Most people, even people who like cars, would be surprised to know that Mercedes Benz has not only associated itself with one, but two third-rank American automobile manufacturers. From 1957 to 1963, Mercedes cars (including the legendary 300SL) were sold and serviced by Studebaker-Packard. Shortly after Mercedes struck out on its own in the US market, Studekard was acquired by AMC. And from 1998 to 2007, Daimler Benz merged with Chrysler, but the expected financial benefits of the merger never materialized. Daimler Benz sold Chrysler to Cerberus, who fumbled around with it for a couple of years before selling to Fiat. What’s the significance of all that? Well, today’s car is from the 35 in-between years. And while it would be funny to call them the awkward in-between years, there’s not much that’s awkward about the handsome, though conservative, W114 series of sedans. Check out this 1969 Mercedes 230 for sale for $2000 in Snoqualmie, WA.
Rusty But Trusty 