I used to think the Mercedes CLA250 was a fairly unique car. Then I visited a local town at the Jersey shore and saw a half dozen of them within 5 minutes. Now if you wanted a Mercedes with some real street presence, you could spend a fraction the price of a CLA on 280SE.

This car is not is not for the young professional who simply wants to fit-in with the other luxury lessees. With a starting bid of only $3,383 this Mercedes is for someone who wants to step back in time and grab a piece of German automobile history. Despite the fact that this car is over 40 years old, it only has 22,350 miles, but it does have a few minor issues.

Here are the details -

An original but at some point of time repainted Champaign color which is fading now. Interior is in excellent shape with minor defects. some damage to the headliner in the rear please See pictures. Dash Wood is in excellent used condition. Original Becker radio with cassette player working as it should, power antenna is inoperative. shifter on the column. Power door locks function.power windows work on rear windows flawlessly, The front passenger power window is inoperative and driver side works but it stutters.This car sat in a garage for many years. Original California blue plates still with the car. even the gas-cap door handle is there! The engine fires up first time no smoke. Transmission shifts through all gears, Steering wheel was replaced with a newer model by Mercedes benz classic center in Irvine at a cost of $832.50 last june. the Horn works. The undercarriage is rust free and dry. There is a rust spot on right front fender see pictures.

So this big Benz with its classic V8 won't come close to 34 mpg of the CLA nor will you get Bluetooth, navigation, heated seats, or any other gizmos and gadgets you expect from a luxury car. But for under 5 grand you will get class, style, and an over-engineered piece of rolling luxury that will give you respect from both hipsters and auto-historians.