The 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280CE 4-speed manual we saw last October is back up for auction, not having met its reserve the last time around. If you aren’t particularly a diesel fan yet are intrigued by the durability of the W123, there are few better options than a Euro market CE coupe such as this.
Tag: Coupe
To me, the Audi Coupe GT is probably the most unappreciated German car of the 1980s. That crown could really be shared by many Audis that suffered the stigma of poor reputation left over from the 1970s problems and the late 1980s scandals coupled with mid-80s Volkswagen-era build quality, which admittedly wasn’t the best. Although the Audi products were generally engineered to a higher standard than most of their VAG counterparts, the company connection in the public’s mind leaves a scarlet letter on the Audi nameplate. Even though compared to contemporaries the Audi Coupe GT fared well in testing, the general attitude towards the model is that it was an underpowered, overpriced and heavy Scirocco. But those that know the model share the joy of a hidden secret; a fine handling GT, a composed tourer on the highway that is equally at home being flung around twisty backroads, a trusted companion with startling longevity that never failed to bring smiles on a regular basis. If you like the Audi Coupe GT, you probably like doing things a bit differently. And to pay nearly $7,000 for a nice condition one, you’d have to really want it and nothing else – but the chance to stand apart may be worth the price of entry:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1985 Audi Coupe GT on eBay
5 CommentsThe mid 1980s would be a time of serious change for Mercedes-Benz. Not only would the new 190 debut, but the W124 E class would supplant the tried and true W123 series of sedans, coupes and estates. Few cars of the modern era have had such staying power with the motoring public. No matter where my travels take me, I usually see one of these cars knocking around on the streets, sometimes in rough condition. But no matter what you can throw at these cars, they can take it. Thirty years have now passed since the final production year of the W123. This 300CD for sale in California would be a great way to celebrate that milestone.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1985 Mercedes-Benz on eBay
Comments closedI’ve made several references comparing the BMW 8 series to a few Ferraris, suggesting that it was perhaps a budget alternative to running a 456GT, for example. However, the E31 isn’t the only Ferrari-esque design to come from Munich; in many aspects, the E9 coupe shared some visual DNA with the Ferrari 330 2+2 from the 1960s. Now, for some that may sound like heresy and I can appreciate that; but take off the Rosso-colored glasses for a moment and look at the side profile of a 330 GT versus the E9 coupe; it’s nearly identical. The rear end treatment was quite similar as well, and while the grill on the BMW was obviously quite different the two even shared a quad-headlight setup. Obviously, underneath the Ferrari had that wonderful Colombo V12 versus the rather pedestrian inline-6 in the BMW; but pound for pound the BMW punched hard, especially in CSi trim. With 200 horsepower on tap it was certainly no slouch, especially in the midst of the oil crisis which neutered most V8s in America. It would take another two generations for the Big Three to break back into the 200 horsepower realm with nearly double the displacement of the E9. But the E9 wasn’t about straight line performance; it was a whole package – a speedy grand touring coupe with luxurious appointments and gorgeous looks:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1974 BMW 3.0CSi on eBay
1 CommentWhen the W124 debuted in the mid 1980s, it was pretty much business as usual for Mercedes-Benz. First, the sedan made its debut, followed by an estate variant and a pretty pillarless coupe. Then, in the early 1990s, Mercedes revived an old idea and brought back the four place cabriolet. We would get our hands on this drop top W124 in 1993. It didn’t come cheap, at the cost of around $80,000. Then again, compared to an SL, two extra people could come along for the ride and enjoy open air Mercedes motoring.
We’ll take a look at a pair of two-door W124s today, starting off with this 1993 300CE Cabriolet for sale in Virginia.