Special people and Benzen at Star Cars and Coffee in Surhuisterveen

Last Sunday, Mercedes Benz specialist Klaas de Poel organized the second edition of Star Cars and Coffee in 2015. The event for and by Mercedes fans was graced with 150 historical and modern copies of "Das Haus". In addition, the presence of some prominent Mercedes enthusiasts caught the eye. We spoke with Jaap Havik and Bart Kouwenhoven, among others.

There was enough to enjoy for the Benz fan. The terrain in the Frisian town of Surhuisterveen was populated by a variety of youngtimers from German homes. The classic Benz enthusiast was also well advised. Some examples of the W110 - the little Heckflosse - made their appearance. And the fans of the Baureihe W108 were served with an 250 S and an 280 S from early years. What made the presence of these "Sixties S-Class" versions special was that they both wore the original Dutch license plate.

Well-known Mercedes restorer with beautiful Pagoda
The presence of Jaap Havik was special. The well-known Mercedes-Benz restorer from Purmerend came to Friesland with his partner. They livened up the event with a beautifully restored W113. This has been owned by the Noordhollandse couple since 1996. The Mercedes Benz 280 SL Automatic from 1968 attracted a lot of attention from those present. That was right. Every detail is right on this Pagoda with its special color scheme. "Only in the last years of construction was this model delivered with this blue color," says Havik.

Respond to APK exemption
Furthermore, Havik and his partner spoke about the historical and future developments in the industry. The restaurateur looks forward with mixed feelings to the effects of the changing MOT legislation. From May 2018 cars with an age of 50 years or older are no longer subject to inspection. “It can contribute to saving on maintenance. We must be attentive to that. It is also not good for the classics. ”We also briefly discussed the amended MRB legislation. “The new rules in The Hague have encouraged a young-timer farewell in certain cases. We have also noticed that in the technical sense. Fortunately, an important part of our work is on Benzen from the fifties, sixties and seventies. "

Leading role player in fifth test process Stichting Autobelangen also present
Speaking about MRB issues: Bart Kouwenhoven was present with his Agave green Mercedes Benz 240 D. He will be the leading player in the fifth MRB trial against the State in Groningen next Thursday. De Drent is ready, but remains realistic. “It will not be easy, but with the support of Autobelangen and the lawyers, we are fully committed to it. We want to show why my Mercedes Benz 240 D (Baureihe W123) should be regarded as a hobby heritage. The Mercedes diesel has become the pioneer for the self-igniter in passenger cars. And how many diesels are currently driving around the world? Right."

Also guests from Brabant, Zeeland and Belgium
After a tour of numerous different Benz models, we spoke briefly with Klaas de Poel. "There were more visitors than last time. And in total there were 150 cars. The organization went fine. The nice thing is: fans from Brabant and Belgium were also present. That means that we are just able to organize a good meeting. Some really take the trouble to drive hundreds of miles. Or spend the night here in the neighborhood. I really think that's a compliment ”, says Klaas de Poel. He can look back on a successful day in Surhuisterveen.