Self Gloss : New Old Car

flanker · Tue Oct 26, 2010 11:34 pm

Finally, I decided to go balls out and get one of the cars that I have always wanted.

1991 Mercedes 420SEL Grey. ( sorry for bad photo, there was little light)

Big version: Width: 720 Height: 431 File size: 78kb

I am so happy. Even after all these years, this car has not lost its charm and functionality. Gas could be an issue, but I would rather spend some extra money into something I enjoy, than to save some money with something I cant stand. The engine puuuuurrsssss, and after 20 years it still has pretty decent pickup!!

I have always wanted a 1985 300TD as well.

This is a weird transition, I have always been/am an Audi guy. Most of my friends don't understand the "value" that i see in this car.

I still have memories of presidential and mafia convoys of SELs back in Bulgaria a long time ago .. this car is seriously awesome.

Who else has some cool cars?

[Edited 2010-10-26 16:44:41]

Charles79 · Wed Oct 27, 2010 1:23 am

Quoting flanker (Thread starter):
1991 Mercedes 420SEL

Congratulations! I have always been a Mercedes-Benz fan and this generation S-Class is still such an elegant car with so much class and presence. I still see them around here in DC in very decent shape...I may bite and get one, or go for the first car that I truly lusted after, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SL.

Enjoy!

sccutler · Wed Oct 27, 2010 1:30 am

Classic and timeless. Good call, I hope she serves you well!

BMI727 · Wed Oct 27, 2010 1:38 am

Quoting flanker (Thread starter):
I still have memories of presidential and mafia convoys of SELs back in Bulgaria a long time ago

They say that 90% of the world's governments own at least one S-Class.

CXB77L · Wed Oct 27, 2010 2:46 am

Quoting flanker (Thread starter):
Even after all these years, this car has not lost its charm and functionality.

Agreed. This is one of my favourite S-class. This, along with its immediate predecessor, and its immediate successor, are in my view the best looking S-class Mercedes-Benz have made. After that it starts to get a bit generic. When I can afford to, I want to get one of these as well.

Superfly · Wed Oct 27, 2010 3:02 am

Quoting flanker (Thread starter):

Dude that looks just like the high school in the move The Breakfast Club.
That was shot at a suburban Chicago high school too.
Same one?

Congrats on the Mercedes 420SEL.
That was the last of the distinctly styled Mercedes before they went to the blob that all other manufactures copied.

cpd · Wed Oct 27, 2010 3:18 am

Quoting flanker (Thread starter):
This is a weird transition, I have always been/am an Audi guy. Most of my friends don't understand the "value" that i see in this car.

That S-Class is one of the most distinctive and influential models outside the older 450SEL 6.9 - which was probably the most famous S-Class (for all the right reasons) alongside the obese, slab-sided W140/C140 (for all the wrong reasons).

Quoting Superfly (Reply 5):
That was the last of the distinctly styled Mercedes before they went to the blob that all other manufactures copied.

The original LS400 was a bit of a copy of the 420SEL, and then the later LS430 was a bit of a copy of the W140 S-Class with its ultra conservative, matronly style.

[Edited 2010-10-26 20:23:45]

flanker · Wed Oct 27, 2010 3:46 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 5):
Dude that looks just like the high school in the move The Breakfast Club.
That was shot at a suburban Chicago high school too.
Same one?

Well this is a grade school, but I dunno my friend. Maybe? I have to ask, I remember someone saying that about one of the schools around here. I live in Downers Grove at the moment.

And the car has 203,000 miles. Engine starts like its brand new.

[Edited 2010-10-26 20:50:25]

[Edited 2010-10-26 20:50:47]

cpd · Wed Oct 27, 2010 3:57 am

Quoting flanker (Reply 7):

And the car has 203,000 miles. Engine starts like its brand new.

If you take care of it, it'll continue to do that.

Superfly · Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:00 am

Quoting flanker (Reply 7):
I live in Downers Grove at the moment.

That sounds about right.

LOT767-300ER · Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:01 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 5):
Dude that looks just like the high school in the move The Breakfast Club.
That was shot at a suburban Chicago high school too.
Same one?

Quoting flanker (Reply 7):

Well this is a grade school, but I dunno my friend. Maybe? I have to ask, I remember someone saying that about one of the schools around here. I live in Downers Grove at the moment.

