When discussing rare cars of the recent past, something I often find myself doing with friends, one has to mention the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate. Quicker, more dynamic, and slightly sharper looking than the E55 that it replaced, the 2007 E63 is on many an automotive enthusiast’s bucket list, including my own. To have such great power on tap, in a relatively non-imposing package that is also very practical for day to day life, well it’s a drivers dream come true. The only problem is that Mercedes only saw fit to bestow 67 of them upon us in 2007, a fact that this seller, and many others surely relish. Since there is no direct competition for the car in the United States, and it was sold here in very limited quantities, Mercedes essentially guaranteed buyers of the E63 that their car would retain a decent amount of value. It’s not BMW 1M or Boxster Spyder levels of value retention, but for a big Merc wagon I’d say that the drop off hasn’t been nearly as bad as other W211 models. Only time will tell if it can hold on its current collector status once the glorious day arrives when we can import the C6 RS6 Avant, and E61 M5 Touring. Until 2032, we’re stuck with just the E63, and I don’t think anyone has any complaints about that. It’s a car that is laughably quick, and in spite of itself, a complete sleeper. Until you stomp on the gas and leave everyone around you wondering what just happened, the E63 AMG Estate is just another wagon roaming the streets looking for a Pinkberry.
Tag: estate
If ever there was a company car for The Hamptons, it would be the luxury estate vehicle. No surprise, then, that this 1992 BMW 525i Touring finds itself not far from those beaches in Syosset, New York. The E34 Touring was BMW’s second attempt at an in-house estate car, following on the five-door version of the popular E30 3 series that was never sold new to US customers. With the dawn of a new decade, BMW decided to gift the US the 5 series Touring, which would become a hit for families looking for something a bit more dynamic for the school run. Sadly, one of the company’s tastiest offerings, the M5 Touring, would still be out of our reach. Nevertheless, BMW would continue to offer the 5 series Touring for two more generations of 5 series, but sadly, we are now stuck with the awkwardly proportioned 5 series Gran Turismo. This 525i Touring has under 60,000 miles on the odometer, a rarity these days as many of these long roof E34s have been run hard and put up wet.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1992 BMW 525i Touring on eBay
8 CommentsFashion icon Iris Apfel was noted for saying “life is gray and dull and you might as well have a little fun when you dress and amuse people.” Adapt this quote to automobiles and you are speaking my language. So much of what we see offered today by manufacturers is boring and drab, trying to maximize profit while giving consumers the vague whiff of individuality. There are still a few cars out there which will help you stand out. Continuing on with the Swedish theme I seem to be on this week, Volvo has been one of the few brands to offer what has become a niche vehicle with a rabid following: the performance estate. These cars are an attempt at offering the family man his cake and allowing him to eat it, too. And with this formula comes a bit of whimsy.
It all started in the 1980s when they started turbocharging their five-door offerings. Then, in the 1990s, Volvo went all out and fielded an 850 Estate in the British Touring Car Championship, with the help of Tom Walkinshaw Racing. This spawned a street version, the 850 T-5R. With an engine developed in conjunction with Porsche, this car packed 243 horsepower and was available in both sedan and estate form. The T-5R was then succeeded by the 850 R, essentially the same car with some improvements. This 850 R for sale in Kentucky is a rare sight, an example in very good condition with just 65,000 miles on the clock. Want some sport with your utility? Read further.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1996 Volvo 850 R Estate on eBay
6 CommentsJust two scant years ago, Volvo killed off it’s C30 hatchback. It wasn’t a huge seller, but this car offered unique styling and competent performance in a tidy, near luxury package. It was also a flattering throwback to this car we see here, the P1800ES. The P1800ES didn’t have a long production span, but it made an impact on an otherwise staid lineup at the time, save for the P1800 coupe that it was based on. This example for sale in New York has the desirable 4-speed manual gearbox and benefitted from a bare metal respray. On Minilite style wheels, this is one attractive shooting brake.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1972 Volvo P1800ES on eBay
1 CommentThe term “cool” is overused a lot in the English vernacular, but if one car I’ve ever discussed on GCFSB could be described as such, it’s this rare Mercedes-Benz 230S estate. Fully restored, in a very fetching color combination, replete with a 4-speed manual gearbox on the column, it doesn’t get much better than this for the five-door enthusiast. These estates were produced by IMA in Belgium, who were producing knock down kits of Mercedes sedans, as well. I have a personal connection to the W111 chassis 230S, as my father used to own a 230S sedan with a 4-speed manual on the floor years ago. Could this 230S be the ultimate chariot in which to carry the family to the country club?