Striking convertible from Mercedes' rust era now a £1k bargain
Another is to marvel at the mechanical Houdini that is its roof mechanism, this hard-bodied defence against the elements folding within itself before diving beneath a gaping rear deck-lid. And a further, decidedly authentic classic car experience is to deploy a wire brush and welder to its underside in an effort to combat its ferrous crumblings.
Driving an SLK, however, is not really a classic experience. This supposed sports car is only slightly more exciting than listening to the hum of your fridge. Even by Mercedes' own 'sensible trousers' standards the SLK was a disappointment, this car dull enough to provide its driver with the metaphorical subdued shirt and shoes to match.
The problem was the SLK's C-Class saloon bloodline. The premium minicab was the core source for the suspension, engines and heaps of other entertainment-critical hardware. There was nothing wrong in principle with the W202 saloon as a starting point, but the enlivening retune you'd expect for a car whose Sports Licht Kurz initials means 'shortened lightweight sports' didn't really happen.
The suspension was nevertheless stiffened and the tyres fattened to the point that the SLK rode hard and cornered harder, but without doing anything to invigorate its occupants besides rattle their keys.
Despite its promise-laden name, this car was a cruiser, and was best bought with the 194bhp 230 Kompressor engine and five-speed automatic that most were indeed equipped with. Viewed in this way you were less likely to be disappointed, especially as the supercharger provided decent surges of performance, and the roof was a joy. It's still mildly spectacular today, but when the SLK appeared in 1996 it was a tour de force of electro-mechanical magic, if not the first of its kind.
You could enjoy the SLK's performance in quite a bold-looking cabin if it had been ordered with black and red leather upholstery, the red extending to sections of the facia and the doors to produce a pleasing aura of night-clubbish glamour. As owners of these now ageing SLKs are discovering, some of this effect was achieved with paint now eroded past its best, but it can be restored.
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Times
16 minutes ago
- Times
Are these the 19 ugliest cars ever made?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, they say, but that doesn't explain how a car can be brought to market that looks like it drove through the ugly forest, bouncing off every tree as it went. When a car designer creates a baby that you'd have thought only they could love, it then has to be signed off by the head of design, and then other members of senior management, long before it finally is revealed to the public. This allows plenty of opportunity for a few nips and tucks. The result, usually, is a car that looks at least acceptable to most buyers, even after it's been adapted to meet practicality and safety targets. • Read expert reviews, news and insights on cars and motoring in the Driving section Sometimes, though, a car design starts off OK and, through corporate bureaucracy, cost-saving, safety regulations or the simple matter of practicality, it can end up a turkey in showrooms. Either way, we are occasionally presented with a car that looks so horrible you want to pour bleach in your eyes. Here is our list of some of the ugliest cars ever built. The tragedy of the Multipla is that its Elephant Man-like exterior enclosed a genuinely clever and spacious interior — and it wasn't bad to drive either. It's a shame, then, that you'd rather walk than be seen in it. The VW Type 181 was designed for the German military in the late 1960s but later sold to the public under a number of names, including the Trekker in the UK and the Thing in America. Quite what the Germany army or anyone else needed with a Mini Moke-inspired biscuit tin is anyone's guess. The Cube's design does what it says on the tin — it's like a box on wheels. It was quite practical for a small car, but the asymmetric rear is an acquired taste and put off a lot of potential buyers. With the downward-sloping shoulder line it looks like the rear of the 1980 Seville has melted. 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Clearly inspired by the Citroën 2CV but resembling a van conversion of the Popemobile, the only thing that could make the Nissan S-Cargo worse is a tongue-in-cheek Picasso-inspired special edition. Like the PT Cruiser above, the 1990s Plymouth Prowler harks back to the American hot rods of the 1950s but doesn't quite work. The optional trailer doesn't help one bit, and its desirability isn't improved by a name that is sometimes used to describe sexual predators. Not long after the Prowler's release, the Plymouth brand died. Buy one of these today, though, and you're looking upwards of £40,000. Only brainwashed Elon Musk acolytes believe that the electric Cybertruck is a good-looking machine. Musk wanted it to be different and futuristic, but its drawn-with-a-ruler design looks like it came from the mind of a six-year-old. Tesla found manufacturing such straight, angular panels very tricky, and early cars' shut lines and panel gaps were gaping. 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There are few more individualistic car companies in the world than Mitsuoka, whose stock in trade generally sees the firm grafting olde worlde front and rear ends on to modern cars. Some of these attempts are more aesthetically successful than others, but one of the most offensive has to be the Mitsuoka Galue, based on the Japan-only Nissan Teana but featuring styling reminiscent of Bentleys from the Fifties. No generation of Galue (yes, unbelievably there's more than one) is particularly a looker, but the most egregious has to be the third-gen 2010 model with its laughably long front overhang.
Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
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This V8-powered grand tourer with a manual transmission is gaining traction among collectors. Known for its luxurious design and performance, it's essential to monitor issues with electrical systems, timing belt guides, and torque tube bearings. Porsche 914: A lightweight, mid-engine classic, the 914 is ideal for city driving. While rust is a common issue, restoration options are relatively affordable, especially for imported models. Focus on rust checks, transmission upgrades, and target seals when evaluating potential purchases. A lightweight, mid-engine classic, the 914 is ideal for city driving. While rust is a common issue, restoration options are relatively affordable, especially for imported models. Focus on rust checks, transmission upgrades, and target seals when evaluating potential purchases. Porsche 912E: A rare G-body model powered by a VW engine, the 912E is prized for its simplicity and low maintenance costs. Its rarity has driven significant value appreciation. Watch for thermostat bellows and ensure the fuel injection system remains original. A rare G-body model powered by a VW engine, the 912E is prized for its simplicity and low maintenance costs. Its rarity has driven significant value appreciation. Watch for thermostat bellows and ensure the fuel injection system remains original. Porsche 986 Boxster S: Often undervalued due to its shared design elements with the 996, the 986 Boxster S delivers strong performance at an affordable price. Maintenance priorities include the IMS bearing, water pump, and coolant tank, which should be addressed proactively. Often undervalued due to its shared design elements with the 996, the 986 Boxster S delivers strong performance at an affordable price. Maintenance priorities include the IMS bearing, water pump, and coolant tank, which should be addressed proactively. Porsche 996 (First Water-Cooled 911): The 996 is the most affordable flat-six 911, featuring significant engineering advancements. 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The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Letting your dog hang out of car window & other surprising risks that could cost drivers £1,000s in fines this summer
DRIVERS run the risk of breaking a host of little-known rules this summer - including one that could seriously punish dog owners. Motorists may be unknowingly risking fines in the thousands of pounds and serious penalty points every time they get behind the wheel. 5 5 5 5 5 According to Heritage Car Insurance, habits like wearing inappropriate sunglasses, overloading vehicles and driving while dehydrated could all be penalised. A major issue is related to unrestrained pets, something that many car owners do without knowing it breaks a serious rule. Experts say letting a dog lean out of the car window could lead to fines of up to £5,000 and 9 penalty points under Highway Code Rule 57, but only if a significant distraction contributes to an accident while driving. Indeed, a standard fine is £100 along with 3 penalty points. While it may seem harmless and even joyful, drivers are warned it could lead to serious consequences under UK law - as pets must be suitably restrained in vehicles to prevent distractions or interference with the driver's control. Their reasoning is that an unrestrained dog could move suddenly, interfere with the driver's control or cause the driver to lose focus. In the event of a collision or sudden stop, a dog could also be injured or cause further harm to passengers. What's more, police and even insurers may view this behaviour as negligent and it could lead to invalidated insurance claims. Dog owners are urged to secure their dog while allowing it some freedom of movement, maybe even by using a dog guard, while pet carriers may be used to provide a safe, enclosed space for smaller animals. Other potentially costly mistakes include wearing inappropriate sunglasses, specifically, Category 4 sunglasses which typically use very dark grey or brown lenses. While these are seen as ideal for mountainous or desert sunshine with high glare conditions, they're not suitable for driving and can obscure a driver's vision considerably. Shocking moment speeding van driver distracted by phone slams into broken-down car leaving victim with lifelong injuries Wearing the wrong sunglasses can lead to fines and penalty points, ranging from a £100 fine and 3 penalty points up to £5,000 and 9 points in serious cases, such as an accident being caused. Experts insist Category 2 or 3 sunglasses or polarised lenses, which reduce glare while maintaining visibility, should be used instead. Indeed, sun glare accidents are also a lesser-known problem for motorists and can be deemed as careless driving, resulting in fines up to £2,500 and 9 points. SUMMER FUN The UK summertime is, of course, festival season, and while many of the most well-known festivals, from Glastonbury, Parklife and Download, have already been and gone, a handful have yet to go ahead - including Reading and Leeds Festival. But those taking their cars to a festival need to be aware of parking in unsafe or unsuitable locations, such as muddy fields and how it could lead to insurance claims being refused. And overloading vehicles, including exceeding a vehicle's weight limit, can result in fines up to £2,500 or even dangerous driving charges - so maybe leave the extra-large tent at home. While enjoying the summer sun, it's important to stay hydrated - especially when you're behind the wheel. Driving while dehydrated has been found to double driving errors, increasing accident risks. Symptoms like slower reaction times, fatigue, and reduced focus can creep in, especially during long journeys in warm weather, and under UK laws can count as failing to maintain proper control of your vehicle. To stay safe, keep water within reach, take regular breaks and stay hydrated to maintain alertness and control behind the wheel - or risk fines of up to £2,500, penalty points or even a driving conviction Little-known driving mistakes that can lead to hefty fines Unrestrained Pets: Letting a dog lean out of the car window can result in fines up to £5,000 and 9 penalty points under Highway Code Rule 57. Inappropriate Sunglasses: Wearing Category 4 sunglasses, which are too dark for driving, can lead to fines of up to £5,000 and 9 points. Sun Glare Accidents: Failing to adjust for sun glare can result in fines up to £2,500 and 9 points for careless driving. Festival Parking: Parking in unsafe or muddy areas can void insurance claims. Overloading Vehicles: Exceeding weight limits can lead to fines up to £2,500 or dangerous driving charges. Driving While Dehydrated: Dehydration doubles driving errors, increasing accident risks. Stay hydrated to maintain focus and avoid potential driving penalties.
