HIGHLIGHTS

Unusual Chrysler coupé in lovely condition
3.2-litre V6 Auto
SRT sports exhaust system
Great fun to drive

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 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 2004 car from quite early on in the production run – a 3.2 Auto Coupé presented in lovely order, and with the added benefit of an SRT sports exhaust system that really brings the best out of the Mercedes-Benz V6 under the bonnet.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

UK V5C
MOT December 2023
Chrysler book pack and wallet
Original owner’s handbook
Two sets of keys
Enthusiast-owned
Service book with six stamps up to 56,304 miles
Original UK price list brochure
Some invoices and receipts for work carried out including recent new front springs

THE INTERIOR

Black leather high-back sports seats – heated and electrically adjustable
Very smart cabin with no major wear, clean and well-presented
Barely any seat bolster wear
Minor deterioration to headlamp switch surround
“Infinity” CD Stereo radio with excellent sound quality
Air conditioning (works fine)
Stainless steel “Crossfire” kickplates
Electric windows
Electrically adjustable mirrors
Cruise control
Power steering
Central locking
Spotless headlining
Separate storage pouch behind front seats
Toolkit and tyre inflator kit
Dealer option luggage area organiser

THE EXTERIOR

Finished in pearlescent ‘Machine Grey’ paint, which really suits the Crossfire’s distinctive body style
Art-deco appearance with teardrop rear end reminiscent of the AMC Marlin
Factory alloys – 18-inch front ad 19-inch rear – with minor kerb marks to outer rim
All four tyres have over 5mm of tread
Fantastic overall condition with original paint
No visible rust at all
Paint chips on n/s door bottom have been touched-in, barely noticeable but vendor wishes to be transparent
All original badges and trim
Red details behind side trims and grille to match centre caps
One tiny bit of lacquer peel on NSF bumper (see pictures)
Some minor deterioration to plastic screen surround and door handles
Overall, an extremely well-presented and smart car in very good condition

THE MECHANICS

3.2-litre Mercedes-Benz V6
Five-speed auto
220bhp – 0-60 in 6.8 seconds and top speed limited to 155mph
SRT sports exhaust – sounds amazing under acceleration, yet becomes quite refined at speed
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

If you want a thoroughly usable, affordable and distinctive modern classic, with two-seater sports car appeal, impressive comfort, great performance and sensible running costs, then here it is. A car that turns heads everywhere it goes and even has a thriving owners’ club that organises events across the country (www.ukcrossfires.co.uk).

The Crossfire is a rare, quirky, striking and interesting modern 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 great example, in a superb colour and in very good overall condition for a 19-year-old car. As one of the better examples, it’s worth preserving.

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