Car history up to today - 640i, R27 Clio, CLK350 and 230ce
Discussion
Having read through many of the threads on here I’ve always wanted to write my own. Given that I’m currently recovering from an operation on my right leg - probably the worst place for someone who likes driving - I thought now would be the best time to start.
In the 9 years I’ve been driving I’ve gotten to own and experience some very cool cars. This has been helped by the fact that around the time I passed my test my Dad had some cool cars ( and still does ), 1.9 205 GTI, 964 Carrera 2 Targa, XKR, Silverstone Edition E46 M3, L322 Range Rover and other things.
The one that really stuck out for me was the XKR, and is definitely on the list for future cars. I still think they are probably one of the best looking cars of recent years.
My first car was a Ford Fiesta Zetec S, everyone loves their first car and for a first car it looked particularly cool, and it drove well too.
This was joined not long after by a Mercedes 190e, which was bought 50 / 50 with my Dad, a great first classic car experience for not a lot of money. It was good fun and came with a set of alloy wheels in the boot, if I recall correctly they are early SLK wheels and not something I’d put on one now but at the time they looked a lot better than the wheel trims that came with the car.
The Fiesta was changed for a Vauxhall Astra SRI which felt very different compared to the Fiesta, it drove very well and I’ve always thought that they were different to what other people my age would drive. That’s pretty much a theme throughout my car ownership.
I had this car for a few years and it was great, I also was able to use my Dad’s Audi A6 at the time and that was always funny being parked in Sixth Form or Uni - looked slightly out of place, and a lot like a hearse.
Also around this time I was insured on my Dad’s 205 GTI. I still think it’s one of the best cars I’ve ever driven, I love the noise it makes and every drive feels like an event. It’s been here for around 20 years now and with a relatively high turn over of cars, it still remains as one that will stay.
In recent years the original wheels have been powder coated and put back on the car, the black trim had been re sprayed and retextured. It’s always looked good but looks another level now. The car is currently having some mechanical work done - an issue with starting led to the discovery of some historic bodges. Once this work is done the plan is to get the car out and just use it.
Around 6 years ago I bought a Mercedes 230ce - contender for the greenest car in history, paint, seats, carpets, dash, and doors. The car was bought in Barry and has been a South Wales car all its life having been bought new in Cardiff. Lots of history with the car including the original sales invoice.
When I bought the car it needed some general tidying up, paint work on the bonnet and front wings, and a hole in the drivers bolster which is a common thing on these. As I’ve decided this is a ( probably ) forever car I’m not too worried about doing certain things with it.
As the seat cloth was difficult to find I decided to match the bolsters with the door cards and make it a half cloth half leather look. I also found a set of 15 inch monoblock style wheels, having declared that 17s and 18s look too big for them. I might’ve been wrong on the last point and there might be 17 inch wheels waiting to go on.
Currently waiting for the 205 to be done and it’ll be going to the same chap to have some work completed. Seat belt presenter, drivers door lock, a sunroof that doesn’t feel like closing, an issue with starting and probably a few issues that will appear whilst the others are being investigated.
So the plan is much the same as the 205, get them healthy and get them out and use them.
The one things that’s always surprised me is what I’ve been able to be insured to drive. I was insured on the 964, when I was 20/21 I was insured on an L322 Range Rover and a BMW 650i
The Range Rover was brilliant and sort of became the car everyone jumped in to go everywhere, they get a lot negative press but they are genuinely the best cars.
The 650 was a great car to be able to drive, and probably one of the best condition cars. It was bought off of someone who’s a member here and there’s either a thread here or on detailing world on the car.
For my own cars the Astra was sold to my brother and replaced with a BMW 420d, luxury model and it was a great car, looked brilliant in silver and having my own BMW felt like a real step up.
As a theme I’m not great at having 1 car, so the Mercedes and the BMW were joined not long after by a Renault Clio RS200 Cup. It meant that I now had pretty much all the bases covered - a cool daily, a classic and something that you’d take out on the weekends and enjoy.
With the Clio started a road trip with me and my mates which has comities every year since and continue to now with plans to get bigger and go further afield. The first 3 followed the outline of Wales and got to drive some incredible roads and make great memories.
In 2023 the BMW was sold and a Jaguar F Pace ordered, whilst waiting for the Jag I decided it would be a great time to experience another car I’ve always wanted. This lead to a CLK320, I’ve always loved pillar less coupes and Merc’s have pretty much nailed them. It was great stop gap car and one most people thought I’d end up keeping. I sold it to one of my mates as the Jag arrived earlier than expected, who kept it up until last week.
When the F Pace first came out my Dad and Grandfather had a couple and I never really liked them or saw the point. However when they face lifted it I thought they were one of the best looking cars around, plus buying a new one at 23 felt pretty special. The red leather was the only option I’d consider inside, and it looked great. In general the whole spec ended up looking very drug dealer / gangster - I liked it a lot.
