1990 Sterling 827 Oxford Edition - A Sterling Example...

There are two things you should know about the 1990 Sterling; 1) They are much better built and much more reliable than the pre-1989 Sterlings, 2) They didn't sell very well. Sterling sold just 4,015 cars in the US in 1990, down from 14,171 in 1987.

Of those 4,015 cars that sold in 1990, just 350 were Oxford Editions.

All Oxford Editions came painted "Nordic metallic blue". It's not my favorite color, but that doesn't really matter; it was what was on the inside that made this car special. Pretty much everything that wasn't covered in Rosewood was covered in Connolly leather. It was as luxurious as a Rolls Royce and far more sporty. (It doesn't have little picnic tables in the back like a Rolls does, but would you really want someone spilling food on your seats or carpeting?) It came with every possible bell, whistle and convenience available in 1990.

This Oxford Edition is in remarkable condition. It has just 34,665 miles on it. (Note: As some of you may know, the pre-1989 Sterling instrument clusters had an astronomical failure rate. I was once told it was 90%, but I can't verify that. The 1989 and later cars used clusters made by a different manufacturer and are reliable. There's a very good chance the mileage on this car is accurate.) It has very few flaws.

The asking price for this car is $7500.00.

You could use this car as an everyday driver if you're a person - like me - who doesn't mind (and accepts) little problems that come up from time to time in unique older cars. It would most likely never leave you stranded, but you may roll up to a tollbooth someday and find the window switch inoperable. The downside is that finding the replacement window switch - or whatever - is going to require some time on the internet and a little wait while it's shipped to you. There are plenty of very cool cars with active dealer networks that can be bought for $7500.00.

On the other hand, since it might be the lowest mileage 827 Oxford in the world, you could buy it and take it to British car shows. But, it's a Sterling. Is it worth $7500.00 as a show car? $7500.00 will still buy you some very nice classic British cars, ones whose reputations are a little more sterling than the Sterling's.

It will be interesting to see if this car sells.

Located in Orlando, FL, click here to see the eBay listing.

A big thanks to Jonathan T for sending me the link to this car!