| Some 60 Benz owners and authorised mechanics have come together to share expertise on the art of Mercedes maintenance
K Subramani, 65, would always wonder why Benz classic car owners hadn’t got together, like the Yezdi or the Enfield group, despite there being a sizeable population of Merc owners in Bangalore. He need not wonder any more.
The Mercedes Benz India Group was formed a fortnight back with an initial membership of 60 in Bangalore and 200-odd members all over the country, to bring together passionate auto enthusiasts who want to preserve the classic cars. And Subramani, who has been driving his special edition w140 S500 Merc for 14 years, is one of the seniormost members. The group, which has also roped in authorised Merc mechanics, has already met once. “We believe in encouraging, sharing, supporting, and enabling newbies and mature auto enthusiasts through the maze of the Indian classic and vintage scene. We have members across all age groups who will meet once a month with their classics. The group’s motto is to empower and equip the average enthusiast to enjoy motoring,” says Pramod Monnappa, committee member.
Apart from planning rallies, the once-a-month meet is aimed at sharing ideas and expertise, tackling problems, high governance standard and all activity related to preservation.
According to Nandish Palrecha, owner of a 1994 S320 w140, who is into retailing and distributing mobile phones, those whose cars are as old as 20 years come under the niche group. There are around 20 varieties ofclassics which are 15-20 years old.
“A Merc is generally the first point of success and is still the most sought-after vehicle. Our group has a healthy mix of people and seniors come with a lot of experience,’’ says Palrecha.
For Subramani, MD of United Exports which exports silk furnishings, his 14-year-old bullet-proof limousine is his second car. “I got to know about the group through Nandish,” he said. “At the first meet, we exchanged views about the problems, and how they can be solved without going to the garage. In fact, the Merc is a simple car and a lot of the problems can be fixed with the help of the internet,’’ he said.
In all these years, not once has Subramani thought of changing his 12-cylinder, petrol-driven car. “My bullet-proof limousine is exceptionally good and I will change it only if S600 is released in India,’’ he signs off.
To know more, contact: nandishpal@gmail or nikhil0673@gmail.
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source: http://www.BangaloreMirror.com / Home> News> City> Story / by S. Kushala (kushala.satyanarayana@timesgroup.com / Monday, October 08th, 2012