In contrast to the first F Pace the second one was a completely different direction. Portofino blue over tan. It looked a lot more grown up and classy than the black one.
The tan inside looked fantastic and I’m really happy with how it turned out.
Around the same time my Dad sold his 964 and replaced it with an F Type - which again I was surprised I could be insured in and have taken it in some good trips including Chris Harris’ Jag day.
During this time I also revisited the CLK platform. Having gone on our annual road trip my mate used the silver one that I sold him. One morning looking at it in the car park I decided that I hadn’t fully experienced it, so the search was on.
My Dad found a black CLK350 which needed a bit of work but has turned out to be great car and is on,y getting better the more that gets done.
The car was absolutely brilliant when I took it on our next road trip and this was particularly fun as my brother came on this one in his M140i, which is also a great little car. It was also the first time my mate took his first fun car and MG F, cool little thing. It was also the biggest group we’ve had with 6 people and 5 cars.
So having decided that 4 cars was a bit too many I moved the Clio on, and was starting to think about selling the Jag as well, mainly because road tax and running costs were getting a little silly. This pretty much brings us up to now. My Grandfather had mentioned that he’d like the Jag, and I’d always told him I would buy his car if he ever sold it - never thought he would.
So at the end of last year he had the Jag, and I had his, from new, BMW 640i Gran Coupe. It’s an SE with a dynamic pack and the main reason was the colour, Vermillion Red and it really stands out and looks great.
Wheels have been refurbed, and other than a few minor tweaks it’s great.
The latest tweak was CarPlay added in, I’ve got to say I’m very impressed by it - seems to me to work quicker than most factory ones.
Then at the beginning of the year when we were on holiday I was looking for something, I nearly bought a CL500 which was 60 thousand miles and had never had an advisory on an MOT the year before. So that essentially what I was looking for, and the I stumbled across a liquid yellow R27 F1 Clio.
The RS200 Cup was one of the best cars, this is another level. The Recaro seats make it feel a whole lot more special when you’re inside of it, it’s got a scorpion exhaust which enhances the sound and its balanced at the right level. And the colour, I can’t believe how great it looks.
So as it stands a 640i, CLK350, R27 Clio and 230ce - and being able to use a Z4, F Type, 530e and 205 GTI.
This has brought us up to date on cars and I will try to update with some stories later in the week. Hope you all enjoy reading as much as I’ve enjoyed yours.
In the 9 years I’ve been driving I’ve gotten to own and experience some very cool cars. This has been helped by the fact that around the time I passed my test my Dad had some cool cars ( and still does ), 1.9 205 GTI, 964 Carrera 2 Targa, XKR, Silverstone Edition E46 M3, L322 Range Rover and other things.
The one that really stuck out for me was the XKR, and is definitely on the list for future cars. I still think they are probably one of the best looking cars of recent years.
My first car was a Ford Fiesta Zetec S, everyone loves their first car and for a first car it looked particularly cool, and it drove well too.
This was joined not long after by a Mercedes 190e, which was bought 50 / 50 with my Dad, a great first classic car experience for not a lot of money. It was good fun and came with a set of alloy wheels in the boot, if I recall correctly they are early SLK wheels and not something I’d put on one now but at the time they looked a lot better than the wheel trims that came with the car.
The Fiesta was changed for a Vauxhall Astra SRI which felt very different compared to the Fiesta, it drove very well and I’ve always thought that they were different to what other people my age would drive. That’s pretty much a theme throughout my car ownership.
I had this car for a few years and it was great, I also was able to use my Dad’s Audi A6 at the time and that was always funny being parked in Sixth Form or Uni - looked slightly out of place, and a lot like a hearse.
Also around this time I was insured on my Dad’s 205 GTI. I still think it’s one of the best cars I’ve ever driven, I love the noise it makes and every drive feels like an event. It’s been here for around 20 years now and with a relatively high turn over of cars, it still remains as one that will stay.
In recent years the original wheels have been powder coated and put back on the car, the black trim had been re sprayed and retextured. It’s always looked good but looks another level now. The car is currently having some mechanical work done - an issue with starting led to the discovery of some historic bodges. Once this work is done the plan is to get the car out and just use it.
Around 6 years ago I bought a Mercedes 230ce - contender for the greenest car in history, paint, seats, carpets, dash, and doors. The car was bought in Barry and has been a South Wales car all its life having been bought new in Cardiff. Lots of history with the car including the original sales invoice.
When I bought the car it needed some general tidying up, paint work on the bonnet and front wings, and a hole in the drivers bolster which is a common thing on these. As I’ve decided this is a ( probably ) forever car I’m not too worried about doing certain things with it.
As the seat cloth was difficult to find I decided to match the bolsters with the door cards and make it a half cloth half leather look. I also found a set of 15 inch monoblock style wheels, having declared that 17s and 18s look too big for them. I might’ve been wrong on the last point and there might be 17 inch wheels waiting to go on.
