The mid-1990s were a turning point for Mercedes-Benz. Not only was there a change in model nomenclature, but more daring styling began to take hold and a wealth of new models, such as the SLK, CLK and ML class began to appear. The E class Cabriolet was the first four-seater convertible in Mercedes’ lineup since the demise of the 280SE in 1972. While thoroughly modern underneath, this was one of the final holdouts of 1980s design, barring the G-wagen, in the company’s lineup. Today, the W124 Cabriolet is the most highly prized E class of the time, alongside the high-performance 500E/E500. It may be in the middle of winter from where you are reading this, but now may be a great time to pick up a drop-top E class.
Tag: Convertible
The day has finally arrived. It is now the year where R107s of all kinds are legal for entry into the US, no matter where they came from. For me, this has my eyes set squarely on one very specific model: the 1989 300SL with the 5-speed manual gearbox. The final years of the R107 SL saw but one model in the US market, the 560SL with the 5.6 liter V8 engine. Those that have driven them know these are competent cruisers but aren’t the most all out sporting of machines. For 1986, Mercedes revived a storied name when it dropped the M103 inline-6 under the hood: 300SL. For those not in need of the power (or fuel economy) of a V8, this was an attractive option and was offered with another feature not available on US-bound R107s: a 5-speed manual gearbox.
As a preview to our week of celebrating 1989 vehicles eligible for importation stateside, here is a very low mileage 1989 300SL for sale just south of Cologne, Germany that is equipped with a 5-speed manual. It also has a few other options like heated front seats and the rear Kinder seat that you don’t normally see on the US market 560SL model.
Click for more details: 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 5-speed on Mobile.de
1 CommentSmall car and big engine: the classic formula to putting a huge grin on the motorists face. BMW nailed this formula when they decided to unleash the boffins at BMW M GmbH on the Z3 roadster back in 1998. The M Roadster as it came to be known gave this small convertible a real masculine tone, offering a big horsepower jump and upgraded suspension and brakes to match. If there ever was a car born to do donuts, it is this pint-sized, rear-drive machine.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2000 BMW M Roadster on eBay
2 CommentsSince it’s Christmas Day, let’s pose the obvious question: what would Santa Claus drive? I tend to think he would be someone that enjoys a more relaxed cruising style but still appreciates good craftsmanship. Given that, what could be more appropriate than a Signal Red Mercedes-Benz 560SL? This particular R107 for sale in Texas has covered 60k miles, which splits the difference nicely between low mileage museum queen and high mileage basket case.
Click for more details: 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SL on eBay
3 CommentsLast week’s 10K Friday BMW 540 faceoff generated a lot of interest in a single-model showdown with a twist, so I thought another V8 6-speed…
4 Comments