The R129 500SL seemed to be Daimler-Benz’s ultimate attempt to incarnate its brand values. These comments appeared in 1990 in my editorial for the inaugural edition of The Best Car Magazine. Until recently, I had never had an answer…, the Mercedes-Benz 500SL. ‘What’s the best car you’ve ever driven?’ If you make a living talking or writing about cars you can count on being asked this one at least a dozen times a year. Search for a Mercedes-Benz 300CE-24 on carsales Simply, the 300CE-24 was almost impossible to fault. The W124 was one of the last Mercedes-Benz created in the ‘engineered like no other car’ era, before the decision was taken to dramatically cut the engineering budget for all new models – did this decision create problems (what do you think)? But there is little reason to suppose that more bottle age won’t see demand rise. Inexplicably, the 300CE-24 remains relatively inexpensive. ![]() Accompanying the new engine was the world’s first five-speed automatic transmission.Įarly in 1991, reviewing this gracious coupe, I noted that pristine example of its predecessor, the 280SE 3.5 coupe were already commanding $60,000 - more than three times their new price in 1970. In 1990 the CE became more desirable, thanks to a new 24-valve version of the superb inline six-cylinder engine with an increase in power from 135 to 167kW at a thrilling 6400rpm. Even at that stage, the previous Mercedes coupe of its type was collectible. The new W124 Mercedes-Benz arrived in Australia in 1986 and then in 1988 came the 300CE, a most gracious coupe version (hence the ‘C’). One reason why collectability took so long to claim the 6.3 is that its appearance is undifferentiated from the six-cylinder 300SEL, but a gem hides beneath this plain packaging. Back then it was just a rather desirable used car. I twice owned a 1971 Diamond Blue 6.3 with cream leather in 1991-92, having paid $15K for it, then $12K. Push it hard and the rear swing axles can create oversteer, but that, too, seems in character. The self-levelling air-sprung suspension gives a superb ride and the power steering is direct and has great feel. The 6.3 is not tall-geared in the modern fashion and you always hear that thunderous V8 doing its thing. The standard four-speed automatic uses a fluid flywheel rather than a power-sapping torque converter. Of course, the 300SEL 6.3, as the car was cumbersomely named, was not a super sedan but one jampacked with elegant luxury. A top speed of 131mph and standing quarter-mile time of 15 seconds put it into Porsche 911 territory. On debut this was easily the fastest four-door sedan in the world. With much more torque, the 280SL is the pick of the trio. The standard four-speed manual gearbox sprouts a floor lever of sublime slenderness. Many were specified with optional power steering. Rich leather upholstery, a gorgeous metal dashboard and ultra-low waistline affording superb vision are highlights: the SL exudes beauty. The six-cylinder engine has a lovely guttural mechanical note that is at the heart of the 280SL’s sporting allure. ![]() It is tough and durable, in Mercedes’ ‘engineered like no other car tradition’ and won the Spa-Sofia-Liège rally in 1963. Simply, even the biggest-engined example is not a high performance coupe in quite the manner of a Porsche 911 or Jaguar E-Type, let alone the Gullwing. Succeeding both the 190SL and the legendary 300SL ‘Gullwing’, it’s fair to say that the R113 was underrated when new and overlooked by collectors for decades. The R113 280SL and its predecessors, the 1963 230SL and 1966 250SL – dubbed ‘Pagoda Roof’ by Mercedes itself (the optional detachable hardtop having a downward, concave bend to add stiffness for safety) – constitute Daimler-Benz’s second generation of SLs (Sport Leicht).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |