Cassette tapes only, an eBay education

Simplicity is more appealing every day

I appreciate bony cars with angular shapes and lack of technology. These are cars with wide windows and doors that make crisp sounds. They’re strikingly attractive anywhere, especially on modern roads now peppered with bubble cars. Since most bony cars were made before 2003, their simplicity requires some upkeep—like a good linen suit. (There will be more bony car talk here, stay tuned!)

My grandmother, Amelia, always kept her bony car very clean. Immaculate even. It’s a silver 1999 Mercedes 280 and it’s both impressive and a little bit austere. When she passed away, after an incredible life, at the age of 102 (“olive oil and sex are the keys to a long life,” she said) I inherited this car.