1985 Mercedes-Benz 280SE Euro

The W126 is one of those rare cars that was better than both its predecessor and successors, crystalizing it in time as a pinnacle of achievement. It debuted in 1979 and was more aerodynamic, efficient, spacious and faster than the outgoing W116.

The brilliant styling was courtesy of genius Bruno Sacco and was the first all-new design to emerge after his ascension to head of styling at Daimler-Benz in 1975. He took everything that was good about the W116 and made it better. This standard wheelbase SE trim means slightly better handling and lower weight than the SEL long wheelbases.

Unfortunately, Sacco's new integrated bumper design had to be extended on US-bound models to comply with the DOT, but this Euro-spec example mercifully has the original pieces that transform the proportions and look of the car. It's a sight to behold for discerning eye, especially auto fans here so used to the other inferior bumpers we got.

Another cool feature of Euro-spec cars are their interiors, like this one with rare cloth seats that weren't an option in the US. I actually prefer leather, but these sure do look comfy. The rest is classic Mercedes-Benz, which means utter perfection: high-quality plastics, easy-to-read and operate controls and gauges, and a delightful oversized steering wheel.

Another thing we never got is what lies under the hood: the M110.989 version of a 2.8-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that produced a competent 185 horsepower. The 6-cylinder is a sweet spot for these, especially in short wheel base form. It's one of the best engines Mercedes ever put out, and will provide power, economy and reliability if routinely maintained.

The seller says it was imported when new, and has a federalized gauge cluster. It now has about 110k miles. They say it's in good shape, including the paint, except for a corner that was resprayed, but it's been garaged during their ownership. It certainly looks sharp, and could easily go for another 100K miles of comfortable, state-of-the-art cruising. It's a lot of car for the price.

Available here on craigslist for $3,800.

1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 5-Speed

The Mercedes-Benz 190 (chassis code W201) is one of my favorite cars of all time, and easily one of the best, if not the best sedan Mercedes-Benz has ever produced.

The W201 was launched as an all-new small class of car in 1982 (interestingly, the same year as BMW's similar E30). Some aspects were classic Mercedes-Benz: four doors, rear-wheel drive, radiator-grille, three-pointed star on the hood. Other aspects were totally new, including the compact size, sleek aerodynamic body, utilitarian unpainted bumpers, and a new range of efficient gas and diesel engines. It was a bold new statement for the decade.

It says a lot that the sharp, slab-sided styling is the designer Bruno Sacco's favorite work ever. I remember reading he especially loved the way the side lines meld into the rear tail trunk, likening it to the bevels of a diamond. You, Mr. Sacco, were truly a diamond of a designer yourself. He took all the styling cues previous Mercedes designers of the 60s and 70s had employed and cut, chiseled and refined them down into one definitive statement that summed up the whole brand. It's also an important stepping stone as it paved the way for the look of the 1986 W124.

Interestingly, the 'baby benz' never really took off. It was popular in Europe, but buyers in the US who could afford a Mercedes in the first place sprung for the larger W124 and W126. That's a shame, because the W201 offered remarkable thrift without any sacrifices.

As such, they aren't too many left but they do pop up. What you don't see anymore are low mileage survivors. Fortunately, these cars are from the golden era of Mercedes-Benz, when their products peaked in terms quality, durability and reliability, so high mileage that would be avoided on other used cars is normal and in some aspects even desirable. These cars are what the term "bank vault-like" was originally associated with.

This particular example has racked up 188,000, which isn't that high given the year. The seller is a dealer or collected and say they acquired it from the original owner. Everything seems to be original except an aftermarket radio, but even the original radio is included.

It's the 2.3 version, so it has a 4-cylinder engine. Lucky for enthusiasts, it's mated to a rare 5-speed transmission. This should transform the car from a capable cruiser into a fun little sports sedan, while just sipping gas (what looks like the original window sticker shows a respectable 23 mpg rating). The economy-enjoyment levels aren't easily found in today's entry level sedan market and definitely not under $20k.