And the car has 203,000 miles. Engine starts like its brand new.

Listen here you amateurs cuz the Polak now has to teach you about Chicagoland history.

The high school in the breakfast club is now an Illinois State Police station (used to be Maine North HS) and is located in Des Plaines by the "Heritage Point" apartment complex and I-294 toll/Golf Mill mall. How do I know this? I lived about 300ft from this cop station in "Heritage Point" and you can see my old building in one part of the movie.

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl...ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDAQnQIwAw

BTW, It was also used for Ferris Buellers Day off in some parts.

Superfly · Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:11 am

Quoting LOT767-300ER (Reply 10):
Polak

That is not a politically correct term.

Quoting LOT767-300ER (Reply 10):
Listen here you amateurs cuz the Polak now has to teach you about Chicagoland history.

I'll be impressed if you can pick out all of the Chicagoland points of interest in these two amazing videos.

In fact, Flankers Mercedes shows up a few times in these videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE2l6CPna4M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uOwVg2B79E

LOT767-300ER · Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:17 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 11):
Quoting LOT767-300ER (Reply 10):
Polak

That is not a politically correct term.

My lawn guy got upset at me because I didnt call him a Lawn Technician...go figure.

Quoting Superfly (Reply 11):
I'll be impressed if you can pick out all of the Chicagoland points of interest in these two amazing videos.
In fact, Flankers Mercedes shows up a few times in these videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE2l6CPna4M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uOwV...2B79E

HAHAHHAH Im dying!

2:18 first video, is that Brunas on Oakley Ave?!

Superfly · Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:20 am

Quoting LOT767-300ER (Reply 12):
2:18 first video, is that Brunas on Oakley Ave?!

I think so.

Quoting flanker (Thread starter):
1991 Mercedes 420SEL

Was there a 5.0 or 5.5 liter option that year?

LOT767-300ER · Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:20 am

Hahaha I just saw the other one! I cant believe someone filmed a music video in the ORD ATS!

Superfly · Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:38 am

Quoting LOT767-300ER (Reply 14):
I cant believe someone filmed a music video in the ORD ATS!

Apparently you can take the ATS to Mars. Wow!

It even showed up at Yelp.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/ohare-airport-transit-system-chicago

Quoting flanker (Thread starter):

Please tell us that you will keep the original stereo system that came with the car!
I hate to see nice older cars like this with tacky aftermarket stereos in the dash.

Quoting flanker (Thread starter):
Who else has some cool cars?

I like my car but its' back in the United States.
1977 Lincoln Town Car.

Currently looking for an early 1990s Toyota Crown.

cpd · Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:43 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 13):
Was there a 5.0 or 5.5 liter option that year?

There was a 560SEL, and a 560SEC, along with a 500SEL and 500SEC.

There was also a 560SEL AMG too.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126...g-tv-entertainment-consoles-7.html

TV's front and rear! A shame the exterior was a blacked out horror. Black out wheels, blacked out grills, blacked out badges, blacked out windows... It had some firepower though - a 6.0L V8 if I remember right. If that doesn't motivate it, then nothing will. Wink

http://enthu-kinki.com/enthucar/benz/20081023amg/index.htm

[Edited 2010-10-26 21:53:28]

flanker · Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:48 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 15):
Please tell us that you will keep the original stereo system that came with the car!
I hate to see nice older cars like this with tacky aftermarket stereos in the dash.

I am sorry to say that someone already did this horrific act. The only thing that sets me back about the car.

Coal · Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:54 am

Quoting cpd (Reply 16):
560SEC

THAT is an awesome car!

Cheers
Coal

cpd · Wed Oct 27, 2010 4:55 am

Quoting flanker (Reply 17):
I am sorry to say that someone already did this horrific act.

This lot should be able to assist if you want to get it back to completely original:

http://www.mercedes-benz-classic.com...me/classic/classic_center_usa.html

Bring your money along with you though.

Superfly · Wed Oct 27, 2010 5:03 am

Quoting cpd (Reply 16):
There was a 560SEL, and a 560SEC, along with a 500SEL and 500SEC.

I see.

Quoting cpd (Reply 16):
TV's front and rear! A shame the exterior was a blacked out horror. Black out wheels, blacked out grills, blacked out badges, blacked out windows.

