1984 Mercedes 230CE Euro

Oh Mercedes-Benz. How far you've come. I'm slightly worried about you despite your incredible fame and fortune, however. Sure, you're one of the oldest and richest car companies in existence and show no signs of slowing down. But you just aren't the same anymore, and I'm not sure that's a good thing.

Mercedes changed once BMW caught up with them in the 80s. They were really never the same from the 90s onward. Instead of careful attention to detail and quality that could last forever, they increasingly focused on flash, bling and the yuppie market instead of long term planning for the future. The designs got sloppy. The cars lost the heavy steering. Electronic gadgets were everywhere. Reliability plummeted.

In the mid-80s however they were still king, and perhaps no other car can exemplify their craftsmanship than this European specification 230CE. The engine was never available in the U.S. and has more power and spunk. The beautiful headlights and small chrome bumpers are Euro-only delights.

The W123 lasted rom 1976-1985 and resulted in 2.7 million units made. It was a commercial and critical success and is to many the definitive Mercedes-Benz, blending their old-world grace with new world durability, practicality and refinement.

The seller says the car was well-kept by the first owner and still wears its original paint. The rare cloth interior looks terrific too. They say the clutch shifts well and the rest of the car has no mechanical issues.

The seller has an auction and a $9,500 buy-it-now, which ain't bad. Considering this is easily one of the greatest cars ever built, you're getting your money's worth. This baby is fine doing weekend errands or making long trips. It's a versatile, strong, sexy automobile. And it has many more miles to go.

Available here on ebay.

Shades of Grey: Euro 1984 BMW 745i Turbo

Sometimes I am compelled to just make this a used BMW-only site. Old BMW cars from the 70s to the early 90s fascinate me.

Look at this machine for example. BMW had many lead designers during the late 20th century, but all of the cars shared a common genetic link. They have this kind of techno-industrial look because the front end incorporates these rudimentary geometric shapes that look more functional than decorative.

The 1977-1986 E23 was one of their best designs, thanks to Paul Bracq. Bulky but lean, wider looking than it seems long, it leans forward like a shark in predator mode, the quad round headlights and dual ractangular grilles mimicking eyes and nostrils perpetually flared and alert. This thing has character.

This is an grey market 1984 745i Turbo. The 745 was the top-of-the-line E23, although the numeric designation is a bit of a misnomer. No, it's not a 4.5-litre V8. It's the tried and true 3.4-litre inline 6-cylinder engine, but turbocharged. BMW calculated the increased boost would equal to a 4.5-litre, hence the name. Frankly, calling it the 734 Turbo would have been fine to me but the Germans have their idiosyncrasies, too.

Name issues aside, the turbo produced a whopping 249 horsepower.

All 3.4-litre turbo cars had automatic transmissions.

The 745i was never offered in North America. Thankfully, due to a combination of lax importation rules and lavish tastes in the 80s, many did make their way there as this lovely example has. Note the European specification short small bumpers, flush foglamps in a plastic molded front spoiler, flush turn indicators, and larger outer headlights.

The seller doesn't provide any backstory on where or how this car came to the U.S.

Cosmetically there are a couple of dings and dents visible in the photos, but the seller says there is no rot.

Mechanically, they say it starts and runs fine and the transmission shifts fine.

They do say the odometer is not working.

These cars are awesome and this example is aesthetically perfect in dark grey over black leather. If the car checks out with no rust and no major mechanical issues, this could turn out to be delightful daily driver or a weekend cruiser. I would do some paintless dent removal to straighten out the dents, a full tuneup, hand wax the body and just drive it.

Find it here on ebay in Cleveland, OH with no bids starting at $3,800 and 1 day left.