Many of you older folks might want to skip over this Pick of the Day. It’s a car that might best be characterized as one of the “future classics,” the sort of car that figures to be crossing the auction block about the time your grandchildren are in a position to be bidding.
The car is a one-of-a-kind 2004 Chrysler Crossfire Limited being offered for sale on ClassicCars.com by its owner, who says it was a special-order vehicle.
However, those of a certain age might take this opportunity to offer some historical perspective to those grandchildren/future collectors. You can tell them about how long before Chrysler became part of Fiat, it underwent a “merger” with Mercedes-Benz.
At the time, there were very optimistic expectations that the marriage would produce vehicles that combined German engineering with American design. That did happen, though perhaps only once, in the form of the Chrysler Crossfire, basically a Mercedes-Benz SLK wrapped inside a Chrysler-designed package.
“Without doubt, this Crossfire is the most affordable Mercedes you can buy,” the seller points out in the car’s advertisement. “Looking beneath the dramatic exterior sheet metal you will find a Mercedes SLK320 sports coupe in a clever but alluring and fascinating disguise.
“This 2004 Chrysler Crossfire combines its unique looks with German engineering to create one of the most attention-grabbing coupes of this century.”
By the way, the single-owner/seller promises that the vehicle is a one-owner, never damaged car garaged both at home and at work.
“This Crossfire is a fascinating out of the ordinary vehicle the likes of which you will never see again,” the seller continues. “Do you want to get in on the ground floor of classic cars with a car built for the classic status. Believe me, I’ve cared for this car and have kept it in great condition because I was aware of its promise for classic status.”
The car has been driven 67,000 miles since new and has new front brakes and battery. The owner adds that the chrome alloy aluminum wheels — 18 inches in front and 19s at the rear — were factory installed rather than an aftermarket add on.
The engine is Mercedes’ 3.2-liter V6 linked to an AutoStick-controlled transmission. The car has heated two-tone and leather-covered seats.
The car is in Cedar Park, Texas, and is being offered for $12,999. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Read more Picks of the Day here.
I have a 2006 Mercedes SLK350 which has the larger engine and I live in Australia and yes we tried to sell the Crossfire here. Trouble was, even though it enjoys German mechanicals it is is still an otherwise ugly car! Nothing will change that. It was a total failure here and are now worth basically nothing compared to the ‘real thing’, a true Mercedes SLK!
I’ve owned 16 cars in my lifetime, from a 1957 MGA to a 2019 KIA Sorento. Yesterday, as has occurred MULTIPLE TIMES, some people walked by and said what a gorgeous car my 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 is. Be happy with your SLK350. I wouldn’t trade mine for yours if you threw in a European vacation.
Yes I would agree also keep the SLK and I will keep my 2007 crossfire roadster
Chrysler tried its hand at a few mergers Maserati AMC Fiat Mercedes and Renault. To my knowledge Jeep has been the only vehicle to weather the storm (pardon the pun).
May be MB mechanicals, but they weren’t among the best MB mechanicals. Ride and handling were mediocre even by 2004 standards.
Great car
Female friend has had one for 11 years and wouldn’t sell it. Loves it.
Personally, If I we looking a 2 person car and was on a budget, I buy one. I prefer my 68 Cougar XR7 BUT these are great for the money and if you are single. Underrated car,
My son has two crossfires, a coupe and a roqdster and loves them, He races the coupe and tools around in the convertible. their both a lot of fun to ride in..
We own a Chrysler Crossfire and love it. Crossfires Across America just celebrated its 10th anniversary this year drawing more than 30 crossfires from all over the US and Canada. Everyone had a great time and the cars drew a lot of attention.
We just entered our Crossfire in the local car show. It was a big hit and very popular with the attendees. A lot of people thought the car was beautiful and asked: Why did they quit making this car?
These cars are a lot of fun for the small price. There are lots of fun people you can meet. There are faster cars, but I have never had a car so beautiful, historical and fun to drive.
Yes glad well said Kenneth my roadster SRT6
Gets looks all the time.
How many SLK’s are there it’s common as