Niche vehicles are always a funny thing. The BMW M Coupe was derided for its weird styling when it debuted in the late 1990s and wasn’t a big seller. But now, these rare sport coupes are wildly popular in the collector car market. While you could consider the R-class a niche vehicle on its own, Mercedes-Benz toyed with the idea of an AMG version of this people mover around 10 years ago. This fast van hung around for one model year and as such, has been relegated to an almost persona non grata status amongst Mercedes history. However, any car with 503 horsepower that can seat six in comfort should at least be given a second look. This R63 AMG for sale in Washington state is one of approximately 30 to 40 examples that were sold in the US, out of a total production of under 200 worldwide. If you need space with pace, there are few choices more rad than this one.
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A few days ago driving through traffic, a lean, low and angular shape drifted in between cars ahead of me. It stood out mostly because it was so different than the pool of SUVs it swam through. Like a shark parting a school of mackerel, it was a beautiful 840ci with M-System II wheels fit, and it was positively beautiful to see. What really struck me was the size though, more than anything else. I’ve never really thought of the 8-series as a small car – but there it was, dwarfed by the modern automobiles that surrounded it. Most other drivers ignored the door-wedge profile, but I sat transfixed remembering how revolutionary this car was when it was launched. When I happened across this 1995 840ci in my searches, a car which Paul featured back in January, I couldn’t help but want to write it up:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1995 BMW 840ci on eBay
The below post originally appeared on our site January 10, 2015:
Comments closedThe striking Amaranth Violet 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, which we featured almost exactly one year ago, has come back up for sale from a new seller. As one of the much more rare shades we ever see there is sure to be a good deal of interest here, but whether it can find a new buyer we shall have to wait and see. It’s wearing different wheels now than in its previous auction and still sports a few modifications so it isn’t as original as some collectors might hope, but the color is one you’ll almost never come across. Purple isn’t the most popular color on a car, but it really does look mighty good here.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S on eBay
The below post originally appeared on our site May 25, 2015:
3 CommentsHalfway through the W126 S-class production run, the diesel engine was upgraded, from the familiar and reliable OM615 inline-5 to the OM603 inline-6. The first W126s to employ the OM603 experienced teething problems, something unthinkable from Mercedes-Benz at the time. Heat from the diesel particulate filter, a part integral to the emissions control system, would cause the aluminum heads to fail. In some cases, debris from these filters would damage the turbocharger. After two years, Mercedes stopped selling the diesel S-class, but it would return once again in 1990 for the final two years of S-class production. Mercedes debuted a larger version of the OM603, displacing 3.5 liters. However, this engine had its own set of problems, as the larger bore led to head gasket failure and passage of oil into the cylinder bores. In addition, failure of motor mounts could cause screws to loosen in the crankcase which would lead to another set of issues. It was reported Mercedes-Benz replaced a number of engines in these cars, but never issued a formal recall.
If this didn’t scare you away from a late-model W126 diesel, then read on. The 350SDL was not the sales leader of the W126 pack, as most opting for a large Mercedes on these shores wanted V8 power. This 350SDL in Florida has seemingly escaped the wear and tear most of these diesel powered Benzes, showing less than 60,000 miles on the odometer.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 Mercedes-Benz 350SDL on eBay
3 CommentsAt first, I was a little hesitant to feature this 911. Like many other similar builds the price here is very high and probably won’t garner it too much interest, but there are a lot of little details of the build that I like and overall the finished product looks fantastic. I mean, they painted it Tangerine so how could I resist? As backdated 911s go this one didn’t have to travel far back in time, but the differences in appearance are nonetheless tremendous. Originally a 1974 911 the builders needed only return to one year earlier for the inspiration for their design. Of course, 1973 is the common year chosen as the source material for most backdates since it is either the look of the Carrera RS or the RSR that typically serves as the desired outcome. While the body of this 911 is from 1974 the engine is not. In place of the constricted 2.7 liter units standard in ’74 is a 3.2 liter flat-six mated to the standard 915 5-speed transmission. That 3.2 liter should provide much better reliability and power and is a common choice we see for many upgrades of this type. Much of the rest that is of interest lies in the cosmetic details ranging from the widened rear fenders, which are filled completely by 11 inch wheels, to the minimalist interior fitted with tartan covered bucket seats. It appears to be a nicely put together package and should provide a healthy level of performance, if not quite RSR levels of ferocity.