well, the majority of uneducated Americans, who know not of the prowess of the 500 series, would not classify the 500SEC in the same class as a Lotus or a Lamborghini, well known exotics.

also, to the untrained eye, the 500SEC does not look fast, its a sleeper in traffic as it doesn't stand out as say a bright orange GT3.

but i, a fellow MB enthusiast, do know of the capabilities of Johns car and well respect it.

also, (wow i have bad grammar), i own a 190E 2.3-16, while not as much of a sleeper as a SEC, is a quick track car, but most people don't realize it, but i don't have much trouble convincing them.

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Current
2006 E320 CDI, 57K bought at 67K "Liesl"
1986 190E 2.3-16, 198K bought at 56K "Brigitta"
1987 300TD (Chuggin Along), 292K "Friedrich"
1995 E320 Wagon, 200K "Louisa"

Past
1987 300SDL, (sold) 125K, bought for 1$ "Kurt"