QA: Mercedes-Benz 300SL Repaint
By slmarket | June 26, 2009
Nicolas asks:
So If money was no option / what would be the most desirable color combo on a 1986 300sl. I have the palomino leather interior already. What should i paint the outside of the car. Blue, Red, Silver, White, Black.?
John Olson replies:
The best selling MB exterior colors in the mid-1980s were Light Ivory and Silver Blue Metallic. They took a dive among MB favorites later in the decade when they became TOO common on other brands. While red interiors compliment lighter exterior colors, softer neutral choices have faired better. Black was the best seller even for SLs during the early 1990s recession. Silver returned to the top in 2000.
Each year industry-wide surveys are released to the public ranking most popular car colors, and MB shares its “best selling” colors with their franchised retail stores when they commit to future inventory. These annual changes make any single answer to your question less than conclusive.
Adding to this, applying today’s favorites to a 1986 car “doesn’t look right” and hurts the car’s value, all else being equal.
As a car associated with quality, overall preservation influences me far more than color. In fact MB models are so instantly recognizable that they don’t “need” color to make a statement. I’ve personally liked MB in “industrial” colors that say “I am a machine and I don’t apologize for it.
Many of the SL Mercedes-Benz questions are answered in our SL Market Letter, published about 12 times per year. For a nominal subscription fee, you can have SL Mercedes price trends and exclusive SL articles written by author, John R. Olson - publisher of the SL Experience book. You can subscribe to the SL Market Letter here.
Topics: Questions & Answers | No Comments »
QA: 1985 380SL Valuation Trends
By slmarket | June 19, 2009
Kevin Stanley asks:
I have a 1985 380Sl; full load, heated seats, ac, hard top, etc. I am the second owner and the car is all original with 92,000 km’s. It is teal with natural leather; 8 out of 10 condition. How can I determine the value today? Are they going up or down in value?
Thanks in advance, Kevin
John Olson replies:
All cars, even the greatest collector cars, depreciate painfully during their first decade (or two) of life… providing inadequate differentiation for rough treatment vs. careful preservation. Your mid-1980s car is currently in what I call its “limbo” years, when it is neither a newer car or old enough to be taken seriously as a collector car. The “hot” decade of appreciating older cars now is the 1960s — interesting models of all brands, especially convertibles (the safest bet to appreciate in all marques). Cars of the 1970s are just starting to be “cherry-picked” for the best preserved originals at low prices. Your decade is coming but in the meantime it is under-valued by the marketplace as compared to what it would cost to reincarnate a tired example to the condition of your car.
The only good news is that your car’s value has reached it’s “plateau” value range for the remainder of its time in “limbo”. That’s a plus for a buyer, or for you if you should decide you’re better off keeping it and enjoying it. Granted it doesn’t get the MPG we like to see today but you will lose more in annual depreciate on most newer cars that you spend annually in extra gas in any 1980s SL, plus you’re likely to be safer in a bad accident in an old Mercedes that many newer cars. Things to think about.
So, no, your 380SL should not go down further in value next year or even 10 years, than you can get this year, assuming proper care, no driving in salty seasons, etc. Finding it’s precise value would require a professional appraisal but the range is likely to be $6,000 to $12,000 –wholesale to retail, in my USA market. You didn’t mention your country of residence. Relatively speaking, what I’ve said here applies anywhere in the world.
Many of the SL Mercedes-Benz questions are answered in our SL Market Letter, published about 12 times per year. For a nominal subscription fee, you can have SL Mercedes price trends and exclusive SL articles written by author, John R. Olson - publisher of the SL Experience book. You can subscribe to the SL Market Letter here.
Topics: Questions & Answers, SL Consultant, SL Market News | No Comments »
1986 300SL: Value of Repainting New Color
By slmarket | June 15, 2009
Nicolas asks:
I have a 300sl 1986 Model drives fantastic it is currently Metalic silver/Green with Green Interior . . . eerrrre - purchased the car because it was very well looked after and was in need of a new owner. I purchased it for 24,000 AUD. (In pounds - estimated to be 8000.00.) I am never planning to stage it as a prize original Mercedes in any competition. But if I were to change the combination what are my 3 best options? Red with Palomino interior, Silver with Black or Blue, Black - I just don’t like the Green. Also would I be increasing the value of this type of car, decreasing or making no difference to the value overall? Please help as I am trying to settle a debate.
John Olson answers:
I always lament a car’s first “respray” as they are never as durable (even with famous brands of paint they bruise much easier) and rarely duplicate original quality (being either too good or not good enough).
