HINDSIGHT: Pagoda SL owners
have had a roller-coaster ride...
... making sense of the value of their
cars since new. Wild swings in demand
for this series has confused generations
of owners. Much of the cause was independent of the car itself. For starters an
extreme climb in the value of German
Marks to US dollars in the 1970s literally
tripled the suggested US retail price
of the Pagoda’s successor 450 SL. Its
suggested US price grew from $11,059
(‘72) to $35,875 (‘80). This caused an
intense demand for used Pagodas
and early 450 SLs. Owners were invited to
sell their Pagodas back to M-B dealers for
more money than they paid for them
when new. Sometimes double! As
word travelled it attracted purchasers of
new Mercedes-Benz too, believing the
phenomena would never end. It did
come to a screeching halt in 1982 when
exchange rates leveled and new 380 SL
prices changed less than $1,000 during
the next four years. For the subsequent
15 years Pagoda SL prices remained
on a frustrating plateau, barely differing
sufficiently for condition differences.
Adding indignity, the older, smaller,
four cylinder 190SLs began eclipsing
Pagoda values. Many owners that
bought “expecting” appreciation gave
up and sold their cars.
“That Certain Age” In retrospect
the 230/250/280 SLs did nothing themselves to warrant tripling in value and the
subsequent plateau was equally non
self-inflicted. 190SLs grew in value first
simply because they were a decade older.
As the chart on page 10 shows, Pagoda
SLs have finally reached that certain
age where demand exceeds supply;
more nostalgia than savable cars; just
spoils for loyal owners, preservationists
and restorers? Even miserable examples
have growing value as parts cars. Maybe
the phenomena won’t end after all!
(more W113 coverage on p. 10-11)
Getting It Together in the 1960s
Consumers take most automobile improvements for granted... from the early days
to our civilized cruisers of today –a logical evolution. Truth is that it took decades to agree
on even the most basic parts like a windshield, and doors? Side windows? The windshield
wiper (singular) was patented in 1903 by a woman, Mary Anderson, but operated manually
by the driver or copilot until 1921. Two-wheel drum-type brakes were on the 1901 Mercedes
and a 1903 Dutch car sported four wheel brakes, yet 26 years later a survey indicated 70%
of all cars had only two-wheel brakes. Crank-opening side-windows didn’t arrive until 1923.
Product consensus was little better in Europe during the 1950s recovery years: MB
commemorated 1930s styling, had no automatic shift, no V8, no power steering and no air
conditioning. This description fit early ‘50s Rolls Royce and others too. Mid-1950s Mercedes
features were... ah, provincial: Hydrak clutch-less shifting. Quaint: Ponton styling. Outsourced
automatic transmissions from Borg-Warner and dealer-installed A/C kits from Frigi-King in
Texas also come to mind. By 1962 still no V8. Only the 180, 190 and 220 managed black ink.
How the iconic 190 SL and 300 SL were born in this turmoil is a miracle. These unidentical SL twins became bellwethers for the coordinated creations we final saw in the 1960s.
MB Museum archives reveal 1960s sedans, limousines and the next SL on drawing boards
as early as 1957. I vividly remember driving the first of these truly new Mercedes-Benz in late
1959, a 220 SE 4 dr sedan, at Siegrist Motors in Montclair, NY. It’s panoramic window area
alone was profound. Mercedes-Benz was suddenly synonymous with fashion leadership
rather than dated tradition (My wish to own this new Mercedes was fulfilled 47 years later).
In 1961 the 220 Coupe and Convertible arrived, curiously without the sedan’s distinctive
tailfins (which otherwise remained until 1967). In 1963 the even more revolutionary 230
SL confirmed bold styling and even larger windows. Veteran Mercedes-Benz dealer Bill
Knauz (north of Chicago) recalls some resistance to “too much glass” but with hindsight
that uniqueness is its forté --- unforgettable yet more practical than the extremes of AstonMartin’s Lagonda and Lamborghini Countach. 1964 brought the larger-than-life 600 Grand
Mercedes affirming a future of the styling continuity we see from this decade forward.
SL Market Letter salutes all Mercedes-Benz of the ‘60s. Their styling and engine choices still
stand out today. Cars with 4 doors usually live in the shadow of coupés and convertibles but
the 108/109 S-Class rival the most handsome sedans of the 20th century (without the need
for multiple blind-spot cameras!). Save the best examples while we still can!
- John Olson
March / April 2015, Vol. 29, No. 3
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Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
01226-V9J4-8_MO15_SL Market Letter.indd 1
March / April 2015
2015-02-03 3:33 PM
Bang for the Buck!
On the Market
C36s Available Today...
1996 - Black w/ black leather, 29,937 miles 4
owners. 4th and current owner has had the
car 5 months. Clean Carfax, no accidents,
shows regular maintenance. Seller says
paint is original. Price: $16,500 OBO
Private Seller: John - Ph: 540-722-2567 (VA)
W202 C 36 AMG
All cars start as ‘new cars’, then they become ‘used cars’ and if everything falls
into place, they become collector cars.
Today, the C 36 AMG is a used car at the
bottom of its depreciation curve representing a lot of car for not much money.
According to the Mercedes Museum archives, there were 5,221 C 36s produced.
In comparison, they produced 25,230 190E
2.3-16 valves and 10,479 E 500s. According to mercedes-amg.com’s ‘Private
Lounge’ U.S. imports by year break down
like this: 401 in 1995, 296 in 1996 and just
199 in 1997.
The C 36 was widely accepted by both the
car buying public and automotive journalists of the day. The cars sold well, despite
the fact they were $20,000 more than a
regular C Class and $15,000 more than a
BMW M3. In a 1996 article Road & Track
magazine called the C 36 “the best of Benz
taken to performance extremes”.
Let’s consider how each car came to be.
C 36s started life on the regular production
line, side by side with future C 280 and 230
models at Mercedes’ Bremen, Germany
factory. There, they were equipped with
a sturdier final drive, larger vented front
discs from the SL 600, larger rears from
the E 420, stiffer front and rear anti-roll
bars and a quicker-ratio steering box. 17
inch AMG wheels with very wide Bridgestone Expedia tires were fitted along with
March / April 2015
(1995-97)
By Dave Tobin
front fenders that were modified on the
inside to accommodate the wider wheel /
tire package. The cars, without bumpers
or side skirts, were then shipped south to
Affalterbach. Upon arrival, special gaspressure shocks were installed along with
bumpers and ground effects. The front
apron not only looked good, it was functional, housing a set of fog lights as well
as air ducts to help cool the car’s massive
brakes, bigger than those of a contemporary Ferrari 512TR.
The standard 2.8 liter engine producing
194 bhp was removed and replaced with
an AMG modified example, bored and
stroked to 3.6 liters, it had a higher compression ratio. Modifications were made
to the cylinder head, block and enginemanagement system. It received a larger
intake manifold, revised intake-valve and
exhaust cam-timing, forged aluminum
pistons, modified rods, a new crankshaft
and additional oil-spray jets in the engine
block. A freer-flowing, dual exhaust system finished things up in the back.
I was lucky enough to get to drive a 1996 C
36 during ‘Monterey Car Week’ a couple of
years ago, it sure beat a rental car! 268 hp
doesn’t sound like a lot today, but it’s plenty in this car. They’re quick, responsive,
buttery smooth and, dare I say, practical at
the same time? Buy the best original paint
example you can find with service history
and simply enjoy it.
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
1995 - Silver w/ black leather, 75,082 miles,
3 owners, always in Southern California,
clean Carfax, shows minimal wear, binder
full of service records. Price: $10,888
Seller: Private Collection Motors
Ph: 949-791-2167 (Costa Mesa, CA)
1995 Imperial Red w/ black leather, 105,000
miles, 3 owners, always in Arizona, clean Carfax shows regular maintenance during original
owner’s 13 years of ownership. Price: $5,900
Seller: Poudre Sports Car Enterprises
Ph: 970-229-0990 (Ft. Collins, CO)
*While researching this article, multiple nationwide searches over a 2 week period turned up
less than 10 cars for sale*
C36 AMG Specs
Engine: dohc 24-valve inline-6
Displacement: 220 cu in. / 3606 cc
Horsepower (SAE): 268 bhp @ 5750 rpm
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Max engine speed: 6400 rpm
Curb weight: 3430 lb
Weight dist., f/r %: 54/46
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Brakes f/r: 12.6-in. / 10.9-in vented discs
Steering: recirculating ball, power assist
Suspension, f/r: upper and lower control
arms / 5-link (coil springs, tube shocks,
anti-roll bars front and rear)
0 - 60mph: 5.8 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically Limited)
3
Great W108s and 109s
1965 thru 1972 - S-Class Sedans
The 108 (springs) and 109 Body (air suspension) S-Class sedans succeeded the
"brave" Fintail sixes (220 & 300 SE & SE Long) in July of 1965. Engine choices began
with the 2.5 & 3.0 six (1965), followed by a 2.8 six (1968) and three long-overdue V8s:
6.3, 3.5, & 4.5. These very handsome cars were available in two lengths, the SE and
longer SEL (4" in the rear seat area). Value-wise, condition far outweighs wheelbase.
Years Built Size, Type and Engine Prefix
7/65- 3/69 2.5 ltr. 6, 130 hp. Irn Blk, Zenith 30/40108.920
8/65- 1/68 2.5 ltr. 6, 150 hp. Iron Blk, F. Injection 129.980
8/65-12/67 3.0 ltr. 6, 170 hp. Alloy Block, F.I . 189.988
The stately Mercedes-Benz 280SE.
108/109 S-Class Sedans
Condition
12/67-1/70 2.8 ltr. 6 , 170hp. Iron Block, F.I.
130.981
12/67-8/72 6.3 ltr. V8 250 hp., Iron Blk, F. I. 100.981
9/69- 8/72 3.5 ltr. V8 180 hp., Iron Blk, F. I. 116.990&1
4/71-10/72 4.5 ltr. V8 195 hp., Iron Blk, F.I. 117.981&2
Condition
Condition
Condition
Condition
Condition
Model
Price New Time Window
6
5
4
3
2
1
To accompany the price chart to the right, Year
we recruited a couple of guest columnists '65-'69 250 SE/SEL $ 6,300 '15-Jan/Mar $ 500 $ 700 $1,750 $3,600 $8,775 no data*
to discuss these S classes of the 1960s '68-'71 280 SE/SEL $ 6,733 '15-Jan/Mar $ 600 $1,000 $2,500 $6,100 $13,000 no data*
and early 70s. Both are owners and ad- '65-'67 300 SE/SEL 3.0 $ 9,980 '15-Jan/Mar $ 900 $1,400 $2,800 $7,500 $14,000 $20,000
'68-'72 300 SE/SEL 6.3 $13,998 '15-Jan/Mar $1,200 $4,000 $7,500 $17,000 $45,000 $70,000+
mirers of these models. After reading their '69-'72 300 SE/SEL 3.5 $12,800 '15-Jan/Mar $1,000 $1,200 $2,500 $5,600 $14,500 $22,000
pieces, it’s clear that their cars fill a particu- '71-'72 300 SE/SEL 4.5 $14,175 '15-Jan/Mar $1,000 $1,500 $4,000 $6,700 $15,300 $22,000
lar niche in each owner’s ‘car life’. Like SLs '71-'72 280 SE/SEL 4.5 $10,900 '15-Jan/Mar $1,000 $1,200 $3,000 $6,100 $14,000 $21,000
of the same period, the different engines
offered give these cars distinct personali- CONDITION #6 CONDITION #5 CONDITION #4 CONDITION #3 CONDITION #2 CONDITION #1
Drivable, needing only
Preserved original or
Worn original with
Needs restoration.
Preserved examples
ties, add to that the choice of spring sus- Seriously damaged
minor work to be
restored to max.
higher miles or repaint.
May or may not be
or deteriorated,
with minor wear.
pension or air suspension and they further excluding fires. More
reliable but deteriorated
standards. 98 plus
Also good amateur
running, but not wrecked,
No trace of accident
or incorrectly rebuilt
point show car that
restoration; mixture
or stripped. Too
differentiate themselves from each other. practical for parting
repairs. Very well restored
or modified.
is rarely driven.
of NOS and older
good to part out.
out. Rebuilding
car w/ some annual street
So many classic Mercedes choices, so
components.
is unlikely.
use, 92+ point car.
little time.
- Ed.
The Perfect S Class Sleeper
*Occasionally when compiling price charts we do not have enough data to feel comfortable reporting for a specific category, you
can help! Have you bought or sold a car we don’t have data for recently? Let us know. email the editor: tobin@slmarket.com
By Jason Burton
Jason Burton lives in Chicago,
IL and is a member of the MBCA
- Chicago Section. In addition to
his 280SE 4.5 he owns a 1998
E430, 1996 S600 Coupe, a 1992
Mazda Miata and a 1928 Ford
Model A. He has been compiling ‘Rare
Supplement’ listings for the SLML since 2014
< Burton’s 1973 280SE 4.5.
Mercedes-Benz sedans lurk in the shadows of collectability (and price) while their
two door coupe and convertible counterparts basque in the sunshine of the collector car world, the 108 / 109 chassis cars are
no different. As a result, it’s fairly easy (and
still relatively inexpensive) to acquire one
of these Mercedes sedans complete with
classic looks, solid reliability, strong parts
support and a drive that feels much more
modern than their advancing years.
Modern Mercedes AMG models carrying
the 6.3 badge, even without a 6.3 liter engine under the hood, owe the reference
to this series of S-Class sedans, specifically the top of the range 300SEL 6.3 with
its M100 engine. Strong 6.3 sales in the
4
late 60s showed MB management that
there was a market for their upcoming V8
powered high performance saloon cars.
High profile, if unlikely, racing success in
the hands of Hans-Werner Aufrecht and
Erhard Melcher at the 24 hours of Spa
brought these models further acclaim.
Their thirsty engine (bored to 6.8 liters) and
heavy weight meant frequent fuel stops
while racing, something V8 powered production sedan owners experience as well.
The take away here… all of these sedans
have legitimate pedigree.
In today’s world of 70+ MPH speed limits
it helps to drive classics that can cope with
modern traffic and these cars handle the
challenge beautifully. Several years ago
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
I purchased a completely original 1973
280SE 4.5. It is the one Mercedes I have
owned that I can never imagine selling. It
was in impeccable condition when I found it
complete with and all the paperwork back to
day one. I have spent the last several years
replacing deteriorated rubber components
and other minor items in order to bring it back
to the way it performed when first delivered.
