At one end of the automotive spectrum, there are the classics. At the other end, there are the latest and greatest models. What about the space in between, though? There are plenty of amazing cars to be found there. Some of the later ones can be considered modern classics.
True, the new C63 is a handsome beast, but let’s not forget about its predecessor. For example, take forum member LakeShow23‘s 2014 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507. Its massive 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 packs forged pistons from the SLS. Mercedes-Benz also threw in new connecting rods and a lighter crankshaft. Visually, it added the hood – which looks ready to exhale fire – from a C63 Black Series, quad pipes, and a rear diffuser to up the C’s visual testosterone.
LakeShow23 made some tweaks of his own that only heighten the beauty of his designo Magno Platinum Matte four-door. Fortunately, he kept things subtle by adding some attractive yet discreet touches from Mode Carbon.
He was a little more forceful under the hood, where he’s now running a tune. He also performed a secondary catalytic converter-ectomy. In LakeShow23‘s words, “The car sounds absolutely savage now, it just makes some absurdly loud snap, crackles, and pops.”
It’s also made quite the splash online. According to LakeShow23, his C63 has been featured on Mercedes-Benz’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
