FRASER’S HILL: The convoy of 40 classic, vintage and modern Mercedes-Benz cars snaking up an idyllic resort in Fraser’s Hill transformed it into a magnificent “Mini Stuttgart.”
The German city is known as the “cradle of the automobile” for renowned makes like Mercedes-Benz, whose parent plant is in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim.
As such, the presence of a string of luxury cars at the Benzers Group Mega Gathering 2024 was a sight to behold for tourists and holiday revellers at The Pines @ Fraser’s Hill resort, a tranquil tourist spot more famous for nature and adventure activities.
Speaking on behalf of the group, event organising chairman and its founder Srideran Rajapa, 40, said the Benzers Group was formed on July 25, 2021 as a recreational activity to foster goodwill, enhance family ties, undertake charitable efforts while promoting business networking.
“We believe that owning a Mercedes-Benz is a symbol of success, and we wanted to do away with the taboo that possessing a continental car is unaffordable. Through the group, we are able to share knowledge on maintenance, servicing, sourcing of parts and offer safety-driving tips.
“The group also facilitates obtaining car insurance and road tax, and helps deal with registration issues, especially for very old cars,” said Srideran, an oil and gas industry store executive.
He added that there were more than 500 Mercedes-Benz car models, between the 395 members in the Benzers Group, believed to be valued at RM60 million in total.
“There are certain provisions, like reduced road tax for classic and vintage cars. Cars over 25 years old are labelled classic, while those over 30 years, are vintage. However, to enjoy the reduced road tax on such cars, the registered owner has to possess at least three motor-vehicles,” said Srideran.
Other key members who helped form the Benzers Group were telecommunications manager Sivanathan Subramaniam, 47; engineer Muniyandi Saringgpani, 47; engineering consultant Poobalan Sathasivam, 42; driver Letchuman Nadeson, 54; general practitioner Dr Prasad Murthi, 40; palm oil industry businessman Karthigan Kalimuthu, 40; retired Royal Malaysian Air Force aircraft engine maintenance expert Warrant Officer II Tamil Selvam Permulu, 64, and its retired airframe technician Flight-Sergeant Sathia Segaran Ramayah, 67.
There are also two German nationals in the group: product engineer Marco Sandeck, 44, and senior sales and applications engineer Ralf Gnerlich, 56, who is married to Malaysian Vijaya Govinda Samy. The couple drive a Mercedes-Benz GLC 250.
Among the Sri Lankans in the group were Mohd Shazaan Azad Marikar and wife Yasmin Marikar. Shazaan, 67, the finance manager for the D’Feringghi Hotel and Resort in Penang, drives a Mercedes-Benz 124.
“Although we are foreigners, the Malaysians were very hospitable and treated us like their own. Besides acquiring valuable knowledge in driving and owning the car, we got to see Malaysia’s numerous tourist spots,” said Shazaan.
There were also two women members: property agent Thiravia Rani Santhanasamy, 47, who owns a CLK240, and Gavi Aresi Sugumaran who drives a A180 model.
Sivanathan himself owns a collection of 30 classic cars of various makes – from Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Austin Mini, Volkswagen, Morris Minor, Sunbeam and MG.
“It’s a hobby I undertook in an affordable manner, as I enjoy driving such old but well-maintained cars. I often join outings with the group and other friends to destress from my hectic work,” said Sivanathan.
Karthigan said it was a big challenge to drive classic and vintage cars like the 1956-edition Ponton 190 up a hill resort like Fraser’s.
“One must ensure their vehicles are immaculately maintained to prevent them from breaking down, especially at narrow and lonely spots. It will be a daunting task taking them to a workshop,” he said.
Thiravia said she found the excursions with the friendly group members a true adventure.
“I have no qualms being one of only two roses among the thorns, as the men were very helpful and encouraging. I often yearn for more outings with the group, as each trip is a learning curve,” she said.
Thus far, the group has gone on a Penang round-island tour, besides Hat Yai in Thailand, and Gunung Lang north of Ipoh, Perak.
Gnerlich said that the group’s effort was not a money-making endeavour as the funds raised were channelled to the less fortunate in society.
“Our members are motivated to be active physically and mentally. We promote healthy aspects like no drink-driving, steering clear of politics, race and religious issues, and there is no gender-bias,” he said.