Historic Prospect Place Estate

I like to drive cars that aren't seen very often on the road. Right now I have a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor (the hatchback model with the removable roof). You do see these around but they don't seem to be very common. It's small, but has wide tires so it drives very well.

I only paid a little over $15,000 for it. Someone had rear-ended someone else with it and slightly damaged the bumper so they were having a hard time selling it. I have a knack for finding things significantly under cost. I already fixed all of the issues except a cracked fog light cover (all for less than $500). It looks new now.

That sure is rare. Good investment potential.

This isn't it but it looks exactly like this one...

Looks kind of like a VW Scirocco I had (only a much better car I'm sure, actually looks a lot more like the Corrado). I eventually turned to Scirocco into an SCCA car and raced at Mid-Ohio back in the early 90s. German cars are great! I'm currently building a collection of American "Muscle-car Revival Era" machines from the 80s. After I'm done with Fieros, Mustangs and Camaros I might just look into German again.

That's interesting. Are you doing all/most of the work yourself? My dad has a semi-restored 1968 Mustang (black) out in Coshocton. He rarely takes it out of the garage but it's in good condition.

Can't afford not to do it myself

Worked my way through college as a mechanic. Spent my teen years working in a couple of local bodyshops and then from 1991-1994 worked at Jeg's in Columbus as a chassis builder.

So far on the 86 Fiero I have replaced the fuel pump (in tank), the starter, the EGR valve and several fuseable links. Finally got it running at the end of last summer. Also got it under one coat of primer last fall.

This year's to do list: Brakes, clutch slave cylinder, and paint job. Also needs headlight and window motors and the A/C converted to R134 and charged.

Not a lot of work though considering the car was free $0.00 and has 114,000 miles on it. The 87 though only has 37,000 miles on it, paid $800.00 for it. Although it needs restoration it is a low mileage cherry. No rust underneath (looks like brand new) and almost perfect rip free interior (some minor sun/heat warping only).

I am also keeping my eye out for an 85 Mustang GT and an 82-88 Camaro Z/28. Why an 85 Stang? Last of the carbed V8s.

I also can't really afford to pay anyone to do anything for me. I'm going to put my first paver stone patio in this summer...that oughtta be interesting. Lucky for us I'm pretty good at figuring things out.

I'd like to put 1" larger diameter rims on my Mercedes and lightly tint the windows (that I will have done professionally). The stereo is very basic also so I would like to upgrade that. Another project I'd like to take on is re-upholstering the seats with leater....right now they're cloth.

I haven't worked up enough confidence to mess around with engine components yet.

With the way labor rates are in this country DIY is the way to go.

You might try to find out what other cars from that maker have seats that will fit that model and look through the junk yards Lot easier and cheaper than recovering seats

That's a good idea. I'll have to look into that further.