Introduction

When Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz joined forces to form DaimlerChrysler in 1998, the bold Crossfire became their first collaborative offspring. Think of it as the perfect blend of American style and German engineering – like having a handcrafted hamburger with all the trimmings and a side of tasty schnitzel.

This sleek two-seater borrowed about 80% of its mechanical DNA from the Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170 platform), but wrapped it in distinctively American styling. Credit goes to Chrysler designer Eric Stoddard, who penned the original concept, with Andrew Dyson refining it for production.

The Crossfire’s name comes from its unique body lines that, according to the seller, cross from concave to convex as you move from front to rear. Its distinctive “boattail” rear end tips its hat to classic Bugattis and the revolutionary mid-1930s Chrysler Airflow models.

Under the hood, you’ll find a potent Mercedes-sourced SOHC 3.2-liter V-6 producing 215 horsepower, with the Crossfire reportedly capable of:

• 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds
• Quarter-mile in the high 14-second range
• Electronically limited top speed of 155 mph
• 1.1g on the skidpad

Market Analysis & Current Listings Comparison

Current Market Snapshot: The Chrysler Crossfire market currently shows interesting variance in pricing, particularly between US and Canadian listings. Let’s analyze the current offerings:

Featured Listings

1. Cars & Bids (Current Auction):

• 2004 Coupe, Manual transmission
• California ownership history
• Notable features: 6-speed manual, factory equipment
• Reported issues: Previous sideswipe damage, cosmetic wear
• Current maintenance: Recent valve cover gasket replacement

Canadian Market Listings

Numerous Crossfires are currently for sale, providing a robust market for this rising collector car.

1. Lakeshore, ON:

• 2005 Convertible model, manual transmission
• 55,000 km (approximately 34,000 miles)
• Listed at CAD $16,900 (approximately USD $12,500)
• Seller reports “mint condition”

2. Leamington, ON:

• 2004 model, hardtop
• 60,643 km (approximately 37,680 miles)
• Listed at CAD $20,000 (approximately USD $14,800)
• Reportedly never winter driven

Recent Market Comparables

The current listings suggest a market range of USD $12,500-15,000 for well-maintained examples with manual transmissions.

Recent Market Comparables & Analysis

Bring a Trailer Results (Past 12 months):

• 2005 Manual Coupe: $14,250 (December 2023)
• 2004 Manual Coupe: $12,750 (October 2023)
• 2005 SRT-6: $18,500 (September 2023)

Cars & Bids Recent Sales:

• 2004 Automatic: $11,500 (November 2023)
• 2005 Manual: $13,750 (October 2023)

Production Numbers

• 2004: 14,484 units
• 2005: 12,978 units
• Total production (2004-2008): Approximately 76,000 units

Market Position & Value Analysis

These uniquely styled and fast vehicles currently represent an interesting value proposition in the collector market. The Crossfire offers:

• Mercedes-Benz engineering
• Limited production numbers
• Distinctive styling
• Growing collector interest

Investment Potential

According to recent market trends, manual transmission models typically command a 15-20% premium over automatics. Well-preserved, low-mileage examples are showing signs of price stability with modest appreciation potential.