I could be wrong but the now somewhat iconic and perhaps ancient 240ds with a manual gearbox. Many may never be replaced in the minds of those that have owned them by any other car. They were and probably will remain an example of a unique vehicle.

I for example remember fighting through horrific winter weather on the way home with a new to me 240d aquisition and driving the rocket ship through mountainous regions. Those cars just demanding that you drove them.

Perhaps it is also partially the periods in time we drove them in as well. Those times will never come again either. I too am 73 and most cars now are just utilities in comparison basically.

Both the wife and myself daily drive cars that have no character basically but require little upkeep.