Hanna Schönwald cares for her Mercedes Benz W123 230 CE Coupé 1984
Among Swabians, you quickly learn: there are really only two car brands
Swissvax: “Hanna, thank you for letting us learn more about you and your passion for design and cars. What car are you currently driving and why that one in particular?”
Hanna: I currently drive a 1984 Mercedes W123 230 CE Coupé in Champagne Metallic. The reason I chose this specific model lies in what I consider the unmistakable design of this pillarless sports coupé combined with the reliability and durability for which the W123 series is known.
Swissvax: “Is this your first classic car?”
Hanna: No, it’s my second one. Before that, I also owned a W123, but as a 1978 sedan in anthracite.
Swissvax: “Why Mercedes in particular?”
Hanna: I spent my years as an industrial design student in the greater Stuttgart area. As someone from Westphalia living among Swabians, you quickly learn that in this region there are essentially only two car brands your heart is allowed to beat for. Beyond the outstanding vehicle design that fascinated me about classic Mercedes models early on, I also knew that parts availability for classic models of this brand is well secured. The decision wasn’t difficult. The fact that it didn’t become a model from the other well-known Stuttgart manufacturer at first was also due to my budget at the time. Compared to Porsche, Mercedes offers a more financially accessible entry into the world of classic cars, which makes it particularly interesting for younger enthusiasts.
Swissvax: “We’ve seen that you’re occasionally photographed in classic Porsche models and drive them as well. What is your connection to Porsche?”
Hanna: During school, I drew a lot, especially cars. That’s when I first began engaging with different brands and, in particular, their brand identities – including Porsche. From that point on, I knew I wanted to continue working creatively in drawing within my profession and chose to study industrial design in Pforzheim. In that degree program, I explored various products from a design and illustration perspective, and through a university cooperation project with Porsche, my attention was once again drawn to the sports car manufacturer. Shortly thereafter, Porsche fascinated me so much that I completed my internship semester there. As my interest in the brand grew and intersected with my professional path, a network and circle of friends developed over time. I now know many people who either work directly at Porsche, restore classic Porsche models, or are devoted to the brand purely for the driving experience.
Swissvax: “You occasionally restore cars yourself. How did that come about?”
Hanna: Working on my own cars initially arose out of necessity. I desperately wanted a car when I got my driver’s license, but at the time I didn’t have the financial means to cover potential repairs. During school, I completed a vocational orientation internship at a Ford workshop and later worked there during the holidays. I really enjoyed the work. At 18, I bought a Ford Focus through contacts at the workshop and was able to work on it myself because I had learned on those models. During my studies, my interest in classic cars grew and I realized that older vehicles are significantly simpler to repair yourself. My first W123 – the sedan – was unfortunately in such poor technical condition that working on it became a necessary evil just to keep it running. I remember a faulty ignition lock, fuel hoses patched with garden hoses by the previous owner, and of course plenty of rust. For a while, I even started it with a screwdriver. But it ran! Currently, I’m rebuilding a 1984 Land Rover Series 3 and preparing a 1987 W124 TD as my winter car.
Swissvax: “What kind of relationship do you have with your cars?”
Hanna: My W123 Coupé in Champagne is called Jürgen. I think that says it all.
Swissvax: “You’ve been modeling since you were 13 and you also work on cars yourself – that’s a striking combination. How do women and men in the classic car scene react to that?”
Hanna: The classic car scene is still largely male-dominated. For example, I restored my W123 Coupé together with the W123 Club, where there are hardly any women. I was warmly welcomed there, and my enthusiasm and dedication to the restoration were well received – the fact that I’m a woman made no difference. It’s great to see that more and more women are opening up to the topic. In general, the classic car scene seems to be changing. Age and gender are becoming less important, and what truly counts is shared passion, as classic cars are emotionally charged, exciting, and possess a very special aesthetic appeal.
Swissvax: “Which car would you love to restore one day?”
Hanna: As mentioned earlier, beyond classic Mercedes models, I’m fascinated by older Porsche vehicles due to their design and functionality. I would love to restore a 911 Coupé one day – ideally a 3.0 SC or a 3.2 Carrera – because these models are already practical and sporty to drive, yet fundamentally still very puristic and built without excessive electronics.
Swissvax: “Is it always classic cars that fascinate you, or can it also be something modern?”
Hanna: I’m more familiar with classic cars, but of course modern vehicles are exciting too. Especially now, at this turning point toward alternative drivetrains, I find myself increasingly engaging with those vehicles as well. My studies have certainly sharpened my perspective, particularly in terms of design. However, many modern cars feel overloaded with electronics and gimmicks to me. For that reason, I would always prefer a classic car over a modern one.
Swissvax: “You are self-employed and work for various clients in industrial design, graphic design, and also create your own art. What are you currently working on?”
Hanna: At the moment, I’m working on a wide range of projects, primarily within the automotive sector. For a Porsche restoration company in Hamburg, I am currently designing several new spare parts and helping to develop a new product line. The most exciting project for me at the moment is a cooperation with Porsche that is about to be released. I designed and realized my own art car as part of this collaboration.
Swissvax: “Can you tell us more about your artwork?”
Hanna: What fascinates me is how much can be expressed with just a few lines. Drawing is the central medium in my art, and I primarily choose what I consider the most expressive subject – the human being. I particularly enjoy drawing faces. Often, it doesn’t require a multitude of colors or materials to convey emotion.
Swissvax: “What does good or successful design mean to you? How do you understand design?”
Hanna: I understand design as giving a feeling or a function a physical form so that it can be seen or touched. From my perspective, design is good when it fulfills its intended purpose precisely. At that stage, it’s not even about taste.
Swissvax: “What has been your most beautiful moment or experience with your classic car so far?”
Hanna: I don’t think there’s a single most beautiful moment. Everything has its time, and there are wonderful experiences in every phase. For me, the best part is simply driving my classic car in everyday life and being able to enjoy it daily.
Swissvax: “We often see you at various events – which one has been your favorite so far and why?”
Hanna: So far, my interest in classic car events has mainly focused on the younger scene – events organized and shared through social media. Especially within the Porsche community, there are many smaller gatherings that I’ve really enjoyed. It’s hard to choose a single favorite. In the future, I would also love to explore the more traditional classic car scene – for example, participating in one of the major classic rallies like the Silvretta Classic. That would truly be a lot of fun.
Swissvax: “What does Care for your Dream mean to you personally?”
Hanna: For me, it doesn’t just mean working toward a dream, but actively preserving it as well – and doing so as well as possible. A classic car is never truly finished. If you actually use these vehicles, there is always something to do. The idea that the car has already endured so many years motivates me to extend its life even further. Perhaps one day passing a classic car on to the next generation and thereby carrying the dream forward – all of this is only possible with proper care, technical sensitivity, and mindfulness.
