GreetingsandSalutations.
I’m sure that you’ve heard of downsizing before: the concept of lower engine capacity but increased power outputs, thanks to new technologyandhigherpressures.
Please pardon this as artistic license when I inform you that our beloved Benz Lens has undergone a spot of down-sizing: from 2024 onwards, we are reducing its frequencytoa trimesterschedule, but assure you that there will be absolutely no loss in quality content. If this issue is anything to goby,quitetheoppositeistrue.
Turn to page 4 to read my impressions of this year’s simply amazing George Old Car Show, wherevisitorsweretreatedtoeight W 98 300SL’s and plenty of other, world-classvehicledisplays.
Our six regions also did the three-pointed star justice with an impressive array of runs, outings and meetings in picturesque or interesting locations; repleat with beautifulGermanmetal.
You’ll also find an imageheavy report of this year’s Benz Essen Safari, incorporating our travels to the Techno Classica (one of the world’s biggest classic car shows) plus visits to the Carl Benz, Speyer, Sinnsheim, MercedesBenz and Porsche museums. Oh, andafactorytourortwo.
Soon afterwards it was time for the inaugural Western Cape Concours which - and this is a sentimentsharedbyallattendeeswas another top-class affair that should hopefully become a regular event on our club’s prestigious concourscalendar.
And just to hammer home my point of decreased frequency but increased content of the Benz Lens, I ignored 469 other photos (and multiple other car selfies) to choose this header image of me nexttooneofmyautomotiveidols: a 9 0's “Blitzen Benz” land-speed record vehicle, which used a 2 .4litrein-line4-cylinderpetrolengine toreach200km/h.
With cylinders as large as coffee cans and four KOO tins for exhausts, it’s easy to understand why it red-lines at just ,600rpm and, according to custodians at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, should neverbestartedindoors! Asalways,happyreading.■
Dear Members, I am
delighted to reflect on the exceptional start we've experienced this year, marked by four months brimming with stellar events.
The esteemed Germaninspired George Old Car Show, held in February, stands out as a remarkable triumph, arguably surpassing all prior editions. Notably, we were graced with the presenceofeightoutofnine300SL vehicles in the country, including theiconic"Gullwing."
René,aswellasaconsiderable number of our members, not only showcased their unwavering passion for Mercedes-Benz but also played pivotal roles in organizingtheshow.
Our collective efforts resulted
in a formidable display of 00 Mercedes-Benz vehicles at the George show. This year holds particular significance as we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the W 98 Coupé and R 2 90SL, initially unveiled at the 954 New YorkMotorShow (Ed:seepage 0)
Thus I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed 300SL owners for their dedication, ofteninvolvingsignificantpersonal sacrifice, in presenting their vehicles at the GOCS 2024. It truly wasanextraordinaryyear!
Some additional highlights encompassed the Annual National Committee meeting hosted at the Apprentice in George, attended by allCommitteemembers,alongside our seventh Valuation Seminar expertlyconductedbyChrisKühn.
“...sincerest appreciation to our regional chapters...”
And, of course, the perennial favourite, the President's braai, provideditscustomaryenjoyment.
Following the GOCS, we embarked on a remarkable 300SL tour featuring four 300SL's, three 90SL's, and two W 2 300SE Coupés, among others. My sincere gratitude extends to MercedesBenz South Africa for their generous sponsorship of the Gala eveningheldatArabellaHotel,Golf & Spa. Special word of thank you also goes to Bertus & Rozitha Oosthuizen of Angora Stud Guest Farm for their outstanding hospitality–ahighlightofourtour.
Further, our second BENZ Essen Safari tour in Germany duringearlyAprilprovidedanother standoutmoment.
This excursion included visits to Essen Techno-Classica, Europe's premier Old Car Show, as well as the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche Museums in Stuttgart, with additional stops at Sindelfingen andMercedes-AMG.
A notable inaugural event for the Club was the Cape Concours, laying the foundation for a future hallmark occasion. I extend my gratitude to Zillen Venter, Western Cape Chairman, his team, the judges, and Rola Motors for orchestrating such a distinguished event within a brief timeframe. Once again, I express sincere appreciation to Mercedes-Benz South Africa for their generous sponsorship, and we eagerly anticipatefuturecollaborations.
Furthermore, I extend my sincerest appreciation to our regional chapters for their outstanding contributions this year.
With unwavering enthusiasm and camaraderie, our regional chairmen / chairladies and their respective committees have diligently steered the well-oiled machinethatistheMercedes-Benz ClubofSouthAfrica.
Their dedication and passion have been instrumental in the success of our events and the continued growth of our community.
I am deeply grateful for their tireless efforts and commitment to upholding the values and spirit of ouresteemedclub.
HeartfeltThanks
In my dual role as Chairman of the SCOCC and President of the MBCSA, I extend sincere gratitude to each member who dedicated theirtimeandeffort.Thankyoufor contributing to the success and fond memories of the George Old CarShowanditsassociatedevents.
The unwavering passion demonstrated by our members serves as a profound source of inspiration, fostering a sense of prideinourassociation,notonlyas fellowmembersbutasfriends.
I eagerly anticipate the continuation of camaraderie, banter, and enjoyment at our forthcoming events, and I look
forward to reconnecting with you allsoon.
As always, we strive for the best, embodying the ethos of "ONLYTHEBEST.”
Sincerely,
WaldoScribante President, Mercedes-Benz Clubof SouthAfrica.■
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January - April 2024
Daimler receives the cast-iron components for his first engine
January 1884
Kurtz bell foundry delivers cast-iron components for Gottlieb Daimler’s first engine with vertical cylinder. It represents a fundamentally new design, as for the first time the crankshaft and flywheel are enclosed in an oil- and dust-proof crankcase.
Mercedes: absolute world record in Florida
27 January 1904
William K. Vanderbilt Jr. breaks the absolute world record for the mile at the four-day Ormond-Daytona Beach Automobile Tournament in Florida/USA, driving a 90 hp Mercedes racing car at a speed of 148.5 km/h.
180 D makes its debut
16 - 27 January 1954
The Mercedes-Benz 180 D (W 120) makes its debut at the Brussels Motor Show, adding a diesel variant of the new "Ponton" saloon to the range.
Surprise rally victory in a 190 D
8 January - 20 February 1959
The 14,045 km Méditerranée-Le Cap rally from the Mediterranean to Cape Town, South Africa, finishes with a surprise overall victory for the Karl Kling / Rainer Günzler pairing in a Mercedes-Benz 190 D.
Mercedes-AMG GmbH starts business
1 January 1999
Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach, in which DaimlerChrysler initially holds a 51% interest, commences business operations.
Revised Vito with CDI diesel engines
16 - 24 January 1999
At the Brussels International Commercial Vehicle Show, the Vito van range (638 series) is presented in revised form with CDI diesel engines and a newly developed five-speed transmission. The Atego wins "International Truck of the Year 1999".
"Vision GST" presented in Detroit
10 - 19 January 2004
Mercedes-Benz presents a new variant of the "Vision GST" (Grand Sports Tourer) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (NAIAS), Michigan/USA
The new vehicle study, the first version of which was shown two years earlier at the same event, demonstrates the evolution from vision to series.
New E-Class presented at Detroit Motor Show
10 January 2009
On the eve of the North American International Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz presents its 212 series E-Class to the international press in Detroit. The new model features a multitude of innovations in terms of safety, comfort and environmental compatibility.
Daimler engine for Zeppelin airship
17 February 1899
The first Daimler engine designed for the Graf Zeppelin airship is delivered. The 4.4L four-cylinder all-alloy engine (model N) delivers 15 hp / 11 kW at 700 rpm. Powered by two Daimler engines, the LZ 1 airship takes off on its maiden flight on 2 July 1900.
DePalma drives to second victory in the Vanderbilt Cup race
26 February 1914
Ralph DePalma drives his "Grey Ghost" Mercedes to victory for the second time in the Vanderbilt Cup race, held on this occasion in Santa Monica, California/USA
Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft adds to its model range
February 1919
With the tractors DZ 0, DZ 1 and DZ 3, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft adds three allwheel-drive tractor units based on the K.D.I. 100 artillery tractor to its model range.
Diesel truck debuts in Amsterdam
8 February 1924
The Amsterdam Commercial Vehicle Show witnesses the debut of the world's first series-produced diesel truck – a Benz 5-tonne vehicle, which is equipped with the OB 2 pre-chamber diesel engine and completed its first test run in September 1923.
International records for Caracciola
8 - 14 February 1939
Armed with two Mercedes-Benz 3-litre cars, Rudolf Caracciola breaks several Class D international records on a stretch of motorway near Dessau. These include 204.6 km/h over one mile and 177.4 km/h over one kilometre with standing starts, as well as an average speed of 399.6 km/h for the one mile with flying start.
