So, you want to drive a classic car but don’t want the bother with its care or maintenance, or the cost to purchase it in the first place or even to insure it.
Well, Mercedes-Benz may have what you’re looking for. The German automaker’s Daimler Business Innovation department has launched its first Legends Classic Car Club of Mercedes-Benz — sorry, it’s based at MB HQ in Sindelfingen, Germany — but the plan is to roll out other such classic car-sharing clubs at various international locations.
Legends Club members can take the wheel of a variety of classics“With the Legends Club, we want to bring together a community of enthusiasts who enjoy driving classic cars,” Patrick Planning, project manager for the program, said in a news release. But, he continued, “those are, for example, people who live in urban areas and do not have the space to keep a classic car or those who, rather than opting for one particular model, wish to try out several classic cars.
“The Legends Club is designed to help them simply enjoy life and have fun trying out these unique cars without having to worry about where to keep them or see to any repairs.”
The Sindelfingen branch of the club launched with 34 cars, and they aren’t all Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
“One of the other aspects that make the Legends Club so appealing is the fact that members not only have access to Mercedes-Benz classics, since the fleet also includes classic cars from other brands such as the Porsche 911 or the Ford Mustang,” the news release reported.
Club members book their rides with a special Legends smartphone app.
“Our vision is to establish the Legends Club at international locations so that members can use the classic cars everywhere,” Planing said. “Just imagine: a worldwide community that has access to a fleet of modern classics and vintage cars across all locations, which can be booked with a few clicks based on the car-sharing principle.”
The Sindenfingen location features the Legends Hall, where the cars are maintained and where club members have access to a lounge and bar for meeting. The club also plans outings to classic car events, to offer technology workshops and even whiskey tastings.
Cars are booked through the app. Planing explained: “We currently still offer a range of pricing options, which we intend to adapt to customer needs during the course of the pilot project to find out what works and what doesn’t.
“During the course of the pilot project, we will also be trying to establish whether incorporating privately owned vehicles into the fleet is a possible option for the Legends Club.”
For more information, visit the club website.
And although it’s in German, you’ll also want to watch the club’s preliminary video presentation.