Was that sanctioned by Mercedes Benz?
It looks so tacky and aftermarket.

Quoting flanker (Reply 17):
I am sorry to say that someone already did this horrific act. The only thing that sets me back about the car.

I hope you were able to use that to negotiate a lower price for the car.

flanker · Wed Oct 27, 2010 5:05 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 20):
I hope you were able to use that to negotiate a lower price for the car.

Actually I got it from my Greek friend who owns a used car dealership. He is an older gentleman who knows his cars and he let me have this one for 1500$, which he dropped quite a bit just because its me. I called him as soon as i saw the car pop up online for sale. He had a 300 CDT and the SEL for sale, but man.. I just couldn't pass it up.

So I have no complaints. Just smiles.

[Edited 2010-10-26 22:08:37]

cpd · Wed Oct 27, 2010 5:08 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 20):
Was that sanctioned by Mercedes Benz?
It looks so tacky and aftermarket.

Well, you have to remember, AMG back then wasn't actually a part of Benz, it was a separate company, much like HWA Gmbh is these days. It was indeed sanctioned. I only knew about it because I saw one on the streets here in Sydney - and I was equally shocked as you were. Then I went and looked it up and sure enough, there it was in all of its 1980s horrifying glory.

AMG had some other unsubtle creations too - based on machines like the classic 300SEL 6.3 and the 450SEL 6.9:

http://gallery.w116.org/v/show_room/classic_centre/3

The 450 SEL 6.9 AMG was quite eye-catching, with its wildly flaired wheelarches.

[Edited 2010-10-26 22:12:06]

Superfly · Wed Oct 27, 2010 5:09 am

Quoting flanker (Reply 21):
1500$,

Damn good price!

Does it have the Rusty Jones or Zebart treatment?

flanker · Wed Oct 27, 2010 5:14 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 23):
Does it have the Rusty Jones or Zebart treatment?

Haha, so far I have not fallen through the floors. The car is actually in spectacular cosmetic condition for its age. It has a few dings here and there, and the paint on the roof and trunk is a bit faded but that is not a biggie for me, plus I can get those resprayed.

What do you guys think about 35% tints? Its almost nothing, would it damage the look? I am torn. I really like it how it is, but because of the grey color, it might not be bad with 35%

I just dont want to ruin the classic look.

BMI727 · Wed Oct 27, 2010 5:20 am

Quoting cpd (Reply 16):
A shame the exterior was a blacked out horror. Black out wheels, blacked out grills, blacked out badges, blacked out windows.

Actually I think that is a really sharp looking car. It stands out by not standing out, if that makes any sense. Not a beer can exhaust or vinyl decal in sight. It's a stereotypical German car, it doesn't tell you, it shows you.

Superfly · Wed Oct 27, 2010 6:48 am

Quoting cpd (Reply 22):
Then I went and looked it up and sure enough, there it was in all of its 1980s horrifying glory.

I don't mind the styling of 1980s interiors. It's just that model looks to be very aftermarket & tacky.

KevinL1011 · Wed Oct 27, 2010 7:04 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 15):
Please tell us that you will keep the original stereo system that came with the car!

Quoting flanker (Reply 17):
I am sorry to say that someone already did this horrific act. The only thing that sets me back about the car.

I was working for MB No. America when this car was built. Honestly, the OE Becker radio was a POS anyway and having it replaced is actually a good thing. Prefer a replacement Blaupunkt or Alpine system.

And everything Cpd posted is correct.

Superfly · Wed Oct 27, 2010 7:19 am

Quoting KevinL1011 (Reply 27):
I was working for MB No. America when this car was built. Honestly, the OE Becker radio was a POS anyway and having it replaced is actually a good thing. Prefer a replacement Blaupunkt or Alpine system.

When did Mercedes start putting in high-end stereos.
I never understood why Mercedes, Jaguar and even Rolls Royce had cheap stereo systems 20+ years ago.
It amazes me that a 1981 Chevrolet Citation would have a better stock stereo than a 1981 Mercedes 450SEL.
Even a 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier had better stereo options than Mercedes and Jaguar of that time.

KevinL1011 · Wed Oct 27, 2010 7:39 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 28):
When did Mercedes start putting in high-end stereos.