The seller says the oil and filter were changed along with the air cleaner and rear shocks. It seems ready to go. The only other areas of concern would be the clutch, electronics, and body rust. I'd also ask for maintenance records, which, if it was just one previous owner who took care of it, should be available.

If it all checks out, this is a sweet commuter car. Since the mileage isn't anywhere near low, this thing deserves to be driven until it dies. Which might be a long time.

Available here on craigslist for $3,500.

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.

1975 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter O 309 Diesel

Although it's hard to believe, spring is coming up and then summer, and you know what that means...road trip time! What better way to canvas miles of American pavement then this sweet vintage Benz bus?

First of all let me say I love Mercedes-Benz. Not the snooty, blingy, gimmicky, over-engineered global car company of today. No, I love the company they used to be when they rose from the ashes of the second world war like a phoenix and remade themselves into a company that built great cars not just for their own people, but for the world. This meant a range of cargo vans, buses and trucks that could go anywhere and do anything. Best of all, they were often equipped with Mercedes-Benz's legendary diesel engines. Back then, the diesels were almost entirely mechanical, meaning they could theoretically operate submerged under water. These engines went on for half a million or more miles. They were specifically designed for the long haul.

So you can imagine a vintage Benz enthusiast pulse quicken when this baby popped up on ebay. Mercedes introduced the O 309 in 1967 and it lasted until 1986. This lovely '75 model year example comes smack in the middle and is equipped with a 4-cylinder diesel engine. The seller says they have added a factory turbocharger. These are far from fast, so the extra boost is welcome.

Inside there are two captains chairs up front and padded bench seats in back. There's also a fold out table, a full size bed, 3 way power, carpeted flooring and LED lighting.

Cosmetically, the seller says it is unrestored and may wear its original paint. They do say there are dings, dents, and some rust and rot but nothing too serious or threatening. Mechanically, the speedometer doesn't work, the engine leaks oil and a sway bar bushing will eventually have to be replaced. Despite all that, they stress it can be driven away and used as-is, which would be the most economically sensible idea.

Fortunately, they say it has had 13 years and over $11,000 worth of maintenance done and the records to back it up.

If you plan on living out of this, I'd put the time and money into perfecting it just how you want. But if you're just gonna embark on that summer road trip, it could be all set to go.

Available here on ebay with an asking price of $11,950

Rare in the US: 1998 Mercedes-Benz A160

In the late 90s Mercedes-Benz started moving far away from the angular and no-nonsense look and feel of their cars of the 70s and 80s with some unusual additions to their lineup: the retractable hardtop convertible SLK (1996), the sport utility vehicle M-Class (1997), and the supermini A-Class (1997). Bruno Sacco's touch was no longer on every design. Quality was also starting to be a concern.

The W168 A-Class was unique for Mercedes in a lot of ways. It featured front-wheel drive, shocking for a company whose core tenet was the balance and refinement that rear-wheel drive provides. The compact but versatile body squeezed in four doors and a rear hatchback.

Some aspects of the A-Class were typically Mercedes, however. It featured an innovative "sandwich" system where the engine and transmission slide underneath the pedals instead of into the cockpit in the event of a major front impact.

Styling is credited to a Steve Mattin. While a departure for the brand, it still bears resemblance to other models at the time, with the ribbed taillights and integrated front-grille.

The seller lists the car as being located in Washington state, saying it came from Japan and they can transport it anywhere in the continental US if the buy-it-now is selected. They also say it has an Ohio title, but doesn't meed some federal regulation, so registering this thing in your state and planning on using it as an attention-getting commuter may not work. They also say the miles are low. The exterior and interior seem immaculate and the color combo is perfect.

This type of micro family cars was disappointingly absent from the US market until just a couple years ago when Honda debuted their Fit and cars like that. If the A-class was rear-wheel or even all-wheel drive or diesel powered it would still be unique, but it's not anymore, besides being an economical Mercedes-Benz, and for being rare. But rare doesn't cut it, at least not to the average car buyer.

Available here on ebay for $8,500.

