Emre Yılmaz, a 35-year-old engaged in car washing business in Samsun, turned his childhood passion for cars into a significant collection over time. A graduate in marine and port management, Yılmaz converted a part of his workplace into a garage where he exhibits the rare and classic Mercedes cars he has been collecting for years. Showing interest only in Mercedes models that are produced in limited quantities, Yılmaz has sold 7 out of the 12 cars he has collected so far while meticulously caring for the 5 remaining special vehicles in his collection. These rare cars in Yılmaz’s collection attract the attention of famous TV series actors.

Yılmaz’s passion for classic cars, as a combination of his professional life and hobby, stands out, while he plans to expand his collection in the future. Emre Yılmaz, who emphasizes that he takes great care of the cars in his garage, said, “My love for Mercedes comes from my childhood. We developed a love for Mercedes through playing with small metal cars when we were kids. So far, I have collected 12 classic cars. These cars were given to very valuable names.

In addition to being a small-scale commercial venture, it has also become our hobby. Currently, in my garage, I have rare and limited Mercedes models that are on the streets in Turkey, such as a 1963 model Mercedes 220s, a 1982 model Mercedes 280 CE American Coupe, a 190e 2.3 1987 model Mercedes rarely used by Formula 1 pilots on the track, and a 1992 model 129R 300SL Mercedes cabriolet convertible.
All the vehicles in my garage consist of valuable and collectible vehicles. I also have a 1994 model 124 coupe stored at home, which is not in the garage. I will bring it to my garage when a suitable time comes.”

Stating that many celebrities have made offers to buy cars, Yılmaz expressed that he is not currently considering selling the 5 cars he owns. He continued, “These vehicles are collectible, so their market values are quite high. The prices are set higher than those of brand new cars. Several celebrities from Istanbul contacted us to buy these cars. Even the actors from Valley of the Wolves TV series very much wanted one of these cars, but we didn’t give it. There have been times when we offered the cars we collected, and there have been times when we could not bear to sell. I currently do not want to further enhance my collection.”

“I want to spend time with these cars. They need to be driven. When you don’t drive them, these cars sulk and break down unexpectedly in unusual places. Currently, 5 classic, collectible cars are sufficient for us. When I drive these cars on the streets of Samsun, they attract a lot of attention. Since they are not very common in traffic and are in good condition, people take pictures of these cars when they see them. I receive very positive reactions in traffic.”

In Emre Yılmaz’s classic car garage, there is also a mini museum consisting of Mercedes parts.