I left the company in mid '91 when the W140 came out. They started to use a better Alpine system but it didn't have a CD changer standard. Buyers had to pay the dealer extra for it! I remember customers calling the zone office complaining about spending 90 grand for a car that had no CD changer! The dealers would try to ding the buyers another $1000 bucks for a $200 CD changer. MBNA thought this would be a good way to bolster lower dealer profits but it made more BMW owners instead.

Superfly · Wed Oct 27, 2010 7:47 am

Quoting KevinL1011 (Reply 29):
I left the company in mid '91 when the W140 came out. They started to use a better Alpine system but it didn't have a CD changer standard. Buyers had to pay the dealer extra for it! I remember customers calling the zone office complaining about spending 90 grand for a car that had no CD changer! The dealers would try to ding the buyers another $1000 bucks for a $200 CD changer. MBNA thought this would be a good way to bolster lower dealer profits but it made more BMW owners instead.

That's what those idiots get for not buying American.
In 1991, a Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac Brougham had stock CD changers and cassette deck.
The whole damn car with CD changer and vinyl roof would only cost $31,000.
Even the K-based Chrysler Imperial had a CD changer.

KevinL1011 · Wed Oct 27, 2010 8:00 am

Well, the Flanker got a sweet ride and I hope the timing chains have been replaced so he doesn't have to spend mega bucks on that. Man, I remember taking those long chassis S-Class cars out on old Hwy 58 from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo at speeds not recommended for any car. It's amazing how well those big German tanks with multi link suspension can wrap around a corner.

Superfly · Wed Oct 27, 2010 8:31 am

Quoting KevinL1011 (Reply 31):
It's amazing how well those big German tanks with multi link suspension can wrap around a corner.

A friend of mine in Duarte years ago had a 1969 Mercedes S-class and he went flying over a few dips in the road (you know those deep rain water trenches at interesections in residential areas).
I was amazed at how it just glided over them.

If I were to buy a German luxury car, I'd go for the Mercedes 280SE convertible or the 560SL roadster.

[Edited 2010-10-27 01:41:30]

tristarenvy · Wed Oct 27, 2010 2:22 pm

'Fly, that's one smooooooooooooth Lincoln.

Speaking of Toyota Crowns...my high school girlfriend had a 1971 sedan. One of the very few in the USA. It was big for a Toyota and had column shift automatic...rare on any Japanese car!

ScarletHarlot · Wed Oct 27, 2010 5:46 pm

Flanker, that's a great car! I am partial to Mercedes myself.

Quoting Superfly (Reply 15):
1977 Lincoln Town Car.

Larry, your car always brings back memories of Daddy Harlot's 1979 Lincoln Continental for me. Thanks!!

LOT767-300ER · Wed Oct 27, 2010 6:27 pm

Quoting flanker (Reply 24):
What do you guys think about 35% tints? Its almost nothing, would it damage the look? I am torn. I really like it how it is, but because of the grey color, it might not be bad with 35%

Isnt 35% illegal in IL? They just passed a law that made front tint legal at 50% (before all front tint was illegal). I still keep getting stopped in IL whenever im up there because I have no front plate so the cops who are in front of me assume im just another IL driver who never put his on and 35% tint in my Jeep (not registered in IL). Most annoying and inconvenient.

flanker · Wed Oct 27, 2010 7:56 pm

35% is barely any tint. The new law allows tint in the front.

LOT767-300ER · Wed Oct 27, 2010 8:03 pm

Quoting flanker (Reply 36):
35% is barely any tint. The new law allows tint in the front.

Front 35%/Rear 35% or Front 50%/Rear 30% is the max allowably by Illinois law.

35% BTW is alot more tint than 50% (so I think youve got that assumption backwards?...35% lets in 35% sunlight not blocks 35%)

Good luck with Limo tent and suburban IL cops in the front hehe.

BMI727 · Wed Oct 27, 2010 8:18 pm

Quoting LOT767-300ER (Reply 37):
Good luck with Limo tent and suburban IL cops in the front hehe.

Yeah, that's what would keep me away. No reason to attract extra attention. And where I grew up, pulling over kids with beads, etc. hanging from the mirror was a favorite pass time of the cops.

cpd · Wed Oct 27, 2010 11:35 pm

Quoting KevinL1011 (Reply 31):
It's amazing how well those big German tanks with multi link suspension can wrap around a corner.