With a little freshening and updating, these
sedans perform amazingly well.
They tend to trade in a relatively narrow
price range so it is always best to find the
best rust free, well maintained example
and keep it that way. Any serious restoration efforts can quickly add up leaving a
hopeful owner far underwater. Take extra
March / April 2015
special care when considering a W109
chassis car with air suspension, the M100
engine, and additional wood interior trim
items… costs can add up quickly. Watch
for rust or evidence of previous rust repair.
Common trouble spots include the top of
the headlights, front of the rocker panels,
door bottoms, trim attachment points, and
trunk wells
Driving
They really don’t feel as old as they are when
you’re driving down the road. But before you
get going, a quick tip: release the parking
brake (a hand operated umbrella handle
lever alongside the steering column) before buckling up. The seat belts in the front
are three point, though manually adjusted
shoulder belts mean that once you’re securely adjusted the act of reaching for things
beyond arms length involves unlatching
and releasing the chest portion of the belt.
A quick turn of the key and all engine variations should spring to life with little coaxing
from the starter. After a few minutes, once
warm, they settle into a very smooth idle.
While there are significant performance differences in the extremes of the W108 / 109
models, say between a carbureted 250S
and a 300SEL 6.3, performance is similar
between 280SE 6 cylinder models and the
V8 versions with a small advantage to the 6
cylinder when accelerating to 60mph due its
numerically higher rear axle ratio.
Three transmissions were used across the
W108 / 109 range. Earlier cars were offered
with 4 speed transmissions, either manual
or automatic. The manual transmission is
smooth and engaging to operate, the 4
speed automatic uses a fluid flywheel and
produces firm, rather abrupt shifts. By the
seventies Mercedes did away with the 4
speed units and installed a new 3 speed
transmission in the 4.5 variants, as well
as in the new R107 SLs of the day. The
3 speed is a bit smoother with its use of a
torque converter. Some of the Mercedes
faithful saw the 3 speed transmission as a
step backward at the time, another 4 speed
wouldn’t come along until about 1980.
Acceleration with any of the six cylinder
engines is adequate to keep up with modern traffic though the eights transform the
nature of the car with smoother, less high
strung performance. By the time you reach
about 30 miles per hour under gentle driving you will find yourself in top gear. At highway speeds all of the engines are spinning
quite rapidly compared to what we’re used
March / April 2015
A 280SE 4.5 at speed.
Interior of a floor shift 4.5, multi-function stalk, centrally located A/C, power windows, Becker radio, lots of wood.
Overhead view of the 4.5 liter V8.
to in contemporary cars with 5, 6 or 7 speed
transmissions, it takes a little getting used
to. Driving the older V8s is nice though,
when you put your foot down while going
60 miles per hour, the motor is all revved up
and will rapidly take you to 100 and above. I
often find myself zipping along at 80+ mph
with Chicago interstate traffic completely
oblivious to the fact that most vehicles
around me are 30+ years newer.
Scrubbing that speed off is done with four
wheel disc brakes controlled by a firm pedal, braking is smooth. I find that the brakes,
for everything but panic stops, rival the feel
and performance of most current production
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
Unmistakably Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes. The brakes are one of the most
confidence inspiring aspects of the car.
The ride on all the standard sprung suspension models is similar in feel to a modern
E class in most driving situations, that is to
say the ride is firm but pliant. The overall
length of the car in short wheel base form
is just a couple of inches shorter than a
modern E-Class with the long wheel base
models being just a few inches longer.
Short wheelbase models have more ‘tossable’ handling characteristics. Overall both
wheelbase variations handle in a less ponderous way than it appears they might or as
their underpinnings would suggest. These
5
ity out all sides and the rear. When backing
into a parking space the small raised bumps
at the top of the quarter panels (the last gasp
of tailfins) clearly show you where the end
of the car is.
The 70s produced some interesting colors for these big sedans, this is paint code 870H “Green” on a 1972 280SE 4.5.
Interior of a 1969 300SEL 6.3. Early cars had this kind of
automatic shift lever, later cars (see page 5) had shorter
shifters with rubber handles.
Mercedes-Benz press photo of the 6.3, notice the passenger is seated in the back being driven by a chauffeur.
cars marked the end of the line for S-Class
vehicles with kingpin front suspension and
a rear swing axle. They will lean substantially in heavy cornering but once they settle
into the turn they have much more grip than
you’d expect, especially considering their
narrow tires.
an input on the back that was intended for
options like an 8-Track player. Today, an inexpensive adapter allows you to add a 1/8
auxiliary jack to this input where you can
connect an iPod giving you modern music
options while preserving originality.
Interior
The cabin is an exercise in Teutonic efficiency
with high quality materials and a minimalist
approach. Every switch, gauge and button
has the feeling it will outlast the car with the
exception of the “safety” rubber heater/climate control levers which have a tendency
to dry out and break requiring tedious replacement. The heater and fresh air controls
provide individual adjustment for driver and
passenger though frequent adjustment of
temperature and fan speed is often required
to stay comfortable. It reminds you how nice
a feature automatic climate control is on our
modern Mercedes cars.
The rest of the dash is simple in layout with
a traditional Becker radio. Most cars were
equipped with a single speaker mounted in
the middle of the dash, another sharp contrast to Mercedes today with their dozen or
more speakers. Original Becker radios, like
the one found in 108 / 109 chassis cars have
6
Like W113 SLs and various other Mercedes
of the period, there is a single vent with a lever
next to it on the driver’s side, near the headlight
switch, that allows the driver to bring in fresh
air directly from outside. The air scoop on the
cowl provides the air directly which means the
faster you drive, the more air you’ll have blown
at you. Near this vent on the steering column is
a great innovation, the multifunction stalk. This
single stalk controls main beam headlights,
flashing of main beams, wiper on/off, wiper
speed selection as well as turn indicators. It’s
not the sexiest thing to brag about at a cruise
night but in its time it was a complex piece of
engineering. On cars equipped with air conditioning the controls and vents are an integrated
part of the dash, mounted low and in the center. The low belt line design creates for large
windows and theA/C can struggle to keep you
cool in the Summer, for this reason, the optional sunroof is a desirable and beneficial option.
One of the benefits of those large windows,
low belt line and thin pillars is fantastic visibilVisit the website: www.slmarket.com
Depending upon model or customer
choice, transmission shifter levers were
mounted on the column or floor. My car
is a column shift example. It has a gated
pattern the way an automatic floor mount
would, mounted vertically. Moving the lever
back and forth to shift takes some getting
used to, especially when shifting manually, for this reason, floor shift models are
generally considered more desirable. Cars
were available with either electric power or
manual crank windows. Power windows
were standard on the highest end models
and are often preferred. An option that I find
adds great comfort are the individual center
armrests for the front seats. Having to rest
your arm on your lap during long trips is
a bit less comfortable than using the arm
rest. Seats are quite comfortable and supportive. They act as almost an extension
of the suspension, the seat springs do an
excellent job of absorbing the bumps the
suspension does not. Upholstery choices
were either MB Tex or leather with MB Tex
providing far more durability at the expense
of a slightly less luxurious appearance.
Maintenance and Reliability
In general, potential costs increase as engine size increases. Mechanically fuel injected six cylinder models are considered
more desirable than carbureted models
though both can be reliable. The 3.5 and
4.5 liter engines used a rather complex
Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection.
When it’s working correctly it provides great
power and needs little attention though
when repairs are needed they can be costly.
The fuel system is surprisingly robust. It’s
important to replace the numerous, small
fuel hoses if you don’t know their age or
when they might have last been replaced.
The potential for fuel leaks is high and the
consequences of not replacing them catastrophic (fire!). Repairs and parts for W109
cars with the 6.3 engine can make 3.5 and
4.5 parts look downright cheap, despite the
fact they use a mechanical injection system. The same is true for W109 cars with
their pneumatic suspension.
Transistorized ignition was used in these
cars which means only a low current is
passed through the points resulting in
longer point life. Kits to convert points to
March / April 2015
electronic ignition are easily installed and
can be beneficial as distributor shaft wear/
wobble can start to occur as the miles rack
up. Periodic engine lifter adjustments are
required and all the cars have many suspension grease fittings that should be lubed frequently (even the door hinges have grease
points). All of this adds up to more laborious
and frequent basic maintenance than our
modern cars, but what else are you going to
do with your weekends? In general, maintenance is fairly simple and straight forward.
Access to most items is easy. While replacement parts can be expensive in some cases,
most everything is readily available and the
drivetrains in all models have a well-earned
reputation for longevity.
The Bottom Line
All W108 / 109 models are still very capable daily drivers. Combining classic styling, rich history, comfort, extreme usability, and robust mechanical systems these
cars are excellent for vintage tours, local
While not generally known as race or rally cars, some examples were used in competition. The original Swiss owner of
this 280SE bought it in period for European rally competition. Friend of the SLML, Gavin Lewis-Davis of Pebble Beach,
CA, uses it as occasional transportation on the Monterey Peninsula today.
cruise nights or long weekend trips. They’re
always well received at Mercedes-Benz
Club concours events. They offer a rewarding ownership experience and with their
two door counterparts on the rise in value,
A Cure for the Auto Afflicted... One of Each
I am a certified Mercedes Carmudgeon.
Though I have a few cars that one would
hunt for in the SL Market Letter, the following commentary sets aside the coupes
and roadsters to focus on the lustful ones
with two too many doors.
By John R. Jacobson
This opened the door. I leveraged the difference between an E350 and a loaded
E550. 6 cyl vs. 8, active suspension, extra
trim, It was a win - win argument with a toll
on the checkbook.
I’m a big fan of 60’s MB sedans for their allaround pragmatic usefulness in the 21st century. My ‘64 220SEb (111 chassis) is modern
for its time and quite kitsch nowadays but you
really have to be a ‘Fin-atic’ to like the look
more than the timeless 108-109 sedan.
We have two 280 SE sedans that we love
to drive; Eva, who we brought home from
California, and Ingrid who was purchased
new by my Father-in-Law, Ken Kamstra,
in 1969. Since we have three 280’s and
three 300’s we named them. So when I
mentioned to my wife, Angela, that I would
really like to buy a 300 SEL 4.5 that I’ve
had my eye on for years, the reply was “It
looks just like Ingrid and Eva. Why?” This
went on for a while, then came the day we
were buying a new car for use as Angela’s
daily driver. No, the E350 4matic was not
acceptable. It had to be the E550 Sport
4Matic with Designo interior. Like the three
little bears, it was a “just right” thing. The
E550 had the same 0-60 as the SL600 she
was retiring and after all, acceleration IS a
safety feature.
March / April 2015
perhaps W108 / W109 model sedans will
become more coveted than they have been
in the past. Well, no matter the offer, you’re
not getting mine.
John and Angela Jacobson with Eva, Ingrid and Sterling.
Driving the 300SEL 4.5 versus a 280SE;
When it comes to zipping around town with
less than a 40 mile round trip the 108 280
SE is my favorite. With its four speed auto
and low gear rear it actually has a faster
0-60 time than the 4.5. Up to 80 MPH it is
very responsive to throttle. Every April I
know Eva is waiting for me to hop in and
go. Short jaunts are a frequent event. The
crank windows, manual antenna and locks
all work without bed sores. Every couple
years she needs a shot of R134 in the A/C
system but that’s to be expected.
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
Sterling, our 300 SEL 4.5, is the car for
the road trip or longer drive. Hours of sustained 80 MPH is quiet and smooth. Our
friends in the back seat have the extra
room to stretch and reading lights to help
occupy the late night ride home. Angela,
having grown up with MBs in the family,
sees the hood star and is confident Sterling will get us home every time.
Air suspension horror stories have cause
many to run from the 109 and 112 chassis cars. Yes... I had to have new valves
& bags installed...Once! Expensive, but
worth every penny for the superior ride
quality. Again, for long trips without fatigue... Excellent! The finer things in life
come with a price, and correctly functioning air suspension is one of those things.
All the extra chrome and wood goes along
as an additional source of quiet delight.
The 4.5 was the last of the 109’s, being produced for one month past the end of the 3.5
and 6.3 (Oct. 72). Ours is #2504 of 2553 so
we view it as the end of an era. Though a
114 coupe or 123 wagon has occasionally