230 (W 153) model is presented
17 February - 5 March 1939
The new 230 (W 153) model is presented at the International Automobile and Motorcycle Show in Berlin, an all-new chassis and state-of-the-art body variants setting it apart from the outgoing 2.3-litre car
Production figures of 1,000 passenger cars per month are achieved
February 1949
For the first time since the end of the Second World War, Daimler-Benz achieves production figures of 1,000 passenger cars per month.
New sports cars: Premiere of 190 SL and 300 SL models
6 - 14 February 1954
The 190 SL (W 121) and 300 SL (W 198) sports car models are presented at the International Motor Sports Show in New York
G-Class premieres
5 - 10 February 1979
In Toulon, France, the Mercedes-Benz 460-series cross-country vehicle developed in cooperation with Steyr-Daimler-Puch is unveiled to the press. Produced in Graz, Austria, the range includes four models, two wheelbases and five body variants.
The R 129 Roadster, featuring 300 SL, 300 SL-24 and 500 SL models, celebrated its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989. Important innovations were its electro-hydraulically operated top, the roll-over bar that extends automatically if the car threatens to overturn, and the integral seat.
The new SL models were the first Mercedes-Benz production cars equipped with four-valve six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines. The 300 SL-24 used the 162 kW / 220 hp 3-liter in-line six-cylinder M 104 unit, and the 500 SL had the 5-litre V8 M 119 with 240 kW / 326 hp.
#300SL #300SL24 #500SL #M103 #M104 #M119 #MercedesBenz #MBMuseum #MBClassic
Daimler Phoenix wins Nice - Magagnosc - Nice
21 March 1899
Wilhelm Bauer wins the Nice - Magagnosc - Nice touring race held during Nice Week in a Daimler Phoenix two-seater racing car. Bauer covers the 85-km route at an average speed of 34.7 km/h.
New in Berlin: models 130 and 500 K
8 - 18 March 1934
Debuts at the Berlin Motor Show: the 130 (W 23) is the first series-produced Mercedes-Benz passenger car with rear-mounted engine is the new entry-level in the passenger car range; and the supercharged 500 model, abbreviated to 500 K (W 29) is fitted with a 5-litre 8-cylinder supercharged engine and replaces the 380 model.
New six-cylinder model in the luxury-class
11 - 21 March 1954
The newly developed Mercedes-Benz 220 (internally designated 220 a, W 180) with "Ponton" body and the revised 300 (internally designated 300 b, W 186) with uprated engine make their debut at the Geneva Motor Show
Fritschy/Ellis team wins East African Rally
27 - 31 March 1959
Renewed success for Mercedes-Benz at the Coronation Safari in East Africa: the driver pairing of William A. Fritschy/John Ellis win the overall classification in a 219 model.
Model test with closed-loop catalytic converter
7 March 1984
At the Sindelfingen plant, Dr Rudolf Eberle, Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Economic Affairs, takes delivery of three Mercedes-Benz 230 E passenger cars fitted with closed-loop catalytic converters and designed to run on premium petrol.
Return to Formula One with Sauber-Mercedes 27 March 1994
The Sauber-Mercedes C 13 takes the start for the first time at the Formula One race in Interlagos, Brazil. It marks Mercedes-Benz's return to Formula One racing after 40 years, as supplier of engines to the Sauber Team. The 3.5-litre V10 four-valve engine weighs only 122.6 kg and develops over 515 kW / 700 hp.
Geneva show: premiere for CL Coupé 12 - 21 March 1999
The Geneva Motor Show hosts the world premiere of the new C 215 series CL Coupé. It is the world's first production car equipped with the active suspension system Active Body Control (ABC). The top-of-the-range CL 600 debuts with a new 5.8-litre M 137 V12 (270 kW / 367 hp), which features three-valve technology, dual ignition and automatic cylinder shutoff (CSO). In the CLK 55 AMG, Mercedes-AMG presents an especially powerful variant of the CLK Coupé (208 series). Also having their first showing are the facelifted 638 series V-Class, the armoured version of the S-Class, as well as the diesel smart City Coupé, scheduled for launch at the end of the year
Benz Velo is world’s first volume-produced automobile
April 1894
With the Motor Velocipede ("Velo"), Benz & Cie. adds a very reasonably priced compact model to its sales range. The Benz Velo becomes the world's first volumeproduced automobile: a total of 1,200 units in all variants are built up to 1901
First racing wins with supercharged engine
27 April 1924
At the Madonie race course in Sicily, DMG works driver Christian Werner wins the Targa Florio over 432 km and, after an additional lap of 108 km, the Coppa Florio, recording the first major race victories for the new Mercedes 2-litre racing car with four-cylinder supercharged engine.
Farewell to the inventor of the automobile
4 April 1929
Dr Carl Benz, inventor of the automobile and the company's founding father, dies at the age of 84 in Ladenburg.
Testing of the Mercedes-Benz G 4
April 1934
In Untertürkheim the first Mercedes-Benz G 4 is completed and starts testing. The cross-country three-axle passenger car is based on the design of the G 3a truck
1939 season begins with double victory for Mercedes-Benz
2 April 1939
At the Pau Grand Prix in France, the first outing for the 3-litre formula racing car with the new M 163 engine, Mercedes-Benz posts a double victory with Hermann Lang and Manfred von Brauchitsch. Hermann Lang also wins the International Eifel Race on the Nürburgring on 21 May and the Belgian Grand Prix on 25 June.
Safety door lock patented 23 April 1949
Karl Wilfert, head of body development at the Sindelfingen plant, files a patent application for a safety door lock
Kickoff in Suzuka: one-two win in silver 9 April 1989
In the first race of the Sports Car World Championship in Suzuka, Japan, the SauberMercedes C 9 cars compete with a silver-coloured body and further developed M 119 V8 engine with four-valves-per-cylinder and even higher performance potential.
Mauro Baldi / Jean-Louis Schlesser and Kenny Acheson drive the new Silver Arrows to a one-two win in the car's very first competitive outing.
Logistics hub in port of Stuttgart
8 April 2004
The Untertürkheim plant officially opens its logistics centre in the port of Stuttgart. The Central Overseas Shipping department is tasked with supplying the growing number of global production sites with engines, transmissions, axles and parts kits.
The annual George Old Car Show on the picturesque Garden Route is probably the best motoring event in our country... and this year's show confirmed that.
Our dedicated club president,
Waldo Scribante, is heavily involved in the organisation of this classic car exhibition through his role at the Southern Cape Old Car Club. For a few years, the hosts have also advised a general theme for the show, and after last year's Italian flavour it was the turn of Germanmetalin2024.
This lead to an abundance of exhibitors featuring the obvious makes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche,OpelandVolkswagen;not forgetting classics like Borgward, DKWandothermarquesfromdays goneby.
In order to facilitate a record attendance of Mercedes-Benz club vehicles, the show layout was altered to accommodate our club's tent at one end of a large sports field(theeventisalwaysheldatthe Eden Technical school grounds) with four rows of beautiful threepointed star products stretching over most of the area's length. On theotherside,visitorsweretreated tosuchanincrediblespectaclethat many observers agreed it elevated the George Show to international levels: under a gigantic marquis, there were seven 300SL Roadsters andone300SLGullwingondisplay.
This constitutes most 98chassis 300SL vehicles on South Africansoil,withonlyoneRoadster not making the journey from Johannesburg due to its owner's currentlocation.
It is a feat that will be almost impossible to repeat, and one that we should applaud Waldo and the organisers for: to gather almost everysingle300SLinthecountryin oneplace.
Just as mind-blowing was the fact that this exotic collection of Stuttgart's finest was easily available for the public to view, at thecostofatickettotheshow.
Security was present but not tight, so every show visitor could walk right up and take photos or selfies with these magnificent cars. The conversation of price came up a few times at our club's tent, and while most estimates hovered around the 200 million Rand mark (for all 300SL's present), we were later in agreement that current market value is closer to 300 million.
As if that wasn't enough, our stand was also graced by a replica Benz Patentwagen, a sky blue metallic Maybach S650 Cabriolet, Waldo's 9 3 Benz, unusual Fintail models like a Universal and long-
wheelbase limousine, 90SL's, Pagodas, lots of stately S-Classes andsveltecoupés,plentyofyoungtimer AMG's and almost every model from the history books of Mercedes-Benz!
Other notes I made over the weekend include the much better weather (when compared to last year's scorching temperatures), the extremely busy Saturday but more leisurely Sunday crowds, loads of interesting food vendors and a decent amount of genuine interest in the Mercedes-EQ electric vehicles displayed by Stanmar Motors alongside our tent.
If you're suffering from a bit of regret or envy right now, I can only adviseyoutodefinitelyattendnext year's George Old Car Show… which promises to be just as amazing! ■
“Fueled by the passion for the 300SL, I envisioned a road trip like no other.”