Did you ever come across any 600s? Those are probably my favourite, but not the stretched (too long and large) or landaulet (awkward looking) models.

Even today, a very accomplished luxury car.

Though I'll admit, the current model E-Class is my favourite Benz. It's probably gone back to the best of the current and traditional values. Though the old Mercedes-Benz 500E built by Porsche was pretty nice.

[Edited 2010-10-27 16:40:36]

Superfly · Thu Oct 28, 2010 3:03 am

Quoting tristarenvy (Reply 33):
'Fly, that's one smooooooooooooth Lincoln.

Thanks!
You missed out on the restoration thread and the Faboulous Fords thread earlier this year.

Fabulous Fords Forever - A.net Car Show Meet. (by kevinl1011 Apr 17 2010 in Non Aviation)#1

Quoting tristarenvy (Reply 33):
Speaking of Toyota Crowns...my high school girlfriend had a 1971 sedan. One of the very few in the USA. It was big for a Toyota and had column shift automatic...rare on any Japanese car!

That was the last year they were sold in the US.
Did her's look like this?

I'd like to get one from the late 1980s when they still have the fender-mounted rear-view mirrors.
I also like those totally 80s digital instrument gauges.

Quoting ScarletHarlot (Reply 34):
Larry, your car always brings back memories of Daddy Harlot's 1979 Lincoln Continental for me. Thanks!!

Thanks April.

KevinL1011 · Thu Oct 28, 2010 4:49 am

Quoting cpd (Reply 39):
Did you ever come across any 600s?

Rarely. I worked @ the factory owned dealership in Hollywood from time to time and that's the only place I had contact with them. I do remember some of the special order accessories that were unique to the 600 like "Security Curtains" that were made of Teflon and there was a cool set of Mercedes-Benz crystal decanters with shot glasses that fit into a compartment built in to the front seat backrest for rear seat passenger use. Some cars had a wet bar and refrigerator for rear seat passengers.

Chris, if you like the 600, you certainly must love the model "6.9".

It's based on the W116 chassis 450SEL (the predecessor to Flankers W126 car) but has the 6.3 litre engine from the 600 model bored out 3mm to 6835cc (which they rounded up to 6.9L). In those emission restricted days, it was conservatively rated @ 285hp (actual HP was around 325) and over 400 ft/lbs of torque which rivals Superflys' beloved Lincolns of the day however this was an all aluminum engine. I'm pretty sure the curb weight was below 4500 lbs which is pretty light for a long chassis saloon. It was touted as "The worlds fastest production sedan" in 1977- '81. I've worked on several 6.9s' and coincidentally they had many similarities to Superflys' beloved Lincolns. They had the same cylinder arrangement, firing order, sound and "torque monster" feel of the big 460cid Lincolns except with firmer suspension and they didn't run out of acceleration until you hit the DOT imposed limiter @ 105mph. The grey market cars (European) would do 135mph without breaking a sweat. The car was incredibly stable at high speed and a joy to drive. Unfortunately, to it's detriment, was never opted with an 8-track player.

cpd · Thu Oct 28, 2010 5:02 am

Quoting KevinL1011 (Reply 41):
Chris, if you like the 600, you certainly must love the model "6.9".

Yes, it's a favourite of mine.

Few cars of the 1970s still command such awe and respect - people see that big "6.9" badge, and they ask - is it really that big an engine. And then they are silent with awe.

Indeed it was very fast, especially for the huge size - especially suited to the autobahn. The ones we got here didn't have the speed limiter at 105mph, so consequently, back in those days (of less rigidly enforced speed limits), some journeys could be undertaken at considerably high average speeds.

The big luxurious monster had at least a shout of keeping in sight the local hero, the scary 5.8L Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III (which was a rocket of a machine in a straight line, with pathetic brakes for its massive straightline acceleration).

The Ford's 5.8L engine was claimed to have 300hp, but in reality, had 285kW (380hp) and was limited to 6,150rpm. The top speed was supposedly 224km/h (which various journalists achieved on public roads). The limiter could be disabled, and the engine would push to some 7,000rpm plus (with the top speed being 'somewhat' higher).

That the enormous Mercedes had a shout of keeping up with that thundering monster in top speed is remarkable.

Superfly · Thu Oct 28, 2010 5:09 am

Quoting KevinL1011 (Reply 41):
Unfortunately, to it's detriment, was never opted with an 8-track player.

