Bring a trailer

[mgmoore]

Hi All,

Has anyone noticed the selling prices of a few 230sl pagodas on BAT in the last few weeks? All really original cars with a few war wounds - one sold for $102,000 the other $76,000. Currently a very tidy 230sl-dark green car on, will be interesting to see if it hits the big figures.

It's about time the underdog 230's started making 280 money- Having owned many 230's/250's and 280's i've never understood why there is such a crazy price difference between the models.

   

[inci]

I’m glad that you mentioned this.   Isn’t time to clarify this “illusion”?

Some may say 230s are even better than 280s.
More chrome, more history, more personality, 20kW less power if you’re into racing.
Some may say, 250s are more valuable, simply bc of the limited production numbers.

According to the law of physics; an object will remain at rest or in a uniform state of motion unless that state is changed by an external force.
With all due respect to our most knowledgeable and respected Pagoda experts, they should state their perspectives and help support protecting Pagoda’s identity, values and heritage. (Oo! I talked too much ) lol.

I would love if our experts release a document and post in the technical section saying something like;  all our 48,912 Pagodas are the same, the best pagoda is the best pagoda, based on its condition, not based on 3-5-8 numbers and/or engine power and some additions.   And I’d absolutely love, if we all have consensus on “unrestored original car' should be the most valuable (rather than a restored concours car)

Of course, in the end, market decides.  And the whole world of classics.  However, at least we can do our due diligence to protect Pagodas. 
and, we would just feel better… lol 

[Benz Dr.]

If it's a low mileage, clean, original, survivor car, it might be worth what a restored one is worth. Original in most cases means original rust, problems, wear, and hundreds of other unseen things. In that case, I'd take a properly restored one with modern paint.

In all cases, condition rules the day.

[specracer]

Also dont forget how much better they look with out headrests.

[thelews]

And when they have the 230 chrome and 280 mechanicals

[MikeSimon]

It is all about personal preference. There is no objective criterion that defines one model to be more valuable than the other. As many reasons you will cite in favor of one model the same number of reasons can be brought up against it. Condition and buyer preference is all that counts.
Be careful to use BaT as a yardstick for values. It is a seller's market and there are buyers on there who have more money than brains.
Two examples:
I own an original Porsche 914-6 with a factory M471 package, commonly called a 914-6GT. I cannot believe the money people are willing to shell out for "fakes" i.e.: 914-4s with 6 cylinder engines and GT looks. A while ago, one broke $110,000 and reserve not met. My car is worth, maybe $135,000 to a Porsche expert.
I also own a Honda GB500. This is a one-cylinder 500cc "TT Isle-of Man" tribute bike Honda sold in the US only in 1989 and 1990. Mine has less than 3,000 miles on it. One in almost exact the same condition, also with just under 3,000 miles on it, went on BaT for $16,000!!! I consider my bike worth 10k at top price. And I am a motorcycle "collector"

[JN]

second that!

JN

[wayne R]

There are  three main reasons why some classics become rare , sought after, and more expensive.
A---Have to be reasonably powerful,drive well,and designed great from the start,and looks to die for.
B---If they have A, then as they age, creates rarity, so become more expensive,and sought after.
C---If they have A and B  after another 30 --50 years,it even gets better, alot better.
----Look at Porsche 911, i have owned Four, so i know.
A 1965 911 in   1990 was worth about $5.000,----now in 2020 its worth $100.000 plus
A 1980 911 in   1990 was worth about $12.000---now  in2020 its  worth $45.000
so you can see what happens,gets older,so price goes up.   regards Wayne.

[john.mancini]

The current Dark Olive Green 230SL on BaT is another Bob Waldman car. Many of us know that Bob's cars are high quality cars that he has personally sorted out. His presentations are honest and precise. With regards to the 230SL-250SL-280SL debate, if you can find any Pagoda that has been well cared for and hasn't been hit or rusted, grab it. They are all great cars. Their value lies in their quality and their condition. If I am not mistaken, back in 60's and early 70's, weren't the W113's the most expensive mass production two seaters on the market? More expensive than an XKE? (I've owned XKE's and the W113's are, in my opinion, much better cars in build, performance and overall quality.)

Yes, BaT Pagoda sale prices have been high. Our cars are finally getting the respect that they deserve. But remember, with that price increase comes much higher parts and restoration prices too.