Vintage Mercedes Benz: Are Younger Enthusiasts Buying them?
About this episode
A lively discussion about vintage Mercedes-Benz cars and their appeal to younger enthusiasts. The hosts share personal stories about their own classic Mercedes, emphasizing the craftsmanship and nostalgia associated with these vehicles. They debate the differences between Mercedes and BMW ownership, noting that while BMWs may attract a sportier demographic, Mercedes offers a unique blend of comfort and history. The conversation also touches on the reliability of older models, the importance of maintaining originality, and the potential for rising values in the vintage market as younger buyers seek out classic cars.
We are recording from Analog & Grit’s Sunday Grit. Mercedes Benz owners Christopher and Shelby join the show along with Mainstay Dylan to discuss what the brand means to them. Is a younger generation of car enthusiasts buying classic Mercedes’? What makes the Mercedes l-Benz brand so special and what is its impact on the automotive industry?
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"Let's send why you own them, so we'll start with Mr. Christopher. I have a 1986-560 SEC. That was my uncle's originally special ordered back in 85. It's been in the family since new. I have a 93-192 E and an 88-300 E. The 190 E is very special to me. I grew up around it my whole life. My grandma had one from new that was supposed to be mine, but unfortunately I got an accident and got totaled. So I was on the search for about 10 years. You said the SEC, so one you have here today, right? That's the two-door, pretty much S-class. It's the S-class of the 80s, correct? Nice. I like that car a lot. You keep it clean, too. Do my best. You're a big fan of keeping the car original and unrestored. Correct, as much as possible. Yeah, so shed some light on that. Why is that? I just see it as, I mean, that's how the car was supposed to be back in the 80s, 90s, whenever it was produced and sold. I just feel like that's how it should stay, quite honestly. Yes, my 190 does have a bit of modifications, but nothing that's too crazy."
Nissan Maxima
"... girls, right? And then I got my grandpa's Nissan Maxima. And I had that up until a while. And then I was ..."
G-Class G Wagon
"...hat the second most produced body style after the G wagon. And they look generally the same with the except..."
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"So maybe they'll drag something out for a little bit longer, a technology out for longer than another car company would. But if we're comparing like a e-class to like a five series or what not. I think you're going to see that like if we look at cars from the same year that the Mercedes is not going to have those same problems."
Mercedes-Benz Cclass
"Because people kept them 10, 15 years, you know. So like today, oh, I'll just, the new C-class just came out. Oh, I want that one."
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
"...he, also the early AMGs from the early 2000s, the E55, the C55, all of those cars. So I think maybe, yo..."
Porsche 911
"...PCA. So he taught dentists how not to crash their 911s, basically. So spent a lot of time track side, an..."
Ford Mustang
"...h, that was it. I just loved going fast in his 96 Mustang. And it's funny because I was a Mustang and like ..."
Shelby Cobra
"...unny because I was a Mustang and like Ford Shelby Cobra person first, before Mercedes, of course, my name..."
Honda Civic
"...s out there, maybe you don't have to have a Honda Civic. Like, you know, there's a lot out there."
Holden Caprice
"Wait till you see what you got. I have an 87 Caprice wagon. That was my grandpa."
Mazda MX-5 / Miata
"Yeah, it is. And then lastly, Mazda Miata. Hopefully that thing might be sold."
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