So that's why that car never sold well in the US.

I do like the Mercedes 6.9.
That engine was also available in the 280SE convertible I posted above.

Quoting cpd (Reply 42):
Few cars of the 1970s still command such awe and respect

Most cars from the 1970s command awe and respect.

cpd · Thu Oct 28, 2010 5:16 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 43):

Most cars from the 1970s command awe and respect.

Not among those who don't care about "cars", those for whom they are a method to get from one place to another, in the most inoffensive manner. Those are the ones I'm thinking of.

Quoting Superfly (Reply 43):
So that's why that car never sold well in the US.

The 105mph limiter would have been a disappointment for some people!

What about other fast cars of the time, like Porsche 911 Turbo, did it suffer the same limiter device? Of course, most Porsches, even very old ones like 356B 2000GS Carrera 2 were well capable of better than 105mph. And of course 911S of 1967 was good for 130mph.

KevinL1011 · Thu Oct 28, 2010 5:50 am

Quoting cpd (Reply 42):
5.8L Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III

OMG...that's an awesome car. Very much a kin to my '70 Torino but more all out performance.

Quoting cpd (Reply 42):
The Ford's 5.8L engine was claimed to have 300hp, but in reality, had 285kW (380hp) and was limited to 6,150rpm

Here in the US, mfgrs. typically under rated HP figures because insurance companies factored HP into the cost of insurance for each vehicle. Mfgrs didn't lie about it, they simply published the engines output at a lower RPM than peak.

Quoting Superfly (Reply 43):
That engine was also available in the 280SE convertible I posted above.

Absolutely correct. I should have mentioned that. The 6.3 litre 280SE was also considered a rocket ship for it's time and still highly collectible.

Quoting cpd (Reply 44):
What about other fast cars of the time, like Porsche 911 Turbo, did it suffer the same limiter device?

Everything sold here was subject to the 105 limit. Another reason why "grey market" European spec cars were popular here in the late '70's and early '80's.

Man, we have totally derailed Flankers thread.
Nice car dude!

MD-90 · Thu Oct 28, 2010 6:04 am

What do parts & mx cost for a Benz that old? That would be my worry about owning one from that era.

flanker · Thu Oct 28, 2010 6:21 am

Quoting LOT767-300ER (Reply 37):
35% BTW is alot more tint than 50% (so I think youve got that assumption backwards?...35% lets in 35% sunlight not blocks 35%)

I had 35% on my A4. Its not dark, it was just perfect. I don't have it backwards. I am just saying, at 50% its like nothing is there.

Any who, I was just throwing the idea around. I don't think i am actually going to do it.

Superfly · Thu Oct 28, 2010 7:01 am

Quoting KevinL1011 (Reply 45):
Absolutely correct. I should have mentioned that. The 6.3 litre 280SE was also considered a rocket ship for it's time and still highly collectible.

You can say that again.
I looked at a right-side drive model for sale here in Bangkok last month and they're asking $58,000 (USD). Wow!

In California they still sale for over $20,000.
How much did those cost when new?

melpax · Thu Oct 28, 2010 8:47 am

Quoting Superfly (Reply 40):

Toyota Crowns used to be popular here as a 'last car', i.e. someone would usually buy one when they retired to 'see them out'. Not withstanding the 'old fogey' image, they were well regarded here as a reliable, well equipped car, and much cheaper & better built than the top-line Fords & Holdens of their era. You don't see too many around anymore, though you might find a well-preserved example if you look closely enough in the car park of your local bowls club!

Quoting cpd (Reply 42):
The big luxurious monster had at least a shout of keeping in sight the local hero, the scary 5.8L Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III (which was a rocket of a machine in a straight line, with pathetic brakes for its massive straightline acceleration).

The 6.9's are now an absolute bargain compared to the GTHO's, I've heard of some good ones going for AUD$10-15K. Compare that to the GTHO phase 3, which were going for anything up to AUD$1million before the GFC. HO's are now basically museum pieces now because of their worth, you've got the huge risk of theft, and while their performance is phenomenal, plenty of them sent their owners to an early grave back in the day when they got into trouble with the crap brakes, huge power & lack of driving ability. The Benz would be much more liveable on a day to day basis, not taking fuel bills into account......

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