The Prowse Mercedes-Benz collection

Etienne Prowse has a rather interesting collection of Mercedes-Benz cars, with models spanning several decades – and body styles.

The first time I met Etienne Prowse was at Zwartkops Raceway. He was kind enough to bring along his Merceded-Benz 450SLC 5.0 Mampe tribute race car for a drive and a photo shoot. Apart from talking about all things related to cars, it was evident that he was a true Mercedes-Benz enthusiast.

Prowse invited me to view his Mercedes-Benz collection, located outside of Hermanus when he visited the Cape again. Recently, we managed to align our diaries and early 1 morning, when the holidaymakers were heading to the beach, I made my way to a secret location outside of the bustling coastal town.

The building where Etienne stores his collection thankfully has enough space for all the cars, as well as lots of parts. He is working with a plan though, as he wants to rent out some of these cars in the near future. First, however, we rewind to where it all started.

“I only really started collecting Mercedes cars in 2012. The first car I bought was a R107-series 500SL. I wanted a 500SL as they are rarer than the more prolific 450SL. However, I learned a hard lesson.

“When I checked the chassis number and details, I found out that it was, as a matter of fact, a 450SL. I subsequently sold it and quickly discovered how and what to look for when purchasing a classic ‘Benz.

“My father drove Mercedes-Benzes as company cars in the 1980s. Some enthusiasts always joke and say you drive what your father drove. Well, that has been the case with me.

“There is a trick to it though. When I had around 3 cars, my wife started raising her eyebrows. Then, for her 50th birthday, I bought her an SLK32 AMG, because only around 4 000 units were manufactured.

“When I found one, it was not close to her birthday, so I had to hide the car for a few months before I could give it to her. From then on, we were collecting Mercedes-Benzes together. The trick worked!

“I think Mercedes-Benz has been building great cars for many decades. Even when I bought that first SL, I couldn’t believe what it still offered after so many decades. This included the level of performance, practicality and ride quality.”

Etienne admits that his cars are not in “concourse condition”, but as he uses them regularly and plans to rent them out, it is understandable why he wants to have them in a good, but not concourse condition.

The main building houses, among other cars, three 450SLs, a 280SL and a 500SL. Apart from the one R129 500SL, all the cars are from the 107 series.

Etienne says he can’t actually explain how he ended up focusing on the 107 series. He says it is also partly because the Pagoda is not as fun and practical to drive and also now costs an arm and a leg.

Find a new or used Mercedes-Benz SL listed for sale on Cars.co.za

“I also have several additional R107 bumpers and other parts, including a full wiring loom and an engine.”

We head outside where Etienne and his assistant have neatly parked the cars. There is clearly quite a lot on the to-do list this morning. The row of cars is made up of no fewer than three SLK32 AMGs, an SLK320 and an SLK200.

“With 260 kW in such a relatively small car, it is truly a fun experience. I’ve had no major issues with the SLK32 AMGs. The only issue that is surfacing now is that some of the small pistons that are part of the automatic roof mechanism now need some attention.”

Two of the SLK32 AMGs have full-service histories, but the beautiful blue example had sadly been in an accident before Etienne bought it, but he knew that, meaning it is currently an emergency parts car should anything major go wrong with any of the other two.

“The SLK320 is truly a great little cruiser. Same engine as the SLK32 AMG, but just without the compressor,” he adds.

Find a new or used Mercedes-Benz SLK listed for sale on Cars.co.za

Etienne tackles some of the easier jobs himself, for example replacing the roof lining. “You can’t have all the jobs done by other people, it will simply cost too much. Remember, Google is your friend!”

The car with the highest mileage, but also for some enthusiasts the most desirable, is the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240 GD Geländewagen. It has a full-service history, throughout its 601 000 km! Even so, some work must be done on this car which is earmarked for 2025.

It might be a single-brand collection, but between the AMGs, the Geländewagen, SLs and SLCs, the collection covers a wide base of Mercedes-Benz’s rich history and offerings.

Search for a classic or new Mercedes-Benz on Cars.co.za

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