Mercedes-Benz turns 100
100 years ago, in June 1926, saw the official birth of the marque we know so well today, created by means of a merger between Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie, marking the establishment of Daimler-Benz AG.
The marque was already off to an exciting start, with the Model 630 K, a supercharged luxury touring car (6.2-litre, 104kW), launched to compete in high-performance markets. Alongside the W02 (8/38 PS), these vehicles established the new brand’s reputation for high-performance engineering, featuring inline-6 engines and luxury coachwork. Interestingly, the Model K achieved immediate success in racing, including a notable victory at the 1926 Spanish Grand Prix.
Fast forward a century, and it’s time indeed to celebrate this motoring milestone, with one iconic event on the local calendar aimed at being a cut above the rest in honouring the three-pointed star. The George Old Car Show (GOCS), set to take place for the 29th time on Saturday, 14 February, will celebrate the pioneers who steered the motoring world into motion.
“Not only is it 140 years since the first motor vehicle was patented, but also a century since Mercedes-Benz joined the fray. Our next Old Car Show will honour this remarkable history with a rare collection of metal on display,” says Southern Cape Old Car Club (SCOCC) chairman and founder of Scribs BENZeum, Waldo Scribante.
Valentine’s Day this year will see the extensive grounds of the Eden Technical High School in George buzzing with the sounds of enthusiasts and classics alike, with the “Pioneers of Motoring” themed event looking once again to attract the best examples of Mercs and classics that SA has on offer.
“As an owner and restorer of a classic Mercedes myself, I can completely identify with both the passion of the members of the Southern Cape Old Car Club and the ongoing commitment of the rest of the classic car exhibitors who make the time and take the effort to exhibit their specimens of pride and joy to the over 12,000 attendees that show up from across the country,” says CEO of MUA Insurance, Vajra Singh.
MUA is again a key sponsor of the Southern Cape Old Car Club, reaffirming its commitment to the honouring and preservation of the classic-car club fraternity. “Our bespoke approach to insuring classic metal, along with the tailored customer experience our brokers strive to deliver, makes opportunities like these a sterling fit to the ethos of MUA.”
The one-day show also commemorates the 20th Vet Tour, which departs from Prince Albert on Friday, 13 February and, once safely landed in George, will include a special display to complement the array of vehicles on display.
“This celebration of motor heritage embodies the very spirit of George – the largest and most respected showcase of automotive passion and craftsmanship. The municipality is steadfastly committed to its support and promoting George as a premier tourist destination,” mentions Executive Mayor Johnson on behalf of the George Municipality.
Show organiser Alewijn Dippenaar shares in this enthusiasm, “We live in a new era of supercars and self-drive cars and can never get the old days back. But today, this event is filled with pioneers. Every member of the SCOCC who spends the time, effort and money to conserve and display vehicles is ensuring that our motoring history stays alive.”
And there’s more! To celebrate 100 years of the three-pointed star, MUA Insurance has partnered with the Southern Cape Old Car Club in a competition that is sure to raise both your eyebrows. Think over-engineered quality Mercs, and you’d be hard-pressed not to picture the W123 series from the eighties. Singh and Scribante have personally sourced one of the best examples in the country, with a clock showing a genuine mileage of less than 125,000km, and have embarked on a mission to give this incredible classic away to one lucky winner.
In our next update we’ll tell you all about the car, but for now visit mua.co.za to get your ticket towards winning this dream classic. The car will be on display at the George Old Car Show, with the final draw taking place a little later in the year at a special Mercedes-Benz anniversary event. All monies go to charity, meaning that not winning is still winning, as you’re supporting a worthy cause.
Visit www.scocc.co.za/scocc-2026-george-old-car-show/ for more general info on the show, with proceeds from the show itself going to organisations including Rotary, Round Table, Vryburgers, schools (Eden Technical High School, Carpe Diem School and Glenwood), Firstcare Wildfire Support and the SPCA.
