The Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa unites a community of passionate enthusiasts who share a deep appreciation of heritage, engineering and the enduring spirit of the three-pointed star.
What started as a small gathering of devoted Mercedes-Benz owners has grown into a proud national organisation, with active chapters across the country.
The idea behind the Club has always been simple – to create a space where admiration for the Mercedes-Benz brand could be shared, not just through ownership but also genuine enthusiasm for its history, craftsmanship and culture. From social gatherings to concours events, technical workshops and roadtrips, our members live and breathe the Mercedes-Benz experience.
Since 1985, the Club has operated under a formal constitution and partnership withMercedes-Benz South Africa.
Today, with a vibrant membership and six regional committees, the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa continues to promote the marque’s heritage through events, restorations and camaraderie that transcends generations.
Our members enjoy:
- A calendar of national and regional events, including the Annual National Gathering and Gala Dinner
- The National Concours, where passion meets perfection
- The annual President’s Braai, coinciding with the George Old Car Show – the largest classic car event in the Southern Hemisphere
- Our quarterly digital magazine, The Benz Lens
- Exclusive club regalia, digital platforms and international Mercedes-Benz Club connection
The Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa isn’t just about the cars. It’s about the people who keep their stories alive.
Our History
The first Mercedes-Benz in South Africa
The story of Mercedes-Benz in South Africa reaches back more than a century – with a man, a dream and a car that would change history.
It began in 1896, when Pretoria resident John Percy Hess imported South Africa’s very first car – a Benz Velo, built by Benz & Co. of Mannheim, Germany.
After weeks of anticipation and a frustrating delay in the arrival of its benzene fuel, the car finally came to life at 4pm on 4 January 1897 at the Berea Park sports ground in Pretoria. Spectators, each paying two shillings and sixpence, gathered to witness this horseless carriage – a marvel of modern invention – come to life.
Hess’ first passengers included his business partner A.E. Reno and W.J. Leyds, the State Secretary of the Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek, while President Paul Kruger watched from the sidelines.
It was, as many would later call it, a “red letter day” in South African motoring history – the day a new era began and the start of a love affair with the motor car and, in particular, withMercedes-Benz.
As one historian remarked,
“The motor car, like the bicycle, had come to stay, and it would be the craze of the century.”
A week later, the Benz made its way to Johannesburg, where it was displayed at the Wanderers and sold to a coffee importer, A.H. Jacobs. Ever the showman, he proudly displayed the car gratis to anyone who purchased 500g of coffee from his Pritchard Street shop. Tragically, a few months later, the car was destroyed in a fire.
Hess, however, was undeterred. He went on to become the sole agent for Benz Motors in South Africa, setting in motion a legacy that would eventually evolve into Mercedes-Benz as we know it today.
A growing presence
By 1952, Mercedes-Benz was already turning heads at Cape Town’s Van Riebeeck Festival, where an impressive line-up of post-war cars, commercial vehicles, trucks and Unimogs proudly represented the marque.
This event led to the establishment of the first Daimler-Benz branch in 1954, followed by dealerships throughout the country. The next two decades saw the brand’s roots deepen further, culminating in a proud milestone – the opening of a local production plant in 1973. South Africa became the first country outside of Germany to manufacture Mercedes-Benz engines – a mark of trust in local skill, innovation and dedication.
Early club beginnings
It wasn’t just cars that captured imaginations – it was community. Between 1975 and 1978, a small group of passionate supporters and Mercedes-Benz owners formed the first unofficial Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa. Led by Frank Liebenberg, who also designed the club’s original green and gold badge, followed by Hennie Lottering, who took the wheel in 1977 and 1978, the group met monthly, published a light-hearted newsletter called The Merc-Nut and celebrated their shared love for the three-pointed star.
But without a formal structure or constitution, the group eventually fell apart. In 1978, another enthusiastic attempt was made in Kwa-Zulu Natal, spearheaded by Geoff Scallon, Chris Carlisle-Kitz and Jack Green. Their first meeting took place on 14 July 1978 at the Rugby Hotel in Pinetown. Although their dedication was genuine, they were not recognised by Daimler-Benz AG and the group remained informal and short-lived
Passion and perseverance
Persistence, however, is part of the Mercedes-Benz DNA and in 1981, the dream of an official club found new momentum. With the assistance and guidance of Herr. Henner von Eisenhart of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, a fresh wave of enthusiasts and loyal owners, led by Steve Rademeyer, set out to create something lasting.
On 19 November 1985, the Trademark Users’ Agreement between Daimler-Benz AG and the Club was officially signed at the Company’s Headquarters in Pretoria. This time, an official constitution was drafted and submitted to Daimler-Benz AG for approval. Legal assistance with the use of trademarks and logos was sought and, under the guidance of MBSA, a Club logo was established.
Just four days later, on 23 November 1985, the Club was officially launched. An inaugural dinner was held at the Hotel Hamsin, Pretoria, with an impressive 75 guests in attendance, including senior Mercedes-Benz South Africa executives.
The founding committee, with Pierre de Villiers as Vice Chairman and 11 dedicated members, set the course for what would become decades of camaraderie, craftsmanship and celebration
Milestones and memories
Over the years, the Club has celebrated many moments that mirror Mercedes-Benz’s own global milestones – from historic rallies to commemorative drives. Highlights include:
- Rallye Méditerranée-Le Cap from Algiers to Cape Town in January 1959
- Centenary of the automobile in 1986
- Bertha Benz Centenary Rally from Pretoria to Rustenberg in August 1988
- Centenary of the Car in South Africa in 1997
- 130-Year Anniversary of Bertha Benz celebrations
As Bertha Benz once proved when she made her legendary 1988 journey, courage and curiosity drive progress – and the Club has always carried that same spirit.
The Club today
From its humble beginnings, the Mercedes-Benz Club of South Africa has evolved into a vibrant organisation officially recognised by Mercedes-Benz Club Management.
More than just a motoring club, it’s a living archive of South Africa’s enduring passion for the marque – proof that the star that shone over Hess’ Benz Velo in 1897 still burns brightly today.