Currently waiting for the 205 to be done and it’ll be going to the same chap to have some work completed. Seat belt presenter, drivers door lock, a sunroof that doesn’t feel like closing, an issue with starting and probably a few issues that will appear whilst the others are being investigated.
So the plan is much the same as the 205, get them healthy and get them out and use them.
The one things that’s always surprised me is what I’ve been able to be insured to drive. I was insured on the 964, when I was 20/21 I was insured on an L322 Range Rover and a BMW 650i
The Range Rover was brilliant and sort of became the car everyone jumped in to go everywhere, they get a lot negative press but they are genuinely the best cars.
The 650 was a great car to be able to drive, and probably one of the best condition cars. It was bought off of someone who’s a member here and there’s either a thread here or on detailing world on the car.
For my own cars the Astra was sold to my brother and replaced with a BMW 420d, luxury model and it was a great car, looked brilliant in silver and having my own BMW felt like a real step up.
As a theme I’m not great at having 1 car, so the Mercedes and the BMW were joined not long after by a Renault Clio RS200 Cup. It meant that I now had pretty much all the bases covered - a cool daily, a classic and something that you’d take out on the weekends and enjoy.
With the Clio started a road trip with me and my mates which has comities every year since and continue to now with plans to get bigger and go further afield. The first 3 followed the outline of Wales and got to drive some incredible roads and make great memories.
In 2023 the BMW was sold and a Jaguar F Pace ordered, whilst waiting for the Jag I decided it would be a great time to experience another car I’ve always wanted. This lead to a CLK320, I’ve always loved pillar less coupes and Merc’s have pretty much nailed them. It was great stop gap car and one most people thought I’d end up keeping. I sold it to one of my mates as the Jag arrived earlier than expected, who kept it up until last week.
When the F Pace first came out my Dad and Grandfather had a couple and I never really liked them or saw the point. However when they face lifted it I thought they were one of the best looking cars around, plus buying a new one at 23 felt pretty special. The red leather was the only option I’d consider inside, and it looked great. In general the whole spec ended up looking very drug dealer / gangster - I liked it a lot.
In contrast to the first F Pace the second one was a completely different direction. Portofino blue over tan. It looked a lot more grown up and classy than the black one.
The tan inside looked fantastic and I’m really happy with how it turned out.
Around the same time my Dad sold his 964 and replaced it with an F Type - which again I was surprised I could be insured in and have taken it in some good trips including Chris Harris’ Jag day.
During this time I also revisited the CLK platform. Having gone on our annual road trip my mate used the silver one that I sold him. One morning looking at it in the car park I decided that I hadn’t fully experienced it, so the search was on.
My Dad found a black CLK350 which needed a bit of work but has turned out to be great car and is on,y getting better the more that gets done.
The car was absolutely brilliant when I took it on our next road trip and this was particularly fun as my brother came on this one in his M140i, which is also a great little car. It was also the first time my mate took his first fun car and MG F, cool little thing. It was also the biggest group we’ve had with 6 people and 5 cars.
So having decided that 4 cars was a bit too many I moved the Clio on, and was starting to think about selling the Jag as well, mainly because road tax and running costs were getting a little silly. This pretty much brings us up to now. My Grandfather had mentioned that he’d like the Jag, and I’d always told him I would buy his car if he ever sold it - never thought he would.
So at the end of last year he had the Jag, and I had his, from new, BMW 640i Gran Coupe. It’s an SE with a dynamic pack and the main reason was the colour, Vermillion Red and it really stands out and looks great.
Wheels have been refurbed, and other than a few minor tweaks it’s great.
The latest tweak was CarPlay added in, I’ve got to say I’m very impressed by it - seems to me to work quicker than most factory ones.
Then at the beginning of the year when we were on holiday I was looking for something, I nearly bought a CL500 which was 60 thousand miles and had never had an advisory on an MOT the year before. So that essentially what I was looking for, and the I stumbled across a liquid yellow R27 F1 Clio.
The RS200 Cup was one of the best cars, this is another level. The Recaro seats make it feel a whole lot more special when you’re inside of it, it’s got a scorpion exhaust which enhances the sound and its balanced at the right level. And the colour, I can’t believe how great it looks.
So as it stands a 640i, CLK350, R27 Clio and 230ce - and being able to use a Z4, F Type, 530e and 205 GTI.
This has brought us up to date on cars and I will try to update with some stories later in the week. Hope you all enjoy reading as much as I’ve enjoyed yours.
Thanks, I think it looks great, most of the ones I’ve seen are black, grey and silver. They all look great as well but then the reds, and blues you see seem to be another level.
We’re big into detailing and keeping cars looking good as well, and at the same time I bought the 6 we decided to go back to Zymol waxes after years of Auto Finesse.
We’re big into detailing and keeping cars looking good as well, and at the same time I bought the 6 we decided to go back to Zymol waxes after years of Auto Finesse.
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