It's not very often that I get to write a SOTW, in fact I often wish I could but a host of more qualified writers usually get there before me. Now I'm not that great on remembering the exact spec of cars from 20 odd years ago, nor am I blessed with the worlds most technical mind but I know what I like.
When I was growing up on the outskirts of North London I used to watch local bad boys roll around in all manner of big, soft saloons, and gazing out the back of Dads Cavalier I used to wish I could be one of them. It was the cars that had a certain amount of character that used to catch my eye, yes I liked newer cars as much any young boy, but it was older prestige metal that I lusted after. The sort that had reached such a level that it was within reach to the young council estate dweller. It didn't matter to me that it was a rusty old wreck that dropped oil- it had the right badge and that was all that mattered amongst a sea of Fords and Vauxhalls.
A little over 20 years later and I'm hunting through the PH classified with a view of buying something to tool around my new home of SW London and I came across this, a 1980 Merc 350 SE. It's only done 126,000 miles, blimey it almost hasn't turned a wheel in 27 years, has that 'worn in' look I love. It's even parked on the side of the road- just like the barges I used to see parked around our estate.
Look at the interior, the (slightly rusty) chrome bumpers and the sheer size of it. Ignore the fact that the ad tells you it needs some attention and that the steering wheel probably travels at least an inch or two before the front wheels turn. It looks, frankly, bloody amazing.
As I said, I have no idea what power the 350 engine puts out, but as I waft away from the lights with one arm on the window, on my way to meet my (imaginary) bad boy mates in the local boozer I couldn't care less, especially not for £599.
Ad says: Mercedes 350 SE 1980 Automatic- Rare Model. 125,930 miles £599.A rare collector model in good condition although it needs some attention. The car is in good working order, all receipts and documents available, long Mot, 3 months Road Tax. Genuine mileage, garaged. A lovely example, Genuine owner and genuine reason for sale. Will be thoroughly missed. £599 o.v.n.o