﹒Stunning condition inside and out

﹒Very low mileage

﹒Potential for classic car status

German engineering is known for reliability, and for many years we’ve been huge fans of them over here in the UK, and for good reason. But if you wanted to stand out from the crowd, retaining that German excellence but at the same time embracing a little wild American spirit, then the Chrysler Crossfire could be just the thing for you. 

Built from 2003 to 2007, during the union of Daimler and Chrysler, the two-seater, rear-wheel drive sports car is essentially a first-generation Mercedes SLK, with which it shares 80% of its components. There’s no doubt about it though, it doesn’t share much in the way of looks with its German cousin, and that was a deliberate move by Chrysler. With 19-inch wheels at the rear, and 18 inches at the front, its long hood and fast back gives it a unique and dynamic side view. It saw limited sales in the UK (and indeed in the US), so it would appear the marmite factor holds true here and across the pond. But this could work to an investors advantage. 

The standard version, which is what we’re looking at here, features the 3.2-litre Mercedes V6 petrol engine with 215 bhp. Under full throttle, 0-62mph takes 6.5 seconds, and is appropriately accompanied by a thoroughly meaty growl from the exhaust. An active spoiler deploys at 60mph too which gives it a decidedly sporty feel. It can also be deployed manually at the touch of a button. 

The car only had 4164 registrations in the UK, leading many to believe this is primed to become a classic and this could represent a good time to buy before the late comers get wind of it.

Of its fourteen-year life the car has spent 5 years SORN, explaining the extremely low mileage. It was originally acquired near Manchester and then in 2008 was purchased in Camberley where the owner bought it as a collector’s piece and kept it off the road. 

The current owner purchased the car in October 2020 from its third owner in Yorkshire with just over 9000 miles on the clock. Having only done a few hundred miles since, it is currently registered SORN, with the aim of keeping that mileage low and preserving its value. 

The car comes with two keys and the owner is keen to move the car along and find it a new home due to space restrictions at home.

While there is comprehensive history of MOT’s confirming the car’s mileage, two out of the five years SORN documents appear to be missing. The current MOT expires in February 2022.

The car comes complete with owner’s manual and sound system operating instructions but unfortunately the service book has been lost along the way. Although a car with such low mileage is unlikely to have required much work in its short life, there are a few receipts showing remedial work where it has failed its MOT, but nothing of any significance.

It will come as no surprise that given the light use, the car’s interior is in excellent condition throughout. Leather seats came as standard in the Crossfire, ensuring you travel in both style and comfort. To further facilitate maximum driving pleasure, it also comes with cruise control, heated seats, air conditioning, integrated CD player and electric windows. Space is quite limited, but you wouldn’t be purchasing a two-seater roadster for its family camping appeal.  

The boot looks clean and comes complete with jack and tools.

Examining the cars exterior, one must assume it has been stored dry for much of its life. It’s a fine example and really does look in superb condition. There’s a very minor mark on the rear bumper which is hardly noticeable. The headlights have a tiny amount of condensation present but the owner made clear this disappears once the lights are in operation for a short time.

The car started first time when viewed and the engine settled nicely. While it wasn’t available for a test drive, it’s reported to be running very smoothly, as you would expect with under 10,000 miles. Under the bonnet looks very clean.

With so few registrations in the UK, these are set to become even harder to find. Most of those sold had automatic gearboxes too and given they can be a little slow in action, the 6-speed manual is the one to have. If American styling is your thing, then this could fit the bill perfectly. Still not convinced? The owner is also including a small toy replica so you can admire it as you spread marmite on your toast in the morning. Or not.