Horst Schwab

Horst H. Schwab, 93, passed away October 14, 2024, peacefully with his beloved wife by his side. 

Horst was born July 25, 1931, the eldest son to Hermann and Erna Schwab of Mannheim, Germany. During his childhood Horst endured many hardships that served to create the man that he became in his life. This time molded a young boy to become determined to create his own destiny in life with hard work, incredible work ethic, and dedication to whatever he was doing in life. 

After several years of working for Daimler AG in Germany, Horst was one of ten people chosen by Mercedes Benz to be contracted out for 3 years to the first importers of Mercedes Benz cars, (Studebaker), to work and train their mechanics in the United States. Kansas City was Horst’s destination, which he chose by chance, by pulling a city name out of a hat. Armed with his knowledge, tools, limited English vocabulary (of only 10 words), and $17 Horst embarked upon a journey that would change the rest of his life when he landed in KC on May 1, 1959 and began working for Keith Ware Studebaker-Packard for the next 3 years. 

Upon completion of his contract, Horst returned home to Germany but not before he decided to pack his tools and store them in a friend’s garage. Three months later Horst quit his job with Daimler AG and returned to Kansas City with the help of his good friend and then sponsor Frank Schmitz. 

In 1962 Horst opened Horst Schwab’s Mercedes-Benz Specialized Repair Shop after recognizing the great potential Kansas City had for a master mechanic like himself. Not long after, Daimler AG, USA contacted him and asked him to become a Mercedes Benz franchise owner. Horst knew he could repair cars but he was not sure that he could sell cars but he leapt at the opportunity that fell into his lap and an icon was born. In 1963 Horst founded Aristocrat Motors at 1620 Baltimore. In the late 1960’s BMW came calling and Horst became the first BMW dealer in Kansas City. A few years later Horst gave the BMW franchise to his friend Fred Hoffkemeyer, a fellow German mechanic. Aristocrat continued to grow and the dealership was relocated to 1535 Baltimore in 1974. 

Ridiculed and told he would fail, Horst dared to start construction on a new home for his beloved Aristocrat Motors, Inc. bringing in his friend and architect Alan Feingold to design the project. Everyone said that nobody would drive all the way out to Merriam, Kansas, in 1984, to buy a car but Horst courageously laughed and told everyone to just wait and see that one day this area will be lined with car dealerships. And in September 1985, Horst’s vision for Aristocrat Motors, Inc. opened in Merriam, Kansas; people did come and car dealerships do line the road beside Aristocrat. 

Over time Horst grew Aristocrat by acquiring Polo Motors, Jaguar from Jack Roach, Land Rover, Audi, and Porsche from Art Bunker, and adding Ferrari to the list of franchises that his company represented. Horst was able to build and grow Aristocrat through his sheer determination, grit, hard work, great employees, and as he said, “Lots and lots of luck”! After 36 years of Horst’s sole ownership and leadership he sold Aristocrat Motors, Inc. to Soave Enterprises. 

After retirement Horst and his wife, Brenda, built their dream home on their Clay County cattle ranch. Horst enjoyed working side by side with the builder and craftsmen as their dream became a reality and oftentimes you could find him out in the fields helping to work cattle. He traded his trademark double breasted suits for jeans and boots and a simple life in the country; but as always, Horst always retained his true love for cars. Retirement also allowed Horst to indulge in many great travel adventures with family and friends, wood turning, and being his wife’s sous chef. 

Horst’s life was full of beautiful moments spent with family, friends, and the little pleasures that brought him joy. His legacy is not only in the tangible creations he left behind but in the impact he had on the lives of those he touched. Horst H. Schwab will be deeply missed and always loved, yet his spirit will continue to inspire us and guide us in the stories we share and the memories we hold near and dear to our hearts. His life was well-lived and his legacy will shine with the love and kindness he leaves behind. 

Horst is survived by his loving companion and wife of 30 years, Brenda, daughter Marion Ciraldo (Uwe Goetzinger), granddaughter Tanja Wuest-Pitak (Jean), great-granddaughter Chiara Wuest, brother Werner Schwab, niece Susi Schlegel (Marc), and great niece Cassandra Schlegel. 

As per Horst’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service or celebration of life. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Horst’s name to St. Luke’s Hospice House or Harvesters Community Food Network.