4-Door Freight Train
When I first started this newsletter a couple years ago, I was doing more bite-sized posts, so I’m occasionally going to expand on things I’ve mentioned in the past… namely cars.
With that said, I’ve gotta talk about one of my favorite sedans of all-time: The Mercedes E55 AMG (W211, which is from 2003-2006)
(E39 M5 is #1, but you already knew that)
This car is over 20 years old, and is still remarkable by today’s standards (and is kind of a deal nowadays, which I’ll explain).
Quick Specs:
Supercharged 5.5 liter V8
469 HP
516 lb/ft (FIVE HUNDRED IN 2003)
Car & Driver ran 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.4 seconds.
To put this into perspective, this is only .3 seconds slower to 60 than the V-12, 503hp Ferrari 575M Maranello F1 of the time. And the E55 was actually a half second quicker than the Ferrari 50 - 70mph.
Bonkers.
These were restricted to a top speed of 155 but I’ve read that de-limited they can hit around 200mph, stock. They are simply freight trains on the highway with all that torque.
What I love about this generation E55 AMG is how subdued and classy the looks are. No one other than a car guy would know how this car is an absolute monster. The interior may leave a bit to be desired, but who cares.
What also kind of blew my mind was the number of reporters who said that this car is a good value at $74,000 (in 2003, mind you). That is the equivalent of over $125k today.
I liked this take from Car & Driver:
“If you think the E55 fails to justify its estimated $74,000 price, consider the following: It makes more horsepower than an Aston Martin Vanquish V-12; it produces more torque than a BMW Z8 and a Mini Cooper combined; one of its front brake calipers houses as many pistons as both front calipers on a Porsche 911 Turbo; from zero to 60 mph it's quicker than a Maserati Coupé Cambiocorsa; from zero to 120 mph it stays wheel to wheel with a Ferrari 575M Maranello F1. But unlike all those cars, the E55 can accommodate five adults and a big duffel for each of them. Best of all, it attracts about as much attention as any ordinary E-class. It's a steal. —Ron Kiino”
Ok, so in 03 these were a deal at $74k. What are they going for today?
You can find clean, fairly low-mileage examples all day for under $30k.
There are actually plenty of them in the teens, but I’d steer clear. With cars like this, you want documented maintenance (or prepare to be living out of your E55).
Do your research on what to look out for and what kind of maintenance you’re up against as you would be taking on a 20 year old German ride (generally a labor of love).
But, man, what a rad sedan.
p.s. These come in a wagon version.
IG I’ve Been Following
Not sure how I stumbled upon this one, but I’ve really been enjoying this account.
Jacked dude compiling entire looks in almost a scrapbook way, naming what event it’d be for “Back at work”, “Relaxed Saturday”, “Spring Training”, and naming the product/brand for everything from the coat all the way down to the fragrance and socks.
I’m finding new products through this IG. Give it a look.
Tiny, Special, Heavy Thing
A couple newsletters ago I talked about my trip to Atlanta. I came back with one thing: A Jade Lighter.
I was definitely not looking for a lighter, but I was in a shop, chopping it up with a gal about fragrances, and right in front of me was this lighter. I picked it up and it had a HEFT to it. I thought this thing was vintage or some small batch, no-name lighter. I ended up finding the source and wanted to share it.
I think it’s fun to slowly acquire small nicknacks over time. Things that are intriguing. Especially common things that are exceptionally beautiful. I’d say this is one of them.
And everyone loves small, heavy objects. Something about them just feels good. Bonus that Jade + Brass is a beautiful combo.
Baracuta G9 Sizing Shoutout
I’ve been eyeing the G9 again. I’ve been digesting all kinds of content on them to understand the value proposition (and I’m not sure it’s there but that didn’t stop me from getting another pair of Common Projects… zero regrets on those btw).
I think the G9 is an emotional purchase, though Michael of The Iron Snail made a great video on it, commending the quality.
Frankly, I’m just obsessed with that Fraser tartan lining. Isn’t it wild that a lining can make a jacket?
All this to say, I’m really confused on sizing. I’m a hard a body-shape to fit anyway, which I’ve had a tailor comment on, so I was on Baracuta’s site and came across their fit guide and it was like a lightbulb moment. I wish every clothing company did this. They showed all these different sizes and shapes of people wearing this in videos and it is so helpful.
Anyway, I just wanted to share and shoutout whoever at Baracuta pushed for this. It’s awesome. Wish more companies would do this.
Quote I’m Pondering
“On social media, fools feel clever by mocking bigger fools, and scoundrels feel virtuous by condemning bigger scoundrels.
We feel good simply by portraying others as worse.
In an age of anxiety & inaction, many seek self-esteem not in their own abilities, but in other's failures.” — Gurwinder Bhogal
I came across this quote on Chris Williamson’s newsletter and it stuck a chord. I’m no guru, but I’ve definitely been seeing this trend more and more.
Song I’m listening to
Midnight - Mapache (nice lil summer night song)
p.s. Are you subscribed to my YouTube Channel where I go in depth on all of this kind of stuff??? You should be.
p.p.s. Some of these links toss me a commission without costing you any extra. This goes to buying more things so I can talk about them.
Cheers!
Dominic
That E55 AMG is a beast. Cars from that era are so cool.
Zero chance you’ll regret buying the G9. I feel silly for waiting as long as I did