May / June 2015 - SL Market Letter

Accredited Appraisers
...More Trouble than Help?
Another “certified” and “licensed”
appraiser has contributed to our collection of confusing car evaluations. It
would be nice if professional accreditation improved appraisals –but time after
time we see authenticity problems and/
or hidden patchwork that simply wouldn’t
get past seasoned 1950s –1970s Mercedes specialists, especially single
model experts. This is no different than
having your Mercedes-Benz repaired by
a multi-marque mechanic. They might
get it right. Or not.
The 300SL’s little brother has come on strong in the market over the past 2 years. This 1957 190SL was restored by
a well known restoration shop, from a rusted out shell of a donor car to this show quality example between 1987 and
1988. The restoration was nicely done, as the car has held up extremely well over the years. Detailed restoration
receipts still with the car total $35,675.08, ahhhhh the good old days!
While compiling 190SLs for this issue I was
surprised to see SO many. We harvest listings from multiple sources, both print and
online and from SL Market Letter subscribers. As of this writing, there are 60 (that’s six
- zero) 190SLs available on Hemmings.com
alone. Prices range from about $40,000 to
almost $300,000. Some of these cars were
on the market back in January when I was
compiling listings for that issue. Lots of cars
to choose from, many mediocre examples
languishing on the market with huge prices.
It seems a buyer’s market. - Dave Tobin

}
In this instance a “licensed appraiser’s”
2014 report declared a 1950s 190 SL
One of the by-products of the rapid run up
Condition 2 which the report defined as:
in 190SL prices over the past couple of
“shows only the most minimal aging, wear
years is more cars on the market. That deror damage.” Then two curious sentences:
elict 190SL that hasn’t moved in the past
“The frame/chassis does not appear to be
25 years might have been worth $10,000
modified or altered from ‘factory original’
just a few years ago, today it’s worth two
condition. The floor has been repaired (not
or three times that. Cars are coming out of
using stamped parts but straight sheet
the woodwork as everyone tries to cash in.
metal).” Further: “The exhaust emissions
Some have been ‘restored’ to some level
control system is unmodified.” Really. Are
or another over the past couple of years,
we still talking about the same car? And
others are just being offered as is. In any
isn’t a 190 SL’s floor part of its unibody?
case, they all seem to be showing up on
The report continues: “The interior is origithe market.
nal and complete, with no missing parts.
The carpet [sic], seats and dash appear
to be correct for this model, good condi

Time Period
tion...” Reality check: the report’s own pho(121 Body) ’85-Jul/Dec
no data
tographs plainly show incorrect dash (unPrice New in '55: $3,980
’95-Jul/Dec
$ 4,000*
Sales: 5,113 USA
‘05-Jul/Dec
$ 2,000
covered wood), carpets (never offered),
Sales: 6,700 non-USA
'10-Aug/Jan
$ 4,500
wheel covers from another model, and
*asterisk = updated data
‘12-Aug/Jan
$ 7,000
an aftermarket radio also called original.
Latest data
‘15-Jan/Jun
$ 8.800


And that’s what we can see! Never mind
(121 Body) ’85-Jul/Dec
no data
we’re told it’s Condition 2 for a cash value 
Price New in '59: $5,280
’95-Jul/Dec
$ 4,000*
of $170,000!
Sales: 5,255 USA
’05-Jul/Dec
$ 2,200
If by some stretch, the car was Condition 2, our new 190 SL research (next
column) suggests much less. If the car is
closer to Condition 3, this appraisal is off
by $70,000+! The growth between Condition 2 and 4 is not merely a windfall – it
is pushed by climbing restoration costs.
Without identifying a car’s weaknesses
as well as strengths how can appraisers
do their job?
- John Olson
Sales: 8,813 non-USA
‘10-Aug/Jan
Two tops: Add $ 6 k
‘12-Aug/Jan
Latest data ‘
15-Jan/Jun

$ 4,500
$ 7,000
$10,500



 
 








May / June 2015, Vol. 29, No. 4


no data
$ 60,000
$ 78,000
$115,000
$134,000
$230,000

no data
$10,720
$13,595
$19,486
$ 6,500
$13,650
$ 21,945
$30,140
$ 4,800
$19,810
$ 35,500
$59,250
$11,000
$31,120
$59,060
$87.000
$13,000
$33,118
$67,700
$107,100
$22,000
$44,345
$88,700
$131,100
   
no data
$65,000
$ 83,000
$115,000
$135,100
$235,000

CONDITION #6 CONDITION #5 CONDITION #4 CONDITION #3








no data
$ 9,980
$14,804
$20,485
$ 7,000
$11,703
$20,720
$29,735
$ 4,500
$16,560
$33,865
$51,170
$11,000
$24,000
$55,910
$87,720
$13,010
$26,685
$66,300
$104,140
$20,000
$41,000
$84,276
$137,000
   







