The last 280SL !

[66andBlue]

The past few months we discussed whether a color change will have an impact on the resale price of a Pagoda.
I have a somewhat different question.  Should the last Pagoda ever made command a higher price compared to earlier ones in the same condition?
Supposedly it is for sale on ebay: Item number 140306313902
I want to make clear that I am not interested in the car just curious what kind of opinions are out there.

[Garry]

I like the statement that it is all original and in the next sentence states that the original engine has been replaced.  If it had/has some value for being the last then it will also lose some value for not being the original engine.. 
My eyes may be failing me but it looks like the hubcaps and hard top dont match?

[Peter van Es]

It's been discussed extensively... see this thread: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=10025.0 and this really old one: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=1333.0

Peter

[Garry]

Now having read the postings from 427Vette sounds like there is a big expectation that someone will pay a lot for the shell and ancillary items of the last Pagoda.  Real pity that the original engine was not also available as I suspect a lot of people would have been a whole lot more interested? I guess the question will really be, what is it worth with out matching numbers.  Maybe he should advertise for the original engine if he got the engine number from the data card to up the price.
 In Australia that mismatch can have a very big negative infulence on price when there was something that was special about the vehicle like in this instance the last of its type.  The engine could be worth as much as the car at this point on a 50/50 basis with the combined being 150% !!!!!! Then there is the non original hard top and so on and so on

Actually I think its great that someone may get to own the car who will really appreciate it for what it is and not just the value it may be worth.

[Peter van Es]

Also interesting that it looks like the US$ 100,000 it was listed for in Hemmings has not managed to get a buyer. Given the state of the car from the pictures, and next to the un-original engine, also an un-original hardtop, I'm interested to learn what the reserve is this time!

Peter

[waltklatt]

Well, knowing the history of the 280SL changes.
The last 2 years they changed the coolant reservior to a yellowish ivory plastic. 
Clearly in the engine photo there is a previous version black painted brass unit there.
Heater lever knobs are broken off-common with these.
Aftermarket radio?
Dashboard cracks all over?
Looks like there are holes along the fender inners, are these replacement?
Carpeting original?
And the list goes on...

Other than that it's a nice looking car in average condition.

Walter
1967 220SL-diesel, also an average looking car

[john.mancini]

We would agree that if all things were equal, the last car produced in a series will most likely command a higher dollar amount than any other car from that series. Sometimes MUCH higher. That being said, the condition of any "last" car is of great importance. Also, is that particular series highly collectible? Do high roller types of collectors care about that series? The last mid-year 1967 Corvette brought a ton. Corvette collectors are a very passionate group (so are we!) and Corvettes typically bring higher dollar amounts than Pagodas. This last Pagoda does not have its original engine. That's a huge drawback to big collectors. This last Pagoda needs an extensive, expensive restoration. Probably well over $100K to be done right, I'm guessing. That's another huge drawback. I can almost guarrantee that this car has hidden issues. BUT, if the right buyer comes along the seller may get a good price for this last Pagoda. You never know. But for a lot less money, there are great cars out there. (see motoringinvestments.com).
John M

[zanone]

Well, whatever you say about it don't wish him good luck, seller doesn't like or need that.

"don't need luck, next time try keeping those constructive comments to yourself..."

[Garry]

I asked the question of the seller about the original motor location.  Answer

Quote "you ound like you can read! so what is your question. it has a mercedes 6 cylender but the vin is not the same as the car.
- navyshooter_trapshooting" Unquote

247Vette or navyshooter_trapshooter as he called himself, clearly is a bit touchy on the subject. As  zanone said, he doesnt need luck, he's looking for a sucker to over pay its value and has no real interest in the historical nature of the vehicle.

[johnd]

Or what is left of the historical nature of the vehicle . . .   If you expect to live by the numbers, and get the top dollar because of them, then you have to die by them, too . . .  I have never understand why the place in line really mattered, anyway.  With '67 Corvettes, it makes more difference, since they stopped making Corvettes after '67 (well, they did, but who cares?) 

Bottom line, this car is REALLY special because of the numbers, which don't match . . . sort of like "No, I REALLY am a virgin . . . except for that one time . . .. "

JohnD

[Garry]

Yup its a pity it wasn't whole. I see that it did not do too well on ebay only getting just over 20k offer and not meeting reserve.  Also noted a parts car got $3100 sold and the junk yard restorable at $6600 did not meet reserve.

[john.mancini]

It really does make you wonder. Would the last 190SL fetch more money than others? How about the last 300SL gullwing, or roadster? Is this last 280SL bringing NO interest because the condition of the car is poor, the price is ridiculous, and the new owner seems to have irritated a few people. It's probably a combination of the three. I'm sure that if this last 280SL was in top, restored condition and the owner wasn't trying to flip it at a huge profit, the car would sell high. He wanted 100K. It probably will ever get anywhere close to that price.
John

[glenn]

I have a couple that are about 45000 prior to the 'last one'.

[dseretakis]

The owner sounds like a real winner.  The whole thing sounds a bit dodgy. 

I asked the question of the seller about the original motor location.  Answer

Quote "you ound like you can read! so what is your question. it has a mercedes 6 cylender but the vin is not the same as the car.
- navyshooter_trapshooting" Unquote

247Vette or navyshooter_trapshooter as he called himself, clearly is a bit touchy on the subject. As  zanone said, he doesnt need luck, he's looking for a sucker to over pay its value and has no real interest in the historical nature of the vehicle.

[Mike Kunz]

Hey Guys...

New to the forum, but not new to the game...   

We purchased the Texas pagoda....rough car, but we will bring her back.

[Iconic]

Thank you !!
Excellent !
An MB restoration is what that car deserves.
I can't wait to see it when you are done.

[Dash808]

Hey Guys...

New to the forum, but not new to the game...   

We purchased the Texas pagoda....rough car, but we will bring her back.

That's great!    You are very welcome here   

Keep us updated on its progress!

[abe280SL]

Good luck with the restoration.....I wonder if you use it as a parts car and sell us the  parts we too can claim "the last car produced" too.   
Seriously, good luck
abe