500E Photos

Just had to share these pics of my neighbors' beefy 500e that I snapped.

That is all.

Happy Friday.

SC and 500E on Track

Not many things in life are free. And even fewer things in high performance driving are free. So, it was a huge surprise when our fantastic two-year old track High Plains Raceway offered two free lapping days between Christmas and New Years.

These days were weather dependent and the weather cooperated in spades. The mercury nudged 50 and as you can see in the pictures, it was a clear Colorado day.

I went to the track with my neighbor who swapped his 78 SC for the 92 500E. One Porsche for another part-Porsche. On track, the 500E impressed most on the straights, massive torque pushing you easily into triple digits on High Plain's back straight. The heavy-handed traction control did take some of the fun out of the twisties, but the car still was so flat and poised for a eighteen-year old super sedan.

My SC was a ton of fun. It was the first time I had it on track. Engine wise it is stock except for SSIs and a 2 in 2 out muffler and cat delete. The suspension though is track oriented with 22/28 weltmeisters, Bilsteins and Tarett sway bars. It had a very neutral, composed feeling. What a ton of fun. As it is my DD, I kept the revs under 5500.

So, this cut my track time drought from five months to two and a half. And that is reason enough to give thanks.

Torque Trumps Revs. 500E Resides Next Door.

A nice benefit of living in Denver is that when you test drive a car you get to do so on some spectacular roads.

Test driving this particular car, I was able to take it up outside of Lyons, CO and into the hills that lead to Rocky Mt. National Park. Not too difficult a task.

A 1993 500E with 124,000 on the clock. We were lucky to find this in our home state, as my friend was looking nationwide for the right car.

Exterior, the paint is nice. Original. A couple of small fade spots and rock chips. But the lack of spoiler and large flares shielding original rims, it looks the part. Like the important small print on a document that most don't read, the details of this design are worth noting or you could get burnt.

Interior. The four place seating is wonderful. Like a business jet. Lots of wood detailing and Germanic efficiency. All works as it should except the headrest release. Radio is original. Steering wheel is large, as I and it seems Porsche and Mercedes engineers prefer. Cosy even.

Driving impression. Hmmm, like a sick overweight dog if left in D. Seriously, you wonder what all the prose is about. But, drop it into 2 and slam the throttle and all 320+HP raise up and shoot the big saloon down the road. All with a barely audible rumble. I would like more exhaust noise. The handling was a surprise with how little body roll was evident from the driver's seat. You feel the weight of the car, it is not lithe, but it does respond quickly to steering inputs. The brakes are well matched, stopping the car from decent speed on a steep mountain incline easily. No cupholders, again as God and the engineers intended.

No doubt at its best on longer drives, the 500E is also a good around town car with the torque to leave many a car behind at the lights. Subtle it is. But like with bespoke suiting or fine horology, those who know, know. And those who don't, don't matter.

And the price? Well, well below his $10,000 budget. Well bought sir.

The Smartest Way to Buy a Classic Car

The smartest way to buy a classic car is to use someone else's money.

And with that in mind, I have been lucky enough to help my neighbor shop for a replacement classic for the past month or so.

He, like me, sold a nice 911SC to get a larger sedan. But unlike me, he wanted something modern. His budget, $10,000 or less. Let's review the shortlisted options.

1988 E28 M5. The original sports sedan. 252HP. Straight six. Great boxy lines. It is really surprising that you can still get a decent, not perfect, but a good driver for less than $10k. Mark my words. These will double in value in three years. Great if you like black, as that is the only color they came in.

Quattroporte III. Let me just say, that this neighbor's favorite car ever is the Citroen SM. That should give you a little insight into his proclivities. So, a Q-III is not that far a reach. Lovely V8. American transmission. No tricky hydraulics. And the swankest interior of any car built. Ever. You can almost hear the cocaine being snorted off the pleated seats.

Mercedes 500E. Built partially by Porsche in 93 and 94 when they were near bankruptcy, this Benz looks like a 300E to the untrained eye, but is so much more serious. Recaro seats. 2+2 seating. Flared bodywork. And a robust 5.0 litre V8 with 326HP.

Finally, E34 M5. Not quite as attractive as the E28 but still a rare, impressive sight. The looks are forgiven with a 7,000+ RPM six that puts out 340HP mastered by a the fluid 5-speed Beemer fans know and love.

So, a couple of straight six options. A couple of V8 options. All built in low numbers for a dose of exclusivity. All possessing great marque history. All a safe place to park some funds for the foreseeable future.

And, we(he) bought one of these today. Will reveal which one tomorrow.

Photos:

theknese.com

revolutionmyspace.com

netcarshow.com

evo.co.uk