CONDITION #2 CONDITION #1














2
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
May / June 2015
“From Behind the Wheel”
In this issue we take
on the challenge of a
new price trend chart
for the 190SL. We’ve
all watched 190SL
prices move quickly
upward over the past
18 - 24 months. Like
the 300SL market, we
Dave Tobin
may be settling into
a ‘new normal’ for these cars. Historically,
prices have increased in steps and it looks
like that’s what’s happened with the 300
and 190SLs. We asked 190SL authority,
Bruce Adams, to provide some insight from
the perspective of a restorer and enthusiast
into the recent happenings in the market.
Bruce’s thoughts can be found on page 4
of this issue.
It was also time again to have a look at
the 300 series cars from the 1950s. These
cars, created during this very transitional
decade in Germany, are imposing with a
character all their own, not unlike those
who love them. Albrecht Stachel, owner of
Brooklyn Motoren Werke, Inc. in Brooklyn,
WI provides his thoughts after a near lifetime with these cars.
We brought back guest columnist John Jacobson to get his impressions of how what
Mercedes-Benz was doing in the mid 50s
was different from what American car companies were doing. He provides some color
commentary regarding the very different
personalities of his 300 sedan and his 1956
Lincoln Mark II Continental.
As the SL Market Letter continues to grow
and evolve, we’ll be looking for such input
from subscribers and owners of all kinds of
different Mercedes when the time is right.
If you’ve got something compelling to say,
don’t hesitate to contact me.
“SLs are for Driving...”
is the title of a fairly thick chapter in Olson’s
book “The SL Experience” and it’s a motto
I intend to live by, forever. I suppose that
means I will always need to have an SL in
my garage which is fine with me, and I’ll
need the occasional ‘excuse’ to drive it.
Back in 2012, even before I had an SL, I was
looking for a driving event where I could put
some miles on my 1973 280C. I was looking
for more than the usual local Mercedes Club
‘take the long way to lunch in a convoy, eat
May / June 2015
Quick stop for a photo at a defunct Texaco station, now a used car lot, near Arcadia, WI on the 2015 Walleye 1000.
and drive home’ type event... I was looking
for more of an adventure. I didn’t have the
time or the money (or a car they’d probably
accept) for the Colorado Grand or California
Mille, so I came up with the Walleye 1000
Vintage Rally. It’s not a rally in the formal
sense, more of a self guided tour. There is
no time, speed or distance to keep track of,
just a prescribed route over some of the best
back roads along the Mississippi River in
Wisconsin and Minnesota. It’s open to interesting sports and GT cars that are 20 years
old and older, we cover about 500 miles over
two days with a hotel stay overnight.
This year, the event’s fourth running, was
held just a few weeks ago and it was full to
capacity with 30 cars and about 60 people.
Mercedes-Benz was heavily represented,
for obvious reasons, but there were plenty of
other cars too. We had a couple of Pagoda
SLs, several R107s, a manual transmission
R129 300SL, a couple of sedans, including
a 1969 6.3. Mercedes coupes included an
‘in period’ AMG tuned 1984 500SEC and
Olson’s 1963 300SE with the 3.2 liter supercharged motor from an SLK 32 AMG. Non
Mercedes cars included a Borgward Isabella Coupe, a Jensen C-V8 MKII, a couple of
Porsche 356s and 911s, even some American iron including a ‘66 Corvette Roadster
and a ‘71 Dodge Challenger convertible. It
was the first extended road test for the 1968
250SL I acquired over the Winter. The route
consisted of some very steep (up and down
hill) roads, switch-back turns, great roads for
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
spirited driving and I’m happy to report that
the 250 performed admirably. See photos of
the event at www.walleye1000.com
Sport Springs Make a Difference
Two years ago I had a 1984 Porsche 911 I
drove on the Walleye 1000 and had a blast.
Last year I took my 230SL and yearned
for a slightly sportier experience from a
Pagoda. A W113 will never handle like a
911, they’re vastly different machines, but
less nose dive on braking and less body
roll around corners is what I was looking
for. A week before this year’s event I had a
set of Olson’s sport springs installed on the
250SL. After several long conversations
with John as to what might provide the best
handling without sacrificing the characteristic, comfortable ride of the Pagoda SL,
the decision was made. It would be sport
springs in the front and progressive rate
springs (all three) in the rear.
When I picked the car up from the shop I
could feel the difference just pulling out of
the parking lot. They’re sportier, a bit stiffer, but not at all uncomfortable. Sweeping
back road turns I used to take at 30mph
I feel comfortable taking at 50. A shameless plug? Maybe... but they’ll transform
your car and you’ll love them. They’re available for most Mercedes cars from 300SL
Gullwings and Roadsters to diesel sedans
from the 1980s. Visit www.slmarket.
com and click the “Custom Springs” tab.
Contact Dave: [email protected]
or call (612) 567-0234
3
The 190 SL, an Investment Grade Classic...
There was a long period of time that I could
not have said that.
We have been restoring 190 SL’s since the
mid-seventies and it
has only been the last
six years or so that
restoration cost has
matched the market
value. Prior to that,
clients were consistently concerned, and
Bruce Adams
rightly so, investing in
a Condition 1 restoration and having more
money invested in their 190 SL than the
market would support if they were to sell.
The exception has always been the customer who has a one-owner, family purchased car with the objective of restoring,
enjoying the classic and then passing it
along to the next generation.
There are two fundamental reasons today’s 190 SL restoration investments continue to appreciate as noted in the SL Market Letter’s price trend chart. First, the 190
SL, as well as the Pagoda, are both tied to
the trend of the 300 SL’s significantly rising
price. As 300 SL Gullwings and Roadsters
continue to increase in valve due to their
rarity and iconic design, the 121 and 113
chassis cars get “pulled along” behind
them. If the 300 SL never came to the general market in 1954, the 190 SL would be
a collectible, but not nearly at the levels of
current appraised values.
The second reason is found in the current
investment strategy for all collectibles. A
new investment analysis of collectibles
from Knight Frank* shows that classic cars
are vastly outperforming the art market
and were the top-performing collectible
investment over the past year. For the 12
months ending in October, 2014. Cars, as
a collectible category, posted returns of
25% while art was up only 5% according to
a report from Douglas Elliman and Knight
Frank, the global Realtors. Cars beat art
over the longer-term as well, clocking
gains of 111% over five years (compared
with art at 17%) and gaining 469% over 10
years (compared with 226% for art).
* www.knightfrank.com/wealthreport
4
One of Adams’ restorations, this car won Best in Class (Post-War Mercedes-Benz until 1974) at the Pinehurst
Concours d’Elegance - May 2, 2015. Bruce holds the class winning trophy (at left).
Overall, investing in high-end collectibles
has been more lucrative than investing in
stocks. Over the past 10 years, the Knight
Frank Luxury Index (which tracks collectibles from cars and art to stamps, wine,
coins and furniture) is up 182% while the
Dow is up 62%.
The latest findings from The Wealth Report’s Annual Survey of UHNWI (Ultra High
Net Worth Individuals) advisors, Andrew
Shirley, Wealth Report Editor reports: “According to the survey results, cash, fixed
income bonds, gold and other precious
metals are likely to see a declining demand
this year. Investments of passion, however,
remain firmly on the radar for investments.
Globally, 61% of our respondents said their
UHNWI clients were becoming more interested in the likes of classic cars, art and
wine. Art is the luxury asset where interest
is rising the most – perhaps unsurprising
given its accessibility – followed by watches, wine and classic cars.”
Summary: Now’s the time to invest in a
190 SL and have it restored to factory
standards. Best bet is to find an original
“barn find” that has most of its original parts
and is not rusted out. Good luck with that!
They are still out there, but they’re getting
harder and harder to find. Here are a few
items to consider before purchase:
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
1. Rust. The main issue with the unibody 190
SL, like the Porsche 356, is its vulnerability
to rust. Evaluate closely before purchase as
metal fabrication cost during restoration is
usually the most expensive aspect.
2. Previous poor body repairs. 190 SL’s depreciated to an average value of $2,000 to
$4,000 during the sixties and early seventies. If you were an owner back then, and
you had repairs made, would you have
spent $20,000 with a good shop to repair
your $4,000 190 SL? Probably not. Most
190 SL’s we have evaluated have had older
body repairs which were poorly done. It’s
better to buy a car that is “original” with minimal rust than to buy a less expensive one
with poorly repaired panels or was incomplete or modified with non-standard parts.
3. Missing parts from previous repairs;
lack of originality.
4. Undercoating. These cars were not undercoated at the factory and should not
be now. Be careful that the undercoating
is not hiding issues.
Bruce Adams restores 190 SLs at his
shop in Southern Pines, NC. He has written several books on 190 SLs including his
newest “W 121 Coupe and Roadster”.
See it all at www.bruceadams190sl.com
May / June 2015
German Engineering VS. American Iron in the 1950s
I had the luxury of
meeting up with Dave
Tobin at the “Back to
the Fifties” car show
last weekend in St.
Paul, MN. It is the
largest car show of its
type. There is a “Pre
1964 rule,” with a focus on hot rods. This
John Jacobson
year there were just
under 12,000 cars in attendance. There
is no judging or anything to win, it’s just a
big gathering. A very non-Mercedes, nonconcours thing.
Angela and I had our 1956 Lincoln Continental Mk II at the show. We just acquired
it as an alternative to our Mercedes. Dave
asked that I share my impressions of how
it differs from the 300 sedan. Since I also
have a 300 d, it was a fair request.
It seems the first thing most say about the
300 is that the styling is dated. Understood,
but really? “Dated” and “Timeless” need
to be considered. Along with that, function
has to play a role. I could say a man’s suit is
dated compared to modern fashion, though
it is very practical, lots of pockets and the
ability to adjust for temperature.
Comparisons
My goodness, the Continental Mk II is drop
dead gorgeous! It was William Clay Ford’s
attempt to compete with Euro elite cars.
The target market was obvious. Bridge of
Weir Leather, a “Six Liter” motor, driver and
passenger climate control, even a Tachometer! On top of that, there were American
luxuries like four way power seats, power
windows and power vent windows!
Though the Mk II is like the cool outfit, the
300 is the functional one. The first thing
that jumps out as you prepare for a trip are
the door pockets. The 300 has four closing door pockets to store things. On the
road with the Continental you have just the
glove box and things laying around on the
floor. Then there are the seats, what a difference! Sure, the Mk II used fine leather,
but stretched over cheap foam. The 300,
in contrast, has fine leather over springs
with horse hair buns and cotton. Then there
May / June 2015
Differences between the Mercedes 300 sedan and a Lincoln Continental MKII? Where to start....
As an engineer I think of where
the two cars were with technology. My 300 d has fuel injection, overhead cam, and four
wheel independent suspension. The Continental has fine
thread fasteners and, with those
equipped, an elaborate Air
Conditioning system (four little
vents in the roof… Cool both
figuratively and literally!)
Luxurious interior appointments in the 300
is the reclining feature. The MkII seats do
not tilt or recline. The 300 seats actually
recline to the point of being level with the
back seat. This is on par with the famous
Nash Air Flyte with its reclining front seats.
When it comes to seats, one is comfortable
for 15 minutes, the other for 15 hours (or 15
really good minutes!).
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a car to stand back
and look at, the Continental Mk II is the
one, if you are looking for a car that you
would admire and use, the 300 d is the
clear choice.
John Jacobson is a past President of the
190SL Group, but enjoys all kinds of Mercedes cars. John, Angela and all their cars
live in Newport, MN.
Mercedes-Benz 300 d.
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
5
A Star Among Prancing Horses at Motion Products Inc.
Dave Tobin
You probably wouldn’t expect to find some
of the most sought after and collectible
cars ever made residing in the quiet town
of Neenah, Wisconsin, but if you know
where to look, you’ll find them. Neenah,
along the north shore of Lake Winnebago,
is home to Motion Products Inc., a restoration company specializing in classic
European sports cars.
The company was founded in 1978 by
Wayne Obry who eventually partnered
with Bill Murphy in 1982 forming Motion
Products, Inc. (MPI). The company got its
start restoring classic Ferraris and over
the years have been recognized for the
quality of their restoration work at major
concours events around the country and
the world.
MPI operations take up more than 75,000
square feet of shop space across three
different buildings. Over 50 employees do
the meticulous work to bring all kinds of
significant cars from dilapidated barn finds
to Pebble Beach Concours winners.
I wondered how many class wins MPI restorations have achieved over the years.
The answer I got, in humble midwest fashion, made me chuckle... “We don’t know the
exact number, but it’s in the hundreds.”
When asked which car was the most
memorable to ever go through the MPI
shop Obry mentions the 1953 Ferrari 212
Inter Pinin Farina Coupe #0263 EU, that
MPI restored. In 1993 it became the first
Ferrari to ever be awarded 100 points at
the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance.
The next year it went on to win three of the
top awards at the Cavallino Classic as well
as winning its class at the Ferrari Club of
America National Concours.
Looking over recent results from the
Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance I
counted six first in class awards over the
past 5 years alone, all Ferraris. A 1932 Alfa
Romeo 8C 2300 Spider by Zagato, restored by MPI, won Best in Show at the
Amelia Island Concours in 2015. One
6
Motion Products Inc.’s first 190SL project, in good company.
of their Ferrari restorations won Best
in Class at the same show. At the 2015
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy
MPI’s work went up against the best in
Europe. The result? Best in Show and
class with that same 1932 Alfa Romeo
8C 2300 Spider and a class win for a
1954 Ferrari 250GT Europa Berlinetta.
The resume goes on and on, extending
back to the 1980s. When I was visiting
MPI in December they were preparing 18
customer cars for travel to the Cavallino
Classic in Palm Beach, Florida. The trip
to Cavallino yielded 5 Platinum awards
and two gold... you get the idea, some
really heavy metal. So I was a little surprised when Bill asked me if I could help
them find a 190SL to restore.
It was mid Summer, last year when I got
this mission. I wanted to be sure to find as
solid a project car as possible, ideally with
a known history. I made a few phone calls
putting the word out, it didn’t take long to
find something interesting.
One of my contacts in Monterey, CA knew
of a car that sounded promising, a recent
acquisition by a longtime family friend. It
was a 1957 model, originally purchased at
Stahl Motors in Monterey, it lived its entire
life on the peninsula with one family. Before
long, photos of the car arrived in my inbox.
It was black with black leather. It had been
repainted once and the original white leather interior had been dyed black. Its correct
‘small window’ hard top was fitted. Engine
and chassis numbers matched the build
card. It was a nice looking, complete car
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
fitted with Weber carbs, the original Solex
units were in a box in the trunk. All of its
trim and bumpers had been removed, as
the restoration was just getting underway
when we contacted the owner, those pieces were about to be sent out for re-plating
when we called. The owner had acquired it
just months before from the original family
in Carmel Valley. He was finishing an early
Porsche 911 restoration and beginning another, so the 190SL wasn’t moving along
very quickly. We asked if he’d be interested
in selling the 190. He knew he had one too
many projects and was open to an offer.
I called back to Bill at Motion Products in
Wisconsin and told him what I had found.
I don’t remember exactly what he said,
but it was something like “If you think it’s
a good one, we’ll take it”. Part of me loves
it when a client responds like that, the
other part of me cringes because I feel
a huge amount of responsibility, to make
sure it’s really a ‘good’ example, one that
they’ll be pleased with, that’s worth the
money they’re going to pay. Luckily, I trust
my friend in Monterey and the fact the car
was coming from a longtime family friend
of his inspired confidence.
A price was agreed upon and funds were
transferred, MPI had a new project. The
timing was perfect. It was late July, we’d
all be in Monterey for car week a couple of
weeks later. The guys from MPI would be
coming out with several cars to show during the week, they’d have an empty space
in their trailer to take the 190 back home.
I’d be there to see the car and make sure
May / June 2015
Pick up day in Monterey.
the hand off went smoothly. I think it was
Friday of car week when we got together
at my friend’s warehouse in Monterey. Initially we all thought they’d have to bring
the trailer out to the warehouse and haul
the car away, but this was a great running
and driving car. The engine had been recently rebuilt in anticipation of its full restoration, it ran beautifully. Bill showed up
with a couple of guys from MPI, he had a
quick look at the car, the trunk and front
seat were packed with parts and paperwork. He hopped in the driver’s seat and
drove the car back to their transporter in
town. It worked out perfectly.
When I arrived home from Monterey after
another wonderful ‘Car Week’ and Pebble
Beach Concours one of the first things I did
was order Bruce Adams’ book “W121 Coupe
and Roadster - A 190SL ‘Touring Sports Car’”
and mailed it to Bill at MPI. I hoped it would
help the restoration techs assigned to the 190
in their research to bring this California black
beauty back to its former glory.
In December I paid Motion Products a visit
to see how their first 190SL restoration
was coming. I learned that they had some
experience with 300SLs, but never a 190.
I asked Bill... Why a 190SL? “Each car
brand, each make and model has its own
uniqueness and allure. For us the 190SL
is all about grace and sophistication. To
strip this car to the bare metal and rebuild
it into a beautiful work of art is what initially
attracted us to this project. It’s never been
about the wins on the grass, it’s about the
history of the cars and the challenge of
the work.” Of course, we also discussed
the fact that 190SLs have finally become
‘worth restoring’ from a financial standpoint, as Bruce mentions in his article on
page 4 of this issue.
We went to see the car in progress, just a
shell at this point, all mechanical and electrical components had been removed. I
spoke with Roger Mengedoht, one of the
techs that has devoted the past few months
of his life to this project and learning about
May / June 2015
MPI tech Roger Mengedoht, with hand on chin, ponders the task at hand.
Original panels remain intact.
Restoration notes written on tape stuck to fender.
190SLs. We walked around the car, up
on a scissor lift. Roger smiled, he ran his
hand along the inner fender, “there must
be 100 spot welds just to hold that fender
on.” He’s used to working on Ferraris, the
190 is his first German restoration project.
