The E21 has never been quite as popular among enthusiasts as later iterations of the 3-series. Produced between 1977 and 1983, the E21 was the successor to the beloved 2002 and the first in the line of BMW’s compact sedans to carry the “3-series” designation. Available only as a two-door sedan (and eventually a Baur cabriolet conversion, produced in very small numbers), the Paul Bracq-led design contains a number of classic cues: the steeply raked front nose and kidney grilles, the four round headlights and the “hoffmeister kink” in the C-pillar among them. Even when stymied by the dreaded, US-spec diving board bumpers, as here, these wedge-shaped cars have a quirky and charming look that embodies the best of early BMW styling.
Tag: 1978
I’m going to step forward one year from yesterday’s 911S Targa to look at the model that replaced it: the 911SC. This was to begin the 911’s heyday as the 911SC and its successor the 3.2 Carrera would propel the model forward and insure its top status at Porsche. Chief among the issues to be addressed with this new model was the engine. Reliability issues had hampered the previous 2.7 liter engines, but with the introduction of a naturally-aspirated version of the 3.0 liter flat-six that had been serving duty in the 930, Porsche was able to provide both more power and better reliability. Always a winning combination. These 3.0 liter engines have proven to be some of the most reliable Porsche has used in the 911 and they are one of the reasons the 911SC remains such a great option for buyers today. With good care they easily stretch into six-figure mileage, yet values for cars in good condition have remained fairly reasonable relative to later models. While a 911SC certainly won’t provide the performance capabilities of the more modern 964 or 993 their appearance remains classic and their 180 horses still provide enough power for any backroad enjoyment. The example we see here is a very low mileage Silver 1978 Porsche 911SC Coupe, located in Tennessee, with an interesting Black interior with velour seat inserts.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1978 Porsche 911SC Coupe on eBay
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While we’re probably all familiar with the legendary Mercedes-Benz 600, one little fact of which enthusiasts may be unaware is that these behemoths were produced all the way up until 1981. It’s fairly amazing this über sedan that was introduced in 1963 outlasted the W116 S-class that was introduced in 1972 and lived on to see the birth of the W126 S-Class. In its time, this was quite possibly the best car money could buy, favored by dictators, celebrities and the well-to-do alike. The car wasn’t just a pretty face, however. It was also a technical tour de force, with a SOHC 6.3 liter V8 under the hood, a hydraulic pressure system that powered everything from the windows to the self closing doors and trunk as well as adjustable air suspension. This right-hand drive example for sale in London is not only rather uncommon due to its late build date, but has a rather muted cloth interior in place of the usual leather we see in these limousines.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1978 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB on Classic Driver
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Tuner Tuesday posts usually focus on cars that have been turned up a few notches by aftermarket companies, but for some time Mercedes-Benz did all the magic internally. Indeed, if you go back to the 1920s and 1930s, Mercedes-Benz had a habit of taking the largest motor they could reliably produce and sticking it in their luxury cars. Such was where the legend of the 500 and 540K specials came from, but while the War postponed many further developments Mercedes-Benz were back at it in the W109 300SEL 6.3. Apparently not satisfied by that factory hot rod, engineers conceived its replacement with an even larger 6.9 liter V8 – mind you, in the midst of an international fuel crisis. Churning out 286 horsepower from the now legendary M100 V8, the 450SEL 6.9 was effectively a land-bound aircraft carrier and about as powerful. Long ignored by the market, the 6.9s have heated up over the past few years as large classic Mercedes-Benz models have become increasingly sought after and the rare 450SEL with the big motor is a solid draw. Today I have two examples to consider – a desirable European version and a less powerful and not quite as attractive American-spec car. Which is the one to choose?
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 on eBay
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Hey look another 911SC Targa that presents well and currently stands as a reasonable value. Like my last two 911SC Targa features this one shows well in a dark exterior (this time an unstated non-metallic brown) over a light interior. For me, it is that interior that is the winner here. I assume the color is Cork, but even if not it looks fantastic and serves as a nice contrast to the dark brown exterior. 1978 marked the first year of 911SC production and while the 911’s future was not assured at that time the success of the SC and its successor the 3.2 Carrera cemented the 911’s legacy and helped fashion it into the icon we know today. As we’ve seen of late, the market for driver-quality classic 911s appears to have fully stabilized and may even be coming down slightly, signaling a nice reversal of the rapid price increases we have seen in years past. Rare, original, and low mileage examples may still command a sizable premium, but the rest are ready for many more miles of enjoyment.