Good morning! For today’s project cars, we’re interpreting the word “project” a little differently. Both of today’s cars run and drive just fine, and look good – but they are both going to need a lot of care and feeding to keep them that way. It will be up to you to decide which one is more worth the effort.
You could drive both of yesterday’s cars too, but you couldn’t have the satisfaction of washing and waxing them on a weekend afternoon without putting in a lot of work first. I honestly wasn’t sure how this one was going to go, either. Old Volvos tend to do well here, but I thought the Ranchero’s novelty and V8 power might win you over. And it looks like I was right.
Count me in on Team Ranchero as well. When I make my pick for the day, I consider each car as an addition to my current fleet, and as much as I like that Volvo, it’s too similar to my MGB GT: pushrod four-cylinder, four-speed stick, two-door fastback. I don’t have anything like the Ranchero, and never have had, actually, so the idea of owning it appeals more to me.
Now then: Dragging home some old non-running carcass and reviving it is a noble undertaking. So is stripping a car down to its bare body, removing every molecule of rust, and laying down a fresh coat of shiny paint. And both of those types of projects will give you a great deal of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. But I don’t think it’s any less noble to buy something that’s already nice, and put in the work to just keep it that way. Entropy is not a force to be trifled with, and there are a thousand things a car is exposed to every day that have the power to make it a little bit worse. Keeping those forces at bay is a difficult, and worthwhile, task. So today we’re going to look at two really nice starting points, both deserving of a tight regimen of care and feeding. Here they are.
1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E – $3,990
Engine/drivetrain: 3.0-liter overhead cam inline 6, four-speed automatic, RWD
Location: Beaverton, OR
Odometer reading: 111,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives great
It’s hard to define the point at which something becomes a “classic,” but when it happens, it’s pretty much universally accepted. Casablanca is a classic. So is Led Zeppelin IV. And you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who would disagree with either of those, even if they’re not fans, even if they’ve heard or seen them dozens of times. A classic is something that simultaneously always feels fresh, and feels like it has always existed. And in the automotive world, the Mercedes-Benz designs of the 1970s and 80s are definitely classics.
And like Humphrey Bogart’s best-known film, or that album with the old man carrying firewood on the cover, the W124-chassis 300E is a classic because it’s really, really good. Craftsmanship and attention to detail is what makes the difference; this car was designed and built by people who really cared about making an excellent car. It’s powered by a straightforward straight-six and a tough four-speed automatic, nothing sexy, but incredibly smooth and with just the right amount of power. This one has only 111,000 miles on it, and it runs great. It just passed an emissions test with flying colors, so all is well. It is, however, a Mercedes-Benz, so keeping it at that standard is going to take some work, and probably some money as well.
The unexciting-but-excellent theme continues inside, with just enough leather and wood to be classy, and a refreshing lack of bullshit gadgets. It has all the comfort and convenience features you would expect, and it all works as it should. It just isn’t loaded with a bunch of techno-crap that will break right after the warranty runs out, like a modern Mercedes has.
Outside, it looks nice and shiny, and that classic Bruno Sacco styling still looks as fresh as ever. Not even Mercedes is immune to the effects of UV light on black plastic, however, and the bumpers could use a little sprucing up. But that’s a nice chore for a Saturday afternoon sometime.
1996 Subaru SVX L – $3,495
Engine/drivetrain: 3.0-liter overhead cam flat 6, four-speed automatic, AWD
Location: Aberdeen, WA
Odometer reading: 200,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives great
Japanese automakers pulled out all the stops in the 80s and 90s when it came to high-tech sporty coupes. All-wheel-drive, four-wheel-steering, turbochargers, and all manner of electronic gizmos were the order of the day. We didn’t get all of them here – the legendary Nissan Skylines had to wait for 25 years to pass before entering the US – but we got a few: the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, the Mazda RX-7 and Toyota Supra in their ultimate forms, and this car: the Subaru Alcyone, known here as the SVX.
There’s no shortage of weirdness in the SVX, from Subaru’s legendary AWD system, fronted by a six-cylinder boxer engine, to the wild styling by Giorgietto Giugiaro. The bizarre window-within-a-window is probably the SVX’s most distinguishing styling feature, and I can’t imagine it made drive-thru windows particularly easy. But that’s the price you pay for fashion, I guess. This car has seen some miles – two hundred thousand of them, actually – but it is in great shape, and the seller says it’s “fast, firm, and tight on the road.”
As wild-looking as it is on the outside, the SVX is almost tame inside, at least compared to its predecessor, the XT, which had an asymmetrical steering wheel and most of its controls on two pods on either side. It’s in nice shape, and the seller says everything works. The driver’s seat looks a little saggy, but that’s just the effects of 200,000 miles. It looks like the carpet could use a shampooing, but that’s about all I see.