Not liking a color is another matter.* Personally, if the paint is well preserved as you’ve describe, I would be a dutiful custodian and live with it; Not what you want to hear I’m sure but the risks mentioned in the first paragraph are very real as original paint is applied in special, electronic spray booths before the interior, wiring harness(es) and engine are installed… making full stripping, re-coverage and total adherence during a color change extremely labor intensive; removal of all glass, chrome, doors, rubber, etc. Shortcut these steps and the result will look bad immediately rather than 18 months later when bruises and chipped accumulate. *Green is not as popular as world-wide as it is in Germany however in your country fewer green cars are sold, largely balancing supply and demand. Psychologists tell us the two colors most comforting to the human eye are green and blue, as they appear some much in nature. An interesting side not is that collectors of 300SL Gullwings today often seek out the rarest colors offered on these cars when doing frame-off show-caliber restorations, as there are so many Silver, white and red 300SLs. Grass is alway greener on the other side of the fence? No bun intended.
If your car’s paint was already hopelessly weathered and partially repainted due to fender-benders, I would say for it… change the color without a high-end, detailed stripping, as the unique charm of a well preserved original paint job has already passed.
The 1974 - 1989 R107 body six cylinder SLs are fantastic cars. There is a lot to be said for Mercedes-Benz six cylinder engines generally. Spunky, durable, economical, easy to maintain and service. And, the most famous and valuable SL of the all is a Mercedes-Benz six.
Topics: Questions & Answers | 1 Comment »
SL Market QA: Mercedes 107 Ride Quality Updating Springs and Shocks
By slmarket | June 1, 2009
Bob Hill asks:
I have a 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL. I want to lower it and remove the floating ride. How would you recommend this be done? Lowering Springs, shocks, etc.
John Olson Answers:
Bob and anyone else with a 1971 through 1989 SL; “fixing” your car’s height and too-soft ride is pretty straightforward. Most SLs delivered in the USA have a softer ride than expected for a sporty car. SL Market has developed sets of four progressive-rate springs especially for the R107 Body SLs, with slight differences based on weight of the particular year and accessories on-board. We offer two versions, the second being full sport springs (not progressively firmer) for people using his or her SL Mercedes-Benz for autocross and rally driving. Neither version is harsh but management of the car’s weight is clearly improved. Curb height can also be lowered for no additional fee as we make the sets to order, and the time to do it is about the same regardless of personalization. Phone 612-377-0155 to determine the best set for your vehicle.
- John R. Olson
Many of the SL Mercedes-Benz questions are answered in our SL Market Letter, published about 12 times per year. For a nominal subscription fee, you can have SL Mercedes price trends and exclusive SL articles written by author, John R. Olson - publisher of the SL Experience book. You can subscribe to the SL Market Letter here.
Topics: Questions & Answers | No Comments »
1957 300SL Ro Mercedes-Benz Roadster
By slmarket | April 1, 2009
Offered by John Olson, Inc., a 1957 300SL Ro (Mercedes-Benz Roadster) is being auctioned by telephone bid sale. Additional information is available to qualified buyers (details below).
Telephone Bid Sale Details - How it works (click here).
One of the world’s most desirable and ageless Classics. This example began life in Austria, was raced in California during the 1960s, and graduated to accumulating show trophies and rally participation with its present owner of 36 years. John Olson personally guarantees all bids are real. Meet the owner and inspect the car just as any private sale. Car is located near Denver, Colorado. Call us at 612-377-0155 or via email here.
Topics: Mercedes-Benz Auctions, SL Market News | 2 Comments »
MERCEDES-BENZ: 5 Spd Manual vs. 4 Spd Automatic
By John | February 25, 2009
Phil asks:
I have a 1981 500SLC I would like to put a 5-speed (manual) trans in the car ….any suggestions.
John Olson replies:
My suggestions? Forget about it! The improvement would be minimal for a whole lota’ cost and monkey business. Gertrag made (may still make) a strong five speed manual box that AMG offered during the 1980s… priced at $14,000 then! I still have their little price book that listed about 50 options with prices… that being one. The “cheapest way to do it would be buy a1983 - 1986 Euro 500SL with one of these manual five speeds as a donor car, swap out what you want and sell the donor.
On the down side, you will dilute the long term appreciation of a rare car; substancial if it is a nice car. I consider the 500SLC to be the most significant collectible Mercedes-Benz of that decade… the decade of the 1970s… even though your car is an ‘81. You already have the four speed automatic, which in itself enhances that car’s value.
I have done transmission and gear-ratio and rear axle ratio transplants on a number of cars for racing & rally purposes, and assure you the benefits gear changes are elusive and application specific. Every choice is a compromise. Street or track use, under or over 100 miles per hour driving, stock weight or lightened? The 500SLC, as one of the few homologated rally race cars Mercedes-Benz ever sold to the public, is a very hard car to improve upon. Only 2,769 were built and less have been found 50 in the USA. It is the lowest series production car built by Mercedes- Benz in that decade. My suggestion: keep it original.