caught my auto focused eye, our collection
does not pass 1973. I cannot imagine any
later model that I would trade it for.
John Jacobson is a past President of the
190SL Group and a leading expert on 190SL
authenticity. John and Angela (and all their
cars) live in Newport, MN.
7
W 198 (1954 – 1963)
*300 SL Coupe, ‘55, Fire Red (DB 534) w/ tan / red plaid,
2005 restoration by Grundfor in original colors, matching numbers, manuals, tools, belly pans, fitted luggage,
Stu, 781-444-4646 MA
*300 SL Coupe, ‘55, Silver grey met. (DB 180) w/ blue
plaid, original color combo, factory Rudge wheel car
w/ belly pans, sold through Hoffman to CA with 1
owner until 1981, restored 2006 - 2008, early car w/
welted fender brows, 3.25 rear end, fantastic example,
87,760 miles. $1,750,000. 510-653-7555 CA
*300 SL Roadster, ‘57, Red w/ tan leather w/soft top &
black hard top, $80k mechanical overhaul by Paul
Russell & Co., Euro spec car, replacement engine
block, body straight w/ some blemishes 25,388 miles.
$1,075,000. 510-653-7555 CA
*300 SL Roadster, ‘57, Anthracite grey (DB172), grey soft
top w/ Tan (1068) Roser leather, unrestored with
just 50,801 miles in 2005 then completely restored,
completed 2008. 53 miles since. Recent major service,
numbers matching, books, tools, etc. Call for price
Scott, 805-474-6477 CA
*300 SL Coupe, ‘57, Anthracite grey metallic w/ red leather,
Matching numbers, exceptional example restored in
2010, 3.25 rear end, fitted w/ Rudge wheels, matching
luggage, owner’s manuals and tool kit, 98,594 miles.
Call for price, Mort, 949-335-7474 CA
*300 SL Roadster, ‘59, silver w/ dark blue leather, completely restored, perfect in every detail, showroom
condition. Car is located in Germany, price includes air
freight world wide, contact me in Florida, $1,495,300,
OBO 954-643-8380 FL
300 SL Roadster, ‘60, White, blue soft top w/ blue leather,
complete restoration by 300SL specialist in last 10 years,
outstanding mechanical and cosmetic condition, 14,000
miles. Call for price 914-997-9133 NY
*300 SL, Roadster ‘62, Silver Blue Met. (DB 353) w/ blue
soft top and hard top w/ lipstick red leather, factory
disc brakes, Euro lights, fitted luggage, tools, jack,
manuals, Koniczek restoration 2010, matching numbers Stu, 781-444-4646 MA
*300 SL Roadster, ‘62, Silver w/ red leather, undamaged, no
stories, correct engine, restored 2007 - 2009, maintained
and seldom used since, $1,700,000. (*$100k price reduction since Nov./Dec. ‘14 SLML*) 305-940-1161 FL
300 SL Roadster, ‘63, White (050) w/ red leather, disc
brakes, alloy block, Euro spec w/ Euro lights, 7,245
KMs since resto by HK Engineering, known international history, call for price 949-335-7474 CA
Ed. note: While we there are other 300SLs on the market, as
a general rule, we will only list the same car twice unless
there is some kind of price reduction or a significant
revision to the listing.
W 121 (1955 – 1963)
*190 SL, ‘56, Light blue, dark blue soft top w/ blue leather,
original radio, Solex carbs on motor that does not match
build sheet, color changed from black (040), long term
owner, $129,000. Roy, 650-343-7980 CA - S
*190 SL, ‘56, Silver grey, blue soft top w/ blue leather, kinder
seat, very nice example, original radio, 59,900 miles. $96,800
Firm, car is in the Netherlands + 31 416751393
*190 SL, ‘57, Fire engine red (534), black soft top w/ black
leather, older restoration, rebuilt engine and transmission, matching numbers, Edlebrock carb fitted, Solexes
included, very strong, great running car, 45,700 miles.
$119,000 OBO 310-399-3990 CA
*190 SL, ‘57, Fire engine red, tan soft top w/ tan leather,
restored example, original radio, glove box clock,
straight and solid, 412-384-3556 PA
190 SL, ‘58, Fire engine red, tan soft top, red hard top w/ tan
leather, 300 miles since resto, everything works, gorgeous
throughout, 21,000 miles. $139,900. (*$30,000 price
increase since last SLML* - Ed.) 913-888-1234 KS
*190 SL, ‘59, Silver, hard top only w/ red leather, long time
CA car, miles believed original, engine rebuild by Metric
Motors, much other mechanical work, new interior, Solex
carbs rebuilt, 80,000 miles. $139,000. 650-222-3595 CA
*190 SL, ‘59, Silver grey (180), black soft top w/ red
leather great driver, strong engine and trans., original
interior,120,954 miles. $97,000 OBO 561-762-6244 FL
*190 SL, ‘60, Black (040) w/ matching big window hard top
w/ red leather, no expense spared, extensive restoration
records, 84,743 miles. $178,949. 704-662-4443 NC
8
*190 SL, ‘60, Weis grau (158), black soft top, correct hard top
w/ red leather, just completed a fully documented 14
month cosmetic and partial mechanical restoration by
Bob Platz, original paint, numbers match, too much to
list! 5,676 miles. $149,995. Tom, 609-296-2234 NJ
*190 SL, ‘60, White, black soft top, hard top w/ red leather,
originally a West coast car, solid body and floors,
118,144 miles. $138,000. 908-234-2055 NJ
*190 SL, ‘61, White, white big window hard top w/ light
blue leather, stored in northern CA garage for many
years, running and driving, no major faults, solid, ready
for restoration 31,174 miles. Jack, 415-453-1611 CA
*190 SL, ‘61, Fire engine red (534), black soft top w/ black
leather, photo documented nut and bolt restoration,
gorgeous to look at, better to drive, books / manuals,
$185,000. 770-578-0066 GA
*190 SL, ‘62, Graphite gray (190), black soft top w/ red leather, long term family ownership, restored 10 years ago
w/ receipts, recent soft top and wide white walls, Becker
radio, in dash clock, 81,502 miles.815-675-3222 IL
190 SL, ‘62, Black w/ red leather, two owner car, same
owner past 30 years, runs perfectly, Solex carbs just
rebuilt, 28,255 miles. $108,000. 813-644-5940 FL
190 SL PARTS - 1958 engine #121/bII/121.931-8502208,
transmission and rear axle. Removed from “190 SLK”
transplant project. Offers between $6,000 & $10,000
considered. Video shows engine running w/ good
oil pressure before removal. Call Olson at the SLML
business office for details: 612-377-0156. Photos upon
request and link to video.
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
THE SERVICE YOU DESERVE
for cars that demand to be driven.
Brooklyn Motoren Werke, Inc.,
offers over 40 years of unparalleled
service and expertise to owners of all
Mercedes-Benz models, from the 1950s
to the present day.
From regular mechanical service, through
recommissioning of stored vehicles,
engine rebuilding, and full restorations,
our broad perspective allows us to bring
a contemporary outlook and modern
technology to bear on classic models,
while retaining the spirit of period
Mercedes-Benz engineering.
Our spare parts service is equally
unparalleled, with access to over half
a million new and used parts, and a
reference library unmatched outside
Stuttgart. Our own extensive inventory,
and our time-tested relationships with our
vendors, allow us to fill parts requests
with accuracy and certainty.
Together, our parts and service experts
bring more than 80 years of experience
to bear as leaders in the field, with a
special focus on the Type 300 family. We
are proud to serve on both MBCA and
Gull Wing Group technical committees,
and to supply parts and consulting
expertise to clients and competitors alike.
We are located two hours north of
Chicago, and serve clients around the
world, with global shipping and vehicle
transport available.
B R O O K LY N
MOTOREN
W E R KE INC
Service, Restoration, Parts &
Appraisals for Mercedes-Benz
PO Box 198 r 115 Market Street
Brooklyn, Wisconsin 53521-0198
608.455.7441 r www.brooklyn300.com
March / April 2015
W 113 (1963 – 1971)
*230 SL, ‘66, White, white hard top, tan soft top w/ tan
leather well worn, manual trans., original fenders, good
floors, some trunk rust, fair condition, good driver,
126,886 miles. $37,000. OBO 561-762-6244 FL
*230 SL, ‘67, Horizon blue, matching hard top and hub
caps, tan soft top w/ parchment leather, auto. trans.,
2 owner, rust free CA car, original floor boards and
factory beige undercoat, mint condition, 101,018
miles. $99,500. Brian, 619-238-1977 CA
*250 SL, ‘67, Triple black, both tops w/ MB tex int., manual
trans., Becker radio, original example that’s still a presentable driver, $34,750. Peter, 718-545-0500 NY
*250 SL, ‘67, Medium blue met., matching hard top, blue
soft top w/ Parchment leather, original ZF 5 speed
from factory per build card (option code 230), full nut
and bolt restoration, like new, Euro car, delivered new
to France, Jake, 212-929-3909 NY
*280 SL, ‘69, Signal Red, black soft top w/ black leather,
manual trans., bundt wheels, largely original car w/
some cosmetic restoration work done, originally
dark red (542), books / tools, 95,270 miles. $69,900.
314-993-7104 MO
*280 SL, ‘70, Light Ivory (670) w/ black (040) hard top,
hub caps and soft top w/ black leather, auto. trans.,
power steering, Becker radio, original miles with
meticulous records, one long term owner, gorgeous,
101,301 miles. $129,500. Nick, 949-548-7900 CA
*280 SL, ‘69, Sand Beige (467), matching hard top, black soft
top w/ red leather, auto. trans., Becker radio, detailed
engine bay, very presentable driver, recent comprehensive service, $68,500 OBO 281-497-1000 TX
*280 SL, ‘71, White (050) w/ tobacco brown (423) hard
top / hub caps, amazing 1 owner car, complete w/
original bill of sale, data card, window sticker, years
of service records, etc. new paint & leather, 66,745
miles. $179,000 OBO 631-283-8819 NY
*280 SL, ‘69, Tunis beige (DB 462) brown tops and hub
caps w/ chocolate brown MB tex, auto. trans., original Becker radio, tools, books, recent major service,
well sorted, nice driver, 71,200 miles. $78,800. Stu,
781-444-4646 CT
*280 SL, ‘70, Signal Red w/ hard top, black soft top, w/ new
black leather, manual trans., A/C, Nardi wheel, straight
and solid, $69,500. Mark, 314-524-6000 MO
250 SL, ‘67, Maroon, both tops w/ black MB tex, auto.
trans., 2 owners from new, restoration 15 years ago,
6k miles since, $69,500. (*$5,500 price reduction since
last SLML* - Ed.) Carlo, 610-505-8612 PA
*280 SL, ‘70, Dark Blue w/ cognac MB tex, auto. trans.,
Becker radio, power steering, A/C, spot welds, wide
white walls, gorgeous inside and out, 66,727 miles.
$84,990. Bob, 540-287-4378 VA
*250 SL, ‘67, Anthracite grey (172) w/ tan int., Euro spec
car with minor imperfections, but nice, both tops, runs
well, Joe, 772-263-1135 FL
*280 SL, ‘70, Midnight Blue (904), blue soft top and hard
top w/ cream leather, restored car, auto. trans., A/C.,
new soft top, blue carpet, Becker radio, Euro lights on
U.S. spec car, $195,000. 631-425-1555 NY
*250 SL, ‘67, Signal red, matching hard top, tan soft top w/
tan MB tex, auto. trans., power steering, recent cosmetic
and mechanical restoration w/ engine rebuild, paint and
chrome flawless, needs nothing, 914-997-9133 NY
250 SL, ‘67, Light Ivory, dark red hard top and hub caps w/
tan MB tex, manual trans., Euro lights, Becker radio,
high quality driver, 88,855 miles.775-786-7808 NV
*280 SL, ‘68, Red (576G) w/ black MB tex, soft top
and hard top, manual trans., documented CA car,
replacement engine, original engine included, repaint
July 2013, excellent cond. 62,202 miles. $115,000.
510-653-7555 CA
*280 SL, ‘68, Signal Red w/ black hard top, soft top and
hub caps w/ black MB tex, manual trans., A/C, solid
trunk, some rust underneath, 74,354 miles. $44,500.
Alex, 310-975-0272 CA
*250 SL, ‘68, Signal red, black soft top only w/ black
leather, auto. trans., same owner for many years, sitting
for a long time, very nice project car, $23,500. Alex,
310-975-0272 CA
*280 SL, ‘70, Green, tan top w/ hard top w/ tan MB tex,
auto. trans., Becker radio, clean engine bay, new interior, rebuilt engine by Metric Motors in ‘09, excellent
condition, $69,000. 860-664-0727 CT
*280 SL, ‘71, Signal Red, black soft top and hard top w/
black MB tex, Auto. trans., restoration started by
previous owner 15 years ago, currently on blocks,
interior not fitted, complete project car, 49,000 miles.
make offer Frank, 216-362-0100 OH
*280 SL, ‘71, Blue (903), matching hard top, tan soft top
w/ parchment MB tex, auto. trans., A/C, restored
wood work, engine rebuilt w/ receipts, complete
with books and tools, 61,142 miles. $79,500. OBO
310-657-9699 CA
280 SL, ‘71, Horizon Blue (DB 304) w/ dark blue (DB
904) hub caps and soft top w/ blue MB tex, auto.
trans., largely original, beautiful original example,
53,000 miles. $76,500. (*$8,500 price reduction since
last SLML* - Ed.) 805-202-4557 CA
280SL, ‘71, Dark Red (542G) w/ natural MB tex, both
tops, Auto. trans., A/C., originally a CA car, new soft
top, one repaint in correct color, runs great, 480-2912952, Ontario, Canada
*280 SL, ‘70, Beige Grey (728) w/ green leather, ZF 5
speed, complete restoration, matching numbers, original body panels, optional limited slip diff., $325,000.
760-723-8900 CA
*280 SL, ‘70, Tunis Beige, brown soft top w/ Cognac
leather, 2 year restoration by Classic Restoration
Denver, driven 1,000 miles since, engine and auto.
trans. both rebuilt during resto, color change from
off-white, Jack, 303-258-6464 CO - S
*280 SL, ‘70, White (DB 050) w/ medium blue (DB350)
hub caps and hardtop, blue soft top w/ dark blue MB
tex., auto. trans., power steering, known history, largely
original, 21,446 miles. $95,000. 510-653-7555 CA
*280 SL, ‘71, Tunis beige (462) w/ hard top, dark brown
soft top and MB tex, auto. trans., same owner 20+
years, in So. Cal. since new, one repaint in original color, well maintained, high quality, sorted driver, 90,597
miles. $88,000. OBO SLML client car, contact Dave
Tobin, 612-567-0234 - car is in L.A., California
*280 SL, ‘68, Light blue metallic, matching hard top, blue
soft top w/ Cognac MB tex, 1 owner, documented
car purchased in France, imported to U.S. in 1980s,
all service records from new, 107,581 miles. $64,900.
516-762-4200 NY
*280 SL, ‘69, Signal red w/ parchment, restored car, new
paint, interior, exhaust, tires, fully sorted, A/C, original
radio, tools, books, $55,550. Neville, 914-548-5637 NY
*280 SL, ‘69, Gray-Beige w/ brown soft top w/ beige
leather, beyond a restoration, exquisite in every detail,
auto. trans., A/C, break in miles only, essentially a ‘new’
car, $305,000. Brian, 619-238-1977 CA
*280 SL, ‘69, Dark Green (268), matching hard top, green
soft top w/ black MB tex, meticulous 3 year restoration,
auto. trans., completely sorted, great driving car, original
data card, books, etc. 57,872 miles. 954-565-0529 FL
March / April 2015
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
9