“I’ve never seen a car put together so well”
he went on and on about the build quality.
Luckily they were still impressed with the
condition of the car after it arrived at their
shop and they had an opportunity to start
taking it apart. There was minimal rust, a
little in the rocker panels, that’s what they
were working on while I was talking to Roger. “I pretty much go home and read about
190SLs, every night” he said, “this car has
been an absolute blast to work on.”
I was glad to see this kind of enthusiasm
from Roger, one of the guys who’s actually
getting his hands dirty doing the restoration work on this car. While 190SLs are
getting more expensive, they don’t begin to compare in monetary value to the
Ferraris that are scattered all over MPI’s
workshop. That doesn’t mean they aren’t
well built, well engineered cars to be appreciated and enjoyed. One of the things
the guys at MPI were so amazed by while
getting into this project is the fact that if you
need a mechanical part or a trim piece for
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
Stripped to the bare shell.
a 190SL you can often call your local Mercedes dealer and get a brand new piece in
a couple of days. They usually have to fabricate unobtainable Ferrari parts by hand
or with their CNC machines or 3D printers at great expense. “Really?” I remember them saying when I was telling them
about parts availability “They still make
this stuff?” they were in complete disbelief. It isn’t always cheap, but the parts can
usually be sourced somewhere.
Things continue to go well for MPI’s expansion into 190SL restoration. I spoke
with Bill last week and since acquiring our
subject car in Monterey last Summer, he’s
added three more to their fleet. So now
there are 4 German stars among all those
Italian prancing horses.
7
W 198 (1954 – 1963)
*300 SL Coupe, ‘55, Silver w/ red leather numbers matching, believed 2 owners from new, same owner past 53
years never restored but 2 repaints, build sheet and
records, original Rudge wheels, welted eyebrows 88,018
miles. $1,525,000. Peter, 718-545-0500 NY - S
300 SL Coupe, ‘55, Fire Red (DB534) w/ red plaid, 2005
restoration by Grundfor in original colors, matching
numbers, tools, belly pans, fitted luggage, $1,550,000. Stu,
781-444-4646 MA
300 SL Coupe, ‘55, Silver Blue met. (DB 535) w/ red leather,
blue soft top w/ hard top, disc brakes, Euro lights, luggage, tools, manuals, Koniczek restoration 2010, matching numbers, $1,575,000. Stu, 781-444-4646 MA
*300 SL Coupe, ‘56, Silver w/ red leather, recently refurbished
by Paul Russell & Co., mechanically superb, Rudge wheels,
luggage, 54,214 miles. Larry, 858-848-9323 NY
300 SL Roadster, ‘57, Red w/ tan leather and soft top w/
hard top, $80k mechanical overhaul by Paul Russell &
Co., Euro spec, replacement engine block, straight body,
25,388 miles. $1,075,000. 510-653-7555 CA
300 SL Roadster, ‘60, White w/ blue leather and soft top,
outstanding mechanical and cosmetic condition, 14,000
miles.914-997-9133 NY
*300 SL Roadster, ‘61, Weiss grau w/ green leather, Only
300SL delivered new to Alaska, same owner until 2003,
Koniczek restoration completed 2008, luggage, Rudge
wheels, Euro headlamps, books and tools, 46,605 miles.
Bruce, 831-430-9940 CA - S
300 SL Roadster, ‘62, White w/ red leather, black soft and
hard top, disc brakes, alloy block, original color w/ original interior, same owner past 30 years, Euro spec, 80,000
miles. $1,650,000. Peter, 718-545-0500 NY - S
W 121 (1955 – 1963)
*190 SL, ‘55, Light Ivory w/ red leather, big window hard
top w/ soft top, Euro car, purchased in Switzerland
and imported to CA in 1984, never been restored, car
is complete, but not assembled, 138,976 KMs. $70,000.
John, 831-566-5668 CA
*190 SL, ‘55, Black w/ red leather, currently in primer, fully
documented since 1979, stalled resto project, body,
engine, wiring, top, suspension and more all rebuilt
within last 10 years, will be great driver, 190,000 miles.
$85,000 Firm 617-787-3257 MA
*190 SL, ‘56, weiss grau (DB 158) w/ green leather, brown
soft top, runs and drives, needs new brakes, full service
and tune up, some rust on underside, good candidate
for partial restoration, $71,500. 561-762-6244 FL
190 SL, ‘56, Light blue w/ blue leather w/ dark blue soft top,
correct color code is 040 (black), non matching numbers engine, Solex carbs, long term ownership, attractive
car, driver quality, $109,000. (*$20k price reduction
since last SLML - Ed.) Roy, 650-343-7980 CA
*190 SL, ‘57, Black (040)w/ terra cotta leather w/ black
piping, sorted driver with very nice cosmetics, Weber
carbs (Solex’s included), kinder seat, small window hard
top, manuals / books, $152,500. 310-936-6034 TX
190 SL, ‘58, Fire engine red w/ tan leather w/ tan soft
top, red hard top, 300 miles since resto, everything
works, gorgeous throughout, 21,356 miles. $139,900.
913-888-1234 KS
*190 SL, ‘59, Ivory w/ green leather and soft top, body
off restoration 5 years ago, formerly part of the Rick
Davis Collection, show ready car, mechanically serviced
and ready to drive or show, 44,383 miles. $179,998.
214-483-9040 TX
*190 SL, ‘60, white w/ tan leather and soft top, good, original driver that shows nicely, Solex carbs, after market
radio, $87,500. Peter, 718-545-0500 NY
*190 SL, ‘60, Light Ivory w/ tan leather and soft top, Solex
carbs, kinder seat, after market radio, new chrome and
interior, strong engine, great cosmetics, 15,116 miles.
$150,000. Dean, 631-283-8819 NY
8
190 SL, ‘60, Weis grau (DB 158) w/ red leather w/ black soft
top, correct hard top, documented 14 month partial restoration by Bob Platz, original paint, numbers matching, 5,676 miles. $149,995. Tom, 609-296-2234 NJ
*190 SL, ‘61, White (050) w/ red leather, complete car,
both tops, heavily worn original interior, Weber carbs,
great restoration candidate w/ books, records and data
card $84,500. 561-762-6244 FL
*190 SL, ‘61, Hellblau (DB 334) w/ black leather and soft
top, restored to the highest standards by Arthur Bechtel Motors, Germany, Solex carbs, data card, tool kit,
excellent example, 1 year worldwide warranty, $275,000
Firm +49 70313069522 Germany
*190 SL, ‘61, White (050) w/ red leather, recent $33,000
sorting by Bob Platz, numbers matching w/ two tops,
original colors w/ books and data card, fitted w/
Webers, Solex’s incuded, $164,500. Adolfo, 610-7162331 PA - S
*190 SL, ‘61, Black w/ red leather, black soft top, recent
restoration included paint, chrome, interior, kinder seat,
detailed engine bay and under carriage, Weber carbs,
ready to drive, Elliott, 800-719-3909 NY
190 SL, ‘61, white w/ light blue leather, big window hard top,
stored in northern CA garage for many years, running,
driving car, no major faults, solid, ready for resto, 31,174
miles. $75,000. Jack, 415-453-1611 CA
*190 SL, ‘62, Silver blue w/ navy blue leather, Solex carbs,
hard top only (no soft top), strong running car, some
underside rust holes, 47,427 miles. $69,500. Alex, 310975-0272 CA
*190 SL, ‘62, body in primer body shell with motor, no
interior, hard top present, incorrect wheels, Solex carbs,
serious restoration project, needs everything $42,500.
Alex, 310-975-0272 CA
*190 SL, ‘62, Dark Red w/ tan leather, black soft top nut
and bolt restoration by SL Classics in Germany, completely overhauled including all plating and cosmetics,
760-723-8900 CA
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
May / June 2015
W 113 (1963 – 1971)
*230 SL, ‘64, White w/ tan hard top w/ worn, original red
leather, Euro model w/ lights, manual trans., factory
spot welds, solid overall, ready for restoration, $38,500
OBO 561-568-8882 FL
*230 SL, ‘64, White w/ bamboo int. original and worn,
both tops, Auto. trans., same owner past 25 years, wire
wheels + original steel wheels w/ hub caps and trim
rings included, strong engine, but does smoke, 117,895
miles. $32,000 OBO, 916-482-1252 CA
*230 SL, ‘64, White w/ black leather, black soft top w/ hard
top, Manual trans., much recent work, rebuilt engine,
injection pump, shocks, Phoenix tires, upper / lower
control arms, rebuilt suspension, shift bushings, 41,831
miles. $50,000 OBO, David, 770-942-8444 GA
*230 SL, ‘65, Silver w/ red leather, both tops are black,
manual trans., same owner past 34 years, excellent
interior and exterior condition, 636-600-4600 MO
*230 SL, ‘65, White w/ blue MB tex, both tops, Euro spec
car, owned past 13 years, runs great, needs some cosmetics, i.e. carpet, wood trim, paint, much recent work
completed, ready to drive, $35,000. 864-915-5804 SC
*230 SL, ‘66, Light blue w/ blue MB tex, blue tops and hub
caps, Auto. trans., power steering, Becker radio, very
nice example, $62,900. 760-778-5444 CA
*230 SL, ‘67, Dark olive green w/ bamboo MB tex, tan soft
top w/ hard top, Auto. trans., power steering, Becker
Europa, runs and drives great, Pertronix ign., new tires,
exhaust, fuel lines, brake system and more, 10,628 miles.
$48,900. Tom, 574-529-0375 IN
230 SL, ‘67, Horizon blue w/ matching hard top and hub caps,
tan soft top, parchment leather, Auto. trans., 2 owner, rust
free CA car, original floors and beige undercoating, 101,018
miles. $99,500. Brian, 619-238-1977 CA
*230 SL, ‘67, Burgundy w/ Natural MB tex, body matching
hard top / hub caps, black soft top, same owner past 22
years, great driving car and very presentable, originally
white (050), engine rebuilt 7 years ago, auto trans rebuilt
1 year ago, ready to drive now, 126,491 miles. $46,900.
800-893-3968 NY
*250 SL, ‘67, Silver w/ blue MB tex, blue soft top w/ hard
top, manual trans., Euro lights, many invoices from
restoration, rebuilt engine, excellent running car, no rust,
drive anywhere 102,909 miles. $50,000 OBO David,
770--942-8444 GA
*250 SL, ‘67, White w/ black MB tex., black hard top, white
hub caps, Auto. trans., California Coupe, A/C, Becker
radio, spot welds, detailed engine bay, recently rebuilt
fuel injection, records back to 1967, 107,406 miles.
$55,750. 949-715-4555 CA
*250 SL, ‘67, White w/ Cognac leather, black hard top and
hub caps, Manual trans., California Coupe, I’m 2nd
owner, my uncle was first owner, owned past 13 years,
repainted in correct white color, new carpet and upholstery, 160,000 miles. $59,500. 224-355-8960 IL
250 SL, ‘67, Maroon w/ black MB tex w/ both tops, auto.
trans., 2 owners from new, restoration 15 years ago, 6k
miles since, presentable car, perfect for events or show
$69,500. Carlo, 610-505-8612 PA
*250 SL, ‘68, Silver w/ black MB tex, 2 owner car, in
current ownership since 1975, some floor rust, seats
worn, both tops, A/C, well maintained, 167,000 miles.
$45,000 - Firm 303-279-3483 CO
*280 SL, ‘68, Ivory w/ black MB tex, auto. trans., A/C, both
tops runs and drives, but needs complete restoration,
$32,500. Peter, 718-545-0500 NY
*280 SL, ‘68, White w/ dark brown MB tex, black soft top
w/ hard top, manual trans., very presentable CA car,
clean underside and engine bay, great driver, 34,289
miles. $42,500. Alex, 310-975-0272 CA
*280 SL, ‘69, White w/ red MB tex, auto. trans., both tops,
excellent original condition, some records, car is sorted
and ready to enjoy $52,500. Peter, 718-545-0500 NY
*280 SL, ‘69, Dark red (DB576) w/ Parchment MB tex,
black soft top w/ hard top, auto. trans., pristine
example, Becker radio, restored interior and detailed
engine bay, original colors, runs beautifully, 74,626 miles.
$79,500. 310-657-9699 CA
*280 SL, ‘69, Dark Olive w/ black MB tex, both tops, auto.
trans., documented, 1 owner, full restoration completed
in May 2015, full service history, books, docs, records,
54,383 miles. $125,950. 425-562-1000 WA
*280 SL, ‘69, Arabian grey (124G) w/ burgundy MB tex.,
black soft top w/ hard top, manual trans., repaint 20 years
ago, Becker radio, original data card, books, recent service,
113,165 miles. $69,500. Jim, 603-209-4202 NH
1956 190SL - Black w/ tan leather, odometer
reads 58,556 miles. Very nice condition. Exterior paint is excellent, engine bay and underside reflect a high quality driver. Recent,
complete engine rebuild with records. Starts
and runs beautifully. Fitted with Weber carbs,
original Solex’s included w/ sale. Newer soft
top, For many photos and additional information contact SL Market Letter subscriber
Steven Levy in Toronto, Canada, Ph: 416258-7414 or email: [email protected]
May / June 2015
*280 SL, ‘70, Red w/ Cognac leather worn, new black soft
top w/ hard top, manual trans., fender notches and spot
welds, Becker radio, books / tools, very presentable,
41,956 miles. $62,500. Alex, 310-975-0272 CA
*280 SL, ‘70, Silver w/ red leather, auto. trans., Becker radio,
A/C, both tops, restored car, gorgeous, 98,640 miles.
$149,000. Dean, 631-283-8819 NY
*280 SL, ‘70, Dark Red (542G) w/ Cognac MB tex, auto.
trans., recent major brake service, owned since 1992,
records back to 1981, A/C, drive anywhere, minor cosmetic blemishes, great driver, 102,451 miles. $59,000.
518-781-4670 NY
*280 SL, ‘70, Dark green w/ tan MB tex, auto. trans., both
tops, matching numbers, solid body with good panel fit
and gaps, books / tools, $75,000. 917-301-7011 NY
*280 SL, ‘70, Silver w/ red leather, auto. trans., both tops,
A/C, Becker radio, photo documented restoration,
absolutely gorgeous and great running car, 44,401 miles.
$128,500. 828-654-3222 NC
280 SL, ‘70, Dark Blue w/ Cognac MB tex, auto. trans.,
Becker radio, A/C, spot welds, wide white walls, gorgeous
inside and out, 66,727 miles. $83,900. (*$1k price reduction since last SLML - Ed.) Bob, 540-287-4378 VA
“*280 SL, ‘71, Tan w/ two tone tan / brown leather, Manual
trans., A/C, both tops, after market stereo, no rust, runs
great, Peter, 718-545-0500 NY
*280 SL, ‘71, Papyrus white w/ blue MB tex and soft top
w/ white hard top, auto. trans., Becker radio, A/C,
matching numbers, much recent work with receipts,
extensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration, 72,250
miles. $69,995. 480-310-8814 AZ
*280 SL, ‘71, Signal red w/ Parchment MB tex, tan soft top,
matching red hub caps / hard top, auto. trans., A/C, 3
owners, records back to the 1980s, new tires, well maintained car, fully sorted $64,900. 203-256-9800 CT
*280 SL, ‘71, Silver (180G) w/ black MB tex, auto. trans.,
stainless steel exhaust, newer radio (Becker included), 2
sets wheels, tool kit, records from 1982, same owner since
1993, 75,000 miles. $79,000. OBO 509-378-1915 WA
*280 SL, ‘71, Red metallic w/ natural MB tex, auto. trans.,
both tops, A/C, good condition overall, worn interior,
presentable paint, modern wheels, original hub caps
included, good driver, $39,500. 347-438-1180
*280 SL, ‘69, Medium red w/ tan leather, new black soft top
w/ hard top, manual trans., original color was white,
rebuilt engine by Metric motors, break in miles only,
recent fuel system cleaning, some nicks and scratches,
but presentable, $65,000. 203-219-0113 CT
280 SL, ‘69, Tunis Beige w/ dark brown leather and soft top
w/ hard top, manual trans., Euro spec car, Becker radio,
gorgeous interior and engine bay, great driver with excellent cosmetics, $99,500. Mark, 314-524-6000 MO
*280 SL, ‘70, White (050) w/ brown leather, both tops,
auto. trans., A/C, always a West coast car, spot welds
present, trunk floor never repainted, one body repaint,
very original car, records from new, 133,000 miles.
$82,500. 310-827-8665 CA
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
SL Market Letter subscriber, Tom Hamilton,
has consigned his 1953 300b Convertible D
to RM / Sotheby’s Motor City sale in Plymouth, Michigan. The auction will take place
on July 25, 2015, it’s held in conjunction with
the Concours d’Elegance of America at St.
John’s. It’s Lot # 159 with an auction estimate
of $275,000 - $375,000.
9
Pre-War Elegance, Post-War Technology, the 300 Series
The W186 & W189
series 300 sedans
are most remarkable
automobiles. All the
variants—S, Sc, SL/G
and SL/R—share a
common ancestor in
the 1951-1952 300
sedan. Hermann
Ahrens, designer of
the pre-war 500 and
Albrecht Stachel
540K special roadsters, created the architecture of the 300
sedan and the two-door variants, in conjunction with Walter Häcker, the father of
the Gull Wing design. The demure body
architecture of the 1951 300 appropriately
reflected the sobriety and humility of the
postwar German nation, while the technical advancements of the 300 family made
a powerful statement about Germany’s
peacetime future, repurposing a wide range
of technologies developed during wartime.
Remarkably, for a vehicle billed as an executive limousine, and appointed as a rolling boardroom, the drive-line, suspension
and brakes of the 1951-1952 300 sedan
were found suitable to be used unchanged
in the 300SL under the technical direction
of racing director Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Those
W186 sedan components owe much to
Uhlenhaut’s racing program of the late
1930s. Many dynamic components are
interchangeable between the two models. Also fascinating is the resonant echo
of past military practices: not only did the
engine designs of the 300 and its descendants owe much to Daimler-Benz military
marine and aviation engines, even basic
technical standards were retained from
these arenas. Examples include: all the
coolant pipes and hoses in the 1951-1952
300 have machined, threaded junctions
instead of band clamp hose straps. While
one understandably would not want anything to get loose and fall off while piloting
Albrechts personal 300 sedan as rendered by famous illustrator Walter Gotschke.
a Zeppelin or a U-boat, the application of
these standards to an automobile was unprecedented and did not survive these initial 300 models, remaining a solitary highwater mark in automotive build quality.
The Marshall Plan infused US $1.5 billion
into German industry between 1948 and
1951. While their peers at Volkswagen
used these funds to resume the march
toward low-cost, mass-production vehicles, Daimler-Benz set a different goal,
seemingly intending to employ as many
different skill sets as possible in a single,
flagship vehicle.
The coach-crafted body and cabin appointments are a delight, utilizing brass
for the basis of the brightwork and genuine chunks of timber rather than veneered
plywood, as well as coach leather, wool
and baby Naugahyde (an early form of
MB-Tex). Impossibly narrow, slotted machine screws abound, and the 300 sports
a sufficient variety of other fastener types
to frustrate and bewilder even the most
patient restorer/owner. Cars are not
made that way anymore—they couldn’t
be made that way anymore. A Ford Focus
takes about six hours to construct under
modern assembly techniques. The W186
series required a 980 man-hour assembly time, and the fuel-injected W189 took
about 1,100 man-hours for construction.
A restoration on a 300 of any type takes at
least three times as long, plus parts and
sublets. This adds up to a hefty amount of
money. A Pebble Beach show car would
take longer, needing more resources yet.
Ironically, owing to their remarkable complexity and painstaking construction, a majority of these automobiles received limited
service over their working lives. Not only
did their sound engineering and material
quality allow them to stay on the road without the need for constant maintenance
common to other automobiles of the time,
but Daimler-Benz, recognizing the limited
sales distribution of these models, did not
see fit to privilege the average dealership
with a full workshop manual or technical
training on the 300 models. Those few
American dealerships whose customers
owned these vehicles were left to petition
Stuttgart for special training. As a result,
many 300 sedans were run until something
major went south, then parked, where some
still stand to this day. Many others have remained on the road in diminishing condition, with minimal maintenance and only
emergency service for the past 60 years.
Some have indeed been cherished, but no
matter how well kept, the organics of 60year-old cars are crying out for help—and
the 300 is a car with many, many organics.
Most 300 sedans that have survived—and
a rather large number have—are in need
of everything.
300 Sc
Roadster
300 S
Coupe
300 S
Convertible
10
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
May / June 2015
Here lies the problem of ownership
and value. Historically, few, outside the
small community of seasoned aficio         
nados, have been willing to commit to
 ‘94-Jul/Dec
such an outlay without well-established
Price New: $5,643
’99-Jul/Dec
7,646 Built. Chassis:186
’04-Jul/Sept
values on record. Fortunately for the
4 door, w Solex Carbs
'09-Jul/Dec
300, these values are climbing at long
Engine:M186.920, 921,I & II '15-Jan/Jun
last. Complete and utter wrecks—even

