Elian Bruno

Cars and Identity: Auto Enthusiasts and Their Stories

Mr. Baranoglu, who is currently immersed in the world of car sales, gave insights into his life journey, his passions and the unique perspective he brings to the automotive world.
Baranoglu's automotive journey began with a childhood fascination for race cars, fueled by an emotional connection to the sound of them.

Although he initially took a different path and completed a commercial apprenticeship, Mr. Baranoglu found himself working in his father's car dealership, which he founded 27 years ago.

His love of cars began at the age of 20 when he bought a Maserati Quattroporte GTS Awards Edition, laying the foundations for a collection that now includes a variety of vehicles.
From an Audi RS7 dream at the age of 18 to his current vehicle, a Mercedes Benz S63 AMG Facelift Coupé, Mr. Baranoglu's evolution reflects both personal preferences and the dynamics of the market.

Mr. Baranoglu's choice of modifications is guided by his personal taste rather than external expectations. While he recognizes the importance of style and aesthetics, he emphasizes the need for handiness and everyday practicality.
Baranoglu's workshop specializes in enhancing the design of luxury coupes such as the S-Class, appealing to a younger demographic that is moving away from traditional “grandpa style”.

Interestingly, Mr. Baranoglu emphasizes the split between his professional and personal relationship with cars.
While he sees cars as commodities in his day-to-day dealings, he acknowledges that a car serves as a personal expression for many, although he personally refrains from giving his vehicles nicknames. Given the automotive industry's growing interest in electric vehicles, Mr. Baranoglu remains skeptical about their immediate dominance, citing the lack of confidence and demand in the current market.
He assumes that combustion engines and electric vehicles will continue to coexist for the foreseeable future.

Baranoglu's anecdotes, from a marten-induced scare in his Maserati to an unexpected Aston Martin breakdown in intense heat, offer an insight into the challenges and memorable moments in the life of a car enthusiast.
These experiences shape his unique perspective, which is based on both passion and pragmatism. In a world where cars often symbolize status or individuality, Mr. Baranoglu is a testament to the multifaceted relationship one can have with these machines, where personal pleasure takes precedence over societal expectations.