MCOU Member's Motors Monthly (Jan. 2016)

"Alexander LaRocca" (alexjlarocca)
01/05/2016 at 11:05 • Filed to: None

Motors Club of Oakland University !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and this is our first “member’s rides” type article. Our club has some very Jalop cars so I thought they might get some appreciation here. This month’s features Alex and his 1983 Mercedes 240D.

Alex is the first member of this series because he won the Officer’s Choice award at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! by immediate and unanimous decision. The modifications are subtle and tasteful, and do well to reflect the owner’s personality.

Oh and this thing’s rocking knobby tires and a hardwood floor in the trunk. The shift knob is hand made and the car is unapologetically slow. It’s quirky in all the coolest ways.

Below is a brief interview and some awesome shots of Alex’s Mercedes:

When did you buy it?

I have owned this car a little over a year. I was fortunate enough to purchase it from the daughter of the original owner with all service records since 1985. It has not been driven in the winter since 1990.

What is your favorite part of daily driving it?

My favorite part of daily driving this car is the way it surrounds me with an environment that perfectly suits my needs. No matter the weather or occasion, I am safe, comfortable & proud to be associated with what this w123 represents. I admire the craftsmanship and lack of cut corners. It serves as a real life representation of the ideals I aspire to live by.

Describe the car in the least amount of words possible.

Old Soul

What bothers you most while daily driving it?

I would say the impatience of a vast majority of drivers. This car is much like a very fancy tractor, as the 4-cyl 2.0L non-turbo diesel would be lucky to dyno 65 horsepower. I can keep up with traffic just fine, but so many people are in a constant rush and it becomes more obvious when you have no option but to take your time. This car is a joy, and I cant really say it has any negatives. There are quirks to racking miles on a classic car, but I much prefer them to the alternative, which is a soulless econo-box.

Do you find it blends in or stands out?

I find this car is respected by most. It’s very charismatic and not much of a menace on the streets. I’m sure some find it ugly and some love it.

Are you following a planned build?

To some extent. I have many ideas for the car, but most modifications come around unexpectedly when I run into the right parts or materials to create them. Some ideas I sit on for months until I come by the right supplies.