1974 Mercedes-Benz 240D Manual

I spotted this vintage Benz yesterday at dusk and went back again today to 'check it out' in more detail. While I was taking some photos, the seller emerged from their house and kindly answered some questions about it for me. Basically, it's a U.S.-spec W115 '74 240 Diesel with a 5-speed manual transmission and over 250,000 miles on the clock. The seller is not the original owner, and didn't elaborate on how and when they acquired it, but said it runs fine.

The W114/W115 was produced from 1968-1976, resulting in over 1.9 million constructed. The W114 chassis signified the 6-cylinder models, while the W115 represented the four-cylinder models, including this 240D.

The body is credited to legendary auto designer Paul Bracq, and is a classic three-box shape, taught, conservative, squared-off and perfectly proportioned. Unfortunately, this being a 1974 U.S. model, it sports the heavy and unsightly 5-mph bumpers and lousy sealed beam headlights. Fortunately, it looks utterly charming in pale flat moss green, a relic of the 70s but still fresh looking today.

The '240D' signifies the 2.4-liter OM616 diesel-powered 4-cylinder engine that powered the rear wheels. These are not fast cars. I've actually read they are downright slow, even dangerously so, in modern traffic. Fortunately, this one is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission to bring both some liveliness to the engine and engagement to the driving experience. And what it lacks in overall performance it more than makes up in reliability. Mercedes-Benz diesels from the 60s, 70s, and 80s are some of the most durable engines ever released to consumers.

Cosmetically, the car is far from perfect, with obvious rusting and faded paint among other defects in the body. I didn't go inside, but the dark green interior sported what has to be that indestructible MB-Tex vinyl leatherette, as the seats looked really good.

The seller is asking just $2,500. This could easily be a great first car for someone, a temporary set of wheels for a college student until the end of the semester, or really just about anybody's beater car. It's good looking, diesel-powered, and has a stick-shift. What do my readers think? Thumbs up or down?

One of a Kind: 1995 Mercedes-Benz E300 Diesel Touring

Ah, the W124. Probably one of the all-around greatest cars of all time. And what a sight for sores eyes in this post-Bruno Sacco Benz-era lacking cohesive forms and themes! The W124 is of those rare cars that was better than both the model it replaced (W123) and was succeeded by (W210). And in the true Germanic spirit of frugality and efficiency, nothing is better than a diesel W124. Or is there?

Although the W123 turbo-diesels are the stuff of legend, the W124 diesels are slightly less so. For one, they appeared at a time when gas prices were coming down, and thrift was less trendy. Second, Mercedes fumbled with their introduction on the W124, at first offering a 6-cylinder turbo for just one year, before settling on the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbo, then lastly a non-turbo 6-cylinder, none of which seemed to hit the sweet spot for consumers, and very few of which (if any) were mated to stick shifts for extra sport and economy. By the 90s, diesels were the last thing on the minds of American drivers.

This late-model W124 (with an October '95 build date) does not have a turbo or a stick, but it does have the ample extra space the wagon body lends, which is a huge plus combined with a diesel engine. The W123 diesel wagons are now "cult" cars for their old-school style and extreme durability and functionality. But when it came time to replace it, Mercedes-Benz, tragically and puzzlingly, only offered the W124 diesel wagon for just one year, 1987. The W124 was a better car, but Mercedes sealed the fate of their legendary diesel wagons with that model. It was over (for North America, at least).

To make up for the loss of any diesel W124 wagon after 1987, some owner of this vehicle has transplanted a 1995-only non-turbo OM606 6-cylinder engine from the E300 sedan into a 1995 wagon body. Since 1995 was the final year of the entire W124 body, all the kinks were worked out, and some nice cosmetic touches were added like flush Euro-headlights. The seller, unfortunately, provides no details on how or when the swap was done.

Sure, the 6-cylinder is not "fast" and won't win any drag races, but that's not the point, especially in a wagon body. The car is transformed into a purer utilitarian hauler. Seating for seven adults. 35 miles per gallon. A relatively simple and extremely durable engine designed to last long.

The seller says this unique example has no rust and was never in any accidents. Mechanically, they say it runs and drives "perfect", with new glow plugs, belts, tensioner, and fan clutch. They list the odometer as reading 171k miles.

