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Now that the summer is drawing to a close, we inch closer to another year where the clock moves one year ahead on the 25-year import rule for those who live in the United States. For certain cars that were built early in the model year like September and October, this is a big difference marker. What I mean by that is if you are looking to import 1998 model year, that doesn’t mean you have to wait until 2023. If that door sticker says “09/97” but it is a 1998 model year, you are good to go. But remember this could also work against you if it is made several months into that current model year.
Today’s car isn’t that case quite yet, but it is getting there and the hard work of getting it on North American soil is already done. Yes, this is 2001 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Estate up for sale in British Columbia at a still somewhat reasonable price. Although, what if I told you there was a way to bring this thing in the US legally right now?
If you know, you know. That was the general consensus if you owned a Mercedes-Benz G-Class in the United States prior to 2002. You couldn’t just ride on down to the local dealer to cut a check for a G-Wagen, you had to actually call up Europa International to cut an even bigger check. However, even knowing what Europa International was in the infancy of the internet was a big accomplishment, let alone actually buying a G from them.
Today, we have one of the pre-2002 G-Wagens that reportedly is still with its original owners. That counts for something, right?
One of the big things keeping the classic car hobby alive and more importantly keeping these cars moving are the classic rallies. All the way from the top at the Mille Miglia to the little local club drives to the local BBQ restaurant, these events keep the wheels turning. No matter what kind of event you are into and what era car you own, you can probably find something you live.
Today, we have an unusual example for a classic rally, but that doesn’t mean the previous owners didn’t go all-in with the theme. This 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC up for sale in Germany has all the equipment to compete in a number of events and the stickers to prove. Not a brand choice to soak up miles.
Color is everything on a vintage car for me, and some colors seem to work better than others on certain models. Today’s car, a 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL, might be one of those “love it or hate it” examples.
This is a grey-market car that probably was imported when new judging by the door plaque, and it is finished in the very-rare shade of Signal Red. I don’t believe this color was ever offered on any US-market W126s because who wants a red S-Class? I know the 1980s were a wild time, but your SL was supposed to be red, not your very serious S-Class. However, now that this car is 40 years old, is it officially cool enough where the color doesn’t matter?
While the wild men and woman over in Stuttgart were cranking out the crazy colors, it looks like the usually serious folks at BMW wanted to have a little fun too. Or rather, it looks like someone paid them to do this. This is a 2003 BMW 540i created by the Individual department with not only one of the crazier exterior colors I’ve seen on an E39, but probably a top three wildest interior setups I’ve seen as well. The story is a corporation reportedly ordered this car and had it armored as well, which makes no sense considering you usually want cars that blend in if you are the kind of people who needs an armored vehicle. Whatever the case may be, I am glad it exists because I live with these wild specs. Wait until you see this interior.