parts of wrecks—are now being offered 
’94-Jul/Dec
Price New: $6,980
’99-Jul/Dec
for tens of thousands of dollars. Well3,077 Built: Chassis 189
’04-Jul/Sept
restored and original 300 models, and
4 door, w/ Fuel Injection ’09-Jul/Dec
even well-executed modified vehicles
Engine: M 189.980 & 981 '15-Jan/Jun

such as convertible conversions, are
’94-Jul/Dec
bringing large returns in public and pri- 
Price New: $5,643
’99-Jul/Dec
vate sales. Four-door cabriolets and
642 Built. Chassis 186
’04-Jul/Sept
4 door a, b & c
'09-Jul/Dec
two-door S/Sc cars are beginning to
Engine: M 186.920
'15-Jan/Jun
stretch the one-million-dollar mark. I

personally know of two S cabriolets  ’94-Jul/Dec
having sold, within days of this writing,
Price New: $6,980
’99-Jul/Dec
65 Built. Chassis 189
’04-Jul/Sept
for more than $800,000 each.

4 door, w/ Fuel Injection '09-Jul/Dec
Engine: M 189.980 & 981 '15-Jan/Jun
The sale of 300SL models in the one
two million dollar range has raised the  ’94-Jul/Dec
value of all collectible Mercedes models.
Price New: $12,500
’99-Jul/Dec
203 Built. Chassis 188.010 ‘04-Jul/Sept
Collectors finally seem to be recognizing
Engine: M 186.920
'09-Jul/Dec
that the 300SL shares its remarkable enw Solex Carbs
'15-Jan/Jun
gineering with its ancestors and cousins

in the 3 liter family. With a 300 sedan, the 
’94-Jul/Dec
collector can enjoy the racing heritage
Price New: $12,500
’99-Jul/Dec
216 Built. Chassis 188.011 ’04-Jul/Sept
of Uhlenhaut, the culmination of Ahrens’
Engine: M 186.920
'09-Jul/Dec
design career, a level of comfort and
w Solex Carbs
'15-Jan/Jun
grace that stand alone among postwar

German automobiles and modern free-  ’94-Jul/Dec
Price New: $12,500
’99-Jul/Dec
way competence—all with ample room
141 Built. Chassis 188.012 ’04-Jul/Sept
for luggage and passengers.
Engine: M 186.920
'09-Jul/Dec
w Solex Carbs
''15-Jan/Jun
With one foot in prewar elegance, and

the other in postwar technology, the  ‘94-Jul/Dec
Price New: $12,800
’99-Jul/Dec
300 sedan is one stout device: an au53 Built. Chassis 188.013 ’04-Jul/Sept
tomobile suitable for a life-long relationEngine: M 199.980
'09-Jul/Dec
ship, and fully worthy of its day in the
w/ Fuel Injection
'15-Jan/Jun

spotlight. After decades waiting in the

’94-Jul/Dec
wings, it seems that day has come.
Price New: $12,800
'99-Jul/Dec
98 Built. Chassis 188.014 ‘04-Jul/Sept
Albrecht Stachel owns and operEngine: M 199.980
'09-Jul/Jan
ates Brooklyn Motoren Werke, Inc.
w/ Fuel Injection
'15-Jan/Jun

in Brooklyn, WI. 300 series cars are
 ‘94-Jul/Dec
his specialty, from 300SLs to 300
Price New: $12,800
’99-Jul/Dec
sedans. Visit: www.brooklyn300.com
49 Built. Chassis 188.015 ’04-Jul/Sept
Engine: M 199.980
'09-Jul/Dec
w/ Fuel Injection
'15-Jan/Jun


insuff. data
insuff. data
$2,000
$2,850
$5,300

insuff. data
insuff. data
$2,500
$3,660
$5,800

insuff. data
insuff. data
$8,000
$12,000
$20,000

insuff. data
insuff. data
$8,500
$13,500
$28,000

$40,000
$40,000
$50,000
$75,000
$110,000

$24,500
$22,500
$30,000
$55,000
$85,000

$35,500
$37,500
$50,000
$75,000
$110,000

$50,000
$48,000
$70,000
$95,000
$130,000

$35,000
$32,000
$35,000
$60,000
$90,000

$50,000
$50,000
$70,000
$95,000
$130,000


$ 2,800
$ 2,375
$ 3,000
$ 4,275
$ 7,800

$ 3,200
$ 2,900
$ 3,500
$ 5,000
$ 7,030

insuff. data
$ 16,000
$ 17,000
$ 35,000
$ 44,000

insuff. data
$ 19,000
$ 20,700
$ 40,000
$ 65,500

$ 85,000
$ 85,000
$ 80,000
$110,000
$135,000

$ 44,500
$ 40,000
$ 42,500
$ 65,000
$120,000

$ 75,000
$ 75,000
$ 85,000
$110,000
$135,000

$120,000
$105,000
$130,000
$145,000
$170,000

$ 70,000
$ 52,500
$ 52,500
$ 80,000
$132,000

$110,000
$105,000
$135,000
$150,000
$170,000



insuff. data
insuff. data
$ 11,000
$ 10,580
$ 14,500
$ 21,410
$ 31,750

$ 13,500
$ 10,700
$ 17,750
$ 27,530
$ 37,475

$ 40,000
$ 45,300
$ 57,500
$ 97,000
$223,500

$ 51,000
$ 50,000
$ 70,500
$145,000
$236,000

$165,000
$165,000
$150,000
$272,500
$452,500

$ 97,500
$ 80,000
$ 87,250
$115,000
$280,000

$150,000
$140,000
$155,000
$275,000
$452,500

$235,000
$205,000
$220,000
$375,000
$645,000

$134,000
$115,000
$130,000
$140,000
$347,500

$230,000
$205,000
$230,000
$385,000
$645,000

$ 5,500
$ 8,220
$14,000

insuff. data
insuff. data
$ 5,500
$ 10,000
$ 16,300

insuff. data
insuff. data
$ 25,000
$ 55,000
$ 77,000

insuff. data
insuff. data
$ 26,000
$ 70,000
$ 82,000

$130,000
$130,000
$120,000
$160,000
$225,000

$ 82,000
$ 65,000
$ 67,500
$ 90,000
$155,000

$125,000
$115,000
$125,000
$160,000
$225,000

$200,000
$150,000
$170,000
$200,000
$290,000

$108,200
$ 95,000
$ 90,000
$115,000
$180,000

$190,000
$150,000
$175,000
$205,000
$290,000


$ 20,000
$ 17,800
$ 26,000
$ 34,600
$ 49,500

$ 19,900
$ 17,800
$ 30,000
$ 42,200
$ 58,650

$ 65,000
$ 63,000
$ 90,000
$139,000
$370,000

$ 73,500
$ 73,000
$115,000
$220,000
$390,000

$205,000
$205,000
$195,000
$385,000
$680,000

$110,000
$115,000
$130,000
$155,000
$450,000

$175,000
$170,000
$195,000
$385,000
$680,000

$270,000
$240,000
$305,000
$485,000
$900,000

$160,000
$141,000
$170,000
$180,000
$555,000

$265,000
$240,000
$315,000
$490,000
$900,000


$ 28,000
$ 26,000
$ 42,000
$ 47,000
$ 86,750

$ 26,000
$ 26,750
$ 45,000
$ 55,560
$ 85,500

$ 85,000
$ 85,000
$170,000
$270,000
$530,000+

$ 98,000
$ 90,000
$190,000
$310,000
$610,000+

$250,000
$250,000
$290,000
$500,000
$800,000

$155,000
$155,000
$165,000
$185,000
$575,000

$235,000
$235,000
$300,000
$500,000
$800,000

$300,000
$300,000
$390,000
$725,000
$1,200,000

$180,000
$180,000
$200,000
$290,000
$670,000

$300,000
$300,000
$400,000
$745,000
$1,200,000

See 190SL chart on page 1 for explanation of condition levels.
CONDITION #6 CONDITION #5 CONDITION #4
Fitted
luggage
 

available
for



all models.













