HIGHLIGHTS
- Stunning soft-top Crossfire in ultra-rare unusual colour
- Less than 20,000 miles from new
- 3.2-litre V6 Auto
- Striking slice of Americana
THE APPEAL
Every so often, a concept car comes along that goes from the motor show stand to the showroom floor relatively unchanged.
The Chrysler Crossfire is one such car – revealed at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show, the Crossfire name was supposedly a reflection of Chrysler’s collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, with the two Daimler-owned brands essentially competing for the same market space (or crossing fire) - in Chrysler’s case with a car developed with 39% of its parts shared with the Mercedes-Benz SLK sports car.
In order to sell the Crossfire, Chrysler dealers had to commit to premium showroom space and VIP servicing for their customers, with the sports coupé and cabriolet models being very much marketed as a premium product. It was assembled far better than most American models, too, most likely because the Crossfire was built under licence in Germany by coachbuilders Karmann, each car finished by hand.
Around 2,500 were sold in the UK between 2003 and 2007, making it quite a rare car, though its art deco-inspired styling and unique character mean there’s a fairly devout following for the model.
This one is a 2005 Cabriolet fitted with the Mercedes-Benz 3.2-litre V6 and automatic transmission, but the most incredible thing about it is the colour – Classic Yellow Pearl, a special edition hue developed to mark Chrysler’s 80th anniversary in 2005. That, and the fact it has covered less than 20,000 miles from new.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- UK V5C
- MOT June 2024
- Chrysler book pack and wallet
- Original owner’s handbook
- Two sets of keys
- Enthusiast-owned
- Service book with 14 stamps up to 16,803 miles
- Original UK owner’s handbook
- Selection of old MOT certificates
- AP05 USA registration number included in sale
- Always garaged under current ownership
THE INTERIOR
- Black leather high-back sports seats – heated and electrically adjustable
- Very smart cabin with no major wear, clean and well-presented
- No discernible seat bolster wear
- “Infinity” CD Stereo radio with excellent sound quality
- Air conditioning (works fine)
- Stainless steel “Crossfire” kickplates
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable mirrors
- Electric power hood
- Cruise control
- Remote central locking
- Toolkit and tyre inflator kit
- Chrome-finish rollover hoops
THE EXTERIOR
- Finished in pearlescent ‘Classic Yellow’ anniversary special paint, which is both rare and extremely distinctive
- Art-deco appearance with teardrop rear end reminiscent of the AMC Marlin
- Factory alloys – 18-inch front ad 19-inch rear – with no noticeable kerb marks
- All four Continental tyres have over 5mm of tread
- Fantastic overall condition with original paint
- No visible rust at all
- All original badges and trim
- Excellent screen surround
- Appears to be structurally excellent underneath
- Fabric roof in excellent condition and operates perfectly
THE MECHANICS
- 3.2-litre Mercedes-Benz V6
- Five-speed auto
- 220bhp – 0-60 in 6.8 seconds and top speed limited to 155mph
- Impeccably maintained by current and previous keepers
- Drives without any evident faults – fast, responsive, smooth and with a fabulous soundtrack. All controls work as they should, brakes are good and there are no noticeable problems with the suspension, brakes or steering.
SUMMARY
Here is a modern classic that’s guaranteed to turn a few heads, partly because of its amazing colour scheme and partly because it is such a distinctive car to start with.
The Crossfire is a rare, quirky, and interesting classic – fun to drive and with a beguiling exhaust note, yet also surprisingly usable and practical, as well as being a doddle to maintain thanks to its proven Mercedes-Benz powertrain.
This one is a truly wonderful example, in a superb colour and in absolutely Immaculate condition inside and out. You will struggle to find another one's good, let alone in this remarkable colour.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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