The Mercedes Benz 190SL has been interesting cars to watch recently. Prices have swelled from the mid thirties and mid fifties for decent driver and decently high quality cars up to well into the six figures for the best examples in just 12-18 months time.
In that time the SL Market Letter has had the opportunity to represent a handful of these affordable classics. Most recently, a 1957 model in light blue metallic that was sold a couple of months ago. The black 1958 model pictured here is the other, just purchased by a repeat SL Market Letter customer this week. Let’s consider the ‘new’ 190SL market…
Phil from Reliable Carriers looks over the 1958 190SL before loading it into his truck.
This particular example initially came to us in late June and was featured on our website then, a few days after I traveled to the owner’s home to take photos of the car to begin the marketing process. See the write up of the car from late June here. This is a completely restored car, owned and restored by a gentleman who happened to own a 190SL parts business from the early 1980s into the mid 1990s. While he had seen many 190SLs come and go through his garage, this was the car he had restored to keep for himself.
Circumstances required the car’s sale, we were happy to have the opportunity to represent it. The sale process went smoothly, but it did seem to take a little extra time for potential buyers to get their heads around the new market these 190SLs are trading in these days.
As prices of particular models climb quickly, once collector’s eyes are opened to a model that might have previously been overlooked (the 4 cylinder 190SL always lived in the tall shadow of the 300SL) the market moves quickly and it often takes potential buyers some time to adjust their thinking and accept new price trends.
What we’re seeing with 190SLs today surely has something to do with the stratospheric prices 300SLs are bringing… but while 300SL numbers are getting bigger, most collector car pundits still believe 300SLs are still undervalued in their current $1 million – $1.5 million price range. If that’s the case, how far will 190SL prices climb? After all, 190s are supremely usable, pleasant cars. While chances are you won’t break any land speed records, they offer a lot of vintage eye appeal in an easy to drive, and largely reliable package.
If you’re interested in a 190SL… now is probably the time to jump in and get one. As usual, it generally makes sense to pay up for the best example you can find, as restoration seem to be rising as fast as the prices of the cars. I dare say, if you buy a really nice one today for $85,000 or $100,000 you’ll look like a hero in three to five years.
One last look before the 190SL disappears into the transporter.