Uwe Lehmann
The Mercedes Man
Early Years:
Uwe Lehmann was born in Hamburg, Germany, into a family with deep mechanical roots. His father, a former U-boat mechanic turned master Mercedes-Benz technician, served as both mentor and inspiration. As a young boy, Uwe found his purpose in the garage—not on the streets. Instead of getting into trouble, he spent his free time learning the ins and outs of German engineering, often by his father’s side. His first project car? A 1957 220S Cabriolet—a fitting start for someone destined for a life immersed in the three-pointed star.
Formative Experience:
When Uwe's family relocated to the United States, the journey truly began. His first job in the industry came as a helper at Grand Motors in Englewood, New Jersey. Hungry to learn and eager to prove himself, Uwe quickly absorbed everything he could. That experience opened the door to a position at Benzel-Busch Mercedes-Benz, where he prepped both new and used cars for sale. It was during this period that he received formal training at the Mercedes-Benz Training Facility—conveniently located right in Englewood—and later in Jacksonville, Florida. These formative years laid a solid technical foundation and a deep respect for the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Florida Bound:
In 1976, Uwe made the move to Florida, taking a job at Eddy’s Mercedes Service. After just one year, his growing reputation earned him a spot at the local dealership, Gulf Gate Imports—later known as Glauser Mercedes of Sarasota. From there, he navigated a range of roles in independent Mercedes repair shops across the region, gaining diverse experience and building a name for himself as a trusted and capable technician.
Entrepreneurial Spirit:
In 1979, Uwe returned to New Jersey eventually helping a longtime friend launch Udo’s Automotive, an independent Mercedes-Benz service center. It was the beginning of something bigger. In 1995, Uwe ventured
out on his own, opening Uwe’s Mercedes, a facility that became known for its no-compromise quality and honest craftsmanship. His hands-on approach and deep product knowledge earned him loyal customers and industry respect alike.
The Florida Chapter:
Eventually drawn back to the Sunshine State, Uwe joined forces with Bill Rice at European Starr, diving deeper into performance and restoration work. His next role came at Fort Myers Mercedes-Benz, where he served as Quality Control Manager, bringing his decades of expertise to a dealership environment once again. But the call of independence was too strong—Uwe left to found Mercedes Service of Port Charlotte, a facility where he could once again do things his way, until his official retirement.
Legacy in Motion:
In 2009, Uwe met Bob, the future owner of European Starr, and the two formed a fast friendship built on shared values and mutual respect. What began as casual visits turned into active involvement. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, Uwe played a key role in developing European Starr’s Classic Operations Division, helping bring vintage Mercedes vehicles back to life with factory-spec precision and traditional craftsmanship. Today, he proudly serves as Classic Operations Consultant, where his legacy, wisdom, and passion continue to guide the next generation of technicians.
Conclusion:
Uwe Lehmann's career is a masterclass in consistency, craft, and quiet excellence. From a child in Hamburg turning wrenches with his father to a pillar of the Mercedes-Benz service community in Florida and New Jersey, Uwe has dedicated his life to the pursuit of mechanical perfection. His journey isn’t just about cars—it’s about a lifelong commitment to doing things right, and doing them well. The Mercedes Man, indeed!