CONDITION #3
CONDITION #2
CONDITION #1





















300 d
Convertible D
May
/ June 2015


website:
www.slmarket.com
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R 107 (1971 – 1989)
*350 SL, ‘72, Silver w/ black leather is worn, documented
mileage, 1 repaint, Becker radio, new Michelins, new
fuel tank and sender, needs sub-frame mounts, survivor, 49,894 miles. $14,950. 704-998-7693 NC
*450 SL, ‘73, Maple yellow w/ tan MB tex, Both tops,
original paint, period MB accessory wheels, too old to
get in and out of now, 110,000 miles. $12,000 OBO.
623-214-6226 AZ
*450 SL, ‘73, Byzantine Gold (422) w/ parchment MB tex,
dark brown soft top w/ hard top, clean survivor, same
owner since 1978, steelies w/ hub caps, small bumpers,
85,726 miles. $19,850 OBO. 904-728-9688 FL
*450 SL, ‘73, Silver w/ black leather and soft top w/ hard
top, beautiful restoration, small bumpers, investment
grade to drive or show, the 450SL to own! 76,537 miles.
$26,900. 314-291-7000 MO
*450 SL, ‘76, Dark red w/ palomino leather, excellent
condition, both tops, occasional Summer use only and
always garaged, original miles, 41,000 miles. $18,000
- Firm 603-448-2663 NH
*450 SL, ‘76, Diamond blue met. w/ blue leather and soft
top w/ hard top, originally from CA now in FL, rust
free, solid example, $13,500. 321-271-0536 FL
*280 SL, ‘76, Pastel blue (922) w/ blue MB tex and soft
top, some light surface rust on body and underside,
car has been sitting, turns over, but does not run, Euro
bumpers, 86,727 miles. $5,250. 904-728-9688 FL
*350 SL, ‘77, light blue met. w/ tan leather replaced in
2005, 1 owner past 25 years, Euro car w/ lights and
bumpers, rear jump seats, rebuilt engine in 2008,
29,969 miles. $15,995. 678-279-1609 GA
*450 SL, ‘77, Yellow w/ parchment MB tex., excellent
condition, runs and drives great, clean car, hub caps,
both tops, 37,000 miles. $19,500. 619-840-5383 CA
*450 SL, ‘76, Medium blue w/ blue MB tex, both tops
are blue, like new paint and interior, always garaged
and cared for, great driver, 67,000 miles. $10,900. Ken,
425-879-7968 WA
*450 SL, ‘78, Cinnamon brown met. w/ tan leather, both
tops, grandma’s car last 37 years, stock and factory
correct, stored with little use for past 20 years, very
clean, 87,100 miles. $11,500. 757-253-0748 VA
*450 SL, ‘77, Maple yellow w/ Cognac MB tex, new soft
top w/ hard top, 2 owner car, A/C converted to R134,
wire wheels, first aid kit, nice driver, 78,412 miles.
$13,500. 404-376-6213 GA
*450 SL, ‘78, Silver w/ black leather and soft top w/ hard
top, always garaged, excellent interior condition, no
leaks, good dash and wood, nice driver, 79,000 miles.
$12,500. 612-619-2252 MN
*450 SL, ‘77, Astral Silver w/ black leather and soft top w/
hard top, largely original example, Becker radio, nice
driver, 50,804 miles. $9,900. 913-888-1234 MO
*450 SL, ‘79, Medium blue metallic w/ parchment leather
worn, always serviced, dark blue soft top w/ hard top,
recent service, 103,316 miles. 941-928-2339 FL
C L A S S I C R E S T O R ACZ$PVOUSZ$MVC
TION
*280 SL, ‘79, Thistle green met. w/ green MB tex, auto.
trans., 1 family owned since new, Euro bumpers, black
soft top w/ hard top, serviced regularly, 36,000 KMs
$14,900. 860-664-0727 CT
*450 SL, ‘80, Thistle Green w/ parchment MB tex, black
soft top, original car, So Cal owner, Becker radio, hub
caps, gorgeous, unmolested example, 58,350 miles.
$18,500. 310-399-3990 CA
*280 SL, ‘82, Signal red w/ black leather and soft top w/
hard top, auto. trans., Euro car, MB accessory wheels,
recent service, good oil pressure, 122,542 miles.
$11,500. Alex, 619-672-7666 CA
*500 SL, ‘84, Black w/ black leather and soft top w/ hard
top, auto. trans., Euro bumpers and lights, original
paint and soft top, chrome wheels, w/ A/C, excellent
condition, 43,000 miles. $34,500. 248-887-5107 MI
*280 SL, ‘84, Anthracite grey met. w/ black leather and soft
top w/ hard top, auto. trans., Euro spec car w/ small
bumpers, U.S. lights, original tools and radio, 100,715
miles. $8,500. John, 612-325-0026 MN
*380 SL, ‘85, Anthracite grey met. w/ Palomino leather,
later MB alloys fitted, original bundts included, great
looking driver example, both tops, 97,012 miles.
$7,900. 612-236-3368 MN
*560 SL, ‘86, Smoke silver w/ tobacco brown leather
and soft top w/ hard top, very clean car, detailed
engine bay, same owner for many years, 50,924 miles.
$15,750. Alex, 310-975-0272 CA
*560 SL, ‘86, Arctic white w/ grey leather, both tops
are white, excellent, original condition, never been
rained on, drive anywhere, 93,000 miles. $14,500.
804-883-6026, VA

