In an intriguing turn of events, an original 2000 Mercedes-Benz A 160 (W168), known for its role as a classic meme car, has been listed for sale. Priced at INR 5 lakh, this black beauty, standing proudly on the SG Highway in Ahmedabad, is a rare find for automobile aficionados and meme enthusiasts alike.
The car boasts a 1598 cc, Inline-4 cylinder petrol engine, delivering a solid 101 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque, capable of reaching speeds up to 182 kmph. With an automatic transmission and a mere 50,000 km on the odometer, this first-owner vehicle promises a blend of performance and prestige.
What sets this A-Class apart is not just its engineering but its unique place in automotive culture. Often dubbed a “meme car” due to its distinctive and somewhat quirky design, the A-Class W168 has stirred a mix of opinions among car lovers. Despite its compact exterior, akin to the size of a Tata Indica, it surprises with a spacious interior, offering more room for passengers than many larger cars.
Comments from the community highlight the car’s polarizing nature. One user, rnav_priv, reminisced about a family-owned A140 classic, praising its generous interior space despite its unconventional looks. Meanwhile, classiccars_india wasn’t shy to label it “one of the ugliest cars by Mercedes back in 2000,” a sentiment not universally shared, as amitsng27 appreciates every design for its uniqueness, including the A-Class for its “quirky but nice” aesthetics.
This vehicle not only represents a piece of Mercedes-Benz history but also a pivotal moment in the brand’s venture into compact cars. Launched in the late ’90s, the A-Class was part of Mercedes-Benz’s ambitious plan to dominate the compact sector with a car that promised the practicality of a family vehicle within a compact frame. It was the first complete exterior designed by Steve Mattin, a Coventry University graduate, who earned the title of ‘Designer of the Year’ by Autocar magazine for his work.
Despite its mixed reception and the financial losses incurred by Daimler per vehicle produced, the first-generation A-Class carved out its niche, selling 1.1 million models between 1997 and 2004. Its legacy continues to be celebrated by car enthusiasts around the world, making this sale a noteworthy event for collectors and meme lovers alike.
