1k: Bariobahn Cruiser: 1987 Mercedes 190E W201

The Mercedes 190E was the luxury sedan predecessor of the C Class from Daimler-Benz, built in epic quantities (almost 2 million) from 1982-1993.  The entry level luxury cruiser was only available as a 4-door sedan and the only convertible versions you will see are home-built hack-jobs parked in the seedier parts of town.  This isn’t a problem for the DT driver with a sense of adventure, a GPS and up-to-date shots.  Find this 1987 Mercedes 190E W201 for sale near downtown San Diego for $900 via craigslist. Tip from Cory.

It is easy to dismiss such a unique car as a total pile of junk, but there is more than meets the eye to this convertized 190.  First up is the paint job, a classy selection of red/blue stripes painted to match the graffiti  deterrent background wall in the photo, but it also includes some racing numbers, different on each panel, like 7, 14 and π.  Some might say it is irrational to use π as a number for a racecar, but we won’t.  Next, the pictures look to be taken in the foothills of the Coronado Bay Bridge, very likely on the same street as some of the best cheap Mexican food this side of the Rio Grande river.  Anyone who likes good Mexican food in San Diego area should be familiar with Las Cuatro Milpas. Come for the folding chair ambiance, chicken/pork tacos and leave bursting at the seams, partially because they have no restrooms, but mostly because the food is delicious.  If/when you find yourself looking for a convertible 190E with welded doors, busted stereo, “Good Registration” and a tasty bowl of chorizo con huevos on rice – consider picking both up for less than a grand.  No food in the car please.

See a better open top cruiser for less?   email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com