SL MARKET LETTER(SLML) is published, edited and copyrighted, 2015, by SL Market
Subscription Rates:
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Letter, Inc., Dave Tobin, Editor. SLML is not affiliated with any car club or car manufacturer.
issues
issues
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SLML is air mailed world-wide every 50-60 days. Subscriptions are based on number of issues USA, Canada, Mexico:
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published, not on the calendar year. Technical information, cars for sale, letters to the editor Outside North America:
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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 [email protected] - Email the editor at [email protected]
MAY / JUNE 2015
12
vol. XXIX, no. 4 2020 Girard AvE. S, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55405 USA
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
Ph 612-377-0155
fax 612-377-0157
May / June 2015
R 107 (1971 – 1989)
*560 SL, ‘86, Signal red (568) w/ Palomino leather, new
black soft top w/ hard top, recent service includes
engine mounts, timing chain, valve cover gaskets, etc.
86,554 miles. $14,999. 201-475-0700 NJ
*560 SL, ‘88, Black w/ burgundy leather, 2 owner car,
always dealer serviced, 2nd owner since 1992, original
paint, new soft top w/ hard top, excellent car 51,576
miles. $22,988. 815-385-3644 IL
*560 SL, ‘86, Silver w/ burgundy leather, black soft top w/
hard top, nice condition, new tires and recent service,
88,000 miles. $10,500. David, 248-225-5784 MI
*560 SL, ‘88, Black w/ Palomino leather, 2 owner car w/
all service records, clean car, only pleasure driving,
86,600 miles. $25,500 OBO. 828-781-1499 NC
*560 SL, ‘87, Arctic White (147) w/ Saddle leather, dark
brown soft top w/ hard top, documented, 1 owner
car w/ CA blue plates, original paint, clean example,
37,766 miles. $29,500. Adam, 831-373-3131 CA
*560 SL, ‘88, Astral Silver w/ black leather and soft top
w/ hard top, Originally purchased MB of Beverly
Hills, original paint and interior, new Michelins, just
serviced, 76,050 miles. $19,995. 480-310-8814 AZ
J & D Plating
Custom Chrome Plating
St. Paul, MN 55104
Gary W/ DuBois
owner
Ph: 651-251-7400
Fx: 651-251-7402
*560 SL, ‘87, Anthracite grey met. w/ Burgundy leather,
well documented, 3 owner car excellent body and
paint, original leather in great cond., must see to appreciate, 100,501 miles. $14,900. 301-231-9000 MD
*560 SL, ‘88, Signal red w/ Palomino leather, black soft
top w/ hard top, original paint, minimal interior wear,
collector condition, 50,770 miles. $32,900. Michael,
832-617-0494 TX
*560 SL, ‘87, Petrol blue met. w/ parchment leather,
original paint and interior, Becker radio, both tops,
gorgeous example w/ service records and history,
60,625 miles. $23,995. 239-771-0057 FL
*560 SL, ‘88, light grey met. w/ burgundy leather, black
soft top w/ hard top, original Becker, always maintained and garage kept, original paint, all stock, 87,657
miles. $12,500. Donnie, 863-801-3238 KY
*560 SL, ‘89, Black pearl met. w/ Palomino leather, black
soft top w/ hard top, clean car w/ no accidents, well
maintained, lots of recent service w/ receipts, 96,850
miles. $12,500 OBO. 812-760-5513 IN
*560 SL, ‘87, Burgundy metallic w/ Palomino leather,
original car with both tops, excellent condition, 77,000
miles. $13,500 OBO. Carol, 708-403-3543 IL
*560 SL, ‘89, signal red w/ black leather, fantastic condition, fully documented miles w/ books, manuals, tools.
26,944 miles. $39,900. 314-291-7000 MO
*560 SL, ‘89, Black w/ black leather and soft top w/ hard
top, nice car, needs minor cosmetics, 73,000 miles.
$8,950. Peter, 718-545-0500 NY
*560 SL, ‘87, Smoke Silver met. w/ Dark brown leather
and soft top w/ hard top, original miles, immaculate
condition, original radio, drive anywhere today, 58,231
miles. $19,500 OBO. 630-624-8303 IL
*560 SL, ‘89, Arctic white w/ burgundy leather, black soft
top w/ hard top, well maintained, runs and drives as it
should, original car that’s ready to enjoy, 60,312 miles.
$26,995. 817-764-8000 TX
*560 SL, ‘89, Arctic white w/ grey leather, black soft top
w/ hard top, two owner car, excellent condition inside
and out, good wood, original radio, 63,297 miles.
$12,999. 434-525-4092 VA
*560 SL, ‘87, Medium blue met. w/ blue leather and soft
top w/ hard top, starts, runs and drives excellent, MB
accessory wheels, recent service, 88,000 miles. $9,500.
Rolly, 734-358-7056 MI
*560 SL, ‘89, Signal red w/ Palomino w/ dark brown soft
top w/ hard top, owned by MLB’s Vince Coleman,
original paint and int., excellent chrome, dash, A/C
blows cold, 47,725 miles. $27,900. 760-445-2921 CA
*560 SL, ‘89, Silver w/ black leather and soft top w/ hard
top, original Becker radio, well kept car, always covered
and maintained, nice driver, 102,000 miles, $8,000.
Nick, 614-759-9233 OH
Email: [email protected]
Servicing all your Mercedes-Benz needs,
with Quality you can count on!
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May / June 2015
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13
R 129 (1990 – 2002)
*500 SL, ‘90, light blue met. w/ blue leather and soft top
w/ hard top, 2 owner car, meticulous maintenance,
binder full of records, excellent exterior, 84,000 miles.
$8,500. Michael, 407-353-2620 FL
*SL 500, ‘94, Imperial red w/ beige leather, 1 owner car,
both tops, complete w/ records and books, original
radio, rear wind screen, nice, clean example, 66,421
miles. $9,995. 334-396-8877 AL
*SL 320, ‘97, Quartz Blue Met., w/ grey leather, blue soft
top w/ hard top, 40th Anniv. Ed., excellent condition
paint and int., all original, 79,351 miles. $10,992. 515262-8003 IA
*300 SL, ‘91, Green w/ tan leather, black soft top w/
hard top, original radio, excellent wood and interior,
unmolested, stock example, 52,745 miles. $9,000.
804-625-4075 VA
*SL 320, ‘94, White w/ blue leather, blue soft top w/
hard top, 8 hole alloy wheels, clean car, inside and
out, upgraded stereo system, 35,283 miles. $13,499.
OBO215-643-6520 PA
*500 SL, ‘91, Black w/ Palomino leather, Good condition,
well maintained example w/ recent work including
new power steering pump, battery, tie rod ends, new
tires, 96,152 miles. $7,900. 978-462-3088 MA
*SL 500, ‘94, Emerald green met. w/ Palomino leather, 1
owner car, excellent condition interior w/ crack free
wood, gorgeous paint, original radio, 42,972 miles.
$13,995. 516-208-2311 NY
*SL 320, ‘97, Quartz Blue met. w/ grey leather, blue top
w/ hard top, 40th Anniv. Ed., originally owned by
MLB Hall of Famer Don Sutton, Royal maple wood,
excellent cond., chromed wheels, orig. window sticker,
21,091 miles. $24,989. Rusty, 888-650-2854 SC
*300 SL, ‘91, Light blue met., w/ blue leather w/ both
tops, excellent condition, inside and out, newer soft
top, good wood, original radio, nice driver, 84,916
miles. $5,200. 317-747-4907 IN
*SL 500, ‘94, Silver w/ ash grey leather, back soft top w/
hard top and stand, 1 owner car, original car, immaculate, 32,439 miles. $17,900. 864-583-6690 SC
*500 SL, ‘92, signal red w/ tan leather, both tops, original
paint, every service record since new, window sticker,
69,368 miles. $12,900. Neil, 607-786-3918 NY - S
*SL 600, ‘95, dark blue w/ tan leather, both tops, worn
interior, w/ upgraded radio, presentable exterior,
after-market wheels, 69,289 miles. $11,995. Rich,
435-752-7424 UT
*500 SL, ‘93, Dark blue w/ tan leather, blue soft top w/
hard top, always garaged, never seen snow and I avoid
the rain, very clean, like new exterior, 93,000 miles.
$9,900. Ralph, 508-776-9700 MA
*SL 500, ‘95, Arctic white w/ cashmere leather, both tops,
excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition, recent
service, multi-contour seats, books / manuals, 27,664
miles. $14,900. 630-347-0347 IL
*500 SL, ‘93, Smoke silver w/ tan leather, both tops well
maintained, always serviced, much recent mechanical
work w/ receipts, books, manuals, first aid kit, 67,285
miles. $11,995. 508-473-2886 MA
*SL 500, ‘95, Emerald green w/ beige leather, green soft
top w/ hard top, excellent original car, new top and
tires, runs and looks like new, 57,000 miles. $12,900.
Frank, 248-217-0214 MI
*SL 500, ‘94, Desert silver (gold) w/ beige leather, later
AMG wheels, clean car with service records and
ownership history, 80,121 miles. $9,500 OBO, Will,
480-434-8878 AZ
*SL 500, ‘97, Black w/ black leather and soft top w/ hard
top, AMG sport pkg., one owner, always garaged,
never seen rain, immaculate, 7,500 miles. $29,000.
Jesse, 602-526-3408 AZ
*SL 500, ‘94, Dark blue w/ beige leather, both tops, 1
owner car, outstanding cond., no wear to speak of,
dealer maintained, no mechanical issues, new tires,
53,000 miles. $7,800. Peter, 917-692-4108 NY
SL 500, ‘97, designo red met. w/ mushroom leather, 40th
Anniv. Ed., chestnut wood trim, rear badge delete,
gorgeous original condition, 14,420 miles. $32,990.
760-773-5000 CA
*SL 500, ‘99, Garnet red met., w/ beige leather and soft
top w/ hard top, wood / leather wheel, MB sport
wheels, excellent cond. ext. and int., original in every
way, 45,388 miles. $14,989. 888-485-7379 OH
*SL 500, ‘99, Red w/ beige leather, black soft top w/ hard
top, 2nd owner since 2004, all maintenance records,
new tires, just serviced, excellent condition, inside and
out, 69,800 miles. $12,500. Bill, 770-312-4741 GA
*SL 600, ‘99, Black w/ beige leather, both tops, always
garaged, no accidents or paint work, always maintained, immaculate, 44,896 miles. $19,950. Sebastian,
386-453-5035 FL
SL 500, ‘99, Black w/ tan leather and soft top w/ hard top,
original paint, service history, 22,100 miles. $18,850.
(*$1,000 price drop since last SLML - Ed.*) Ben,
805-709-5640 CA
*SL 500, ‘99, Brilliant silver w/ grey leather and soft top w/
hard top, excellent cond., only driven in nice weather,
chrome wheels, always serviced and maintained,
46,500 miles. $12,900. Bill, 847-909-1951 IL
*SL 500, ‘00, Desert Silver (gold) w/ tan leather, both
tops, excellent interior and wood, MB sport wheels,
everything works, gorgeous example, 85,673 miles.
$12,995. 888-419-8320 CA
*SL 500, ‘01, Brilliant silver w/ ash grey leather, black
soft top w/ hard top, wood / leather wheel, AMG
sport Pkg., excellent condition, original paint and int.,
63,227 miles. $15,970. Danny, 615-478-5598 TN
*SL 500, ‘02, Silver w/ 2 tone black / grey, both tops,
Silver Arrow Ed., pampered, 2 owner car in excellent
condition throughout, windscreen, briefcase, books,
window sticker, orig. purchase invoice, etc., 40,880
miles. $23,995. 503-238-5510 OR
SL 500, ‘02, Silver w/ 2 tone grey / black, both tops, Silver
Arrow Ed., clean Carfax, original paint, 51,353 miles.
$22,900 OBO Klaus, 760-445-2921 CA
*SL 500, ‘02, Silver w/ 2 tone grey / black leather, Silver
Arrow Ed., Florida car, excellent condition, both
tops, full maintenance history, 50,723 miles. $20,477.
239-693-4000 FL
30+
SL 500, ‘02, Silver w/ 2 tone black / grey, Silver Arrow
Ed., AZ car until 2014, new tires, original example,
70,590 miles. $19,900. Bret, 810-333-5840 MI
*SL 500, ‘02, Silver w/ 2 tone black / grey leather, Silver
Arrow Ed., 3 owner car, excellent condition and maintenance history, no excuses, 47,103 miles. $19,900.
831-423-8000 CA
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
14
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
May / June 2015
R 230/231 (2003 - Present)
*SL 500, ‘03, Aegean Blue met. w/ stone int., 1 owner car,
Sport Pkg., illuminated door sills, active heated / ventilated seats, 17,000 miles. $29,900. 615-822-9711 TN
*SL 500, ‘03, designo silver met. w/ charcoal leather,
1 owner, Graphite designo Ed., PARKTRONIC,
10,688 miles. $26,900. 704-877-7500 NC
*SL 500, ‘03, Black w/ black leather, AMG Sport Pkg.,
massaging seats, always stored Winters, 17,044 miles.
$31,000. 847-920-5438 IL
*SL 500, ‘03, Storm red met., w/ stone leather, Comfort
Pkg, DISTRONIC cruise control, heated / cooled
seats, 54,168 miles. $21,900. 727-393-6454 FL
*SL 500, ‘03, Desert silver met., w/ black leather,
Comfort Pkg., int. wood pkg., wood / leather wheel,
rear wind screen, excellent condition, 88,000 miles.
$15,900. Leonard, 702-433-3280 NV
*SL 500, ‘03, designo Silver met.w/ black leather, designo
Launch Ed., wood Pkg., xenons, Nav., Comfort Pkg.,
62,000 miles. $21,900. Sandra, 678-462-2212 GA
*SL 500, ‘03, Black w/ charcoal leather, AMG Sport
Pkg., no accidents, PARKTRONIC, Panorama roof,
always garage kept, excellent cond., 54,000 miles.
$17,800. Saeed, 818-468-6015 CA
*SL 500, ‘03, Desert Silver (gold) w/ Charcoal leather,
Comfort Pkg., recent A/C service and new battery,
60,887 miles. $16,500. Roland, 630-661-2944 IL
*SL 500, ‘03, Desert Silver met. w/ stone leather, AMG
Sport Pkg., KEYLESS GO, wood / leather wheel,
excellent original cond., 23,020 miles. $26,400. 480324-8900 AZ
*SL 500, ‘06, Mars red w/ designo Sand leather, Comfort
Pkg., Nav., xenons, Int. wood trim Pkg, recent service
at MB dealer, excellent cond. throughout. 54,913
miles. $24,995. 330-819-8064 OH
*SL 500, ‘04, Brilliant silver w/ grey leather, turbine
wheels, PARKTRONIC, w/ service records, 85,474
miles. $17,900. 714-972-2500 CA
*SL 550, ‘07, Pewter met. w/ Cognac brown leather,
50th Anniversary Ed., black ash wood trim, special
ed. rear shelf bag, all the options, very clean, 52,562
miles. $31,900. 941-922-6337 FL
*SL 500, ‘04, Pewter met. w/ charcoal leather, 2 owner
car, always in CA, accessory wood pkg., very clean,
78,987 miles. $20,900. 714-533-2200 CA
*SL 500, ‘05, Alabaster white w/ designo sand leather, 1
owner car, service records, recent maintenance, ready
to enjoy, 49,049 miles. $25,985. 888-754-7771 NC
*SL 500, ‘05, silver w/ Charcoal leather, Gorgeous example, recent service includes new Michelins, valve
cover gasket, brake flush, etc., ready to drive, 43,683
miles. $24,900. 617-739-6600 MA
*SL 500, ‘05, Pewter met. w/ Charcoal leather, Sport Pkg.,
Nav., very well maintained, xenon headlamps, great
driver, 70,011 miles. $20,995. 888-976-5245 GA
*SL 500, ‘05, Capri Blue met. w/ designo sand leather,
1 owner, clean Carfax, Comfort Pkg., Int. wood trim
Pkg., 31,351 miles. $32,900. 217-528-2277 IL
*SL 500, ‘05, Black w/ Sand beige leather, Int. wood
Pkg., Nav., KEYLESS-GO, Comfort Pkg., 53,009
miles. $23,995. 813-443-8244 FL
*SL 550, ‘07, Capri Blue met. w/ Stone leather, Immaculate cond., Panorama roof, P2 Pkg., w/ chestnut
wood trim and wheel, clean Carfax, 33,470 miles.
$32,500. Antonio, 425-233-1384 WA
*SL 550, ‘09, designo Mocha Black w/ designo Sand
leather, designo Espresso Ed., 2 owner car, AMG
Sport Pkg., Panorama roof, P1 Pkg., KEYLESS GO,
38,087 miles. $46,900. 954-946-3000 FL
*SL 550, ‘09, Steel Grey w/ black leather, AMG Sport
Pkg., Panorama roof, P1 Pkg., massaging seats, harmon/kardon sound, KEYLESS GO, 61,700 miles.
$38,500 OBO, Marion, 740-965-3093 OH
*SL 600, ‘09, Black w/ Ash grey leather, Euro delivery,
1 owner, AMG Sport Pkg., Panorama roof, P1 Pkg.,
51,385 miles. $55,000. John, 602-284-1159 AZ
*SL 550, ‘13, Lunar Blue met., w/ Beige leather, 1 owner,
AMG Sport Pkg., harmon/kardon, wood / leather
sport wheel, Panorama roof, essentially a new car,
15,737 miles. $79,900. 877-806-6200 NH 7/5/15
Coupes (All Years)
*220 SE, ‘63, Blue w/ red leather, manual trans., new
interior, great driver quality example, 142,500 miles.
$22,500. Sebastian, 386-453-5035 FL
*220 SE, ‘65, Light blue (DB334) w/ Parchment leather,
auto. trans., unrestored example, well maintained, rust
free, presentable bright-work, rear bucket seats (not a
bench), $37,500. Mark, 314-524-6000 MO
*250 SE, ‘66, Dark green (268H) w/ Cognac int., floor shift
auto. trans., A/C, just out of long term storage, same
owner many years, ready for restoration, 55,140 miles.
$8,950. Alex, 310-975-0272 CA
*250 SE, ‘66, White (050), w/ blue leather, floor shift
manual trans., sold new in Switzerland, Kuhlmeister
A/C, rebuilt brakes, new shift linkage, new shocks,
70,000 miles. $16,900. 518-852-2858 NY
*280 SE, ‘69, White w/ Bamboo leather, column mounted
auto. trans., original Becker radio, rough interior, 57,609
miles. $21,750. Alex, 310-975-0272 CA
*280 C, ‘73, Tobacco brown w/ bamboo MB tex., floor
mounted auto. trans., completely restored between
1994-96, award winner at Cincinnati Concours,very
nice int. and ext., functional A/C, Solex carb, $10,995
OBO 850-598-3634 FL
*450 SLC, ‘73, silver w/ red leather, 2 owner car, complete
service records, drives great, good paint, minor interior
issues, honest original car to enjoy or restore, 120,043
miles. $13,500. 805-689-9504 CA
*350 SLC, ‘73, red w/ black MB tex, early car w/ small
May / June 2015
bumpers, manual trans., no A/C, very good running car,
105,834 miles. $6,000. David, 770-942-8444 GA - S
*450 SLC, ‘73, Carnellian red met. w/ Palomino leather,
small bumpers, 1 family owned, sunroof, A/C., original
manuals, build sheet, $16,500. 908-234-2055 NJ
*500 SEC, ‘84, Dark blue w/ beige leather, 1 family owned,
well maintained, all records past 16 yars, original paint
and int., bundt wheels $9,500. 917-930-4695 NY
*450 SLC, ‘74, dark green met., w/ tan MB tex, new front
seat covers, Becker radio, runs well and maintained,
102,820 miles. $6,500. 703-448-0959 VA
*300 CD, ‘85, Champagne met. (473) w/ Parchment MB
tex, auto. trans., always a So. Cal. car, one owner until
last year, perfect original paint and exterior, records
back 17 yrs., $8k in service in last 10k miles, books,
data plate, excellent example, 123,132 miles. $13,500.
310-827-8665 CA
*280 CE, ‘78, light ivory w/ Bamboo MB tex, floor mounted auto. trans., Becker radio, 2nd owner, all manuals and
records, one repaint, new battery and fuel pump, cold
A/C, 181,000 miles. $3,500. 347-528-0262 NY
*500 SEC, ‘86, Gold w/ Palomino leather, 2 owner car,
owned since ‘99, always garaged and covered, excellent condition, mostly original paint, nice overall cond.
69,000 miles. $13,800. 775-219-9126 NV
*300 CD, ‘78, Brown met., w/ saddle MB tex, auto. trans.,
sunroof, exc. condition, restored in 2010, engine by Metric Motors, 227,804 miles. $14,900 OBO (*$2,100 price
drop since last SLML - Ed.*) 917-741-5638 NY
*300 CE, ‘88, Burgundy w/ beige leather, excellent
condition, garage kept, service records and recent
