My first Mercedes Benz

Let me explain what is a Mercedes Benz. It is not a car. It is a status symbol in Malaysia and most parts of Asia. When a man drives a Merc he is making a very loud statement: I have made it. How about you?! Only Timber tycoons and rich politicians can afford to drive a Mercedes in Malaysia. 

I have never driven one until I bought one in New Zealand. I went to a car auction, put up my hand to scratch my ear and the man yelled: sold! Fortunately for me he wanted only 7.8K. It was a 1983 model 280SE with real leather seats inside.

In New Zealand many people drive Japanese imports (reconditioned cars). They are very cheap here.