InFebruary 954,attheNewYork
Motor Show, a legend was born: the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupé. Fast forward 70 years, and enthusiasts from across South Africa gathered to pay homage to thisautomotivemasterpieceatthe George Old Car Show. But the celebration didn't stop there; it was just the beginning of an unforgettablejourney
Fueled by the passion for the 300SL, I envisioned a road trip like no other. With meticulous planning, I rallied owners of these timeless classics, inviting them to showcase their pride and joy at the GeorgeOldCars.Theresponsewas
overwhelming, with eight of the nine 300SL’s in the country gracing the event, including a Gullwing. Alongside them, six 90SL’s joined the ranks, marking the 70th anniversaryoftheW 2 .
The George Old Car Show buzzed with excitement as a crowd of 3,500 enthusiasts marveled at the Mercedes-Benz display, setting thestageforanepicadventure.
Thissetthetoneforthingto come…
As the sun rose on the day after the show, a convoy of classic Mercedes-Benzes gathered at StanmarMotorsforajourneyfilled with camaraderie and discovery.
Waldo Scribante
“...each mile brought new memories and shared experiences.”
With a lineup boasting 300SL’s, 90SL’s, 300SE Coupés, SLS AMG’s and more, the road beckoned with promisesofadventure.
Traversing the scenic route to Mossel Bay, the convoy's spirits soared despite the sweltering 46°C heat. Along the way, the only hiccup — an overheated 300SL — was swiftly resolved... a testament to the bond among fellow enthusiasts.
FromMosselBaytoBarrydale, viathebreathtakingTradouwPass, each mile brought new memories and shared experiences. Some refreshment awaited us at the Barrydale Karoo Art Hotel, setting the stage for an evening of opulenceatBonniedale.
Upon our arrival at their Angora Stud Guest Farm, Bertus andRozithaOosthuizengreetedus warmly with refreshing drinks, setting the tone for a memorable stay. Led to our accommodations in the old stables of the farm, we wereenvelopedintherusticcharm of the setting, a true testament to theOosthuizens'hospitality
As evening descended, we gathered for a lavish dinner reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the many classic Mercedes-Benzes collected by the Oosthuizensovertheyears.
“...breathtaking views and a sense of awe...”
However, amidst the celebration, a few participants found themselves gently reminded of the rules (including myself) for a minor oversightintheroadbook.
At the break of dawn, we embarked on a brief excursion to the Weltevrede Family Estate, immersing ourselves in the art of MCC – Method Cap Classic. With eachsip,wesavoredtheexcellence of Weltevrede's creations, and to our delight, we were invited to bottle our own MCC, adding a personaltouchtotheexperience.
Our journey continued to Bredasdorp, where we indulged in cake and coffee at the quaint
Bredasdorp Square before setting our sights on the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape A'lgulhas. Here, amidst the stunning coastal vistas, we raised a toast with another glass of MCC before making our way to the home of Bertus and RozithainA'lgulhas.
In true Oosthuizen fashion, they welcomed us with open arms, treating us to sundowners and a delectable fish braai — a perfect conclusion to our second day's adventures. Truly, a fitting end to a day filled with unforgettable moments.
After a brief detour to Arniston,weretiredfortheevening
at the Arniston Spa Hotel, where the serene view of the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean greeted us with its unparalleled beauty at dawn.
On our third day, we ventured to the historic Danger Point Lighthouse, where we were greeted by breathtaking views and asenseofaweatthesignificanceof thisiconiclandmark.
Following our exploration, we made a delightful stopover at the Birkenhead Brewery, one of the pioneers of craft brewing in the country Indulging in flavorful brews and hearty fare, we refueled forthenextlegofourjourney.
Our path led us to the luxurious Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa in Kleinmond, where we were welcomed with open arms for our third night's stay Nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, the Arabella Hotel offered a haven of relaxation and indulgence, setting the stage for another memorable evening of camaraderie and sharedexperiences.
A rather extraordinary Gala evening unfolded at the Arabella Hotel, graciously sponsored by Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ltd. The ambiance was elevated by the presence of the iconic 300SL Gullwing and the new R233 SLroadster, gracing our banquet hall with their timeless elegance. Miles Bhana from MBSA made a special appearance, journeying from Cape Town to join us for the evening — a testament to his commitment amidstabusyschedule.
With heartfelt gratitude, I extended my thanks to all attendees, presenting each with a commemorative 70th 300SL lapel pin as a token of appreciation. As weindulgedinasumptuousdinner paired with exquisite wines, we reflected on the journey thus far before retiring for a well-deserved rest, cherishing the memories created during this remarkable celebration.
The following day greeted us with rain as we journeyed to Somerset West to explore the ABRUU Motor Studio nestled within the enchanting Lourensford Wine Estate. We were captivated by the exquisite collection of Alfa Romeo cars curated by Lynton Lomas, each one a testament to automotive craftsmanship and history. Following a leisurely morning of exploration, we indulged in a tranquil lunch at Milford House, savoring moments
of relaxation before embarking on ournextlegofthejourney.
However, our plans then encountered a slight detour as we made our way to Franschhoek. Unfortunately, the Franschhoek Pass remained closed for repair following flooding in September 2023, diverting us through the bustlingtrafficofStellenbosch.Yet, even amidst the unexpected twists and turns, our spirits remained high as we embraced the journey ahead, eager for the adventures that awaited us in the picturesque landscapesofFranschhoek.
Our accommodation for the night was at the Protea by Marriott Hotel in Franschhoek, where we concluded the day with a delectable steak dinner, savoring theflavorsoftheregion.
Friday, our final day, began at Mercedes-Benz Paarl, where Bianca Fluckiger of Supergroup graciously welcomed us and guidedusthroughtheirshowroom and workshop. From there, a short drive took us to the Franschhoek Motor Museum for a fascinating guided tour, with the iconic 300SL Gullwing making a cameo appearance, providing perfect photoopportunities.
Our journey concluded with a delightful lunch at Leopard's Leap, where camaraderie flourished among old and new friends. As the farewells were exchanged, many conversations buzzed with much anticipation for the next adventure, a testament to the lasting bonds forged during this unforgettabletour.
Iextendmyheartfeltgratitude toMercedes-BenzSouthAfricaLtd, with special appreciation to Miles Bhana and Justin Jacobs, for their invaluable support both financially andlogistically.
A sincere thank you to Herman Brandt for graciously showcasing his 300SL and to Pieter Venterforhislogisticalsupport.
WewerehonoredtohaveDan Nicholl join us for the first two days of the road trip in a new R233 SL43, and we eagerly anticipate future collaborationswithhim.
A special acknowledgment to Ferdi de Vos and his cameraman for capturing the essence of our journey over the last two days, particularly with the mesmerizing scenes featuring the 300SL’s and R233SL43.
To all who joined us on this unforgettable adventure, your presence enriched our experience beyond measure. Thank you for beingapartofthisjourney
Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every participant who embarked on this incredible journey with us. Your enthusiasm, camaraderie, and shared passion for MercedesBenz made this experience truly unforgettable.
A special mention goes to Chris and Rensche Kühn for their invaluable technical support with the Geländewagen, ensuring our journeywassmoothandseamless.
To Connie Oosthuizen, Martin and Michelle Ferreira, Clive Winterstein and Tanya Borges, Franco and Silvio Scribante, André Fourie, Waldo and René Scribante, Kobus and Herman Harris, Jan Enslin, Barry and Jane Cole, Avish Maharaj and Warren Geyser, Graham van Heerden, as well as Peter and Heather De Lima — thank you for sharing your passion and adding your unique spirit to thisadventure.
Your presence made this journey truly exceptional, and I am immensely grateful for the memories we have created together. Until our paths cross again, thank you all for beinga part ofthisextraordinaryexperience.■
Connie Oosthuizen, Martin & Michelle Ferreira
Clive Winterstein, Tanya Borges
Franco & Silvio Scribante
André Fourie
Waldo & René Scribante
Kobus & Herman Harris
Jan Enslin
Barry & Jane Cole
Avish Maharaj, Warren Geyser
Graham van Heerden
Peter Hayter, Heather De Lima
Chris & Rensche Kühn
Dan Nicholl, Ferdi de Vos
There are many ways to tell if
someone is a proper petrolhead, chief among which are the ownership of an Alfa-Romeo or having attended a live Formula- race.
Well,I'mabsolutelycertainthat there's another easy way to spot if someone has 95 Unleaded coursing through their veins: if they've ever visited the TechnoClassicainEssen.
This absolutely gigantic classic car fair takes place every year in Essen, Germany, around spring in the northern hemisphere. To give you a quick impression of the
show's extremities, this year saw more than ,250 stands from 30 nations, plus 200 clubs and many private companies exhibiting their wares in 0 halls and various outdoor areas totalling more than 20,000m².
Having incorporated a visit to this grandiose three-day event a few years ago during a previous German car safari/tour, our club president Waldo (with some heavy encouragement from KwaZuluNatalChairmanAvishMaharaj)put out the proverbial feelers if any members were keen on another suchtour.
