It’s a true German tank. It’s solid and glides over the road. I joke when I drive it, I feel like a doctor in the ’80s, quintessential luxury. Every car I buy has a connection to me. Perhaps it’s from growing up, or a story of the manufacturer (i.e. Powel Crosley Jr.) to which I can relate. With my 1987 Mercedes Benz 300E, it’s the case of growing up.
Our neighbor was German and her husband was in the military (or some association with it, having grown up near Quantico Marine base). I probably rode my bike past their house thousands of times and I always notice their Mercedes, admittedly sticking out in a neighborhood packed with American cars. The benz always stuck with me and impressed me, specifically, the W124 series which at the time I had no idea what that was. Below, is a picture of me riding my bike in 1987 (snagged from a home video) and you’ll see that Mercedes parked in the driveway.
Fast forward to 2021, 35 years later and I stumble upon a neighbor who is the second owner of a 1987 Mercedes Benz 300E. It has a heck of a power steering leak and a few other minor issues, but, he was only the second owner. It was purchased brand new from Duhl Motor Company in 1987 and came with the paperwork to prove it and a stack of maintenance records. I had to have it and the price was right, so I purchased it!
Now I’m the proud owner of this W124. I intend to drive it from time to time, but, for the most part, keep it at the building as part of my car collection with my son. I want to preserve this because it’s a true example of a real Mercedes Benz and German engineering, in my opinion at least. Who knows, maybe I’ll hop on the old Mongoose and pedal past it a few times for old time’s sake?