Why the Pagoda? Why Now?

- Dave
making sense of the value
ofTobin
their


1963-1967 2.3 ltr. Single Cam 6 113.042 127.981
1965-1968
1967-1971
2.5 ltr. Single Cam 6 113.043
2.8 ltr. Single Cam 6 113.044
129.982
130.983
This isn’t
going
be aswings
history lesson
or a
cars
since
new.toWild
in demand

Condition Condition Condition Condition Condition
Condition
for
this series
confused
generations
buyer’s
guide, has
I’ll assume
we’re
all well ac- 

 



of
owners.
Much
of theSLs.
cause
indequainted
with
the W113
No,was
I’m going
(113 Body) '98-Jul/Dec $3,600 $ 4,800 $ 8,800 $16,320 $23,840 $38,000
Price New: $6,587
'02-Jul/Dec $3,100 $ 4,900 $ 9,375 $17,575 $25,925 $39,000
pendent
of thesome
car itself.
starters
an
to try to make
senseFor
of what
we’ve
Prodctn:19,831 (w/4,752 US) '06-Jul/Dec $2,900 $ 5,500 $12,195 $23,195 $33,695 $46.000
extreme
climb
incollector
the value
of German
been seeing
in the
car market
over
Less $4,500 if only hrdtp
'10-Jan/Jun $4,800 $ 6,750 $13,370 $25,910 $38,450 $60,000
Marks
to18
US- dollars
in the
1970s
literally
Add $1,500 if 2 good tops
'13-Jan/Jun $6,900 $ 9,700 $15,875 $33,640 $51,400 $85,000
the past
24 months
and
how that
reAdd $4,000 if ZF 5spd shft
'15-Jan/Feb $7,900 $11,900 $18,800 $38,150 $57,500 $97,000+
tripled
retail
of
lates tothe
the suggested
Pagoda SL.US
In the
pastprice
month

5.03%
5.84%
4.86% 5.45%
5.66%
6.03%
the
Pagoda's
successor
450
SLs.
Its
I’ve seen these cars sell from $10,000 to
(113 Body) '98-Jul/Dec $3,900 $ 5,200 $10,180 $17,965 $25,550
$40,000

suggested
US Now,
price more
grew than
fromever,
$11,059
over $200,000.
you
Price New: $6,897
'02-Jul/Dec $3,500 $ 5,675 $11,270 $19,680 $28,095 $43,000
(‘72)
to
$35,875
(‘80).
This
caused
inProdctn:5,196 (w/1,743 US) '06-Jul/Dec $4,500 $ 5.900 $14,180 $26,130 $38,085 $55,000
better know what you’re looking at, oranhire
Add $1,500 with working A/C '10-Jan/Jun $6,000 $ 7,400 $17,575 $30,010 $42,450 $75,000
tense
demand
for used
Pagodas
someone
who does,
before
you buy and
beAdd $5,000 for all ZF 5 spd
'13-Jan/Jun $7,400 $ 9,850 $16,970 $35,585 $54,200 $95,000
early 450 SLs. Owners were invited to sell
Less $4,500 if only hard top' '15-Jan/Feb $8,600 $12,285 $19,850 $45,850 $82,500 $120,000+
cause in today’s market it’s very easy to
their Pagodas back to M-B dealers for

5.07%
5.52%
4.26% 6.07%
7.60%
7.11%
make an expensive mistake.
more money than they paid for them when
(113 Body) '98-Jul/Dec $4,700 $ 5,900 $14,000 $20,500 $27,000 $48,000
Price New: $6,897
'02-Jul/Dec $5,000 $ 6,100 $16,273 $24,914 $33,554 $55,000
new.
double!
As word
MuchSometimes
of the talk among
pundits
andtravenProdctn:15,120 (w/6,220 US) '06-Jul/Dec $6,400 $ 7,150 $20,880 $33,065 $45,390 $78,000
elled
it
attracted
purchasers
of
new
thusiast at collector car events, especially
Subtrct $2,000 if A/C fails
'10-Jan/Jun $8,800 $ 9,200 $23,955 $40,475 $57,000 $95,000
Mercedes-Benz
too,
believing
the pheAdd $2,500 if 3.27:1 axle
'13-Jan/Jun $10,100 $12,600 $24,425 $47,700 $71,475 $115,000
the big auctions, is
‘What’s
happening
to
No orgnl ZF 5-spds after '68
'15-Jan/Feb $11,600 $14,000 $26,775 $55,900 $89,000 $165,000+
nomena
would
never
end!
It
did
come
to
the market?’ The factors mentioned in my

5.81%
5.55%
4.14%
6.40%
7.74%
8.20%
a“Making
screeching
halt
in
1982
when
exchange
Sense of Arizona Auction Week”
(113 Body) '98-Jul/Dec $4,850 $ 5,900 $14,220 $20,720 $30,000 $50,000
rates
and
new
SL prices
article leveled
in the last
issue
of 380
the SLML
(Vol.
Price New: $7,884
'02-Jul/Dec $5,500 $ 6,500 $17,680 $25,710 $36,000 $57,000
changed
less
than
$1,000
during
the
Prodctn: 8,765 (w/6,565 US) '06-Jul/Dec $6,500 $ 7,500 $20,120 $30,900 $47.000 $82,000
29, No.2) - new enthusiasts, new money,
Subtrct $2,000 if A/C fails
'10-Jan/Jun $9,200 $11,100 $23,100 $36,800 $57,000 $105,000
next
years.
For
theauctions,
subsequent
15
morefour
places
to buy
cars,
TV covNo original 5 spds after '68
'13-Jan/Jun $10,600 $12,750 $26,000 $42,050 $77,000 $125,000
years
remained
Less $4,500 if only hrdtp
'15-Jan/Feb $12,200 $14,000 $28,900 $56,700 $110,000 $175,000+
erage,Pagoda
etc. - all SL
helpprices
increase
demandonfora

5.93%
5.55%
4.53%
6.49%
8.46%
8.14%
frustrating plateau, barely differing suffithe relatively small number of cars driving
ciently for condition differences. Adding
prices up, simple economics.
1965-1968 2.5 ltr. Single Cam 6 113.043 129.982
indignity, the older, smaller, four cylinder 
making sense of the value of their
1967-1971 2.8 ltr. Single Cam 6 113.044 130.983
1963-1967 2.3 ltr. Single Cam 6 113.042 127.981
190SLs
began
Pagoda
values.
One of the
mosteclipsing
beneficial
aspects
of incars
since
new.
Wild
swings
in
demand

Condition Condition Condition Condition Condition
Condition
Many
owners
boughtis that
“expecting”
creasing
Pagodathat
SL values
the cars
for
this series gave
has confused
generations

 



appreciation
up and
sold
their
are being noticed
and
appreciated
ascars.
true 
of owners. Much of the cause was inde
(113 Body) '98-Jul/Dec $3,600 $ 4,800 $ 8,800 $16,320 $23,840
$38,000
collectorof
cars,
will ensure
the survival
New: $6,587
'02-Jul/Dec $3,100 $ 4,900 $ 9,375 $17,575 $25,925 $39,000
pendent
the that
car itself.
For
starters
an

In
retrospect
the Price
of
more
examples.
It
finally
makes
sense
Prodctn:19,831 (w/4,752 US) '06-Jul/Dec $2,900 $ 5,500 $12,195 $23,195 $33,695 $46.000
extreme
climb
in
the
value
of
German
230/250/280
SLs
did nothing
themselves
'10-Jan/Jun $4,800 $ 6,750 $13,370 $25,910 $38,450 $60,000
to starttosinking
money
into 1970s
‘dad’s
rusty
old Less $4,500 if only hrdtp
Marks
UStripling
dollars
in
the
literally
Add $1,500 if 2 good tops
'13-Jan/Jun $6,900 $ 9,700 $15,875 $33,640 $51,400 $85,000
to
warrant
in
value
and
the
subse250SLthe
that’s
been parked
in theprice
garage
Add $4,000 if ZF 5spd shft
'15-Jan/Feb $7,900 $11,900 $18,800 $38,150 $57,500 $97,000+
tripled
suggested
US retail
of
quent
plateau
wastrue
equally
non collectself-in
5.03%
5.84%
4.86% 5.45%
5.66%
6.03%
since1976’.
Unlike
blue
chip
the
Pagoda's
successor
450
SLs.
Its
flicted.
190SLs
grew
in valuemodels
first simply
(113 Body) '98-Jul/Dec $3,900 $ 5,200 $10,180 $17,965 $25,550
$40,000

ibles
like
pre-War
Mercedes
and
suggested
US were
price agrew
fromolder.
$11,059
because they
decade
Price New: $6,897
'02-Jul/Dec $3,500 $ 5,675 $11,270 $19,680 $28,095 $43,000
300SLs,
the W113
series
SLs
were regular
(‘72)
to $35,875
(‘80).
This
caused
an inProdctn:5,196 (w/1,743 US) '06-Jul/Dec $4,500 $ 5.900 $14,180 $26,130 $38,085 $55,000
Add $1,500 with working A/C '10-Jan/Jun $6,000 $ 7,400 $17,575 $30,010 $42,450 $75,000
volume
production
their era. Most
tense
demand
for cars
usedofPagodas
and
As the
accompanying
chart shows,
Add $5,000 for all ZF 5 spd
'13-Jan/Jun $7,400 $ 9,850 $16,970 $35,585 $54,200 $95,000
were450
treated
as
basic transportation,
often
early
SLs.
Owners
were
invited
to
sell
Pagoda SLs finally reached that cer- Less $4,500 if only hard top' '15-Jan/Feb $8,600 $12,285 $19,850 $45,850 $82,500 $120,000+
driven
year
‘round.
They
were
wrecked,
their
Pagodas
back
to M-B
dealers
for

5.07%
5.52%
4.26% 6.07%
7.60%
7.11%
tain
age
where
demand
exceeded
supmore
money
than
they
paid
for
them
when
they
rusted,
they
were
traded
in
when
the
ply; more nostagia than savable cars; just (113 Body) '98-Jul/Dec $4,700 $ 5,900 $14,000 $20,500 $27,000 $48,000
'02-Jul/Dec $5,000 $ 6,100 $16,273 $24,914 $33,554 $55,000
new.
Sometimes
double!
As word
trav450SL
became
the
more preservationists
modern
flavor
of Price New: $6,897
spoils
for
loyal owners,
Prodctn:15,120 (w/6,220 US) '06-Jul/Dec $6,400 $ 7,150 $20,880 $33,065 $45,390 $78,000
elled
it
attracted
purchasers
of
new
the
month.
We
aren’t
sure
how
many
Paand restorers? Even miserable examples Subtrct $2,000 if A/C fails
'10-Jan/Jun $8,800 $ 9,200 $23,955 $40,475 $57,000 $95,000
Mercedes-Benz
too,
believing
thebut
phe'13-Jan/Jun $10,100 $12,600 $24,425 $47,700 $71,475 $115,000
goda SLs
survive
as driveable
cars,
you Add $2,500 if 3.27:1 axle
have
growing
value
as
parts cars.
Maybe
No orgnl ZF 5-spds after '68
'15-Jan/Feb $11,600 $14,000 $26,775 $55,900 $89,000 $165,000+
nomena
would
never
Itafter
did
come
to
canphenomena
be sure
more
willend!
be
back
the
won't
endput
all!on the