Much to his amazement, the maximum number of 35 club members was quickly reached, so bookings and reservations got underway. In short, the 2024 Benz Essen Safari was fully booked and eager to depart by the end of last year!Theparticipantsconsistedofa good split between veterans from theprevioussafariandnewcomers to the tour; from most of the six regionsinourclub.
The official start date was on Tuesday 3 April 2024 at Frankfurt Airport,wheresomemembersflew in directly while quite a few joined fromprecedingholidayexcursions.
In what quickly became the standard for our entire trip, the bookings and arrangements were top-class, and included the arrival ofourfriendlytourguide,Matthias. This tall Berliner with wispy grey curls was starkly contrasted by our stubby Czech bus driver, Girji, who wasasmuteasMatthiaswaschatty
Departing directly for Essen (andthemotorshow'spreviewday) we were treated to informative videos with various cultural explanations and handy tips about Germany; possibly in an effort to livenuptheAutobahnjourneys.
It's properly difficult to explain the extent of what was waiting for us, although some photos and the accompanying flickr galleries may helpinthatregard.
All of us obviously honed in on the Mercedes-Benz vehicles at the show, and to give you another idea of how impressive this event is… the most common model we encountered was the 300SL Gullwing, of which there were almost 0ondisplay!
Besides first-time encounters like an E50 AMG wagon, W 24 Hammer,SLRCoupeandRoadster, 722 Special Roadster or two (!) GClass convertibles, it was also amazing to see the rare and exotic stufffromotherbrands,includinga pair of Jaguar XJ220's, a couple of Bentley Blowers and BMW Z8's, Ferrari F40, and every Porsche you canimagine.Yes,includingthe959, CarreraGT,550Spyderand9 8.
Other multiples we noted included various Pagodas and 90SL's, Lancia Delta Integrales, NSURO80's,variousAmericanland yachts and muscle cars, tuner or racing/rallycars,aswellasplentyof BMW M3's, 6-Series, 8-Series and Z 's. Have I mentioned the dozens of memorabilia, toy and spare part vendorsyet?
We spent most of the three available days at the show, interspersed with jovial dinners at traditional German restaurants. Think generous Schnitzels with loads of savoury sides and crisp beer.Whenourdinnerplansforthe lastnightfellflatduetoanelectricity issue at the restaurant, we got to showcase our South African ingenuity by immediately adapting to this unwanted power cut in searchofaneweatery.
Also, half-way through our stay in Essen, René Scribante organised a mini-visit to the Folkwang art museum in Essen which included contemporary German pieces, modern sculptures, amazing classicsincludingPicasso,aswellas oldmasterslikeVanGogh.
From Essen we departed for the beautiful university town of Heidelberg, where we found more richGermanfoodandtheproximity of Ladenburg; for a visit to the Carl Benz museum. This fairly humble warehouse was by far the smallest venue we visited but shone with original Benz vehicles, wonderful history and another unusually talkativemuseumguide.
The next day included stops at two of Germany's most amazing technical museums, in the conveniently close locations of SpeyerandSinsheim.
Speyer is especially famous for itsfocusonaviation,whichincludes exhibits of various Boeings and fighter planes, as well as a space exhibition complete with an example of the Buran (Russia's spaceshuttle). With quite a few interesting cars dotted in between, you'll also find retired submarines, fire engines, musical organs and plentyofsteamtrainsattheTechnic MuseumSpeyer.
Sinsheim is decidedly smaller and a bit more focussed on the automobile, with vehicular treasuresalmostasimpressiveand varied as those at the TechnoClassica.
Some of the display categories at this amazing venue include Formula vehicles, motorbikes, sports cars, military vehicles (and planes), historical racing cars, vintage vehicles and American dreamcars.
A vast majority of vehicles were from Mercedes-Benz and Maybach, which included the 6wheeled Mercedes W3 and half a
dozenvintageMaybachs;including a converted saw mill vehicle which wasdonatedbyitsformerowner.
Other highlights included the supersonic Concorde and its Tupulev equivalent, a dedicated hall about the 00th anniversary of LeMans24hrs,theBlueFlamelandspeed record vehicle, a Delorean DMC- 2 as well as “Brutus”, the museum's47LV 2Frankensteincar made famous by Jeremy Clarkson onTopGear.
BothTechnicmuseumsfeature anIMAXmovietheatrewithvarious fascinating documentaries… none ofwhichwehadtimefor!
After a transfer and dinner in Stuttgart, the next day entailed a guided factory tour of the Sindelfingen plant in the morning, where we witnessed the highly specialisedyetversatileproduction line (which can be re-tooled in a mere 48 hours) producing 223Series S-Classes and Maybachs. Not to order, mind you, the entire productionlinewasalreadyspoken for.
Anothersoberingtitbitwasthat most Maybachs retail for about 300,000Euros(currentlyaboutZAR 6 million) yet are bought in China... which has a 00% import duty and, occasionally, new owners in their early20's.
To keep up the pace, our afternoon was spent with a guided touroftheengineproductionlineat AMGheadquartersinAffalterbach. And yes, the in-house Mercedes performance company's claim is absolutelytrue.
Thanks to 300 highly skilled mechatronic technicians and sci-fi level equipment, two shifts and precise German planning produce thousands of new AMG (and Aston Martin)enginesbyhandeachyear.
The last and final day was mostly reserved for a visit to our brand's flagshipcollectionattheMercedesBenzMuseuminStuttgart.
With more than ,500 exhibits overeightfloorsand 6,500m²,this surely is the holy land to anyone who's even remotely interested in vehicles carrying a three-pointed star.
I don't want to spoil any future visits so I'll only focus on a few highlights which include the original four-wheeled Daimler motor carriage, the now-solitary 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupé” (which
our tour guide kindly opened for photos) as well as a banked curve filled with racing trucks, cars and enormous land-speed record vehicles.Tonamebutafew.
Similarly incredible rarities can be found at the Porsche Museum, which we paid a shorter visit to in the afternoon; also because it's a quarter of the Mercedes one's size. Andjusttogiveyouasmallteaser,in betweentheirmind-blowingracing heritageandchronologicalroadcar line-up, you'll find the MercedesBenz500EwhichPorschehelpedto build.
This brings us to the end of the second Benz Essen Safari and an unforgettable experience for all of its participants. The amount of special vehicles and amazing technology borders on over-load butIurge,nay,beganyautomotive enthusiast to consider joining the nexttour.
Unfortunately it's a costly exercise (especially from a ZAR perspective) but everyone agreed thatitwasabsolutelyworthit! ■
The committee of the Benz-Lens Magazine CHALLENGES ALL OUR MEMBERS to submit their own personal stories and images.
The winning articles will be published in the quarterly magazine and on our digital media. Annual prizes will be awarded according to contributions on photos, articles and Facebook posts.
PLEASE CONTACT OUR EDITOR FOR ASSISTANCE
By René Scribante New Year’s Sundowners
We couldn't have asked for a more enchanting start to the year than our Sundowner party on 1 January 2024 at Glentana.
Though our gathering was
intimate, the spirits were high andtheatmospherewasfilledwith anticipation for the adventures thatlayahead.
With champagne flowing and gin cocktails in hand, we embraced the breathtaking sunset as it painted the sky with hues of promise and possibility. It was a moment that not only marked the beginningofanewyearbutalsoset the tone for the journey ahead - a journey filled with camaraderie, discovery, and the joy of shared experiences.
Though only a few of us gathered, the warmth of our companionship illuminated the evening, reminding us that it's not thesizeofthecrowdbutthequality ofconnectionsthattrulymatters.
As we step into the new year, let's carry the spirit of our Sundowner party with usembracing each moment, cherishing every connection, and embarking on the road ahead with enthusiasmandoptimism.
Here’s wishing you all a year filled with laughter, love, and unforgettablememories.■
As the sun painted the sky in
hues of orange and pink, members of the Southern region gatheredatthepicturesqueMossel Bay Yacht Club. We had chosen the charming Portuguese restaurant, Mosambik, nestled beside the tranquilwaters,forlatelunch.
Seated on the outdoor terrace, overlooking the glistening Santos Beach,theambiancewassetforan afternoon of indulgent relaxation. Thegentlebreezecarriedthescent oftheseaandthetantalizingaroma of peri-peri and garlic-infused seafoodcookinginthekitchen.
As the members settled into their seats, their conversations flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter and shared memories.
The camaraderie among them was palpable, bonded by their mutual love for Mercedes-Benz and the thrilloftheopenroad.
Plates adorned with succulent prawns, tender calamari and flavorful fish or chicken were accompanied by glasses of crisp whitewinethatsparkledinthesun. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a testament to the culinary expertiseofMosambik'schefs.
As everyone savored their meal, they watched a small yacht regatta unfold in the bay, the sails billowinginthebreezeastheboats glidedgracefullyacrossthewater.It wasasceneofserenityandbeauty, and a perfect backdrop to their afternoonofleisure.
