World Tour visits Franschhoek Museum to open 140th Display
The morning mist caressed the Franschhoek peaks as the long silhouette of a Mercedes-Benz S 500 sedan by the name of Gottlieb teased the golden morning sun. Why Gottlieb, you may ask? Well he’s one of three cars named after Gottlieb Daimler, and Bertha and Carl Benz, and to celebrate 140 years since Benz patented the first motorwagen in 1886, they’re visiting 140 places around the world.
The pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz’ 140 Years 140 Places World Tour, S-Class Gottlieb rolled down the valley to meet and unveil a splendid display of South African Mercedes-Benz at the Franschhoek Motor Museum on Saturday. Together with, if not always alongside S-Classes Bertha and Carl, the three cars have by now seen it just about all.
Visiting 140 places to celebrate 140 years
From the Americas (top), through Europe and on to the Orient, through India (above) and across Tokyo’s neon gridlock, along the endless Australian Outback and even on to Franschhoek, the trio has criss crossed the globe. Gottleib’s African odyssey started in Kenya. Joined by a local you tuber, who chose the hard way, flew in, bought an old C-Class to join the fun warts and all, the convoy made its way south.
Auto joined 140 Years 140 Places at one of its most important stops at the Franschhoek Motor Museum, where Mercedes-Benz global communications head, Rob Halloway was on hand to explain tour in person. “We’re celebrating a legacy of automotive innovation starting from the first patent in 1886, right through to today,” Rob points out. “South Africa has always been a vital facet of Mercedes-Benz history and is a natural destination for the tour.
“We are also humbled by the Franschhoek Motor Museum’s gesture of dedicating an entire hall to the 140 Years of Benz and Mercedes story. This must-visit display delivers a splendid walk through South African Mercedes history. Many visitors will recognise the Mercedes-Benzes that their fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and mothers drove over the years, so it’s an emotive visit, too.”
Splendid Franschhoek Museum Mercedes Display
“Mercedes-Benz South Africa is delighted to host the 140 Years 140 Places World Tour,” Mercedes-Benz South Africa media and PR specialist Justin Jacobs adds. This journey of celebration is currently taking an important drive through South Africa to make a significant contribution to our marking of the 140th anniversary of the motorcar since Benz’ patent. Especially through this Franschhoek Motor Museum display.”
“We would like to remind the public that the Franschhoek Motor Museum’s special 140th anniversary Merccedes-Benz display is open and can be visited at any time,” Museum curator Sian Theron concludes. “The Hall will remain dedicated to Mercedes-Benz for the foreseeable future. This special display certainly is worth a visit. Booking is advised, so simply log on to www.fmm.co.za where you will also find our opening times and all the rest of the info.”