maintenance, gorgeous car, 73,800 miles. $10,500.
908-413-3326 NY
*450 SLC, ‘79, Silver blue met., w/ blue leather, 1 owner
car, well maintained, very strong car, bundt wheels,
original Becker, 72,553 miles. $15,000. Peter, 516-7423320 NY - S
*560 SEC, ‘89, Black pearl met. w/ tan leather, excellent
paint and interior, chrome wheels, no mechanical issues,
everything works, well maintained, original example,
97,450 miles. $13,995. 239-771-0057 FL
*450 SLC, ‘80, silver blue met., w/ dark blue leather, original
paint and interior immaculate, well maintained w/ cold
A/C, new tires, sunroof, drives like new, 63,628 miles.
$21,450. 310-297-2671 CA
*560 SEC, ‘90, Smoke silver w/ tan leather, 2 owner car, all
receipts from new, time capsule example, near perfect
paint, excellent interior, everything works, 69,000 miles.
$29,500. Michael, 315-725-1966 NY
*280 CE, ‘81, Dark blue met., w/ Parchment MB tex., auto.
trans., excellent mechanical and cosmetic cond., manuals, dealer brochures, original Becker, honest survivor,
87,282 miles. $11,500. 949-715-4555 CA
*560 SEC, ‘91, Arctic white w/ grey leather, Impeccable
in every way, freshly serviced w/ new Michelins, drive
anywhere in this time capsule example 60,184 miles.
$19,900. 864-239-2211 SC
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
15
M 100 (All Years)
*300 SEL 6.3, ‘70, Silver (180G) lower, Blue (350H) upper
w/ blue leather, documented mileage and ownership
history, records and receipts from day 1, exterior repaint, original interior, everything works, much recent
service, 118,000 miles. $46,000. 619-244-3888
600 SWB, ‘70, Burgundy w/ Cognac leather, over $185k in
restoration receipts from 2006, fully documented resto
and history, books, manuals, 24,784 miles. $135,000.
(*$30,000 price reduction since last SLML* - Ed.)
Mark, 314-524-6000 MO
*450 SEL 6.9, ‘79, Dark blue met. w/ Parchment leather,
original interior w/ burl walnut trim, heated seats
front and rear, Becker Mexico, sunroof, everything
works, excellent condition, 101,012 miles. $35,000.
908-234-2055 NJ
*300 SE 6.3 AMG Cabriolet, ‘66, Silver (DB 180) w/ red
leather, one-off W112 chassis cab uprated in 1978
by AMG factory per Karl Middelhauve’s request to
include M100 6.3 motor and ZF 5 speed trans., huge
history file. Featured in several articles and books,
55,000 miles. $395,000. Stu, 781-444-4646 MA
*300 SEL 6.3 - 2 x ‘69 models, 3 x ‘71s. You read about
these 6.3s rescued from a storage building in the January / February issue of the SLML, the cars are now for
sale. Contact Randy for information on each specific
car. Mileage ranges from 27,000 - 79,000. Prices range
from $20,000 - $50,000. 307-290-0012 CO
*450 SEL 6.9, ‘79, Black w/ Parchment leather, repainted
2 yrs. ago, cold A/C, new tires, cracked dash and
interior needs, AZ 1 owner car, good suspension,
no leaks, 74,910 miles. $17,000. Demeterios, 570876-1355 PA
SLK (All Years)
*SLK 230, ‘98, Black w/ 2 tone black / red int., auto.
trans., recent service, everything works. nice driver,
70,672 miles. $8,200. Tom, 847-255-6673 IL
*SLK 320, ‘02, Magma Red w/ 2 tone tan / black int., Sport
Pkg., wood leather steering wheel, serviced, ready to
drive, 66,531 miles. $8,900. 888-760-4183 HI
*SLK 350, ‘09, Palladium Silver w/ 2 tone black and red int.,
Sport Pkg., AIRSCARF, wood / leather wheel, excellent
cond., 38,343 miles. $25,100. 702-832-5480 NV
*SLK 230, ‘99, Red w/ red int., auto. trans., original paint,
new tires and battery, 55,000 miles. $9,000. David,
210-620-5404 TX - S
*SLK 350, ‘07, Diamond Silver met. w/ black int., Sport
Pkg., AIRSCARF, 17” accessory wheels, very clean
car, 47,458 miles. $20,900. 302-645-5353 DE
*SLK 300, ‘11, Arctic white w/ Natural beige leather,
Sport Pkg., Nav., Bluetooth, just serviced, 10,286
miles. $31,900. 772-410-5155 FL
*SLK 230, ‘99, Brilliant silver met. w/ black int., manual
trans., Sport Pkg. w/ AMG wheels, original paint, great
cond., 52,664 miles. $7,995. 602-279-5454 AZ
*SLK 280, ‘08, Iridium Silver met. w/ black int. w/ red
stitching, Edition 10 Pkg., chrome shadow wheels,
29,459 miles. $22,600. 401-304-3350 RI
*SLK 300, ‘11, Storm Red met. w/ beige leather, 1 owner,
P1 Pkg., Multi-media Pkg., Sport Pkg., AIRSCARF,
18,310 miles. $31,750. 480-317-0777 AZ
*SLK 320, ‘01, Brilliant Silver met., w/ black int., well
maintained, all service records, 42,700 miles. $12,500.
Alfred, 847-791-2484 IL
*SLK 350, ‘08, Black w/ stone beige leather, 2 owners, AIRSCARF, Sport Pkg., 35,284 miles. $23,900.
978-887-0770 MA
*SLK 300, ‘11, Quartz Blue met. w/ grey leather, Sport
Pkg. w/ AMG wheels, Nav., AIRSCARF, very clean,
33,413 miles. $29,900. 508-336-7100 MA
August 13-14, Carmel, CA
Consignments now invited
1954 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL
GULLWING COUPE
Sold for $1,347,500
INQUIRIES
+1 (415) 391 4000, West Coast
+1 (212) 461 6514, East Coast
[email protected]
bonhams.com/quail
© 2015 Bonhams & Butterfields Auctioneers Corp. All rights reserved. Principal Auctioneer: Patrick Meade. NYC License No. 1183066-DCA
16
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
May / June 2015
AMG (All Years / All Models)
*C 36, ‘95, Black w/ black leather, original car, good condition, needs tires, bought for son, wife is mad, must sell,
107,289 miles. $3,995. Alan, 612-701-6694 MN
*SL 55, ‘04, Alabaster white w/ Ash grey leather, 2 owner car,
Panorama roof, Alcantara headliner, fully serviced, needs
nothing, 63,300 miles. $26,900. 714-331-1907 CA
*SL 63, ‘09, Black w/ black leather, still looks and drives like
new, Alcantara headliner, 20” Asanti chrome wheels,
45,153 miles. $55,900. Gary, 954-234-3212 FL
C 36, ‘95, Brilliant Silver w/ black leather, impeccable cond.,
binder full of records, no excuses, 75,082 miles. $10,800.
949-791-2167 CA
*C 55, ‘05, Black w/ Ash grey leather, 2 owner car from CA,
aluminum interior trim, extremely clean interior, great
paint, 28,676 miles. $26,900. 480-538-3800 AZ
*S 63, ‘10, Diamond white met. w/ black leather, 1 owner
car, excellent condition throughout, w/ service history,
14,375 miles. $60,900. 954-935-2700 FL
C 36, ‘95, Imperial red w/ black leather, 3 owners, always in
AZ, clean Carfax shows regular maintenance, 105,000
miles. $5,900. 970-229-0990 CO
*E 55, ‘05, Desert silver w/ Charcoal leather, excellent condition, 2 owner car, great service history w/ records, all the
options, 70,180 miles. $18,999. 678-888-0888 GA
*CLS 63, ‘10, Black w/ black leather, P1 Pkg., PARKTRONIC, upgraded AMG wheels, Multi-media Pkg w/ nav,
iPod, 29,840 miles. $46,500. 512-335-8000 TX
*CLK 55 Cabriolet, ‘02, Brilliant silver w/ black leather,
excellent condition, good soft top, heated seats, 53,023
miles. $13,495. 301-831-4646 MD
*SLK 55, ‘06, Diamond silver met. w/ black leather / Alcantara seats, 1 owner, clean Carfax, AIRSCARF, iPod
hookup, 10,927 miles. $30,900. 919-469-2699 NC
*C 63, ‘11, Iridium silver w/ black leather, Multi-media Pkg.,
heated seats, all maintenance up to date, no mechanical
issues, 41,500 miles. $41,500. Abel, 562-888-2235 CA
*ML 55, ‘02, Brilliant silver w/ Charcoal leather, All options
for the model, good condition interior, gorgeous ext.,
62,747 miles. $13,950. 386-323-3777 FL
*SLK 55, ‘06, Black w/ black leather, well cared for car,
Nav., AIRSCARF, Bluetooth, 49,575 miles. $20,000.
408-266-9500 CA
*SLS Coupe, ‘11, Le Mans red met. w/ black leather, Brabus
tuned, featured in European Car magazine, carbon fiber,
3,211 miles. $169,999. 909-982-4389 CA
*C 32, ‘03, Brilliant silver w/ Charcoal int., 1 owner, xenon
headlamps, Navigation, headlamp washer, BOSE, super
clean, 63,768 miles. $13,900. 847-624-8005 IL
*S 55, ‘06, Black w/ black leather, all the options, reclining rear
seats, Bluetooth, well maintained, with service records,
65,500 miles. $23,900. Steve, 440-725-9795 OH
*SLS Coupe, ‘11, Iridium silver w/ black leather, AMG
Performance Pkg., new tires, books, manuals, like new,
8,806 miles. $139,900. 260-207-2277 IN
*SL 55, ‘03, Firemist red met. w/ Ash grey leather, Excellent
FL car, turbine wheels, no paintwork ever w/ service records, 60,000 miles. $22,800. Rick, 952-412-6843 MN
*CLS 55, ‘06, Desert silver met. w/ black leather, Nav., burl
walnut trim, Sat. radio, Bluetooth, 55,848 miles. $24,000.
908-360-9944 NJ
*C 63 Coupe, ‘12, Magnetite black met. w/ Porcelain white /
black 2 tone Nappa leather, Panorama roof, AMG Perf.
Pkg., 29,000 miles. $47,999. Shawn, 703-357-4955 VA
*SL 55, ‘04, Black w/ ash grey leather, Panorama roof, nav.,
heated / ventilated seats, turbine wheels, clean Carfax,
22,413 miles. $39,900. 732-528-9777 NJ
*E 63, ‘08, Indium grey met. w/ Charcoal leather, 2 owner
car, well cared for w/ nav., new tires, recent service,
51,955 miles. $31,900. 617-964-6136 MA
*SLS Coupe, ‘12, designo mystic white w/ black leather, Bang
Olufsen, Multimedia Pkg., PARKTRONIC, excellent
cond., 6,906 miles. $152,800. 630-579-9955 IL
*SL 55, ‘04, Brilliant silver w/ Charcoal leather, always a FL
car, dealer maintained, excellent condition inside and out,
24,346 miles. $31,995. 239-288-7374 FL
*CLK 63 Black Series, ‘08, Iridium silver w/ black leather,
never tracked or modified, excellent condition, all original,
16,201 miles. $83,900. 919-213-7838 NC
*SLS Roadster, ‘12, Iridium silver w/ red leather, carbon fiber
int. trim, Bang Olufsen, clean service history, 7,281 miles.
$169,999. 909-982-4389 CA
May / June 2015
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
17
RARE (Sedans, Non SL Convertibles, Specialty)
*220 Cabriolet A, 1953, Blue w/ gray leather, 300 miles
since restoration, original books, service records,
fitted luggage, stored in climate controlled facility,
300 miles, $199,900, 314-291-7000, MO
*450SEL, 1980, Silver w/ blue leather, Euro model, small
bumpers euro lights and climate control, no rust,
beautiful wood, original radio, original paint, bundt
wheels, 70,017 miles, $9,990, 855-317-8276 , WI
*170DS, 1953, Blue, ground up restoration started, needs
completion, no rust, straight body, 4 speed manual
trans., 1.7 liter diesel engine, new rubber, clear title,
$9,950, 503-709-4069, OR
*300SD, 1980, Blue w/ blue int, Arizona car, very few
faults, minor rock chips in paint, interior in near
factory condition, vintage in-dash phone, 80,700
miles, $15,900, 888-681-3499, MO
*220SE Cabriolet, 1954, Green w/ tan leather, Older restoration, rust free car, all wood redone, new leather,
excellent mechanicals, correct ivory steering wheel,
A/C, 13,139 miles, $79,980, 877-709-5536, CA
*300SD, 1981, Silver w/ grey leather, rust free, dry Texas
car, low miles, no dash cracks, bundt wheels, 100,358
miles, $6,990, 888-512-4590, NJ
300d, 1959, Black w/ red leather, good un-restored
condition, runs and drives well, no structural issues
or rust, presentable paint, chrome in fair condition,
87,033 miles, $64,500, Mark, 314-524-6000, MO
*300SE, 1965, Grey w/ grey cloth, Runs and drives
though off the road for decades, good compression,
needs head gasket, solid overall, older repaint, 82,000
miles, $19,900 OBO, Roy, 650-343-7980, CA
*200, 1966, Black w/ tan leather, manual trans., driver
condition, good paint, original CA blue plate car,
87,288 miles, $19,999, 888-701-4891, CA
*230, 1967, Ivory w/ black MB tex, 2 tone paint, reupholstered seats, vintage AMG sway bars, upgraded
headlights, hella driving lights, vintage rally timers,
158,426 miles, $14,500, 888-580-6085, CA
*280SE, 1968, Brown w/ brown MB tex, rebuilt cylinder
head, runs well, no smoke, original paint, long time
owner, 109,000 miles, $4,950, 855-700-7831, NY
*280SEL, 1970, Black w/ blue MB tex, Good driver
quality, past rust repair to trunk, nice paint, service
manual, interior good, column shift, 40,780 miles,
$7,850, 888-642-8507, NC
*280SE 3.5 Cabriolet, 1971, Green w/ tan leather,
Restored to original colors, Paul Russell restoration,
57,000 miles, $395,000, 855-631-6195, NY
*280SE 4.5, 1972, Blue w/ blue MB tex, excellent condition inside and out, recent $20,000 worth of service,
complete engine out reseal, original becker radio,
99,544 miles, $29,500 OBO, 631-283-8819, NY
*280SE 4.5, 1972, White w/ blue MB tex, paint like new,
wood trim flawless, working a/c, new tires, $2,000
recent tune-up, well cared for by Atlanta collector,
43,561 miles, $24,950, Fraser, 770-641-8354, GA
*280SE 4.5, 1972, White w/black MB Tex, driver quality,
few stone chips, wood needs refinishing, steel wheels
with hub caps, column shift, 98,000 miles, $5,000,
Mike, 909-644-6220, CA
*300D, 1981, White w/ grey int, like new paint, excellent
interior, steel wheels w/ hub caps, no rust, 106,752
miles, $6,995, 888-640-1906, MI
300D, 1981, Blue w/ blue MB tex, All Original, looks
and runs like new, 83,235 miles, $7,899, Stanley,
386-931-3998, FL
*280E, 1981, Silver w/ black MB tex, Auto trans,
sunroof, always garaged, upgraded CD, A/C needs
recharging, new tires, battery, fuel pump, heating
impeller, 36,700 miles, $11,900, 917-441-2128, NY
300D, 1984, Blue w/ blue MB tex, interior very good, some
dash cracks, paint faded, runs and drives well needs
cosmetics, 76,430 miles, $9,950, 216-362-0100, OH
*190E, 1984, Silver w/ blue MB tex, 5 speed manual
trans., rust free NM car, interior spotless, good exterior, 53,000 miles, $4,900, Rick, 614-975-4444, OH
300D, 1985, Silver blue w/ blue leather, absolutely beautiful, one owner car that is all original, 13,000 miles,
$34,750, Peter, 718-545-0500, NY
*500SEL, 1985, Burgundy w/ tan leather, no rust, drives
perfectly, recent service, 69,541 miles, $9,995, 855893-3292, TX
*420SEL, 1986, Silver w/ grey leather, Florida car, tons
of recent work including new seat springs and brakes,
completely original, excellent condition, 64,026 miles,
$11,795, 888-299-8628, PA
*560SEL, 1987, Black w/ tan leather, Carat by Duchatelet
limo, built-in cooler, supplies compartment, walnut
veneer and writing tables, sunroof, 42,854 miles,
$40,000, Josh, 813-362-6307, FL
*300E, 1987, Brown w/tan MB tex, excellent paint, runs
strong, shifts perfectly, one small rust spot on bottom
of rocker, 78,065 miles, $4,999, 888-285-9390, NJ
*240GD, 1987, White w/ black cloth, Soft top, two door,
steel wheels, manual trans., no rust, 76,563 miles,
$27,990, 888-641-6999, PA
*560SEL, 1989, Silver w/ red leather, all records up to
72K, original window sticker, no rust, cold A/C,
98,500 miles, $7,900 OBO, Sy, 215-808-3075, PA
*300SE, 1990, Grey w/ grey leather, West coast car,
int. and ext. like new, sunroof, leather, alloy wheels,
114,127 miles, $8,900 OBO, 760-778-5444, CA
*300E, 1990, Silver w/ grey leather, CD player with aux
input, everything works well, 54,987 miles, $5,995,
866-829-9076, KY
*420SEL, 1991, Black w/ grey leather, mint condition
survivor, no rust, great car, runs great, 62,000 miles,
$12,500, 801-915-4038, UT
*500E, 1992, Gold w/ tan leather, 2nd owner, one
family, all records since new, wiring harness and
shocks replaced, 97,300 miles, $40,000 OBO, J,
323-356-7014, CA
*190E, 1992, Black w/ grey int, 2.6 engine, new brakes,
and battery, well cared for example, 48,800 miles,
$8,500, Cynthia, 585-261-2519, NY
300CE Cabriolet, 1993, White w/ blue leather, gorgeous
paint, excellent interior, conv. top cylinders replaced,
$5,300 in recent work, new brakes, tie rods, tires,
70,962 miles, $11,959, 855-431-8735, AL
300TE, 1993, Champagne w/ red leather, 3 owners, full
dealer service history, new tires, collector quality,
79,352 miles, $6,900, 877-468-5768, FL
*E320 Cabriolet, 1994, Black w/ tan leather, recent tires,
runs strong, heated seats, well cared for, 79,855 miles,
$11,900, 888-317-2326, OR
*E320 Cabriolet, 1994, Green w/ tan leather, leather in
very good condition, no rust, burl wood, 107,884
miles, $10,995, 888-825-6064, VA
E320, 1994, Black w/ black leather, dealer maintained,
excellent condition w/ no Winter driving, A/C,
70,945 miles, $7,999, Helene, 651-303-0655, MN
*S600, 1997, Black w/ tan leather, beautiful paint, reclining and heated rear seats, adaptive suspension, , flawless, 70,000 miles, $11,500, 888-377-2041, NY
*S320, 1998, Green w/ tan leather, 1 owner, immaculate interior and exterior, cold A/C, needs nothing,
52,564 miles, $8,988, 888-316-1089, CA
*ML320, 1998, Black w/ grey leather, 1 owner, new wheel
bearings, well taken care of, runs and drives well
79,215 miles, $5,500, Ray, 630-600-7106, IL
*E320 Wagon, 1998. smoke silver, beige leather, good
condition, well maintained, new battery, 137,000
miles, $5,500 OBO, David, 210-655-6140, TX - S
*450SEL, 1974, Green w/ tan leather, always garaged,
no rust, sun roof, new brakes, seat covers from new,
119,000 miles, $10,123, 866-942-9020, WA
*420SEL, 1988, Silver blue w/ blue leather, custom built
pickup conversion by German Motorcars of Florida,
two tone paint, AMG wheels, high quality conversion, 33,715 miles, $18,995, 877-367-1835, GA
*300SD, 1979, Silver w/ black leather, A/C, very clean
interior light cracks in wood, no rust , 131,915 miles,
$7,750, 207-710-6699, ME
*560SEC Cabriolet, 1988, Black w/ grey leather, custom
power convertible, Lorinser wheels, only minor paint
flaws, 10,335 miles, $39,900, 888-681-3499 , MO
*ML320, 1999, Green w/ grey leather, heated seats,
perfect leather, flawless paint, as new, 37,645 miles,
$9,995, 888-383-3821, WA
280GE, 1980, Green w/ black and white hounds tooth,
manual trans., 1 owner, service records, manuals,
good condition inside and out, 48,835 miles, $24,800,
Frank, 312-884-1149, IL
*420SEL, 1989, Smoke silver w/ brown leather, 1 owner,
no rust, excellent int., runs great, original books, data
plate, 68,327 miles, $11,950, 734-459-5520, MI
*G500, 2000, Blue w/ black leather, no rust, well preserved original, upgraded stereo, upgraded mercedes
wheels, 83,855 miles, $38,959, 205-716-1269, AL
18
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
*S500, 1998, Silver w/ grey leather, like new inside and
out, heated seats, rear sunshade, collector quality, 2
owners, 38,329 miles, $13,998, 877-232-2638, VA
May / June 2015
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automobile is worth, it will have the best chance of achieving an excellent result with RM Sotheby’s.
MOTOR CITY 25 JULY 2015
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May / June 2015
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19