As the day began to wane and the sky turned to shades of dusky blue, the members decided to end their gathering on a sweet note. Glasses were filled with indulgent Kahlua Dom Pedro cocktails, a decadent blend of creamy coffee liqueurandice-cream.
With contented smiles and full hearts, everyone toasted the memories made and the friendships strengthened. Till next time, they vowed, knowing that theirbondwouldendure,fueledby their shared passion for adventure andtheopenroad. ■
In our recent escapade to the enchanting Herbertsdale region, the Southern Cape region embarked on a memorable journey to Jakkalsvlei Wine Estate.
Set against the picturesque
backdrop of the Southern Cape,ourSundayoutingonApril 4 2024, unfolded with a rendezvous at the iconic Elvisbrew Padstal, wherewemetfellowmembersand their friends. As we traversed the scenic N2 towards Mossel Bay, our convoy gained momentum with the delightful addition of the Marais' from Klein Brak River, graciously accompanying us in theirPorsche.
Adding to the camaraderie, we were delighted to welcome Kobus and his wife in Mossel Bay, infusing our gathering with warmth and companionship. Blessedwithaperfectblendofcool autumn sunshine, our outing was adorned with captivating vistas and, as always, the exquisite wines and rather delectable cuisine of JakkalsvleiWineEstate.
As we savoured the flavours and delighted in each other's company, it became evident that these moments epitomize the essence of our beloved club — a harmonious blend of passion, adventure,andcamaraderie.
Stay tuned for more of these adventuresahead!■
The Central Region started the new year with a busy calendar, including Klerksdorp visits, breakfast runs and technical evenings.
Wedecidedtostartouryearon
a different note as we all joinedtheNorthernRegionontheir weekend at the Star Raceway facility in Klerksdorp. Even though we were only five Central Region members attending the event, we enjoyed it immensely because the Klerksdorpcrowd,asusual,wentto great lengths to entertain all their guests.
This event was followed the next weekend by a breakfast at Airborne Café, a restaurant at our local Tempe Airport. Young and old enjoyed this event and we were fortunate to have our member Jan Coetzer from Kathu, his two sisters (potential new members) and their familiesatthiseventaswell.
February saw us taking the usualroadstotheGeorgeCarshow for the show of all shows! The members that did not attend this eventcertainlymissedoutonavery special and grand affair. On our way back to Bloemfontein a few of us met up with member Johan MinnaarinGraaffReinet.
Later on in February, the Kachelhoffer Benz Barn hosted a technical evening where our members were informed on all things carburettor related. A very informativeeveningindeed.
In March, our Dutch evening (referring to the term where everybody brings along a plate of eats) became a real special event as our member, Gert Coetzee,
arranged for Marnus Hattingh, the National Motoring Editor of Netwerk24, to join us on this evening. They entertained us with a questions-and-answers session where we got to know more of Marnus’ special and very enviable choice of career. When asked how many vehicles he had the privilege of test driving, his answer was an
astonishing+/- ,200!Whatawayto spendyourworkday
In the Northern Cape, our members enjoyed the fifth anniversary of their regular Benz breakfasts and they exhibited their beauties at the Border Hotel in Jan Kempdorp.
Our planned April function unfortunatelyhadtobepostponed
asourhostsfortheeventhadother commitments in Cape Town. We now look forward to our annual Cars in the Park to be held in Bloemfontein at the beginning of May ■
Booking out the entire Royal Hotel in Steytlerville, 23 East Cape region members and friends gathered for the third “Karoo to Coast” on Thursday 8th February en route to the 2024 George Car Show.
If you don't know where
Steytlerville is, then you better get your trusty road atlas out... it's pretty much in the middle of nowhere: 175km north-west of Port Elizabeth via the R75 towards Graaff–Reinet, turning off at Wolwefontein onto the R329, passing through wide open Karoo landscapes, leading to the narrow and twisting Noorspoort and into the neat and tidy dorpie of Steytlerville.
By late afternoon, old and new enthusiasts trickled in from all over: East London, Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth, Graaff–Reinet, Roodepoort (Gauteng!) and even Bremen in Germany, gathering to share experiences of the drive in
boiling temperatures across the Karoo; and in time to relax on the Hotelverandaandaroundthepool, enjoying “refreshments”.
The next day witnessed a variety of three-pointed stars, including a W121 190SL (with Colin and Erald squeezed in), a W110, EttienneGeel'sblackW111230S,as well as W108, W116 450SEL, W126, C126 and W124 heading out after breakfast onto the single strip R329 concrete road towards Willowmore.
Acompulsorypitstoptotakein theearlymorningsceneryresulted in more banter and laughter, helpedalongwithJägermeisterand CherriesinWitblitzfortheboldand not-so-beautiful.
In Willowmore, we detoured to visit the Blackstone Diesels power station, which supplied the townwithelectricityfrom1938until 1984.
From there it was on to Uniondale, driving out through the impressive rock formations of the Uniondale Poort (built in 1925), stopping near the summit, where Johan Minnaar shared interesting insightsintotheBoerWarclashthat took place near there on 18 August 1901, between Gideon Scheepers' commandoandthe10thHussars.
As the day warmed up, the group headed on to the hamlet of Herold (on the north side of the Montagu Pass, the predecessor to the modern Outeniqua Pass) for lunch in the shadows of the Outeniqua Mountains, and then taking the scenic drive down into George, in time to clean and polish cars for the next day's George Car Show.■
We had the pleasure of hosting Martin and his wife Katrin from Germany who were holidaying in SA for two weeks...
Given that our guests were
going to be in PE on Friday March,wedecidedabraaiwouldbe theorderoftheday,alsogiventhat Martin and Katrin lived in SA for a few years thus a bit of “coming home”wasbest.
So, we hustled a few of the troops, got a braai, chairs and few other fiddly bits together and hosted them at the workshop in Walmer.
What started off as a lovely late afternoon eventually turned into a classic blustery evening thanks to P.E.'s winds. The cars parked around were mostly Mercs, mostly German,withtheexceptionofafew Land-Rovers and a Rolls. We had a great catch-up with Martin, picking his brains on models and a myriad of topics, all car-related of course. This fella has a vast knowledge of three-pointedstars...
Thisbeingthefirsttimewemet thecouple(they’rebasedinELSand notnativetotheECregion)andonly “spoke”onWhatsapp.
A few beers and spirits (which Martin kindly brought along) had us eventually needing to make a human wind break to get the fire started.Itreallyprovedachallenge to keep all the sparks at bay but everythingwentwell,themeatwas cooked and we enjoyed a great meal... as always, meat was the main focus and there was a good dose of salad left at the end of the evening.
With maagies vol, we enjoyed the rest of the of the evening with a few more toots and good banter. A fond farewell with the next visit in the breach already, saw Martin and Katrin heading off to their accommodation and on to ELS on Saturday to catch up with the boys andgalsthere.
A big thanks to M and K for planning to stop in PE, it was lovely to meet and spend time with you. Welookforwardtoyourreturn!■
Our KZN Region is feelin’ good about their outing to Café Sparrow and the upcoming AGM...
Ibelieve Nina Simone wrote
“Feelin' Good” specifically for Sunday,28thJanuary2024.
Because the birds were flyin' high at Café Sparrow in Gillitts with the Durban sun high in the sky as membersoftheregiongatheredfor the year-opening function. In the heart of suburbia, Café Sparrow offersaserenesetting,theopen-air deck overlooking a kaleidoscopic koipond.
Our members kept hydrated throughadivinelypresentedlunch, catching up on the goings-on since the last gathering. Lunch was punctuated by excited chatter
about the upcoming AGM and NationalGatheringtobehostedby the region later this year. 2024 bringswithitanewday,anewdawn; andit'sfeelin'good! ■
Air brakes released, ditch lights flashing, the KZN region was all aboard for a day out in Hilton!
Our destination was the
Whistle Stop Café, a quaint eatery at the heart of the old Hilton TrainStation.
Officially opened in 1888, the stationservedasastop-overonthe old Durban to Johannesburg line which opened for operation four years prior. The old station was decommissioned in 1988 following a washaway in 1987... which was never repaired. Rich with history andprovidence,HiltonStationeven featuredinthemovieadaptationof the book Cry The Beloved Country written by Alan Paton with James Earl Jones playing the role of Stephen Dlamini. The on-site museum still houses many gems maintained by the Hilton Steam HeritageAssociation.
From Hollywood stars to the Stars of Stuttgart, the historical landmark offered the perfect canvas against which our carriages were photographed (including a train, the author's namesake!). With ambient changes between sunshine and some moody mist, members enjoyed lunch off the WhistleStop'slimitedmenu.Witha fairtakingplaceatthesamevenue, livemusicprovidedthebackground toawanderaboutthemanystalls.
