I’m not sure what it is about the Venice/Santa Monica border but it’s like a magnet for independent German auto mechanics. Including the guy I use, there are 7-8 indy establishments within walking distance from my house, usually with interesting cars on the lot. This spot in particular, called Glassers Auto Body, always catches my eye, mainly because of the aging Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9 and rotting BMW 2800 that have been sitting 3 millimeters from each other for years now. It’s a shame that two cars with so much historical significance are left in this condition, but even more of a shame that they’re not being driven. Oh well, at least they look pretty, even in this state.
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These diesel luxo tanks (W126 300SD and W123 300D) may appear unremarkable at first blush but subtle charm is actually their most endearing quality. The perfect balance of utilitarianism and refinement, these range toppers feel solid, secure and planted to the road. Power and agility, not so much. But so what – I’d drive my (future) family across the states in one and feel equally as comfortable pulling up to the valet at Avalon Beverly Hills as I would cruising down a bumpy dirt road with a full load at speed. Sure, a Civic could smoke you, but as he blows by, take a gander at the indestructible MB-Tex upholstery, beautifully designed center console, and 500k odometer reading. You’ll soon realize you’ve already won.
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A 500 SEC is not the rarest sight, but like so many older Mercedes cars, most examples you come across are either beat up from neglect or very un-tastefully modified (aka molested). This owner respects the Benz, and himself, by applying no aesthetic mods—just some proper-sized AMG Monoblocks. At 11mpg it’s certainly not the most practical car in my fantasy Benz barn, but wow. Build quality, big power and safety (for its day), timeless styling. Looking clean yet mean with that battle scar on the front valance, this car strikes me as a well cared for daily driver. And it looks so good I’ve already forgiven the window tint and the four front wheels.
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We’re not naïve to the fact that advancements in comfort, safety, reliability, performance and quality inevitably add heft and complexity to vehicle designs over time. And we know new cars are worlds apart from the classics in every measurable way. With that being said, today’s Mercedes SL550 sure has come a long way since the days of this 1960s 230SL we spotted on West 23rd in Chelsea. Outside of modern gadgetry like a retractable hard top, Active Body Control and the multifunction COMAND interface, it’s about 10 inches longer, nearly 1,400 pounds heavier and cost about $80,000 more than the pretty little roadster produced from 1963 to 1967.
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A little wink to those who get it – a beacon in a never-ending sea of mediocrity. The nondescript cars on either side of this diesel Merc act as the foil to its diamond-in-the-rough nonchalance. This car isn’t screaming to be seen. It’s not striking a pose on Melrose. It’s tucked away on a quiet street allowing the Gods to shine down their praise and hear it whisper, “yo, seriously… I’m rad. Keep driving.”
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Whether driving yourself or being driven, these opulent bruisers from AMG are likely the fastest way to get around Manhattan. Hell, they cost as much as a waterfront condo in Detroit and have more power than than a flippin Ferrari F430.
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A niche car for a discerning audience, New Yorkers love these boxy Geländewagens (German for cross country vehicle). And this 1980s 280GE is certainly a far cry from the flashy, luxury-minded G55 AMG [$119,450] that Hilary Duff is riding around tinsel town. But it doesn’t matter if the owner is an authentic trail rider or a yuppie poser compensating for smaller things, these G Wagons are extremely capable thanks to their truck based underpinnings, four-wheel drive and three fully locking differentials (among a select group of vehicles to offer this). They were designed to be light duty military vehicles for crissakes so Greenwich Street potholes shouldn’t pose much of a problem.
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Mercedes wasn’t the first automaker to stuff a behemoth powerplant into the engine bay of an everyday passenger car. And they certainly won’t be the last. But their skunkworks AMG division has learned a thing or two over the years about transforming your mom’s luxury car into Satan’s drag racer. This Arctic White C63, based on the company’s best selling C-Class luxury car, was found loitering on Spring Street one sunny July afternoon.
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Mercedes brought sexy back in 2004 when they introduced the seductive CLS sedan. The combination of sedan practicality and low profile design allowed Mercedes to take credit for the ‘four door coupe’ moniker.
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This lipstick red 190SL (1955-1964) was found sitting around with its hood open on Perry Street. The straight four won’t blow doors off but when you’re driving around in something this beautiful, moving slowly just seems appropriate. This sighting is particularly relevant because the New York Auto Show is in session and the 190SL debuted at the same show in 1954.