5.81%
5.55%
4.14%
6.40%
7.74%
8.20%
aroad
screeching
haltwill
in 1982
when
and others
continue
to exchange
be lovingly (113 Body) '98-Jul/Dec $4,850 $ 5,900 $14,220 $20,720 $30,000 $50,000
rates
leveled
new
380 SL prices
maintained
as and
values
increase.
Price New: $7,884
'02-Jul/Dec $5,500 $ 6,500 $17,680 $25,710 $36,000 $57,000
changed less than $1,000 during the
Prodctn: 8,765 (w/6,565 US) '06-Jul/Dec $6,500 $ 7,500 $20,120 $30,900 $47.000 $82,000
Subtrct $2,000 if A/C fails
'10-Jan/Jun $9,200 $11,100 $23,100 $36,800 $57,000 $105,000
next
four
years.
For
thechart
subsequent
When
I look
at the
price
(at right) 15
No original 5 spds after '68
'13-Jan/Jun $10,600 $12,750 $26,000 $42,050 $77,000 $125,000
years
Pagodacompiled
SL prices
remained
onthe
a
that Olson’s
with
data from
Less $4,500 if only hrdtp
'15-Jan/Feb $12,200 $14,000 $28,900 $56,700 $110,000 $175,000+
5.93%
5.55%
4.53%
6.49%
8.46%
8.14%
frustrating
plateau,
differing
suffipast 15+ years
I’m barely
immediately
struck
by 
ciently
for difference
condition between
differences.
Adding
the huge
the three
difindignity,
the older,
four
ferent models
in thesmaller,
Condition
#1cylinder
column. CONDITION #6 CONDITION #5 CONDITION #4 CONDITION #3 CONDITION #2 CONDITION #1
190SLs
began eclipsing
Pagoda#1
values.
Let’s remember,
that Condition
repre-      




Many
that bought


sents owners
an essentially
perfect “expecting”
car, a trailer

 



appreciation
gave
up
and
sold
their
cars.




queen. A very small percentage of cars





qualify for this condition rating. In fact, most 






 In retrospect the



cars I’ve looked at that owners believe to



230/250/280 SLs did nothing themselves
be Condition #1 are condition #2 cars at
to 
warrant tripling in
value and the subse 
      March
  / April
  2015
 
           

10
Visit the website:
www.slmarket.com
quent plateau was equally non self-inflicted. 190SLs grew in value first simply




Clockwise from left: A “Pagoda Pack” event in Minneapolis, strong ‘affinifty groups’ have sprung up around the country for W113
enthusiasts. European vs. U.S. spec headlights. Clean lines of the 230SL. 280SL engine bay. 280SL interior.
best and more often, Condition #3. Is a near
perfect 1970 280SL really worth $75,000
more than a similar 230SL? The market
says yes. This very high end is reserved for
serious collectors and concours competitors. This portion of the market gets all the
press, but is a tiny percentage of it.
We all marvel at the huge sale prices for
‘cars like ours’ at the big auctions. What’s
more relevant to the vast majority of W113
owners, and buyers looking for cars, are
the prices of Condition 2 and 3 cars. That’s
where most cars realistically reside on the
condition spectrum. The good news for potential buyers is that the price differences between models shrink considerably when we
get into these levels allowing more choices
for similar money among the different W113
variants.
Jerry Seinfeld summed the Pagoda SL up
nicely in an episode of his web based show
‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’ when
he picked up Alec Baldwin in a 280SL, “This
was a car for guys that want a sports car,
but don’t really want to be inconvenienced.”
Pagoda SLs are, like most Mercedes-Benz
cars of the era, above all else they’re just
GOOD CARS. They’re mechanically robust
and reliable. You can store your car over
the Winter and in the Spring it will start right
up once you re-connect the battery. They
have fuel injection. Power steering and air
conditioning is available. They’re comfortMarch / April 2015
able enough so you don’t feel like you’ve
just run a marathon after a full day of driving
on a vintage car tour. Performance is good
enough that you can really have some fun
and keep up with modern traffic. They do everything you need an old car to do and they
do it all reasonably well. They’re also safe
compared to what else was available at the
time. Mercedes claimed the 230SL was “The
first sports car in the world with safety body”
incorporating deformable, energy-absorbing
front and rear structures surrounding a rigid
passenger cell, crumple zones.
As for the character of each model, I’ve
heard people describe the difference between a 230 and 280SL like ‘apples and
oranges’. I wouldn’t go that far. I think the
differences between the 230, 250 and
280SL are more like the differences between McIntosh, Jonathan and Honey
Crisp apples, they each have a distinct
character, but they’re all apples.
I often described my manual transmission
230SL as a Mercedes that drove life an Alfa
Romeo, high revving, plenty of work to be
done shifting up and down through the
gears and lots of fun to drive. The 250SL is
the rarest of W113s. It was on the market
for just 10 months from the end of February
through December 1967, but the market
has never rewarded this rarity with dollars.
It has just 14 more foot pounds of torque
than the 230SL, but it makes a difference
you can feel from the driver’s seat.
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
The 280SL is the car the market values most
with increased horsepower and torque, more
automatic transmission cars were produced
than manuals. Despite increased displacement, the compression ratio was lowered
and other modifications were made to meet
exhaust emissions regulations meaning that
measurable performance changed little from
earlier models.
The bottom line is that you don’t have any
bad choices between these three . The way
most of us use these cars today, which one
you buy will make little difference in your
overall enjoyment of it. It may be as simple
as budget. The trick is deciding which car
is best for you for the dollars. With Pagoda
SLs, the same money can buy very different examples when you consider condition. I see real value in the 230 and 250SL
market at the moment because the market
places such a premium on 280SLs. The
other two models can often be found ‘flying
under the radar’ and there are good deals
to be had. We’ve broken down the 280SLs
into two groups in the price chart because
the market continues to place a premium
on the last two years of 280SL production,
all things being equal.
If money, or future appreciation potential,
is your only concern you’re in this for the
wrong reasons. Buy the best car you car
afford, buy what turns you on and enjoy it,
the rest will take care of itself!
11
R 107 (1971 – 1989)
*450 SL, ‘73, Red metallic, white hub caps, black soft top
w/ black MB tex, small bumpers, excellent condition
interior and exterior paint, very nice original car,
23,878 miles. $16,995. 678-279-1609 GA
*450 SL, ‘76, Signal red, red hub caps, w/ Parchment
leather, rear seat, exceptional condition, original owner
passed away within 1 year of purchase, was in long
term storage, now a great running, perfect car, 17,929
miles. $95,000 Firm. 860-307-6026 CT
*450 SL, ‘76, Signal red, both tops w/ Parchment leather,
updated wood and stereo, interior in excellent condition, 136,146 miles. $5,750. 863-635-9008 FL
*450 SL, ‘77, White w/ matching hard top and hub caps,
black soft top w/ red leather, time warp example, one
owner from new, always maintained, preserved original
in all areas, 10,843 miles. $47,500. 631-425-1555 NY
*450 SL, ‘78, Silver, matching hard top, black soft top
w/ black leather, well maintained, original interior in
fair condition, ready to drive, 79,000 miles. $12,500.
Randy, 612-619-2252 MN
*450 SL, ‘78, Cinnamon brown metallic, both tops w/
Parchment leather, perfect soft top, much recent work,
trans. mount, shifter bushings, valve cover gaskets, too
much to list, ready to drive anywhere! 82,245 miles.
$13,300. Kevin, 505-450-4401 CO
*450 SL, ‘79, Light blue metallic, matching hard top, blue
soft top w/ dark blue leather, Bundt wheels, new
Michelins, strong A/C, sorted, great running example,
119,000 miles. $10,500 Firm, Jack, 352-419-9321 FL
*450 SL, ‘80, White, with hard top, gold BBS wheels w/
blue leather, blue soft top, pristine example, original
miles, never exposed to the elements, original radio,
A/C, 34,479 miles. $33,995. 618-271-3000 IL
*450 SL, ‘80, Dark blue, blue tops w/ Palomino leather,
Bundt wheels, excellent paint and chrome, original
Becker Mexico, great driving car, 61,079 miles.
$19,900. 314-429-4020 MO
*450 SL, ‘80, Manganese brown metallic (480), matching
hard top, brown soft top w/ Palomino leather, Becker
stereo, 59,011 miles. $32,900. 800-242-3968 NY
C L A S S I C R E S T O R ACZ$PVOUSZ$MVC
TION
*280 SL, ‘80, Petrol blue, dark brown soft top w/ blue
leather, Euro car w/ headlights and bumpers, Nardi
wheel, blew head gasket several years ago, sitting since,
95,000 miles. $3,750. 303-419-5563 CO
*500 SL, ‘82, Gold w/ 2 tone MB Tex / hounds tooth,
Black soft top, Euro car, always stored Winters. 28,000
miles. $22,000. Tom, 585-385-9078 NY
*280 SL, ‘82, Signal Red w/ two tone tan cloth / MB tex,
auto. trans., Euro car, U.S. bumpers / lights, rear jump
seat, runs / handles perfectly, 65,083 miles. $30,000
OBO David, 770-942-8444 GA - S
*280 SL, ‘82, Signal Red w/ black leather, Euro bumpers,
US lights, auto. trans., always a maintained CA car, no
rust, 122,500 miles. $11,750. 310-297-2671 CA
*280 SL, ‘82, Dark blue metallic, both tops blue w/ tan
leather, Euro spec, grey market import w/ 5 speed
manual trans., repainted several years ago, 123,000
miles. $9,350. Tom, 715-864-270 WI
*380 SL, ‘83, Silver Blue met. w/ blue int., bundt wheels,
great wood and int., first aid kit, very clean example,
23,059 miles. $24,900. 302-875-7642 DE
*380 SL, ‘83, Light Ivory w/ Palomino int., both tops, original radio, bundt alloys, clean inside and out, comes w/
top winch 46,712 miles. $15,000. 843-528-3100 SC
*380 SL, ‘83, Light Ivoryw/ dark brown int. and soft top
w/ hard top, bundt alloys, original radio, nice example,
63,168 miles. $12,900. 847-624-8005 IL
*380 SL, ‘84, Black w/ black soft top w/ hard top, w/
Palomino, Nardi wheel, garage kept, original radio,
gorgeous, 16,343 miles. $31,900. 561-640-1090 FL
*380 SL, ‘84, White w/ Blue soft top w/ hard top w/ blue
int., straight body w/ clean paint, rear seat option,
28,952 miles. $24,900. 800-242-3968 NY
380 SL, ‘84, Thistle Green, tan soft top, w/ cream int., w/
hard top, mostly original paint, 46,635 miles. $24,995.
978-263-9000 MA
*380 SL, ‘84, Anthracite Grey w/ grey int., both tops,
Euro bumpers, rear seat option, excellent in and out,
69,477 miles. $14,990. 949-574-9907 CA
*380 SL, ‘84, White w/ Blue soft top, blue int., w/ hard
top, recent timing chain, very clean, well cared for,
89,310 miles. $7,950. Cy, 610-207-2380 PA
*380 SL, ‘84, Signal Red w/ Palomino w/ both tops, later
560SL wheels, Alpine stereo, good driver, presents
well, 81,830 miles. $7,879. 414-481-8500 WI
*280 SL, ‘84, Tan w/ Brown int., grey market 6 cyl., auto.
trans., power windows w/ A/C, same U.S. owner since
1985, $10,000 OBO. 214-695-3703 TX