There are hidden treasures in our beautiful province, and you don't have to ask us twice to go in searchofthem… ■
At 07:30 on 20 January 2024 a
We thank Leon Erasmus and his KSCC committee for a superb, wellorganised and highly enjoyable event!
convoy of 2 northern region club member cars departed for Klerksdorp to meet at Mike's Kitchen for breakfast, marking the startoftheannualandeverpopular "beginning of the year" - function hosted by the Klerksdorp Sports CarClub.
In addition, we were joined by two Central region vehicles, one of which owned by our very own vicepresident, Annalie Kachelhoffer and her husband Jaco, who is the chairpersonoftheCentralregion.
After breakfast, we departed for the Star raceway, where the official welcome in true Klerksdorp Sports Car Club style took place. Following the welcome, all attendees proceeded to the track fora"victorylap"ortwoandaphoto opportunity.
What waited for us next exceeded all our expectations for theday!
Attendees from both the MBCSA and the KSCC were divided into three teams and participated in a fun mini-gymkhana competition withatwistaroundeverycorner,or shouldwerathersaycone?
The shenanigans ranged from blind-folding the driver, leaving codrivers to guide the driver through obstacles,tomanoeuvringvehicles into restricted paddocks stopping ascloseaspossibletoobstacles.
Closingthetrackfunfortheday, a spectacular performance was given by members of KSCC and top fueller drivers. The day was appropriately concluded with a prize giving for the mini-gymkhana funeventandmagnificentinformal dinner (and dance) in distinct Klerksdorphospitalitystyle!
After a well-deserved rest and breakfast, our members departed the following morning with new fond memories and friendships made!■
The 3rd of March 2024 marked
the first Stars & Coffee event hosted by the Northern region at the magnificent Nineteen69 Bistro in Broederstroom, close to Hartbeespoortdam, which also sponsoredthefirstcupofcoffee!
The purpose of the Stars & Coffee events is to provide club members the opportunity to meet regularly on an informal basis,
enjoy a good cup of coffee and maybe a breakfast. We also invite other clubs to the event and by doing so, hope to entice other enthusiaststojoinourclub
For the above reason we were joinedbyinformalclubssuchasthe SLK Gauteng owners club, W 23 Enthusiasts group, RCC club and theCapetoCairoclub
The gathering was a huge
success with more than 40 cars on display, mostly Mercedes-Benzes, and more than 70 guests attending ourpilotStars&Coffeeouting.
A huge thank you goes to Nineteen69 Bistro, our committee members and of course our wonderfulmemberswhomadethe dayareality! ■
The Northern region went on a jubilee run to the Voortrekker Monument to celebrate the beloved W124 series.
Wewereveryfortunatetohave included several W 24 sedans, two C 24 coupes, one station wagon and a beautiful cabriolet among othermodelsontherun.
A total of 34 Mercedes-Benz vehicles joined the run that transported more than 70 club members; including friends and family! Members were free to explore the grounds and the monument, which was declared a National Heritage site in 20 . The monument is constructed from graniteandstands40meterstallon abaseof40mby40meters.
he Mercedes-Benz W 24 is a
range that included numerous body configurations, and though collectively referred to as the W 24, official internal chassis designations varied by body style namely the sedan (W 24), station wagon (S 24), coupé (C 24), cabriolet (A 24) and long wheel base(V 24).
In March 984, pilot production commenced and development of the 24 sedan concluded with engineering sign-off. The series production began at the beginning of November 984, with press presentation on Monday 26 November 984 in Seville, Spain, and customer deliveries and Europeanmarketlaunchstartingin January 985.
Our beloved W 24 series was celebrated by the Northern region club members on the 7th March 2024 with a jubilee run to the VoortrekkerMonument.
Although its construction commenced in 93 , it was only completed in 949 (after the war) atacostof£360000.
Themonumentwasspecifically selected for this outing due to the masonicsubtextoftheVoortrekker Monument to the Battle of the Nations (Völkerschlachtdenkmal) inLeipzig,Germany.
This is because the architect, Gerard Moerdijk, had used the geometric order and spatial proportions of the Völkerschlachtdenkmal in the design of the VoortrekkerMonument.
The run was concluded by members meeting at the close-by German restaurant “Kapstadt Brauhaus” for a menu filled with traditional German food to choose from!
CheersW 24–thankyoufor40 yearsofservice...andwe’relooking forwardtomanymore! ■
Angela's Picnic –7 April 2024
By Johan KroghAngela's Picnic has been an annual treat for Gautengbased classic car fans for decades, and celebrated its 41st year on 7 April 2024 at Riversands Farm.
Established back in 983 by
Angela Heinz, the event has attracted car clubs from all over, allowing fans to mingle between a vast assortment of classic vehicles ofjustabouteveryvintage.
Angela'sPicnicisorganisedand hosted by SAMCA (South African Motor Club Association). Entrance is free to all classic car owners, the onlyrequirementisthatadonation is made to Hospice Wits to assist with the palliative care of cancer afflictedpatients.
Despite a rather cold and cloudy start, the day cleared, and a fullcomplementofclassiccarswere in attendance. We are proud to say thattheMercedes-BenzClubstand was one of the best attended, and showcased the most cars on the day! ■
Following last year's rather
unfortunatecancellationofour club's annual National Concours, various committee members and Concours fans started discussing the idea of regional and more relaxed events; to ease any travelingorparticipatingconcerns.
Thanks to the dedicated investigations of an unofficial Concours Committee, it quickly became apparent that – while the National Concours in Sandton is highly regarded – the vast majority of members don't have the nerve, time or resources to participate in suchanevent.
With mostly Northern Region members attending the national event in their native area, perhaps we should alter the location of this automotivespectacle?
Suggestions of a roving National Concours were quickly dismissed as the club has found its groove (plus an amazing location and kind hosts) at the flagship Mercedes-Benz showroom in Sandton, Gauteng. Next to fly off the cutting board was the idea of one major event per region, as this wouldbeevenmoreexpensiveand complicated than the big National ConcoursinSeptember.
However, the committee then honed in on the concept of hosting a smaller and less complicated Concours earlier in the year… as a taster and feeder for the main event. This would also address the hidden issue with most club members (including myself) who think that their pride and joy is not Concours-worthy
Although this new event must adhere to official club Concours rules (and hence, cater to proper Concours participants), everyone agreedthatitshouldmakeroomfor member vehicles which might not beonthatlevel…yet!
Theideaistoencourageanywilling participant and have the judges evaluatetheirvehicle/sinapositive and kind manner, thereby advising themofwhatitwouldtaketoreach Concourslevels.
Another worthy consideration was the location, so happily our Western Cape Region chairman (ZillenVenter)puthishandup.With someofthemoststunningscenery and international tourist-standard locations, it was easily accepted that Cape Town and surrounds should host the club's miniConcours. It also encourages members from neighbouring regions to make the journey and efforttoattend,aswasthecasewith thisinauguralCapeConcours.
Thanks to a very pleasant 2023 Year-endFunction,Zillenwasquick to involve Webersburg Wine Estate again, as their picturesque Winelandssettingcomplimentsthe finest metal from Mercedes-Benz. All vehicles were displayed in an oblong circle around one of the rambling estate's tree-lined lawns, while a scrumptious lunch and plenty of superb wines were enjoyedjustafewstepsaway.
Withoneortwolateentries,the final tally for Sunday 2 May 2024 was25vehicles: 9officialConcours entrants and six “display vehicles” to round out an assortment of Mercedes-Benzes which ranged from Waldo Scribante's stunning 938 W 42 320 right up to a pair of SLS AMG's. Yup, there were two of them!
Other ranges which were represented include Ponton, Fintail, Coupe and Cabriolet, Pagoda, Strich Acht, R 07, W 6, W 23, W 26, R 29, a first-gen CLK and multiple R230's; including the manicSL65BlackSeries.
AtthispointImustalsomention our main sponsors, MercedesBenz (with the support of Rola Motors inSomersetWest),whonot only brought four shiny new demo vehicles but also had their workshop on standby for bad weather. Those concerns turned out to be wonderfully unfounded as the Cape provided a stunningly bright and warm autumn day with only a bit of wind rising in the late afternoon. Thank you to Miles Bhana for his support, and thank you to Rola Motors, whose four friendly staff members mingled with our club while happily demonstrating their wares. These included two Mercedes-EQ electric vehicles,afour-doorGT63AMGand aGLEturbo-dieselSUV.
As for the main reason this glamorous event took place, the winner of the Concours d'Elegance wasEttienneLongwithhisstunning blue 220S (Ponton) Cabriolet. Second prize went to Waldo Scribante and his aforementioned black beauty, the Type 320. Congratulationstothewinnersand many thanks to everyone who made the considerable effort of preparing their car(s) for this showcase of beautiful MercedesBenzes.
I hope that JP van der Poel's stunning photos are conveying the sheer excellence of all vehicles on display, plus the great ambience and company we all enjoyed. For a full list of entrants and winners, please page over to our table summary.
