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The W203 C-Class is a stylish sedan. This it that, and much more. It's up for auction for enthusiasts to salivate, and maybe, buy. Don't think twice.
Even after all these years of sharper designs, smaller-capacity engines, larger dimensions and the switch to fast EVs, the Mercedes-Benz W203 C-Class has aged like fine wine. You get a lot of them going for cheap, and it takes a true Mercedes enthusiast to know why you'd fall for one. The car in the limelight at the moment, is its bigger, V8-engined sibling: the C55 AMG. It's faster, sexier, comes equipped with a lot more - and like all AMGs - is typically loud. The Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG was built between 2004-07. It may be a drive down memory lane, but there's an early 2004 example for sale - and we couldn't resist from letting the world know about it.
The C55 marked the return of fuel-drinking, AMG V8 engines, after having been through a rather brief and unsuccessful phase of being powered by a supercharged V6. More than anyone, it was AMG's boffins who seemed more excited that their beefy, hand built engine found its way into the most hardcore version of the W203 C-Class. The biggest perk that came with the car, was the badge attached to it. It screamed power and torque, and this time, the sports sedan's dynamics were refined. The C55 AMG, soon after its launch, became the most compact, affordable, practical and comfortable Mercedes-AMG German muscle car you could buy. This gave the BMW M3 a reason to be grunting at Affalterbach.
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The W203 C-Class is a looker, particularly in this shade of Obsidian Black; there's no two ways about it. Add AMG's ingredients for good measure, and you've a sharper looking C-Class. The styling remains modern to this day, thanks to its flat grille, the clear-lens headlamps, the sportier bumpers, lip spoiler, the emblem from the CLK and the quad oval exhausts sticking out intimidatingly. This particular car gets 18-inch twin, five-spoke AMG alloy wheels wrapped in Continental rubber. The previous owner of the car had it fitted with H&R lowering springs and wheel spacers.
The interior of '1HOS - 483' is finished in semi-Aniline Nappa leather with a blend of white stitching and aluminum-like inlays, to give it that classy look. The car comes with the original heated and electrically-adjustable front seats, featuring three-position memory. There's more too: a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control with a speed limiter, an electric sunroof, electrically folding door mirrors, a COMAND infotainment system, rear parking assistance and more. For those sticklers for detail among you all - the C55 gets its original owner's manual, a tool kit, two keys and a spare wheel.
The C55 AMG was powered by a 5.4-liter, naturally-aspirated V8 producing 367hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, with all of it being sent to the rear wheels through a 5-speed auto transmission with buttons behind the steering to shift; we're not calling them paddle-shifters, sorry. The car can sprint from 0-62mph in 5 seconds - and that's a huge feat, even by today's acceleration standards. This example has covered 82,383 miles since it was driven off the dealership floors.
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By and large, we're looking at a great car with a good service history. The gleaming paintwork is enticing, and the car is free of mechanical and electrical issues. The website on which it is being auctioned, reports that the last road-worthiness test was carried earlier last month, and the result is a pass. There are, however, a few imperfections that can be digested, like the repainted front bumper, the alloy wheels that have been refurbished, subtly chipped-off paint in certain areas and a few hairline scratches. The cabin leaves nothing to complain about, except for the creased seats. The car is for sale in Perth, Australia, so hurry up, start bidding on collectingcars.com, and if you're lucky, the car will be shipped over to where you're based.
Rehan got published for the first time at the age of 17, having written a feature on a Triumph Herald in print. He uses his writing as a tool to express his fondness for all things automotive even today, aged 28. Collecting scale models is a hobby close to his heart, and he wishes to sprinkle pixie dust on them only to see them grow into full-sized cars. He now represents HotCars.com.