More than 420,000 classic cars with an H-licence plate are on the road in Germany: classic cars continue to be popular. Mercedes-Benz has been the most popular brand for years. Many people spend a lot of time contemplating which classic car is the right choice. After all, one thing is clear: not all cars from yesteryear are for beginners. That’s why interested parties often ask the question: Which classic car fits to me?
Cabriolets enjoy a particularly high standing with classic car fans as they represent an ideal alternative to everyday cars.
Models from the 60s and 70s are comparably easy to repair; however, they also need more care than a new model.
Yet the number of vehicles with which you can take your first steps into the world of classic cars without too much risk is larger than ever. There is hardly no other European manufacturer able to offer as many different models as Mercedes-Benz can. First off, the classic car aficionado should consider whether they can or want to get inspired by a particular era or vehicle class. Some might like elegant cabriolets or sporty coupés from the 80s; others love elegant luxury saloons from the 70s and far more people than you might think are in love with everyday vehicles from their childhood.
Once the era or the vehicle segment has been decided, everyone should consider whether they want to be a true gear head or just enjoy driving the cars. Those who have “two left hands” and can’t even change a fuse or a tyre should save themselves a protracted restoration project and choose a car that does not need any major work. Those who want to err on the side of caution can use the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center to find a large range of vehicles, from Mercedes-Benz SLKs from the late 90s to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class from the W 140 model series right up to a grand state limousine such as the 600 of the W 100 model series. All models are technically state-of-the-art, completely roadworthy and, thanks to a corresponding warranty, you won’t have any nasty surprises waiting for you when you get home.
Models like the first Mercedes-Benz SLK offer an ideal entry point into the world of classic cars.
The Mercedes-Benz 230 (W 123) used to be a totally normal everyday car – today, the family saloon from the 70s/80s is a sought-after classic – even with the most standard equipment.
Many history fans aren’t necessarily gear heads but would still like to at least get their hands dirty with smaller repairs and maintenance. In this case, a Mercedes-Benz of the W 123 model series or the very popular model S 123 Estate could be just right. The engineering is solid, the appearance timeless and the 123 can be driven as easily and comfortably as an everyday car for 12 months of the year.
For those who like something more modern and want to be on the road with more elegance than ever, coupés such as the C 124 or even the luxurious C 140 are precisely the right thing. In comparison with a new vehicle, you don’t need much technical knowledge and you can still pleasantly elevate yourself from the masses, whilst the engine should leave nothing to be desired, even on longer journeys.
Most classics don’t even require appreciable compromises in terms of safety equipment. Many classics are on the road with items of equipment such as ABS, ESP, airbags or an automatically extending roll-over bar.
Those who choose a self-supporting chassis-body structure should have some prior experience with classic cars.
More than a few car lovers have lost their hearts to baroque wheel rims and glistening chrome bumpers, even from an early age. If you feel the same, you are better off in the 60s or 70s. During this era, there are many charismatic classics such as the Mercedes-Benz SL of the R 107 generation, the 180a Ponton or a later Stroke Eight – with solid engineering and much more than just taxi charm.
And those who do not necessarily want to bring their childhood fantasies to life might instead dream of an elegant W 111 or a classic Pagoda. The older the model, the bigger the enthusiasm for maintenance should be. The maintenance effort for a classic increases with age – as does the pressure on costs for keeping the car in the desired condition.
Mercedes-Benz Pagoda – for many classic car fans, the Pagoda is the most beautiful of all the Mercedes-Benz SLs.
The Mercedes-Benz SL of the 129 series is now a very popular classic car with a significant potential for added value.
If all you need is a sun worshipper that has more charm than a current cabriolet, a Mercedes-Benz SLK from the first generation or the timelessly beautiful SL of the R 129 model series could be just the right choice. Both models drive like a new car and do not require any special everyday care, as would be the case with a historic Mercedes-Benz S-Class of the W 108 model series or an enchantingly beautiful SL of the W 121 type.
But what seemed hardly possible years ago may no longer be very surprising. Even the Baby-Benz of the Mercedes-Benz 190 model, which premiered at the start of the 80s, has long since become a sought-after classic. And the performance of a 160 PS 190 E 2.6 in non-metallic white with blue fabric seats in the standard version may not be immediately obvious. Those who want a real sports car feeling should have no problem with the many-coloured vehicle interior of a Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG or lose their heart to a cool family sports car such as the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16V.
The Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG is one for real experts. High everyday utility and a great deal of fun.
As beautiful as it was on the first day: the open Mercedes-Benz SL is a real feast for the eyes – and, correspondingly, demand is high.
Those who are brave and want to go on an exploration tour should take a trip abroad. Here, the advanced classic car fans look for well-maintained classics in southern countries such as Italy or Spain. Those who want to risk more and maybe even store more than one classic in their own garage as a future expert should look for a Mercedes-Benz in intercontinental regions such as Japan or the USA which often offer classic cars with luxurious features and exclusive editions. The search becomes an adventure and it is not just the first drive that is a real experience. But watch out: every import also has risks. Therefore, you should precisely research the model, the engineering as well as the history in advance and make contact with a local expert from Mercedes-Benz Classic.