SL MARKET LETTER(SLML) is published, edited and copyrighted, 2015, by SL Market
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and opinions constitute market research compiled from many sources, including subscribers.
Material is frequently condensed and edited. SLML price trend reports have been compiled in the same manner for over 12 years and likely to be very
accurate. Data combines asking and known selling prices, with unusually high & low examples excluded. Items are checked for accuracy, though SLML is not
responsible for errors in fact or content. Asterisks show new listings. An "S" in a listing indicates a subscriber's offering.
Subscribe or renew via our website: www.slmarket.com or via email at office@slmarket.com - Email the editor at tobin@slmarket.com
MARCH / APRIL 2015
12
vol. XXIX, no. 3 2020 Girard AvE. S, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55405 USA
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
Ph 612-377-0155
fax 612-377-0157
March / April 2015
R 107 (1971 – 1989)
*280 SL, ‘84, Metallic Blue w/ Grey leather, Euro car w/
5 speed manual trans., bundt wheels, interior needs
work, $7,995. 813-645-6200 FL
*380 SL, ‘85, Signal Red w/ Palomino, 1 owner, original
radio and interior, absolutely perfect, 13,728 miles.
$37,995. 201-426-0222 NJ
*380 SL, ‘85, Astral Silver w/ black soft top w/ grey int.
w/ hard top, all keys, books, manuals, gorgeous, 46,605
miles. $18,900. 303-232-2540 CO
*380 SL, ‘85, Light Ivory, black soft top w/ burgundy
int. w/ hard top, Euro lights, 2 owners, super clean,
runs and drives excellent, 79,822 miles. $7,900. Peter,
727-656-2027 FL
*560 SL, ‘86, Black Pearl met. w/ grey int., both tops, garaged for years, rarely driven, hate to sell, but moving,
35,367 miles. $22,900. Bruce, 903-759-8822 TX
*560 SL, ‘86, Smoke Silver, Black soft top w/ hard top w/
Dark Brown int., excellent cond., interior shows minimal wear, 63,210 miles. $15,950. 440-327-0667 OH
*560 SL, ‘87, Garnet Red met., almost new soft top w/
hard top w/ Palomino interior shows some seat
wear, 1 owner, runs and drives perfectly, original
paint, extensive service history, 113,000 miles. $8,950.
Dominic, 480-737-0070 AZ
J & D Plating
Custom Chrome Plating
*560 SL, ‘87, Pearl Black met., black soft top w/ hard
top w/ grey interior, recent full service and complete
detail, gorgeous, great running example, 79,046 miles.
$17,900. John, 612-242-6881 MN - S
*560 SL, ‘87, Champagne met. w/ hard top w/ dark brown
interior and soft top, clean example w/ original radio,
great interior and wood, runs great, 49,567 miles.
$22,900. 760-778-5444 CA
St. Paul, MN 55104
Gary W/ DuBois
owner
Ph: 651-251-7400
Fx: 651-251-7402
*560 SL, ‘88, Black w/ black tops w/ Palomino, Becker
radio, recent full service, originally red, color changed
to black, 70,930 miles. $15,800. 516-576-5757 NY
Email: pat4q@comcast.net
*560 SL, ‘88, Garnet Red met., black soft top w/ hard
top, cream beige int., 2 owner car w/ records, 64,446
miles. $17,999. Robert, 603-571-5677 NH
*560 SL, ‘89, Arctic White, original black soft top w/
Palomino int. w/ hard top, July ‘89 production, 2 owners, Michelins, new battery, hard top stand, beautiful!
41,000 miles. $35,000. Rodger, 270-444-9999 KY
*560 SL, ‘86, Signal red w/ hard top, black soft top w/ Palomino leather, great car, ready to drive, recent service,
84,500 miles. $10,500. Lynn, 651-633-9506 MN
*560 SL, ‘89, Arctic White w/ Grey, Black soft top w/
hard top, Summer driven only, always garaged, new
Michelins, has hard top stand, 43,000 miles. $24,000.
Norm, 563-650-8362 IA
*560 SL, ‘87, Arctic White, both tops w/ Palomino interior, excellent inside and out, only minor wear / rock
chips to original car, mechanically fantastic, new tires,
38,699 miles. $30,900. Klaus, 760-445-2921 CA
*560 SL, ‘89, Signal Red w/ Palomino, brown soft top w/
hard top, great drive train, well maintained, west coast
car, 1 family owned, hard top stand and hoist, 65,112
miles. $18,500. George, 303-902-9827 CO
*560 SL, ‘89, Black Pearl Metallic, matching hard top w/
black soft top, grey leather, excellent condition, w/
records. $9,995. Kevin, 816-569-3500 KS
*560 SL, ‘87, Silver w/ blue interior, both tops, in the
family 25 years, all original, great shape, well cared for
83,500 miles. $15,995. Ed, 760-445-2921 CA
*560 SL, ‘89, Arctic White w/ Palomino well maintained,
new interior, newer soft top, original paint, 99,300
miles. $13,000. Vincent, 213-840-6263 CA
*560 SL, ‘89, White, new dark brown soft top, hard top,
Palomino leather, mostly original paint, excellent
cond., 89,562 miles, $16,500. Ed 908-872-7356 NJ
*560 SL, ‘89, Arctic White w/ hard top, blue soft top w/
blue int., Very nice car, never driven Winters, top stand
included, must see! 67,500 miles. $13,999. Willard,
585-442-8996 NY
Servicing all your Mercedes-Benz needs,
with Quality you can count on!
Shop online
or call for a
107 catalog
Mon-Fri 8-5
see our store on
®
BudsBenz.com
pm est
7773 W. Strickland St. Douglasville, Georgia 30134
March / April 2015
800.942.8444
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
13
R 129 (1990 – 2002)
*300 SL, ‘90, Champagne, matching hard top w/ beige
leather, recent inspection and service, ready to drive
anywhere, 59,606 miles. $16,990. 831-427-2700 CA
*500 SL, ‘92, Polar white w/ grey lower body, matching
hard top w/ grey leather, mileage is genuine, 6,473
miles. $22,900. Paul, 203-559-1160 CT
*300 SL, ‘92, Light green metallic, black soft top w/ hard
top w/ cream beige leather, new Michelins, 77,000
miles. $13,500. Dan, 612-325-4951 MN
*SL 500, ‘94, Black pearl metallic, both tops, black soft top
w/ black leather, excellent example, perfect top function, 29,052 miles. $17,495. Klaus, 239-771-0057 FL
*SL 500, ‘95, Moonstone Grey w/ Black int. and soft
top, All service records, garaged, excellent condition,
$20,000. Flynn, 202-285-8008 VA
*SL 600, ‘95, Triple black, both tops, well optioned example, looks and runs great, clean Carfax, no accidents,
79,980 miles. $11,877. 540-657-9900 VA
*SL 500, ‘96, Triple black, both tops, chrome wheels,
excellent interior leather and wood trim, always dealer
serviced, 34,337 miles. $14,900. 239-227-2622 FL
*SL 320, ‘96, Triple black, both tops, garaged since new,
waxed twice a year, wood wheel, recent service, 70,400
miles. $7,500. Richard, 508-314-0299 MA
*SL 500, ‘97, designo red met., new black soft top, tan
int., 40th Anniv. Spc. Ed. new top hydraulics, 76,650
miles. $17,495. Justin, 239-398-4492 FL
14
*SL 500, ‘97, designo red metallic (019) w/ hard top
w/ mushroom (265) leather, 40th Anniversary Ed.,
chestnut wood trim w/ wood / leather wheel, rear
badge delete, spec. ed. floor mats, gorgeous original,
14,394 miles.760-773-5000 CA
*SL 500, ‘98, Triple black, both tops, 1 owner car, perfect
condition, known history and ownership, great example, 28,097 miles. $15,250. 502-895-2451 KY
*SL 500, ‘99, Black w/ grey leather w/ hard top, new soft
top, 18” AMG wheels w/ new Michelins, 80,000 miles.
$17,500. Dick, 703-623-5468 VA
SL 500, ‘99, Black w/ tan leather and soft top w/ hard
top, original paint, full service history, 22,100 miles.
$19,850. (*$1,100 price reduction since last SLML* Ed) Ben, 805-709-5640 CA
*SL 500, ‘99, Glacier white, both tops w/ ash grey leather,
flawless inside and out, new Michelins, always garaged,
29,100 miles. $19,500. James, 561-305-1623 FL
*SL 500, ‘99, Champagne, tan soft top, matching hard
topw/ tan leather, 2 owner car, well cared for, gorgeous, 39,017 miles. $12,950. 425-881-3211 WA
*SL 600, ‘99, Sunburst yellow (rare factory color) w/ Java
leather, wood trim pkg, Panorama hard top, 56,426
miles. $23,950. Joey, 480-205-5880 AZ
*SL 600, ‘99, Glacier white, matching hard top w/ ash grey
leather, wood leather wheel, premium wheels, a great
V12, 65,225 miles. $14,495. 631-393-6200 NY
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
*SL 500, ‘00, Black, both tops w/ tan leather, 18” AMG
wheels and sport pkg., always maintained, 85,415
miles. $12,999. 937-642-2000 OH
*SL 500, ‘00, Red w/ hard top, black soft top w/ tan
leather, premium wheels, excellent condition throughout, 40,164 miles. $21,500. 757-585-7200 VA
*SL 500, ‘00, Brilliant silver, both tops, black soft top w/
black leather, original miles, excellent condition, AMG
wheels, 37,667 miles. $15,999. 727-530-5158 FL
*SL 600, ‘00, Dark turquoise, matching hard top w/ Java
leather, exquisite condition V12, premium wheels,
46,945 miles. $16,000. Mark, 480-318-2277 AZ
*SL 500, ‘01, Desert silver (gold) w/ hard top, tan soft top
w/ beige leather, clean, 2 owner car, AMG wheels,
23,480 miles. $26,200. Rock, 858-442-1815 CA
*SL 500, ‘01, Brilliant silver, both tops w/ Ash grey leather,
original car, excellent interior and wood trim, AMG
wheels, 56,174 miles. $13,995. 732-268-8404 NJ
*SL 500, ‘02, Brilliant silver, both tops w/ black interior,
completely stock survivor, 18” AMG wheels, sport
pkg., 21,814 miles. $25,900. 616-855-6600 MI
*SL 500, ‘02, Silver, both tops w/ 2 tone black / grey special interior, Silver Arrow Ed., AZ car until 2014, new
tires, 70,590 miles. $19,900. Bret, 810-333-5840 MI
*SL 500, ‘02, Silver, both tops w/ 2 tone grey / black
leather, Silver Arrow Ed., clean Carfax, original paint,
51,353 miles. $22,900. Klaus, 760-445-2921 CA
March / April 2015
R 230/231 (2003 - Present)
*SL 500, ‘03, designo silver met. w/ charcoal Nappa
leather, designo launch ed., $9500 option, special
colors, alcantara headliner, xenons, etc. 68,000 miles.
$24,500. Harry, 949-640-8229 CA
*SL 500, ‘06, White w/ beige leather, 2 owner car,
excellent cond., twin spoke AMG wheels, int. wood
trim pkg, just serviced at MB dealer, 44,350 miles.
$30,000. Bill, 402-430-6378 NE
*SL 550, ‘08, Dark grey met. w/ charcoal leather, AMG
Sport Pkg., P1 Pkg., heated / cooled seats, int. wood
trim pkg. w/ wood / leather wheel, 65,869 miles.
$31,995. Chris, 843-478-7018 SC
*SL 500, ‘03, Silver w/ black leather, original condition,
always garaged and well maintained, 51,320 miles.
$22,995. Kevin, 530-304-5779 CA
*SL 550, ‘07, Pewter Metallic w/ Cognac leather,
Anniversary Ed. w/ special mats and shelf bag,
Bose, Nav., bluetooth, all the options, 47,000 miles.
$40,000. Nancy, 804-794-5684 VA
*SL 550, ‘08, Black w/ Stone leather, AMG sport Pkg.,
AMG wheels, Pano roof, int. wood trim pkg., 27,020
miles. $39,890. 610-886-1000 PA
*SL 500, ‘03, Storm Red met. w/ grey leather, 1 owner,
looks and runs like new, always garaged, 75,000 miles.
$16,500. John, 214-740-3225 TX
*SL 500, ‘03, Mars Red w/ charcoal grey, 2 owners, Lux.
pkg., service current, all records since new, 33,000
miles. $23,900. Robert, 323-804-0100 CA
*SL 500, ‘03, Brilliant silver w/ charcoal grey, AMG
wheels, Sport Pkg., Pano roof, exceptional condition,
39,000 miles. $20,995. Jim, 240-395-1080 MD
*SL 500, ‘04, Black w/ beige leather, 2 owners in same
family, excellent condition, all service records, 11,500
miles. $29,500. Vake, 347-423-3133 NY
*SL 500, ‘05, White w/ beige leather, pampered from day
1, super clean, no accidents, 46,000 miles. $25,900.
Alex, 602-703-8672 AZ
*SL 500, ‘05, Brilliant silver w/ charcoal grey leather,
well maintained w/ massaging seats, turbine wheels,
42,523 miles. $24,000. Craig, 818-601-6334 CA
*SL 500, ‘06, Agean blue w/ light grey leather, mint
condition, AMG twin spoke wheels, well maintained,
58,937 miles. $22,900. Hamid, 703-966-6766 VA
*SL 600, ‘06, Black w/ charcoal grey leather, interior
wood pkg., wood / leather wheel, Pano roof, 33,100
miles. $39,250. Rick, 913-213-7790 KS
*SL 550, ‘07, Black w/ beige leather, AMG sport pkg w/
twin spoke wheels, must sell, wife’s pregnant! 52,800
miles. $30,500. Sam, 703-474-5001 VA
*SL 550, ‘08, Black w/ sand beige leather, Pano roof,
AMG Sport Pkg., excellent condition w/ service
records, 30,119 miles. $35,950. 386-323-3777 FL
*SL 550, ‘07, Agean blue w/ beige leather, Pano roof,
DISTRONIC, Luxury Pkg., excellent condition,
71,200 miles. $32,500. Billy, 540-664-4347 VA
*SL 550, ‘08, Steel grey w/ Red Nappa leather, AMG
Sport Pkg., Pano roof, P1 Pkg., highly optioned,
gorgeous example, service records available, 27,046
miles. $41,998. 781-596-9700 MA
*SL 550, ‘07, Mars red w/ stone leather, extra clean inside
and out, file of service records, AMG wheels, Sport
Pkg., original window sticker, 9,271 miles. $39,800.
847-866-9666 IL
*SL 550, ‘08, Steel grey w/ Red Nappa leather, 1 owner,
AMG Sport Pkg., Pano roof, P1 Pkg., Xenon lights,
original window sticker included, 23,931 miles.
$39,999. 425-562-8080 WA
*SL 600, ‘07, Black w/ black Nappa leather, 2 owner car
w/ AMG sport Pkg. w/ wheels, Pano roof gorgeous
V12, 17,650 miles. $42,991. 610-777-1371 PA
*SL 550, ‘09, Palladium silver w/ black leather, AMG
Sport Pkg., AMG wheels, P1 Pkg., extended 100k
mile warranty goes w/ car, 43,000 miles. $40,000
OBO Garik, 818-442-7979 CA
*SL 550, ‘07, Capri blue met. w/ stone leather, Lux. pkg.,
P1 Pkg., heated / ventilated seats, KEYLESS-GO,
drive dynamic seats, gorgeous car, 58,451 miles.
$30,695. 847-675-1000 IL
*SL 550, ‘07, Silver w/ light grey leather, Lux. Pkg.,
excellent cond. inside and out w/ rear wind screen,
38,784 miles. $27,995. 972-241-1306 TX
*SL 550, ‘08, Mars red w/ red Nappa leather, 1 owner,
rare color combo, Lux. Pkg., well optioned, extremely clean, original miles, 5,792 miles. $43,998.
414-353-8088 WI
*SL 550, ‘09, Silver w/ Red Nappa leather, Silver Arrow
Ed., excellent cond., new tires / brake pads < month
ago, clean w/ service records, 46,416 miles. $42,995.
Nick, 832-293-0367 TX
*SL 550, ‘11, Steel grey met.w/ red leather, 1 owner car
w/ AMG Sport Pkg., Pano roof, AIRSCARF, gorgeous, 19,543 miles. $54,272. 908-947-1850 NJ
*SL 550, ‘12, Diamond white met. w/ Savannah / cashmere, 1 owner, still under MB warranty, AMG Sport
Pkg., 33,403 miles. $71,991. 201-987-2222 NJ
Coupes (All Years)
*300 SE, ‘63, Black w/ black leather, auto. trans., sunroof,
power steering and A/C, great engine bay, 69,350 miles.
$69,950. Nick, 949-650-4718 CA
*280 SE, ‘69, Papyrus white w/ black leather, floor shift
auto. trans., A/C, presentable original int., records,
76,236 miles. $24,950. Frank, 216-362-0100 OH
*280 C, ‘75, Beige w/ tan MB tex, original paint, good
condition, 3rd owner, service records from 1987, 97,000
miles. $15,500. Clark, 716-881-5469 NY
*220 SE, ‘63, Medium blue w/ red leather, original, unrestored car, interior worn, manual trans., 142,500 miles.
$20,500 OBO Sebastian, 386-453-5035 FL
*280 SE, ‘69, Silver w/ black leather, Column shift auto.
trans., 1 repaint in correct color, interior shows patina,
runs and drives beautifully, $27,995 OBO AZ
350 SLC, ‘77, Milan brown met. w/ 2 tone taupe fabric w/
MB tex, originally sold in Saudi Arabia, manual trans.,
24,803 miles. $19,900 OBO Paul, 618-791-4020 MO
*250 SE, ‘65, White / Black 2 tone w/ beige leather, recent
work includes tires, fuel pump, sub frame mounts,
exhaust, too much recent work to list, 53,000 miles.
$28,000. Kurt, 905-584-2793 ON Canada
*280 SE, ‘69, medium blue w/ grey blue leather, floor shift
auto. trans., new paint and interior done to high standard, drives great, $64,990. 760-458-6777 CA
*300 CD Turbo, ‘78, brown metallic w/ saddle MB tex,
auto. trans., sunroof, exc. cond., restored in 2010,
227,804 miles. $17,000. 917-741-5638 NY
*280 SE, ‘70, Silver w/ Black leather, floor mounted auto.
trans., Kuhlmeister A/C., CA car, perfect body, new
leather, 124,000 miles. Alan, 713-376-8383 TX
*450 SLC, ‘80, Light blue met. w/ blue leather, 2 owner CA
car, original paint., always maintained, A/C, sunroof,
63,628 miles. $23,500. 310-297-2671 CA
*280 SE 3.5, ‘70, Medium blue met. (396) w/ Cognac
leather, rust free, recent repaint, floor shift auto. trans.,
7,288 miles. $89,995. Dean, 631-283-8819 NY
*560 SEC, ‘87, White w/ dark brown leather, 1 owner until
last year, original paint and interior, excellent condition,
106,536 miles. $16,900. 713-541-2281 TX
*280 SE, ‘70, White w/ dark blue leather, floor shift auto.
trans., factory color was silver (DB180), original interior,
71,054 miles. $27,500 Firm, 561-762-6244 FL
*560 SEC, ‘90, Grey met. w/ grey leather, original paint,
excellent interior, original wheels, regularly maintained,
99,000 miles. $16,500. 718-600-8261 FL
*280 SE 3.5, ‘71, Brown met w/ Tunis beige (462) top w/
Parchment leather, factory color combo, auto. trans.,
A/C, new interior, paint, chrome, wood refinished, full
mechanical service, $85,000. 561-762-6244 FL
*CL 600, ‘99, Black w/ 2 tone grey / black leather, never
Winter driven, Parktronic, wood / leather wheel, just
inspected by MB dealer, it’s ready for anything, 74,000
miles. $13,995. 917-597-7759 NY
*250 SE, ‘66, Silver w/ red leather, manual trans., solid,
Euro spec car w/ Euro lights, worn interior, hub caps
w/ trim rings, $18,750. Alex, 310-975-0272 CA
*250 SE, ‘66, Light blue met. w/ blue leather, manual trans.,
Euro lights, gorgeous, CA car that underwent complete
restoration, 13,800 miles. Bruce, 831-430-9940 CA
*250 SE, ‘67, Dark olive, black top and hub caps w/ tan leather, column shift auto. trans., A/C, tons of recent receipts,
75,223 miles. $34,500 OBO, 561-762-6244 FL
*250 SE, ‘67, Papyrus white w/ blue leather, floor shift auto.
trans., worn, original leather, solid trunk and floors,
36,897 miles. $28,500. 860-438-7958 CT
March / April 2015
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
15
M 100 (All Years)
600 Pullman, ‘69, Black w/ burgundy leather, nicely maintained, driver quality, original leather shows wear as
does paint, rear sun roof, zebrano wood, unrestored,
57,200 miles. $265,000. Mark, 314-524-6000 MO
300 SEL 6.3, ‘70, White w/ red leather, good condition,
runs and drives, A/C, new int., power steering pump,
118,794 miles. $30,000. OBO (*$10k price reduction
since last SLML* - Ed) 603-647-4000 NH
*450 SEL 6.9, ‘77, Light ivory w/ Cognac leather, actual
miles, original radio, bundt wheels, heated seats,
inspected and ready to drive, 48,903 miles. $59,990.
Bob, 540-287-4378 VA
*300 SEL 6.3, ‘70, Parting out or selling as is, rebuilt
engine never installed, car is otherwise complete,
many valuable parts to be salvaged, call with needs
/ offers, $4,500. 813-961-3201 FL
600 SWB, ‘70, Burgundy w/ Cognac leather, over $185k
in restoration receipts from 2006, fully documented
resto and history, books, manuals, 24,784 miles.
$165,000. Mark, 314-524-6000 MO
450 SEL 6.9, ‘79, Black w/ black MB tex / cloth inserts, like
new mechanically and cosmetically, Euro lights, perfect
suspension, wood trim refinished, new carpet, 35,301
miles. Elliott, 212-929-3909 NY
Club Action - 2015...
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
Sept 24 - 27, Savannah, GA
Contact: Jack English or Axel Reinert
m100jenglish@gmail.com

