However arresting, rumor has is that these Mercedes SLR McLarens (now out of production) were never terribly successful in the sales department. And that the flurry of special edition models (722, Roadster, 722 GT, 722 S, Stirling Moss) were merely an effort to spur consumer demand enough so that Mercedes could make good on their contractual production obligations with McLaren. Regardless, the car is a real stunner and appears right at home in front of the well-to-do St. Regis on East 55th. In an effort to steal share from the “entry level” Ferraris and Lamborghinis of the world, Mercedes and McLaren have since decided to part ways in order to develop in house supercars of their own.

I found an ’06 with 815 miles on ebay for $120k in case you’re interested (they wanted nearly half a million for these when new).

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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.

The 2800 hit the market in 1968 for about $7,000, while the 6.9 hit the market a couple years later at $50,000, more than most Rolls Royce cars at the time. If the 2800 foreshadowed BMW’s long standing identity (until recently, that is) as the lighter-weight, manual-shifting, performance-minded sedan, then the 6.9 did the exact same for Mercedes/AMG, further establishing Benz as the well-built luxo tank with racetrack capabilities and gobs of muscle on tap—more insulated than the BMWs but more practical and performance-minded than the Double-Rs.

Fenced in behind these guys are few more commonplace gems in better shape. Fortunately the Doberman guarding them was also fenced in.

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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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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.If the base model doesn’t quite smoke your tires, there is an optional $7,000 AMG performance pack that includes unique 20-inch wheels, carbon fiber trim and, get this, the top speed of the car is raised from 155 mph to 185 mph. If you do the math, that works out to more than $230 for every additional mph. For all of our sake, we hope that package also includes lessons on how to drive a 4,600 pound, 518 hp luxury sedan at such high speeds. 

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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.Interestingly, Mercedes did not officially start selling G-Wagons in the U.S. until the 90s, so earlier examples like this 280GE were likely imported, “Grey Market” cars that needed costly modifications in order to meet DOT standards for crash safety and emissions.

Despite their hefty price tags and gussied up interiors, modern G-Wagons won’t coddle occupants like a Navigator or Escalade. And with 80 square feet of cargo room, them won’t hold all that much either. The dated, truck-based platform goes all the way back to 1979, the tippy body makes for plenty of body roll, steering feel is heavy and getting in and out ain’t all that easy for a six figure luxury SUV. But the G-Wagon’s relative rarity and macho design aesthetic make them a popular choice among the rich and famous. Think of them as dressed up Wranglers or the Mercedes equivalent of a Defender.

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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. Although buffs can quickly spot the C63 AMG’s aesthetic tweaks – like a gaping face, wider track, unique 18-inch wheels and AMG body kit all around – the car is a relative sleeper to those who cross its path. But there is nothing ordinary or everyday about a hand-built 6.2-liter V8 that sends 451 HP to the rear wheels and rockets to 60 MPH in 4.3 seconds. C63 competes against similarly intentioned luxury rods from BMW, Audi, Cadillac and Lexus. But with sustainable energy on the drawing board at nearly every major automaker, who knows how long you will be able to buy one of these power mongers. Get ‘em while you can people.

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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. Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery because similarly styled sedans from Audi, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Volkswagen have all reared their streamlined heads since CLS hit the streets. Unfortunately for the Florida-based owner of this white example parked on 9th avenue, the jaws of life took the term “chopped roofline” to new extremes. We don’t think this is what Mercedes had in mind.

Thanks for the tip Eric!

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