With many senior models –AMG, M-Class,
Maybach, Sprinters, V12s, Mercedes
dealers gross more than most automotive
franchises. BMW delights when it surpasses MB unit sales but revenue can
trump units. That said, MB achieved a
USA all-time 'personal best' of 182,128
units sold in the first 6 mo. of 2015 –led by
the brand's staples– C, E & M-Class
(soon the GLE). C-Class couldn't be hotter:
sales are up 48% over last year.
The new  movie, the fifth
highest grossing movie of all time, worldwide, flaunts many Mercedes-Benz: a
Unimog, Sprinters, AMG's new GLE
Coupé, and even a G-63 6x6 (six wheell
drive) in action. Mercedes veterans will
remember the original Hollywood blockbuster 
 was the public's 1st view of the
 18 years ago. A winning partnership!
Latest USA V12 prices
....
....
(all V12s engines are now built by AMG, including Maybach engines):
S 600 Mercedes-Maybach:$189,350
G 65: . . . . . . . . . $217,900
SL 65: . . . . . . . . . $215,250
S 65: Sedan: . . . . . . $222,000
S 65: Coupé: . . . . . . $230,900
Since the current G-Class debuted in
2002; 62% of US sales are AMG models.
Initial base prices for some 2016 models:
C 63 AMG: . . . . . . $64,700
E 400 Cabriolet: . . . . $62,250
SL 400 (V6): . . . . . . $85,050
SLK 300 (V6): . . . . . $47,000
Mercedes-AMG GT-S: $129,900
, the global design firm,
has been selected to create MBUSA's new
250,000 sq. ft.
  , near
metro-Atlanta. It will house approximate
1,000 employees when completed in
2018. MBUSA has already begin moving
to temporary accommodations in Atlanta.
Gensler commissions include headquarters for Face-book, Coca-cola, and
General Electric. China's Shanghai
Tower, the 2nd highest building in
the world, is also a Gensler project!
With half the  
season over, MB remains in the lead:
MB - Lewis Hamilton Cum'ltv pts: 169
MB - Nico Rosberg . . . . . . . 159
Ferrari - Sebastian Vettel . . . . 120
Ferrari - Kimi Raikkonen . . . . 72
Next four races are:
....
Market Letter Mail...
Rarest models not always rewarded in
dollars for low production numbers
To the Editor: I read your interesting article
from May / June 2014 about the R129. Looking at these cars as an investment, I have
some questions:
- At 200,000 produced you state that they probably will never gain real oldtimer value. However, which of the models was least produced and
has thus a better chance for appreciation?
Is there any value in the V12 vs the other
engine varieties? Thank you very much,
- Friedrich Neuhoff (SLML reader)
The lowest production R129 variant was the
‘European market only’ SL 280 V6 model,
just 1,704 units produced, followed by the SL
320 V6 at 7,070 units. Chances are, a perfect
example of these ‘entry level’ models, with
their smaller 6 cylinder engines, won’t be as
sought after (collectible) in the future as an
equivalent V8 or V12 model. A lot of enthusiasts I talk to are wary of the V12s due to their
mechanical complexity and higher service
costs than the V8s. The V12s were the top of
the line when new which generally bodes well
for the future (think 300SEL 6.3), but I think I’d
put my money on the various ‘Special Edition’
models, no matter the engine size. Can I get
back to you in 20 years?
Editor Tobin responds:
Thanks for your letter Friedrich. It’s logical to
think that the model with the lowest production numbers has the best chance for future
appreciation, but that’s not always so. Take
the W113 250SL: Just 5,196 units, less than
a quarter of total 280SL production and with
a minimal performance difference, yet they
lag well behind 280SL values.
....
Silverstone, England . . . . . . . July 3 - 5
Nagydi, Masgyar, Hungary . . . July 24 - 26
Spa Francochamps, Belgium . Aug 21-23
Autodromo, Monza, Italy . . . . Sept 4 - 6
20
1950s-1970s Power Steering units & Boxes
rebuilt. Some exchange units available. Also
rebuild booster brakes, water pumps, and
cruise control units. Contact: Performance ASC
Minnesota - Ph: 612-377-0155.
Visit the website: www.slmarket.com
May / June 2015