See you at the National Concours and / or next year's CapeConcours! ■
1938 W142 Type 320
1958 W180 220S Coupe
1958 W180 220S Cabriolet
1958 W105 219
1963 W111 220SE Cabriolet
1965 W111 280SE Coupe
1965 W113 230SL
1969 W113 280SL
1969 W114 230
Waldo Scribante
JW Pieterse
Long Family
Ken Rapaport
JW Pieterse
Peter Breen
Long Family
Hannes Pienaar
Steve Prinsloo
1990 W126 300SE Okkie Potgieter
1997 R 129 SL500
2002 R 230 SL500
Sana-Ullah Bray
Rinus van den Ende
2008 R 230 SL500 Okkie Potgieter
2010 R 230 SL65 AMG BlackSeries
2010 C197 SLS AMG
Long Family
Sana-Ullah Bray
First Overall: 220S Cabriolet
Second Overall: Type 320
Pre-war class: Type 320
Ponton class: 220S Cabriolet
Youngtimer: SL500
Newtimer: SLS AMG
1965 W111 220SE
197? R107 350SL
1973 W116 350SE
1985 W123 280E
2001 C 208 CLK430
2010 C197 SLS AMG
Long Family
Waldo Scribante
Waldo Scribante
Long Family
Rinus van den Ende
Sana-Ullah Bray
J.P. van der Poel
Andre du Toit
Hanjo Stier
Hanjo Stier
Ederik Kritzinger
Graham van Heerden
The Western Cape Region of
our club displayed two small contingents of classic and modern vehicles at the Timour Hall Classic Car Show, which is held over a weekend early each year on the lushgroundsofTimourHallVilla,an estate nestled between Cape Town’s leafy Plumstead and Constantiasuburbs.
The show has always preferred quality over quantity, and thus you will only find a handful of clubs, limited amounts of exhibitors, and a few small vendors strewn across the segregated green areas of this grade-2listedproperty.
With warm January weather prevailing, our club display was made up of about a dozen vehicles each day: modern Mercedes-Benz’ and AMG’s on Saturday, and classic ones on Sunday This was the first timethatourclubexhibitedonboth days!
There were a few other threepointed star vehicles displayed elsewhere in what must be one of the smallest and most familyfriendly car shows in the country If you’reeverintheCapearoundearly January,Ihighlyrecommendashort visittothischarminglittleshow! ■
It may have been overshadowed by its hallowed W198 300 SL “gullwing” co-debutante when launched 70 years ago but the smaller, four-cylinder W121 190 SL roadster was instrumental in the establishment of the SL lineage. Now, seven decades later, the introduction of a new “entrylevel” four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG version has completed the circle in the chronicles of the SL…
It was Valentines Day, and at a
gathering of members of the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa at Arrabella in the Western Cape the belle of the ball – a creamy white, completelyoriginal“Gullwing”300SL – fittingly displayed a touch of red on her chequer-patterned seats and interiortrimfortheevent.
The first of her kind (with similar red interior accents) made its debut 70 years ago in February at the New York Motor Show (that ended on ValentinesDay, 954)–andsincethen the W 98 300 SL has become a motoring icon. She completely overshadowed het smaller codebutante,theW 2 90SL,yetitwas this “entry-level” four-cylinder roadster that established the SL lineage.
ThehistoryoftheMercedes-Benz supersportscarderivedfromaracing car and its sporty sibling that surprised the world public back then is well-chronicled; suffice to mention the idea of a toned-down Grand Prix racing car targeted to affluent enthusiastsintheboomingpost-war American market was suggested by Mercedes-Benz USA importer Max Hoffman.
Derived from the 952 W 94 racing car, the design by Friedrich Geiger retained the upward-opening doors of the race car (hence the “gullwing” description, or “papillon” (butterfly)inFrench,immortalisedto this day) and established the SL face ofsportyMercedes-Benzproduction vehicles.Whatmadeitspecial,wasits lightweight tubular frame, designed
by Mercedes head engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut. This frame made conventionally hinged doors impossible,resultinginthe“gullwing” design.
In contrast, the compact 90 SL, presented as a pre-production roadster (with optional hardtop), presented an attractive, more affordable alternative to the exclusive 300 SL. Sharing its basic styling (with no side gills), engineering, detailing, and fully independent suspension, the 90 SL was based on a shortened unitary floorpan modified from the W 2 “Ponton”saloon.
The two-door luxury roadster, officially launched in 955, became a particularly successful model in the United States – even though it was
pricey back then –and by 960 accountedforalmost 8percentofall Mercedes-Benz passenger cars deliveredtoAmerica.
In total, ,400 examples of the exclusive 300 SL Coupé were produced, with a further ,858 Roadsters built. Every single 300 SL was an icon back then – and today, these very exclusive supersportscars are highly valued collector’sitems…
To celebrate 70 years of SL, we were invited to join a bespoke heritage tour organised by the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa from George (where many SLs were displayed at the George Old Car Show) to the Western Cape Winelands, including a visit to the FranschhoekMotorMuseum.
We met up with the group at Arrabella Country Estate close to Kleinmond, where a pristine and priceless selection of SLs – ranging from invaluable W 98 and W 2 models to R 07 and more modern R 29andR230examples–gleamedin theparkinglot.Luckily,oursteed,the latest seventh-generation R232 Mercedes-AMG 43 SL roadster, blendedrightin.
Well, perhaps blend is not the rightdescription,asourSunYellowSL with AMG Night Package II trim, 2 inch twin-spoke AMG wheels, yellow brake callipers, and darkened headlamps and taillights (all the extras adding another R540k to the R2,3 6,546 retail price) was hard to miss among the other less ornate colouredroadstersandcoupes.
Withthenew43SL-derivative,the **Super-Leicht** chronicles after seven decades has come full circle –as this entry-level model to the SL realm is powered by a four-cylinder engine, just like the original 90 SL model of yore. Back then, the roadster used a slightly oversquare .9-litre inline-four engine based on the300SL’sstraight-six.
This updated M 2 engine developed 77 kW at 5700 rpm (later upgraded with twin Solex carburettorsto89kW),lettingthe 90 SL accelerate to 00 km/h in 4.5 secondsandattainatopspeedof 70 km/h(fastinitsday…).Interestingly,a fewsix-cylinderprototypeswithfuelinjected M 80 engines were built for testingbutneverproduced.
It is easy to see why the original 300 SL, with its beautifully crafted bodywork,cleverdesignfeaturesand painstaking quality, is such an automotive icon, and its M 98 2,996 cc overhead cam inline-six engine, shoehornedintotheenginebaywith a 50-degree angle, is still an engineeringmarvel.
With mechanical fuel injection, a sand-castaluminiumintakemanifold and dry-sump lubrication, it delivered 58kWat5,800rpmandup to294Nmoftorqueat4,800rpm–in the nineteen-fifties! This type of powerallowedforatopspeedof235 km/h and 0- 00 km/h acceleration below 0 seconds, making the 300 SL thefastestproductioncarofitstime.
Duetoitsunconventionallayout, it also had some unique features, such as removable windows (stowed in the boot) since it had no window winders, and a pivoting steering wheel to allow easier ingress. (This changed in the 300 SL Roadster, introduced in 957 with front-hinged doors,andinterestingly,theroadster also came with bigger wheels than the“gullwing”).
The 300 SL also incorporated the first version of flush-fitting door handles, both elegant and aerodynamically effective. Slight pressure on the protruding part
causesthedoorhandletofoldout,so that the door can be swung open. WhichbringsustothelatestSL–with door handles that extend automatically as soon as the vehicle key is detected and retract again whenthecarislocked,oritdrivesoff. AReturntoitsRoots
FollowingthetwoSLvariantswith V8 engines, Mercedes-AMG has returned to the SL roots with the entry-level SL 43 roadster. However, this also represents innovation, as the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol enginelongitudinallymountedinthe open-top 2+2-seater is the first in a productionvehicleintheworldusing anelectricexhaustgasturbocharger.
The turbocharger (working at speedsupto 70000rpm)isoperated via a 48-volt electrical system, which also feeds the belt-driven startergenerator (RSG), endowing the SL 43 with a power output of 280 kW and 480 Nm of torque, plus a short-term boostof 0kWfromtheRSGwhenitis
beinghooned.
Evenso,thefeebleenginesound from the four-cylinder on startup made us really miss the V8 roar by now associated with AMG SL cars. Still, following the convoy of older SL Mercs the new 43 felt lithe and dynamic, due in great part to the lighterengineunderthelonghood.
Its handling credentials, with direct and precise turn-in and balanced handling and poise in the corners, was confirmed by a quick blastupanddownFranschhoekPass in Sport setting, and in terms of SL performance, it is no slow coach either – the engine combining well withtheslickAMGSpeedshiftMCT9G transmission to accelerate to 00 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, while Mercedes-AMG states its top speed as275km/h.