I would look into the exact nature of the engine transplant. Then I'd get any an all maintenance records. And after that...enjoy the envious stares and quizzical looks among aficionados. This is one rare but super sensible car.

Available here on ebay in Orange County, California with bidding starting at a whopping $14,500.

COTC Spotted: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220S Fintail

Spotted in Providence, RI. Photos taken with my iPhone. Many thanks to the dapper owner for taking a moment to tell me about this beautiful flat grey over red W111 in original condition. When another onlooker asked if it was for sale, the owner gently removed the pipe from his mouth and said, "Anything's for sale at the right price." Well done. Thanks again.

2001 Mercedes-Benz A160

In the late 90s Mercedes-Benz started moving far away from the angular and no-nonsense look and feel of their cars of the 70s and 80s with some unusual additions to their lineup: the retractable hardtop convertible SLK (1996), the sport utility vehicle M-Class (1997), and the supermini A-Class (1997). Bruno Sacco's touch was no longer on every design. Quality was also starting to be a concern.

The W168 A-Class was unique for Mercedes in a lot of ways. It featured front-wheel drive, shocking for a company whose core tenet was the balance and refinement that rear-wheel drive provides. The compact but versatile body squeezed in four doors and a rear hatchback.

Some aspects of the A-Class were typically Mercedes, however. It featured an innovative "sandwich" system where the engine and transmission slide underneath the pedals instead of into the cockpit in the event of a major front impact.

Styling is credited to a Steve Mattin. While a departure for the brand, it still bears resemblance to other models at the time, with the ribbed taillights and integrated front-grille.

Mechanically, the seller says this one has only 73k miles. They state a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine is under the hood, and is mated to a 5-speed clutch-less manual transmission. Cosmetically, they say it wears the original paint, has had no accidents and is sitting on lowered springs and aftermarket wheels that don't hurt it aesthetically.

These were never sold in the U.S., despite some clamoring by consumers. The seller of this example says it has a clear California title, but will not pass the final stretch of those pesky, finger-wagging, nanny-state smog tests and is therefore illegal on in-state public roads. Whether it can be driven outside of California is anyone's guess.

Although it's essentially the same layout and size as a Honda Fit, there is a much higher cool factor here.

Available here on ebay in Camarillo, California with bidding at $6,100.

Winter Proof: 1987 Mercedes-Benz Unimog Snow Blower

I can't resist. Here is another Unimog within the span of a week. This one will make sure you never, ever get stuck in snow, or any inclement weather for that matter.

The Unimog is perhaps the ultimate 4x4 vehicle. As far as I can tell, there has never been a purely civilian version offered. They were initially military vehicles. The ones that pop up for resale are usually decommissioned civil service vehicles. They were never officially sold here until 2002, when Daimler Chrysler attempted sales of the U500 variant for only 5 years, resulting in just 184 units sold.

This is a 1987 U-1500, based off the 1976-88 424 series. These featured more angular styling than the beloved 406 series. The "classic" 406-style was categorized as a "light" truck, while the new 424 became "middle" and "heavy".

The seller of this example says it is a Class 6 vehicle, weighing between 19,000-26,000 lbs. The seller says is is powered by twin diesel engines. It's mated to no less than 8 forward and reverse gears. Attached to the truck is a Sicard Snow Blower that is powered by a twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder OA424A engine.

Mechanically, the seller says both engines run great, and have low miles and hours logged. They say the tires are good and the blower is effective, throwing snow "great distances".

Cosmetically, this thing is a beacon of hope in the desolate winter landscape with bright orange paint and black accents. When the Unimog is used for military and civil work for the German government, they are aesthetically pleasing in a level of detail only the Germans can master. This one comes close, but could use some more details. I'd paint the rear bumper guard in yellow and red diagonal hazard stripes.

It is not clear whether this example was used for a public or private entity.

If you own large commercial space or a farm in areas that get dense snowfall, this could be a nifty tool all winter long.

Available here on ebay in Stanley, South Dakota with bidding and a Buy-It-Now of $33.9k.