It’s nice and shiny outside, and I like the green. It looks like there might be a scuff on the corner of the bumper, but it might be a reflection. But that shows how clean this car really is: The only things I can find to criticize are dirty carpets and a scuffed bumper.
I imagine the “built not bought” crowd would disagree, but I think anyone who became the stewards of these cars should feel proud. It takes hard work and dedication to keep a car in this sort of condition, no matter who had that job before you, or how long you’ve been doing it. The definition of a “project” is a labor of love, and keeping these cars in this condition is going to be just that. Which one is worthy of your attention?
(Image credits: sellers)
The Benz is boring. The SVX still looks like a spaceship. I was entranced when I saw one at a rallycross last year. Although that one looks to nice to do that to. Still, I’ll have the green spaceship.
Quite honestly I had no idea these old Mercedes were in this price range in this condition. That thing’s been well cared for.
Same for the SVX. I don’t often see them this nice. That’s a lotta miles though.
Tough choice, it would depend on my mood any given day. Neither are expensive enough to really mind too much, for $7000 buy both. Today my mood says Mercedes, parts will be easier. Tomorrow it might be SVX, I love oddballs.
I voted Mercedes, but I was intrigued by the Subaru. With each car under four grand, this situation calls for a “why not both?” approach.
i love weird ’80s Japanese cars, so Subaru without hesitation.
If I were to get the SVX, I would put on the nobbiest tires that would fit and go find dirt roads in national forests and get into some skinny petal troubles.
This is the way
Being a Subaru fan is hard sometimes.
I love the SVX, it’s crazy on the outside, and underneath it’s familiar.
But as others have pointed out, it’ll cost you to replace any non-mechanical parts.
I know it’s the worse choice for comfort between these two, as well. But [clicks Subaru]… love is love. And that’s what makes a Subaru a Subaru.
I am going contrary to my deep seated aversion to all German cars and go with the Mercedes. As the notes state the last generation of good Mercedes. I owned a 190e and while a very decent car my experience was spoiled by the not-decent
dealer.
A clean SVX for 3500$???????? I have fond memories of the SVX as I knew someone who owned one from new, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever when I was a kid.
I would get into so much trouble living in the PNW. Goddamn.
I voted for the Mercedes just because it’s a bank vault for four grand. I love the Subaru and remember finally them new and how great they were in certain weather conditions. I remember reading about them and the ALCAN rallies in the 1990s.
Merc. I’ve never been overly fond of the SVX – I don’t hate it, and appreciate how daring Subaru was every time I see one, but I’ve never wanted to own one. While I’ve owned Subarus in the past, I grew up riding in my dad’s Mercedes and have more affinity for them, and 300E looks absolutely mint.
I can never understand why people trying to sell their cars don’t even do the most basic preps to make them look better! It would take 1 minute to remove that mat and shake off the debris but the seller can’t be bothered. Makes me wonder what else has been ignored.
On the flip side, I get nervous when I see an overly detailed engine bay or super high gloss coatings everywhere.
I would lean toward the MB on this one given the lower miles and the sloppy appearance of the Subaru.
“I can never understand why people trying to sell their cars don’t even do the most basic preps to make them look better!”
ThEy KnOw WhAt ThEy GoT!!!
The ask is just the opening bid, they know you’ll throw whatever you can beg, steal or borrow at them regardless of condition so why bother with work?
I’d use those stupid windows as a guillotine if I had to live with the SVX. Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?
One of the best cars ever built vs. a bubble-era flight of fancy from a manufacturer that I’m not a big fan of. This is too easy.
I voted Subaru because I’ve always loved the look. I also know it is the worse choice because so many parts aren’t available. Sure, the usual lego like Subaru parts won’t be hard to find but anything else will have you digging deep into enthusiast sites and ebay.
Count me in for the Merc. It’s classy, capable on the road, comfortable and durable.
I do have a soft spot for the Subie, but parts availability puts me over in the Merc’s camp. These are cars meant to be driven and enjoyed — the Merc will be able to deliver that with fewer worries about what to do when something needs replacing.
This is really a day for a “Why Not Both!?” options. I chose the Subaru because it’s rarer.
agreed, I always wondered if you could bolt up a stick to these, shame they were auto only
You can swap an STi manual into it, but you have to change out the hubs (the STi is 5×114.3) I think.
The auto was all that came stock in this one.
That flat-6 can take a couple of mild power adders and get you to a pretty fun place, but the SVX is more about feeling that 90’s Subaru weirdness.
There is an STi swapped one running around Ohio. Full running gear moved over, the owner said it wasn’t quite bolt in but it also was built over 1 winter.
TY both!
Yeah, I could go with a both vibe today. For under $8k, you’ve got a pretty cool garage.
I really want both, but I know the Mercedes is the more practical choice.
Screw practical! Get the Subaru!