Thebiggestbonusinthesmallest AMG SL is the immediate engine response from idle speed across the engine speed range, as the boost
pressure is maintained even while brakingorcoasting,andthismakesit a fun car to drive. Yet, at times we did miss that familiar guttural AMG V8sound…
Best of all, the new SL has a very pleasant and roomy cabin (loungelikecomparedtosomeoftheolderSL models)andalthoughtheAMGsport seats did become uncomfortable over longer distances, we felt sorrier
for our trip companions in the crampedconfinesoftheearlier 90SL models, with no aircon in 40-degree heat…
Even so, it was top-down motoring at its best, and the fact that all the participants (bar one) completed the tour (some driving up to 2 000 km in their 60-year-old plus machines) is testimony to the
technical prowess and engineering integrity of Mercedes-Benz and the iconicSL-class.■
*Our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa and chairman Waldo Scribante fortheirsupportandassistanceforthis feature.
Opulence refreshed in S – Class of SUV’s: the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Mercedes-Maybach GLS
The new GLS features a more dominant design highlighting its on and off-road presence, with enhanced luxury appointments and seamless driver integration The MercedesMaybachGLS600isthepinnacleofluxuryandevenmoreexclusivefordistinguishedbuyer
With the optional MBUX Multi-Seat Entertainment system, rear-seat occupants experience the same comprehensive range of infotainment and comfort features as thoseinthefront.
Mercedes and AMG may be fettling with the latest triturbo electric hyper-drive for their new performance models but I probably just found a hidden hot rod: it's called the GLC 300d.
You should know: The recipe
sure doesn't sound very spicy. Take the latest update of Merc's middle-child SUV, the GLC, plonk in the evergreen 2-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel and turn the volume up to 11. Oh, and for the love of humanity, don't forget to plaster thepoorthingwiththoseobligatory pretend-AMGbits.
Thanks to its high levels of refinementandadefault“Comfort” drive setting, this grey GLC300d certainlydidn'tfeellikearapidracer at first. The drive-train matches pedal and steering feel by being smoothandpredictable…untilyou plant your right foot and/or set the responsemodetoitsmoreexciting side.
More info: Mercedes claims 0100km/h in 6.3 seconds and our
besteffortresultedin6.63–whichis what hot hatches did a few years ago; or V8 saloons managed in the early 2000's. A brake test from 100km/h was just as impressive at just2.54secondsand36.44meters. Bothofthosearesuperbresults!
Whatelse?Apologiesfordiving straight into the power aspect of things,butthatwasourresounding impression. The car itself is well styled with modern aggression over traditional Mercedes touches, while the interior is spacious and comfortable but crammed with new-age gadgets necessitating a steeplearningcurve.
And let's not forget the turbodiesel's raison d'etre, because a sensibly-driven GLC300d can average 5.5L/100km from its generous62Ltank.
Watch the acceleration video here
This works out to a theoretical range of 1,125km, so any longdistance experts can aim for most border posts before having to stop atanother50ppmpump.
Whyyoushouldn't: MercedesBenz likes to charge extra for its tastiertreats,plustheytendtoforce buyers into expensive package options, on top of a base price around the 1.43 million mark. All our testers also noted that its 4Matic (intelligent all-wheel drive) system may be popular in the snowy northern hemisphere but seemssuperfluousin4x2Fortuner country.
Why you should: The new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300d 4Matic is the pinnacle of modern design, safety, efficiency, comfort and technology; driven by 215kW of
diesel grunt. This even trumps its bigger GLE 300d brother, thus making it a hidden performance model in Mercedes' non-AMG stable. ■
SPEC LIST
Engine: Transmission: Max. Power:
Max. Torque: Avg. cons.: 0-100km/h: Top Speed: List Price:
1,993cc i-4 Turbo-diesel 9-speed DCT, AWD
215kW @ 4,200rpm
550Nm @ 1,800rpm
Claimed 5.5L/100km
6.63s (claimed 6.3)
Claimed 243km/h
From R965,437
By Hanjo Stier
Mercedes-Benz, like many other captive European brands, is striving for hashtag zero emissions 2039. While that is absolutely admirable, “striving for” is a noncommittal approach which may turn out for the better…
Look, I’m not going to bash electric
vehiclesanyfurtherthanthepublic whipping they’re already experiencing, nor do I want to explain my stand on electricmobilitybeyondthissummary: their construction, usage and recycling isn’t as green as everyone says; plus theyfaceratherunique,regionalissues.
Our beautiful southern part of the African continent has much bigger problems than worrying where a one percenterisgoingtogetsufficientjuice tochargeuptheirelectricplaything.But I’m not here to comment on that because, like most of my fellow Africans, I celebrate and admire success.
And what if that success takes the shapeofanewMercedesEQS?
Firstofall,yes,itisavailabletoorder from your local dealer. Secondly, yes, they have chargers, and can assist in havingaproperhomechargerinstalled for any proud new EQS owners. And seeing that this 450+ model has a theoretical range of between 650 and 780km, you could actually use it. If you planyourroutesabitcarefully
Does that sound familiar, by the way? This isn’t the first time where new technology needs to find its groove. From the very first automobiles which had to buy ye olde cleaning benzine in pharmacies, to closed cabin vehicles, ABS (anti-lock brakes), early turbodiesel passenger cars queuing with lorries, sat-nav, Bluetooth, it all has to startsomewhere… Review:
Firstweallmarvelatthenewpossibility, then we all mercilessly berate the new systems, and eventually the two extremeoppositesfadeintoagreygoo. Because we probably found the next thing to complain about. So, as the expressions go, let’s ignore the haters and see what living your hashtag best lifeinanEQS450+islike.
Right, first up is the starting price of ZAR 2,620,500, which still leaves room to the top for an AMG Line model (plus R140,000)andafewoptionalextrasfor folks who wish to spend three bar. The nextthingwouldbeitselongatedshape androundeddesign.Whatdoyouthink ofit?
The interior found one detractor in ourmidstwhoallegedthatsomeofthe shut-lines or displays don’t match the priceandnoveltyofitshost.Ifoundthe cabin to be an amazing and interesting place,withabizarrebutpleasantmixof rounded shapes, fine three-pointed star details, chrome piping, turbine air ventsandmulti-fabricseats.
Being an S-Class relative (or replacement?) this EQS sedan offers very generous space for four adults; one more if the rear ones don’t mind shoulder contact. The drooping roof linerobsabitofrearglassrealestatebut culminates in the usual fast-back lid… which provides a hilariously large loading aperture and anything from 610to1,770Lofcargospace.
Soit’sanelectricS-Classfastback.
Speaking of fast, this model uses one electric motor on the rear axle; the dual-motor version is labeled 53 AMG. Oh, and the rear wheels have a small amount of steering angle to improve driving dynamics and reduce the turning radius to 11.9m. The car even plays different UFO noises (depending onmode)asyouaccelerateorbrake.
With265kWand565Nm,MercedesBenz claims 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds and I couldn’t wait to strap our testing equipment to this white press vehicle. Why? Because, after performancetesting 100's of internal combustion vehicles, the novelty of electric propulsionhasn’twornoffyet.
It’squiteaddictive!
“...it’s an electric S-Class fastback.”
After brake-boosting the car on a fewconsecutiveruns,thebesttimewas exactly 6.12 seconds. With a strange hummingsoundtrack.Thequartermile fellin14.38secondsat100.52mph,but evenmoreimpressivewasthefull-bore emergency stop from 100km/h: just 2.88secondsand36.96metres.
Considering the lardy nature of battery-powered beasts (this one weighs 2,480kg), those are excellent values.Fortherecord,thiscarwasshod with Good-Year rubber of the dimension 265/40R21. A 40-series profileusuallyspellsaharshlow-speed ride but, as a percentage of 21 inches, this setup provides sufficient sidewall tocushionmostcitybumps.
Iinitiallyfeltabitdisconnectedfrom the vehicle’s handling due to the car’s adaptive air suspension and soft/er ride setup, until I realized that it’s completely normal for an S-Class. They’re supposed to glide along in a semi-isolating state, I’ve just been exposed to a preposterous amount of hard-sprung,go-fasterSUV’s.
Again, I’ll admit that it’s probably a bit of a honeymoon phase, but experiencing a full electric vehicle in a sea of rattling diesel bakkies and buzzingpetrolpassengervehicleshasa snobbish charm about it. To quickly combat this elitist view, I plugged our testcar’shomechargerintoanormal3prong220Voutlet…
Withjust1.6kWtoplaywith,thiscar would need almost two days to reach 80%stateofcharge.
To start summarizing, if we can somehow get past the initial purchase price and charging concerns, this brand-newelectricMercedesisahighly refined product with space-age gadgets, loads of safety features, a pretty impressive electric range, all wrapped in S-Class levels of luxury. It’s deeplyimpressive,nomatterwhatyou thinkofelectriccars.■
The only ofcially recognized Mercedes-Benz Club in Southern Africa Member of the SA Motor Club Association
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