsafety I’vealso learnt over the years that people choose their superior floor clearance because it offers better visibilityinheavytraffic,pluseasier entryandexitfromthevehicle.

Fairenough.Thereareprobably a few more good reasons why the sedan’s time came and went –especially personal and regional ones–butIsincerelyhopethatthey stick around and make a small comeback at some stage. Why? Because for unadventurous plebs like me, who only stick to smooth tarmac, these cars are all we ever need.

There’s a little white lie in that statement as my dream car must have two doors and a big petrol engine, yet back in the real world I wouldn’t snuff at the efficiency and smoothnessofamoderndieseland four entryways. Thanks to clever injection and turbocharger systems, these once-rattling oil burners can easily match a petrol unitintermsofpowerdelivery

Sure, they can’t rev as high as a petrol equivalent, but with today’s 27-speed gearboxes (this C220d has nine ratios, by the way) the latest diesel lumps can use the 4,500-or-so rpm’s in repeated intervals of proper increases in speed.Betterstill,theystemalmost 100% of their twisting power onto thecrankfromverylowdowninthe revrange.

And now that we’re down here (in the tachometer), this is where you’llfindthevehicle’ssweetspotin terms of consumption. MercedesBenz claims an average of just 4.7L/100kmfromthiscar’s66Ltank, giving careful pilots a theoretical maximum range of 1,400km betweenstopsatthedieselpumps.

I hope that explains why we still enjoy driving a compact luxury sedan with such a beefy and efficient engine. On top of that, luxury car manufacturers like Mercedes have long ago managed to quieten down the tractor noises whichonceemittedfromtheseselfigniting devices. For a diesel, the C220disremarkablyquiet.

Even early in the morning, with what we southern Africans would call “cold” temperatures, our white pressvehiclerefusedtohammeror tappet its way to operating temperatures. Once warmed up and at cruising speeds, you’d be hard pressed to find any proof that it’sadiesel.Eventurbo-lagiskeptto abareminimum.

If you’re still interested in the actual car, I highly recommend checkingoutourvariousreviewsor Youtube videos to get a better understandingofwhattheGerman giant built into their new C-Class. As a summary, it’s caught up to everyone in terms of tech while doing its utmost to retain the

trusted level of comfort, safety and understatement.

Once again we have to caution conservative buyers about the amount of gadgets, most of them crammed into a pretty large and vertical television glued to the dashboard.Thesteeringwheeland instrument cluster (depending on speclevel)willalsorequireafairbit of experimentation before you get usedtoalltheirincrediblefeatures.

Some of these may be modeldependent but include wondrous stuff like voice command, keyless start, parking sensors and rear camera, LED headlights, climate control, full vehicle stability control andsixairbags.

View a short video here

Optional witchcraft includes adaptive cruise control, head-up display, a glass roof and plenty of otherdriverorluxuryaids.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa sells a C200 and C300 petrol alongsidethisC220d,allofthemas sedans or coupés, and the petrol versionsasconvertibles,too.

Wherebeforetheywouldoffera basespec(or“Classic”line)andthen escalate over Elegance, Sport or Avantgarde, only the latter is availablenowadays;andabouttwo millionpretendAMGversions.

Ifyourequiresomemoresedanfriendly numbers, 0-100 should take just 7.3 seconds while the top speedisapparently245km/h.

This 1,993cc four-pot puts out 147kW(162withmildhybridassist) or upto440Nm,whilethebootcan swallow up to 455L, the turning radius is 11.1 metres and the groundclearanceissowoefulthatit drags its front skirts on any availablesurface.

Which brings us full circle to the reason why everyone migrated to SUV’s. And I do mean everyone. My folks, my wife, my brother, almost all of my friends, my neighbours, most of my colleagues and – based on my powers of observation –every single parent at my daughter’sKindergarten.

Except me. I refuse. I would rather have this C220d than the

admittedly excellent GLB 220d (turn the page...), although I’ll probably have to live with the fact that everyone will question my choice, prefer to drive in someone else’s SUV and rob me of any line of sightatabusyintersection.

Good-bye, compact luxury dieselsedan.■

1,993cc i-4 Turbo-diesel 9-speed Automatic, RWD 162e-kW @ 4,200rpm 440e-Nm @ 1,800rpm

Claimed 4.7L/100km

Claimed 7.3 seconds

Claimed 245km/h

From R1,072,599

Sprint Review: Mercedes-Benz GLB 220d 4Matic Progressive

By Hanjo Stier

You should know: Its name is

actually much longer: 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB 220d 4Matic Progressive. In plain English, that means it's a boxy crossover with a frugal diesel engine, intelligent allwheel drive and a contemporary levelofluxuryandsafetyspecs.