Many of the SL Mercedes-Benz questions are answered in our SL Market Letter, published about 12 times per year. For a nominal subscription fee, you can have SL Mercedes price trends and exclusive SL articles written by author, John R. Olson - publisher of the SL Experience book. You can subscribe to the SL Market Letter here.
Topics: Mercedes-Benz Modifications, Questions & Answers, SL Market News | No Comments »
Tough Call: Heirloom or Cash
By John | February 21, 2009
Hi - I was wondering what the fair market price - in a private sale - would be for a 1991 560 SEC COUPE (last yr. they made that model) WITH ONLY 50,000 miles - mint condition - black on black - originally priced at $110,000. Always garaged. My mom’s car for many years. Thanks.
OLSON RELPIES: Kim, Hmmm. Maybe $15,000. Maybe $10,000. All well preserved Mercedes-Benz of that period are undervalued at this stage in their life. That S-Class was very well built. BUT… today’s priority is on economy more than quality or luxury. Even safety of occupants in your SEC is higher than most any other car buyable for $15,000…. yet more people would put their money on a lighter, smaller car that would not withstand a rough accident.
Today’s Price range for your model may seem large, between $4,000 and $18,000, but is entirely justified as a poor one can’t be fixed for the price difference of a good one. An example with less than 15,000 miles might command even more that $18,000. 50,000 miles is desireable but not low. If you find a buyer that really digs the color, and condition and paint are original the car “might” bring $15,000. If you are in a position to walk away from $10,000 you could try for $15,000. Another tack would be to tell “bidders” that their $10,000 price is too low… your “buy it now” price is $14,000 (or whatever). If they want to gamble that you won’t find a buyer in 30 days… you might then lower your price… or if you get the raise you’re expecting you’ll keep it! If they really like it and can afford it, they’ll not gamble on losing it, and pay your price now.
The 560SEC is a wonderful car. A worthy family treasure. Yours WILL reappreciate in value, slowly in future decades if you have an indoor place to keep it, give it 1,500+ miles per year of exercise, week-end getaways, car club socializing and preservation as a long term heirloom. It is not a cost-free asset; only you and your family can decide if it is worth more to your lives than the $10,000/$15,000 you can get short term. You could buy another one to relive your past… twenty years from now. Lots of people do that too.
Let me know what you do! Good luck.
Topics: Questions & Answers, SL Consultant | No Comments »
Replacing Interiors
By slmarket | November 7, 2008
Q: My 230SL needs a new interior. The original cognac color is attractive but all the replacement cognac materials that I have seen do not match the original cognac color and they are also not very attractive. In your opinion do I hurt the value of my 230SL if I change the interior vinyl color from cognac as on my vehicles data card to something like bamboo or tan? Please advise your thoughts. Thank you.
Best, Steve
A: Short answer: Unless the car is too original already, go ahead and change the interior color.
Long answer: There has always been a “romantic notion” that preserving a car’s original color and equipment make it more valuable. In the real world it is only true for cars in good-enough original condition, overall, to be eligible for the newly emerging “Heritage Class” of cars at prominent Concours d’Elegance (different labels for different shows). A car can easily fall out of eligibility for that distinction, when only one component, such as interior, or paint get bad enough that they would only be placed in, but never win even a third place in this category. A a well executed interior or exterior color change, will not hurt, and may well Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Mercedes-Benz Modifications, Questions & Answers | 1 Comment »
2008 Formula 1 — 12 minute Synopsis
By John | April 26, 2008
Topics: SL Market News | No Comments »
Are 300SL Roadsters “finally” eclipsing Gullwing Prices
By John | February 7, 2008
Question: Sportscar Market Magazine’s 2008 Price Guide is putting 300SL Roadster values higher then the Mercedes-Benz Gullwings. Can this be true?
Olson Replies: The SL Market Letter has been charting this relationship since these models were new. The 300SL “Gullwing” Coupe is one the few great cars where a closed body-type has commanded higher prices than its convertible counterpart. This has prompted decades of prognostication that Roadsters would eventually eclipse Gullwings. Besides, 300SL Roadsters do contain more parts than Gullwings…. full restorations can involve 20% more labor on parts to be rescued or replaced. Roadster reupholstering takes five hides of leather. Even when new, Roadsters cost 25% more. And enthusiasts know that Roadsters had dozens of refinements. All reasons for them to be higher priced today. The following chart shows that after recovering from a low of 56%, Roadsters took 17 years to claw their way to 85% of Gullwings (using averaged prices). During the last ten years they have more-or-less hit a plateau between 80% and 85% of Gullwing values.
The 2007 auction scene has seen several surprises. Not only several 300SL Roadster sales passed $700,000, but they were early production, iron block cars, not late, alloy engine, disc brake models. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: SL Market News | No Comments »
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