Sept 30 - Oct 4 Nashville, TN
Contact:Gail Greenberg or Dick Fleenor
gailgg9@gmail.com

June 10 - 14, Leigh Valley PA
Contac t: Paul Greenblatt
190slconvention@gmail.com
Membership for 600, 6.3 and 6.9
owners & future owners. $70 per year
includes e-forum, annual LODE
STAR magazines, tech resources
annual international & regional events
Membership:fabate63@hotmail.com
August 13-14, Carmel, CA
Consignments now invited
Membership is available for owners
and future owners. $95 per year
Useful e-forum, 10 newsletters yrly,
tech. manuals & archives, annual
intrntnl & regional events, club store.
Membership for 190 SL owners
and future owners. $40 per year
includes an e-forum, newsletters,
tech achrives, international events
technical weekends, club store
Membership: www.gullwingroup.com
Membership: 190slstore.com
1954 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL
GULLWING COUPE
Sold for $1,347,500
INQUIRIES
+1 (415) 391 4000, West Coast
+1 (212) 461 6514, East Coast
motors.us@bonhams.com
bonhams.com/quail
© 2015 Bonhams & Butterfields Auctioneers Corp. All rights reserved. Principal Auctioneer: Patrick Meade. NYC License No. 1183066-DCA
16
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Visit
the website:
www.slmarket.com
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
/ April 2015
                     March
   


J & D Plating
AMG (All Years / All Models)
Custom Chrome Plating

June 12- 14,Cincinnati, OH
Biennial National Tech Weekend of
the Mercedes-Benz Club of America
Visit dedicated wedsite for details:
http://startech2015.mbca.org/
*C 43, ‘98, Black w/ black leather, 1 owner car, heated seats,
keyless entry, excellent condition inside and out, 95,685
miles. $6,995. 573-886-2008 MO
*CLK 63 Black Series, ‘08, Iridium silver w/ black Nappa
leather, carbon fiber fenders and accents, KEYLESS
GO, 33,912 miles. $69,950. 425-562-1000 WA
Every affliction needs a support group...
MBCA has events for all models
and eras.. including modified Benzes.
85 "local " Sections" elect their
own leaders & hold their own events.
$49 yrly. dues for local & national.
*CLK 55 coupe, ‘01, Brilliant silver w/ black leather, heated
sport seats, sunroof, excellent condition, 40,499 miles.
$19,990. 301-816-1000 MD
*CLK 63 Cabriolet, ‘08, Black w/ black leather, excellent
condition, stored winters, recent service, completely
stock, 27,263 miles. $39,000. 612-866-8832 MN
*E 55, ‘01, Black Opal w/ black leather, 1 owner car, fully inspected, drive anywhere, 6 disc changer, Xenon lights, well
maintained, 58,307 miles. $10,975. 217-627-3060 IL
*SLK
55, W.
‘08,DuBois
Black w/ black leather, spotless651-251-7400
interior, Nav.,
Gary
owner highly optioned, responsibly
FAX 651-251-7402
AIRSCARF,
driven, 40,231
miles. $34,900. 727-938-5000 FL
*E 55, ‘02, Brilliant silver w/ black leather, 1 owner car, excellent condition, interior clean, good wood, great driver,
85,717 miles. $11,900. 303-814-0029 CO
*C 63, ‘09, Black w/ black leather, original car, unmodified
and gorgeous, runs and drives like a new car, 56,601 miles.
$32,500. John, 602-622-3126 AZ
*SLK 32, ‘03, Brilliant silver w/ 2 tone black / grey leather,
Kompressor, twin spoke AMG wheels, heated seats, just
serviced, 47,164 miles. $15,950. 386-323-3777 FL
*SL 63, ‘09, designo cashmere white matte w/designo
AMG Tobago brown leather, 40th Anniv. ed., 1 of 200
produced, original MSRP $170k, all options, Pano roof,
carbon fiber front and rear spoilers, like new, 16,359 miles.
$68,750. Tom, 443-324-9099 MD
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
September 11 -12, Blacklick OH
Contact: Joe Alexander
ja17@worldnet.att.net
Membership for 230/250/280 SL
owners & future owners. $30 per year
includes an e-forum, newsletters,
tech archives, international events and
biennial technical weekends
Membership: membership@sl113.org

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
The cost of this sport is as difficult to
comprehend as minutes of Super Bowl
advertising! The payoff for Formula 1
sponsorship might as well be rocket
science. On the bright side, racing has
become significantly safer in recent years
AND Mercedes-Benz is winning! It's
a lot more fun when "our" team racks
up the wins! After 4 of 18 races only
Ferrari and Williams even ressemble
competition. McLaren and Fernando
Alonso have zero points to date, Red
Bull has only four points. SCORE CARD
*SL 55, ‘05, White w/ grey leather, Pano roof, new Michelins
have 1k miles, massaging seats, heated / ventilated seats,
30,950 miles. $39,995. Scot, 214-455-7268 TX
*CL 65, ‘05, Black w/ ash grey, 2 owner car, 20” Lowenhart
wheels, AMG aero body work, 604hp.738lb-ft torque, burl
wood accents, 42,239 miles. $39,950. 425-562-1000 WA
*C 55, ‘05, Brilliant silver w/ Ash grey leather, sun roof, new
Bridgestone tires, Xenons, Harmon/Kardon, lots of
service records, maintained on schedule, 70,500 miles.
$18,000. Nick, 217-898-8678 IL
*E 55, ‘05, Black w/ charcoal grey, twin spoke AMG wheels,
black bird’s eye maple wood, great condition, 27,389
miles. $27,988. 631-392-4643 NY
*C 55, ‘06, Alabaster white w/ black leather, after market
wheels, excellent condition inside and out, always maintained, 60,482 miles. $18,950. 208-336-8230 ID
*SL 65 AMG, ‘07, Yellow w/ black leather w/ carbon fiber
accents, meticulously maintained by MB of Gainesville,
48,000 miles. $60,000. Eric, 352-875-1592 FL
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
partsq@comcast.net
*SL 63, ‘09, Black w/ black leather, 20” Asanti wheels, otherwise stock, harmon/kardon, AIRSCARF, AMG Sport
Pkg., 44,365 miles. $55,900. Gary, 954-234-3212 FL
*C 63, ‘10, Iridium silver w/ grey leather, 2 owner car, always
dealer serviced, no accidents / paintwork, excellent,
32,239 miles. $39,999. Dogukan, 917-690-1345 NY
*E 63 Wagon, ‘12, Diamond white met. w/ Almond mocha
leather, pristine 1 owner car, original MSRP $98k+, P2
Pkg., Driver Assistance Pkg., Pano roof, 26,812 miles.
$69,888. 858-547-8424 CA
*CLS 63, ‘12, Sintered Bronze Matte w/ designo Corteccia
leather, AMG Performance Center Ed. (P89 Pkg.), 30
made, original MSRP $122k+, too many options to list on
this spec. ed., 20,820 miles. $79,900. 217-528-2277 IL
*CLS 63, ‘12, White w/ grey leather, 4matic, 21” Rotiform
wheels w/ new Michelins, CA car, carbon fiber, only
serviced at MB dealer, stock wheels included, 36,470
miles. $78,950. Helena, 949-873-1430 CA
MB - Lewis Hamilton Cum'ltv pts: 93
MB - Nico Rosberg . . . . . . . 66
FerrarI - Sebastian Vettel . . . . . 65
Ferrari - Kimi Raikkonen . . . . . 42
Williams(MB Pwr) Feilpe Massa . . 31
Williams(MB Pwr) Valtteri Bottas . . 30
The next six races are:
Barcelona, Spain - Principality of Monaco
Montreal, Canada - Spielberg, Austria - Silverstone, England Budapest, Hungary - March / April 2015
 