More info: By “boxy” I meant spacious and practical, as the square rear quarters allow a very generous 565 to 1,800L of cargo capacity; while five adults have plenty of leg-room and enough vertical space to wear hats. This raised estate car on road-biased rubber is obviously not a proper 4x4, but at least offers “4Matic” tractionandanoff-roadmodeinits multipledrivetrainsettings.

Whatelse? “Progressive” is one oftwotrimlevelsfortheMercedesBenz GLB range: the other being a sportier,harder,butnofaster“AMG Line”. Unless you actually enjoy all of those attributes, I would highly recommendstayingwiththesofter rideandchunkierlookofthismodel with its 215/65R17 tyres. 18's, 19's and20'sareoptional.

Why you shouldn't: Besides the price of million bucks, a senior family member dismissed the ride astoohard.Also,ourtestcardidn't have a spare wheel, sunroof, navigation, keyless entry or power tailgate. While some people won't be bothered by most of those, they can be ordered individually or in packages;atadditionalcosts.

Every now and then, I stumble across a car which ticks all the boxes for a modern family Meet the Mercedes-Benz GLB220d…

SPEC LIST

1,950cc i-4 Turbo-diesel

8-speed DCT, AWD

140kW @ 3,800rpm

400Nm @ 1,600rpm

Claimed 7.4L/100km

7.80s (claimed 7.6)

Claimed 217km/h From R998,388

Some retailers (especially those in Namibia) can also fit a temporary spare wheel on request. The 8speedDCT(gearbox)canbecaught napping at times, but does its best to balance performance and fuel consumption. Our best 0-100km/h sprint time was 7.8 seconds (Merc claims 7.6) while we did see the claimed 5.5L/100km during steady highwaycruises.

Why you should: The GLB220d is a jolly expensive but incredibly nice way of moving about our country; especially long distances as it has a 60L fuel tank. It's highly refined, extremely safe, can do a little bit of soft-roading and comes with a 2-year warranty and 5year/100,000kmserviceplan.■

Your Super Specialist Classic Workshop

Vehicle servicing - Fault diagnosis – Suspensionrepairs- Engine managementrepairs- Fuel injection system repairs-Anti-lock braking system- Ignition repairs - SafetyRelated system repairs- Gearbox repairs – Engine rebuilds

Car collection can be arranged - Drop off and pick up service available

Alan Poulter

Owner: SASwiss

Tel: 0828921380 & 0727508090

Email: saswiss@polka.co.za

Address: 80AOlifantsfontein Road, GlenAustin, Midrand, Gauteng, 1685

BENZ LENS

The only ofcially recognized Mercedes-Benz Club in Southern Africa Member of the SA Motor Club Association

Waldo Scribante (President)

082 802 3280 | president@mercedesbenzclub.co.za

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Johan Kemp (Treasurer)

083 457 1092 treasurer@mercedesbenzclub.co.za

Anna-Lee Dos Santos (Chairperson: Northern Region)

081 474 7460 northern@mercedesbenzclub.co.za

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083 627 6757 scape@mercedesbenzclub.co.za

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082 771 1731 central@mercedesbenzclub.co.za

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073 305 6214 | 086 684 0235 membership@mercedesbenzclub.co.za

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082 646 4099 editor@mercedesbenzclub.co.za

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084 399 8973 regalia@mercedesbenzclub.co.za

Leon Erasmus

082 353 5933 regalia@mercedesbenzclub.co.za

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Zillen Venter (Chairman: Western Cape) 083 440 6814 wcape@mercedesbenzclub.co.za

Fabian Cairns (Chairman: Eastern Cape) 082 900 0359 ecape@mercedesbenzclub.co.za

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Club Approved Insurance Brokers

Elsabé van Zyl (MUA)

086 196 7568 | 082 807 9052 elsabe@execbrokers.co.za

Smythe Insurance Brokers CC 031 701 0226 info@smythebros.com

Honorary Life Members

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Hero Awards

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Chris Carlisle-Kitz | Hein Lorentz | Okkie Potgieter | Brian Slingers | Anna-Lee Dos Santos | Selvin Govender | Warren Geyser

Fanie du Preez | Jeff Sansom | Russell Grigg | Esté Campher | Ian Matthews | André Fourie Clint Weston | Miklos Hegy | Pius Mokgokong

PLEASE NOTE: The placement of ads is a service rendered to our members. Neither the editor nor the committee accepts any liability pertaining to condition or ownership of goods advertised. It remains the responsibility of the reader to investigate these issues before closing any transaction. DISCLAIMER: The Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa, although an authorized user of the Mercedes-Benz Trademarks, is an independent organisation and the views expressed in the Newsletter are not necessarily those Mercedes-Benz SA, Mercedes-Benz AG or the Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH.* Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and should not be interpreted as ofcial club policy. While great care has been exercised in the compilation of the material published, members are advised to personally verify information, statements and claims before committing themselves to acts on transactions.

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* Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH is a Mercedes-Benz AG.