You can’t go wrong with either. This comes down to personal preference. I like older Mercedes Benz products, so the choice is easy for me.
I’m not fond of the SVX (the weird window styling doesn’t work for me) but this looks like a great choice for someone who likes these vehicles. It has a few minor flaws (dirty carpet in front of the driver’s seat, a few scratches, discolored headlights) but it otherwise looks nice. I have no idea what these are worth, but $3,500 can’t be too far off.
If there’s any car I love more than a good SVX, it’s a good 300E. Both are wonderful rack-up-the-miles cruisers.
If there’s anything I hate more than paying the price for 300E parts, it’s finding SVX parts. There aren’t any.
So, Mercedes, with the knowledge that if anything Unobtanium breaks, I can hit up the M-B Classic Center and they’ll be delighted to make a replacement for me. At a price.
The parts availability made the difference for me as well, but man that SVX color is gorgeous and I want it!
Me too! But practicality won out for me, even though I know those miles before the Sube was laid up for want of a nonexistent part would be EPIC!
I’ll take that sweet Benz and do my best to keep it that way. If the SVX had a manual it would be a much tougher choice.
It always amazed me how many of these sexy Japanese coupes didn’t get a manual option. You can swap one in here, but none got it from the factory. Same with the Eunos Cosmo, the most powerful Mazda rotary road car, and it’s auto only.
Expecting a Cosmo or SVX to be available with a manual is like expecting a Mark VII or an Eldorado with a manual.
These were luxury coupes – not sports cars.
I disagree. Yes they are GTs, but they also handle exceptionally well for the era. I don’t think a manual is out of place at all in one. I mean the Toyota Soarer is the same class for sure, and it had a manual option and is all the better for it. I understand why an auto needed to be on the option sheet, but don’t think the car would have suffered in any way from having the manual.
Actually, I remember a Subaru rep telling me the company didn’t have a manual gearbox that would suit the flat-six, so any manual SVXes out there are conversions.
The outback had a 6 with a manual, but yes it was never optioned from the factory.
Soarer used the same powertrain, subframes & suspension as Supra for its V6/Auto or Manual combo – therefore, such parts sharing made it a natural fit.
Cosmo was extremely limited production and the vibe was more Japanese Thunderbird than RX7 – – plugging in an RX-7 powertrain to complicate matters didn’t make any sense.
Subaru had no such paring for their low-production luxury coupes – That engine was only shared with the Outback H6, which also was Auto-only.
Except that there were both 2 and 3 rotor Cosmos, so the RX-7 powertrain was already in it! I know I’m yelling at the clouds here, but the Cosmo at least with the 13B made no sense whatsoever not to have the manual, for all the same reasons the Soarer got it as an option. One note though, the Supra/Soarer were not V6s. All JZ engines are inline 6s.
My memory of that time has had too many other things in between…
Haha yeah whereas I am heavily involved in all things JDM now, so I see these cars on a daily basis (only online unfortunately, day job does not actually involve cars at all).
Sadly they never came with a manual. I think that’s why I’ve always been on the fence with them. They look super sporty, but they lack the one thing that would bring them over the finish line: a super engaging driving experience. It’s a shame because they just look so cool and different
Wow, I had no idea. Thanks for setting me straight on that.
The thing I hate so much about the internet is not know if you’re being serious or sarcastic. But, you’re welcome maybe? Hahaha
Oh no, it was sincere. I can see how my response could be taken the other way. I love learning new things and don’t take offense when I don’t know something.
Are you sure you’re supposed to be on the internet with that attitude?
Well, I try to make up for it by being an asshole in real life
Excellent, that’s always been my plan as well
Gotta be the Benz because the interior reminds me so much of the C-Class my dad had when I was little.
Oh crap, these cars are dangerously inexpensive.
Definitely a day for both, but I went Benz just because it would likely be easier to keep on the road. The e-brake in the SVX almost swayed me though, I love when companies decide to do something unique like that without completely reinventing the wheel.
I’ll take the Merc. Project #1 would be getting appropriate wheels back on it. Or at least get the chrome stripped off them.
SPEAK ON IT. The only feature I don’t like about that W124 is the chrome wheels. I think I’d take the Euro wheel covers over those things. Otherwise, it’s a strong contender for “last car I’ll ever buy” status.
Merc for me. To keep these going long term you’re going to need parts. There’s enough of a following to make sure parts for the Merc remain available I’m not so sure that will be the case for an odd Subaru from the 90s. The Merc would also be a nicer place to spend my time while driving.
I have always lived the SVX, but after having two cars that had problems with hard-to-get parts, I voted for the Mercedes.
Plus, I’m getting older. Getting into and out of s low-slung coupe is less fun every day.
Same here. If I’m gonna ache and groan trying to pull my old ass out of a car, especially in front of others, the Benz would be my choice too.