May 8 - 10
May 21 - 24
June 5 - 7
June 19 - 21
July 3 - 5
July 24 - 26
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
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 
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17
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RARE (Sedans, Non SL Convertibles, Specialty)
170S, 1950, Black w/ tan leather, Fully documented,
comprehensive restoration, engine rebuilt, showquality burl wood, floor shift, near-concours level,
35,865 miles, $57,500, Mark, 314-524-6000, MO
*220B Cabriolet, 1952, Red w/ brown leather,
Very presentable driver, mechanically sound
$72,500, Alex, 310-975-0272, CA
300S, 1953, Red w/ tan leather, two owners from
new, no-expense spared restoration by Don Mertz
completed in 2010, numbers matching, 78 miles,
$849,000, Mark, 314-524-6000, MO
240D, 1977, Light Ivory w/ tan MB tex, no rust, extremely clean exterior and interior, manual trans.,
112,800 miles, $5,990, 866-455-0617, NJ
500E, 1992, Black w/ black leather, CA car, 2 owner,
no accidents, looks like new, 55,678 miles, $32,888,
949-791-2167, CA
*300SD, 1978, White w/ blue MB tex, good condition for
miles, mountain of documentation, no signs of winter use, 208,000 miles, $8,900, 616-855-6600, MI
*500E, 1992, Grey w/ black leather, well maintained,
needs nothing, inside, outside shows like a new,
44,444 miles, $39,800, 866-729-2403, IL
*300D, 1980, Yellow w/ tan MB tex, 2 owner car, nicely
preserved example, cold A/C, sunroof, bundt alloys,
auto. trans., mint interior, 104,000 miles, $11,500,
863-944-8615, FL
*300TE, 1993, Gold w/ red leather, 3 owners, dealer
service history, always garaged, like new, 79,352 miles,
$7,800, Tom, 877-468-5768, FL
*220S, 1956, Black w/ tan leather, Completely restored
2014, like new condition, originally a California car,
40,000 miles, $15,500 OBO, 626-833-3400, CA
*300SD, 1980, Blue w/ tan leather, everything works,
no rust, original upholstery restuffed, 3rd owner,
records back to 1983, 273,755 miles, $15,000, 413222-7971, SC
*300D, 1959, Black w/ red leather, good unrestored
condition, runs and drives well, no evidence of rust,
paint is presentable, 87,033 miles, $64,500, Mark,
314-524-6000, MO
280GE, 1980, Green w/ black and white hounds tooth,
4 speed manual trans., 1 owner, service records,
manuals, good condition inside and out, 48,835 miles,
$24,800, Frank, 312-884-1149, IL
*220SE Cabriolet, 1960, Grey w/ red leather, column
shift manual, original data plate, well craed for older
restoration, excellent driver, lots of service receipts,
94,408 miles, $129,500, 877-439-0470, TX
*300D, 1981, Blue w/ blue MB tex, All original wood
trim is furniture quality, tight, responsive and still
feels as it did new, 82,400 miles, $8,500, Stanley,
386-931-3998, FL
200D, 1965, Light Ivory w/ tan MB tex, Diesel, manual
trans., two tone exterior in good condition with
no rust, interior needs refurbishment, drives great,
125,341 miles, $6,950, Shane, 866-906-4893, CA
*300TD, 1981, Grey w/ tan MB tex, great survivor, A/C,
sunroof, rear facing 3rd row seats, 133,175 miles,
$12,900, 616-855-6600, MI
*220SE Cabriolet, 1965, Green w/ tan leather, older
restoration, new leather, excellent mechanicals, A/C,
13,139 miles, $79,980, 877-709-5536, CA
*300SEL, 1967, Silver w/ red leather, original preserved
condition, recent award winner, recent service, runs
great, 80,241 miles, $29,500, 321-208-5776, FL
250SE, 1968, White w/ black leather, 1 owner, dry northwest climate car, documented service history, cold
A/C, cleanest you will find, 10,652 miles, $21,900,
888-675-2358, IL
*280SE, 1968, Light Ivory w/ brown MB tex, wonderful condition, well cared for and fully maintained
throughout its life, auto. trans., 59,464 miles, $24,900,
Peter, 905-875-4700, CA
*250SE Cabriolet, 1968, Green w/ tan leather, floor shift
auto. trans., straight body, decent old paint, interior
is functional but old, top is new, mechanically good,
117,958 miles, $76,500, 310-827-8665, CA
*280SE, 1969, Blue w/ blue MB tex, Original owner,
stored indoors since new, repainted about 10 years
ago, service records, 163,800 miles, $15,000, 805773-5882, CA
300SD, 1982, Green w/ palomino MB tex, 30K service,
new brake discs and pads, brake fluid, coolant flush,
transmission service, all new belts and trans. cooler
lines, new alternator, motor and trans. mounts, shifter
bushings, 63,993 miles, $9,900, 866-898-6203, NC
*300SD, 1984, White w/ blue leather, collector quality,
everything works, well maintained, no issues, exterior
and interior near perfect, 92,239 miles, $10,700,
386-931-3998, FL
*300D, 1984, Blue w/ palomino leather, records from day
one, original window sticker and bill of sale, always
garaged, beautiful paint, excellent interior, 76,000
miles, $15,900, 203-256-9800, CT
*300D, 1984, Blue w/ blue int, sunroof, excellent driver
needing minor cosmetics, auto. trans., well maintained, no rust, dash cracked, missing some wood,
76,000 miles, $7,950, 216-362-0100, OH
*300D, 1985, Blue w/ blue int, absolutely beautiful and
pure, 1 owner car, all original, 13,000 miles, $34,750,
Peter, 718-545-0500, NY
*300D, 1985, Silver w/ blue leather, pristine car, exterior
as clean as interior, newer tires, 85,889 miles, $12,900,
877-468-4563, TN
280SE, 1969, Beige w/ oyster MB tex, 1 family owned,
rust free CA car, engine rebuilt, new paint, books and
data plate, 63,000 miles, $9,900, 888-801-5411, NE
*300D, 1987, Blue w/ blue int, clean Carfax, spotless
interior without dash or wood cracks, no rust, 52,000
miles, $9,500, Zibi, 860-331-7761, CT
*280SE 4.5, 1972, Green w/ tan MB tex, rust free,
two-owner car, always garaged, gorgeous paint and
interior, brilliant chrome, perfect wood, all books and
records, 92,000 miles, $22,500, 610-505-8612, PA
*420SEL, 1988, Silver w/ brown leather, low miles, new
Michelins, mirror-like paint, great leather, 92,561
miles, $9,500, 954-781-1123, FL
*280SEL, 1972, Blue w/ blue leather, sunroof, column
shift, amazing cond., over $20K in service and
restoration, needs nothing, 40,961 miles, $22,888,
877-412-6586, CA
18
*300SEL, 1991, Grey w/ grey leather, original key and
manual / maintenance booklet, new brakes, tires,
battery, hoses, fresh oil change, looks nice, no issues,
143,000 miles, $4,900, 616-855-6600, MI
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
*E500, 1994, Black w/ black leather, exceptional collector condition, split rear seat with wood divider, 1
owner, 77,220 miles, $32,888, 866-302-9633, CA
E320, 1994, Black w/ black leather, Never driven in
the winter, dealer maintained, 70,945 miles, $7,999,
Helene, 651-303-0655, MN
*E320 Cabriolet, 1995, Green w/ parchment leather,
fresh services, original stereo w/ remote CD, manuals, keys, 30,200 miles, $39,800, 781-444-4646, MA
E320 Cabriolet, 1995, Smoke Silver w/ tan leather, perfect rust & accident free body, fantastic interior and
top, mechanically superb, wiring harness replaced,
52,855 miles, $22,500, 310-827-8665, CA
*E420, 1995, Black w/ grey leather, burl wood, heated
seats, very well looked after, no rust, newer tires,
62,846 miles, $6,950, 888-816-6462, PA
*S500, 1996, Black w/ tan leather, clean interior and
exterior, well cared for example, 78,814 miles, $8,975,
877-392-8295, KS
*S600, 1997, Smoke Silver w/ tan leather, parking sensors, premium sound, rear power seats, cold A/C,
premium wheels, fantastic condition inside and out,
92,415 miles, $7,999, 888-798-3679, AZ
*S420, 1999, White w/ grey leather, clean Carfax, no issues at all, very straight body with very clean interior,
46,886 miles, $7,995, 888-484-3851, TX
*E320, 1999, Silver w/ grey leather, shows like a new car,
premium wheels, spotless interior, needs nothing,
56,673 miles, $6,995, 877-605-0315, WI
*ML320, 1999, Black w/ grey leather, 1 owner, perfect
Carfax, nice condition both mechanically and cosmetically, 53,171 miles, $6,795, 866-375-6126, OH
*G500 Cabriolet, 2000, Black w/ grey leather, legally imported, power convertible top, never been taken offroad, 44,000 miles, $105,000, 203-256-9800, CT
*S430, 2003, Silver w/ black leather, clean and well
cared for with actually 36,285 miles, $13,999, 888844-8529, OR
*S500, 2004, Black w/ tan leather, essentially new, 1
owner CA car, always garaged and serviced, 1,700
actual miles (not a misprint), $32,500 OBO, AJ,
818-212-1314, CA
*SLR, 2005, Black w/ red leather, excellent original condition, always maintained., 10,000 miles, $179,500,
508-822-1458, MA
*SLR Cabriolet, 2009, Silver w/ black leather, 722S ed.,
incredible condition inside and out, fresh dealer
service, 327 miles, $689,990, 440-914-0000, OH
March / April 2015
March / April 2015
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
19
An Auction Tale of Two 280s...
Gooding and Company offered two 1970
280SLs at their Ameilia Island sale on
March 13, 2015. One was the first car to
cross the auction block, the other was the
87th and last car offered. Both were restored by recognized marque experts, well
known to the SL Market Letter, to very high
standards. One sold for $143,000, the other
for $220,000. Why the disparity on two just
restored cars? That’s the question I posed
to the two men who oversaw their restorations, David Latham of Bud’s Benz in
Douglasville, GA and Tony LaBella of Tony
LaBella Classic Cars in Cherry Hill, NJ.
New Special Edition SL Unveiled in Geneva
First car to cross the block, restored by Bud’s Benz in
Douglasville, GA, sold for $143,000.
The first car to cross the block reached a high
bid of $130,000 against an auction estimate
of $125,000 - $175,0000, so it sold at the
lower end of the estimate. Including the buyer’s premium the new owner’s into the car for
$143,000 before transporting it home. With
the 10% seller’s premium, the seller nets
$117,000. Factor in transport costs and travel
expenses to attend the auction and he probably walked away with about $115,000.
I called David Latham, owner of Bud’s Benz
and restorer of this car, to see how his client
felt about the result. “My client was sick about
it” said Latham. “maybe with different placement in the auction or at the auction down the
street, it could have brought more money, it
was a really nice car.”
While I didn’t attend the events at Amelia
Island I did watch the Gooding and Co. auction live on their website. As the first lot arrievd on stage David Gooding announced
that it “received a 99.7 point score at a recent
Mercedes Benz Club of America Concours
event.” Now, I don’t know exactly which event
that was, but that score would lead me to believe that it was a very high quality piece and
one would hope that MBCA judges at a national event know what they’re doing when
it comes to judging. The $130,000 hammer
price seemed a bit low to me at the time.
My next call was to Tony LaBella to see what
he thought of the auction and the sale prices
of these two cars. He admitted that he was
“a little bit concerned” knowing his car was
going to be the last to cross the block, would
anybody be left in the room to bid? Tony
20
Friend of the SL Market Letter, Fritz Stein,
sent us the photo at right of the 1955 Mille
Miglia class winning 300SL #417 driven by
John Fitch while on display at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show where Mercedes unveiled
the “SL Special Edition Mille Miglia 417”. It’s
due to be released in North America during the Fall of 2015. Everyone knows about
the overall Mille Miglia win by Sterling Moss
and Dennis
Jenkins in the
#722 300SLR,
what’s phenomenal is
Fitch’s class
win and 4th
overall was with
a Production
Class entry, the same model sold by dealerships. The special edition cars will wear designo night black magno matte paint over a two
tone black and red nappa leather. A special
model badge incorporating the number 417
was created for the car’s flanks. No word yet
on specific production numbers.
estimated that there was about 10% of the
crowd left when his car came up. “When the
bidding started it didn’t really slow down until
the very end, there were about 20 bidders,
and of course, I was happy with the way it
turned out.” Whenever a car sells for more
than 20% over the high estimate, it’s a good
day indeed.
to some very sophisticated buyers, they had
good questions.” I pressed for specifics, “Well,
one guy noticed the washer fluid bag under
the hood. The originals have brass grommets around the two holes in the top, the
replacements you get today, even from the
classic center, don’t. We fabricate and add
them before we install it. Someone noticed
that and pointed it out. It’s nice when people
notice the little things we do to make these
cars correct.” It seems like just a couple of
years ago when ‘fender notches’ and ‘spot
welds’ were the only details anyone cared
about, not anymore. When playing on the six
figure Pagoda SL field, all those little details
matter and they can be worth tens of thousands of dollars to a seller.
Last car of the day, restored by Tony LaBella Classic Cars
of Cherry Hill, NJ, sold for $220,000.
The dark olive car hammered sold for
$200,000, add 10% buyer’s premium and
the final total is $220,000, the auction estimate was $140,000 - $180,000. After Gooding and Co.’s cut, the seller nets $180,000
before calculating other expenses.
“I don’t think I left the car for two days during the preview,” added LaBella, “I talked
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
The auction company and owners put their
heads together to establish auction estimates,
so there must have been some recognizable
differences between these cars to explain the
estimates and sale price differences. Factors
beyond the consignor’s control certainly play
a role, placement in the auction, who’s in the
audience, even the weather. In this case, you
had two very nice cars, one consignor was
pleased with his result, the other was not.
March / April 2015