Drove 7,500 kilometers with a classic Mercedes.

Kayserili Ali Yeniay, who lives in Germany, came to Kayseri after 7,500 kilometers to have the maintenance of his 50-year-old classic Mercedes, saying ‘Let my country win’ for the past 25 years.

70-year-old Ali Yeniay, who completed primary school in Kayseri and started working in the automotive industry. Later, in 1971, Yeniay went to Germany to work, where he continued his passion for Mercedes. He bought a classic 1974 model Mercedes, known as ‘ultima’ in Germany. Not taking his 50-year-old car out of the garage except for special occasions, Ali Yeniay traveled 7,500 kilometers from his home to Kayseri to have the car’s maintenance done in Turkey. Yeniay, who enjoys traveling with his car, wants to leave the classic car to his grandchildren as a ‘grandfather’s legacy.’

Describing his car as an antique vehicle and very valuable in Germany, Yeniay said he is not interested in it for the money but for the pleasure it brings. Yeniay stated, ‘I was born in Kayseri. I worked in the industry for 2 and a half years after finishing primary school. I served my apprenticeship here. Then, in 1971, I went to Germany. The car I use is a 1974 model. I came from the city of Moers in Germany to Kayseri, and on the way, I traveled 7,500 kilometers with my car. I traveled by visiting countries. Normally, it’s 3,400 kilometers from Kayseri, but I had the time and joyfully arrived in 6-7 days. The feature of this car is that in Germany, these cars are called ‘ultima.’ I keep this car in my garage for my pleasure. On special occasions, weddings, and events, I take it out upon request and drive around. It’s an antique vehicle. Currently, it has an ‘HA’ plate on it. Cars with this plate are valuable and expensive in Germany, but I am not after the money. I am a man of pleasure, and I keep this car for my pleasure.’

Yeniay said he brought his car to his hometown Kayseri to have its maintenance done in Turkey, stating, ‘The reason I came with this car is as follows; because I grew up in the industry, I know every aspect of it. I had its upholstery, paint, bodywork, engine, and brakes done from A to Z here. I said let my country win because I am an industrialist, still an industrialist. I am 70 years old now, but the pleasure this car gives me is different. This car has great sentimental value to me. Because I am a Mercedes enthusiast. I’ve had this car for 25 years, and so far, I haven’t done any repairs or paint jobs in Germany. It stays in my garage like that. This car is a Mercedes 200D, which is diesel. Hopefully, I will return with this car as well. Some young people get bored. They say let’s go in 1-1.5 days, but I will go slowly for my pleasure. Everyone should do things that suit their pleasure. Let them do what they love. Because I love this car, God willing, I will hold onto it if I live longer. I will use it, then I have a son and grandchildren. They will look at it as a grandfather’s legacy.’