...thing is, a diesel W123 in great driving condition would more easily be worth $25k than some of the new stuff they want that much for.

...Duesenbergs which went for a few hundred dollars on late '40s used car lots now edge up near the million $ mark. They're still the same lovely machines, although when they were available cheaply owners would tend to relax and enjoy them more.

...the fact that I recently got a near-cherry stick '81 240D for $2,400 (plus another $1,200 to get it through state inspection) is just another reason to appreciate these rational and lovely cars. Philosopher Jeremey Bentham had a "calculus of pleasure" where the actual money cost of an object or experience rated rather low...the fact that I can get most of the cars I aspire to own (VW bugs, W123 diesels, lovely '41-'47 Packard Clippers) for $5k or under just adds to the enjoyment.