How rare are zF 5-speed 1967 Mercedes SL 250s?

[redman]

I currently own a European zF 5-Speed 1967 Mercedes SL 250 and was just curious as to how rare one of these models are as of right now. I'm unsure of how accurate this fact is but I read somewhere that they were 880 of these models made in the U.S. Is anyone aware of approximately how many of these models are left in U.S? Any information would be appreciated, thanks.

[MichaelB.]

Pretty rare! - Going by the looks of the auction prices they are valuable too:

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15178.0

[redman]

Thank you for the link Michael B. Will love to know how many of them are still around.

[Shvegel]

That one SOLD at 126,500USD.

[KW-BYBEE]

I have one as well..  1967 250SL  was 571 red but just had the whole car painted 040 Black with parchment interior.

[114015]

That one SOLD at 126,500USD.

Well ... yes...
The factory ZF 5-speed certainly demands a surplus on the sale price but still these cars are not unaffordable.

There's one on ebay in DE ...if you a quick...!

http://www.ebay.de/itm/160660528869

The bigger problem is ... they are rare. Only 882 (other sources say 885) of 48'912 pagodas had the factory-fitted ZF gear box, which makes them only 1 among 55 ....

Eventually, the overall condition (body structure, mechanical components, interior, chrome, history, etc.) will decide how much a 5-speed SL is worth and not only the ZF box itself.
It's definitely a nice add-on to have but an original 5-speed car is not an endless source of capital itself only due to its gearbox.

Just my 2 cents....
Achim

[Garry]

Hi Achim,

Were there any figures available on how many of each model the 5 speed ZF was fitted to.

I must admit it is nice to have that data card with the 5 speed as the option.

I think it is like the Cobra, there are a lot more now than ever produced!!

[George Des]

Garry,

I took a look at the ZF site. It appears that they do plan to fill the orders on the ZF re-production starting in Janauary 2012. I know you follow this. Any idea how many people finally signed up for these? I'm trying to find out if it is possible to get a rear speedometer cover plate for my original ZF S5-20 out of this production run. The ears on the pinch joint where the cable goes in on mine were overtighten sometime in the past and cracked. I've got it "fixed" with some JB Weld for now and it seems to be okay but if they do make any of the castings available I'll be in line to get a new cover plate.

George

[Garry]

Hi George,

I  am indeed following the production of these and have my name down for one to put away in the shed for a rainy day!!

I believe they had around 220 ordered last time I heard and decided that it was enough for the Board of Management to sign off on doing the one off production run of 250 only.

In a letter I got from ZF, they indicated that they would also be making spares but did not specify what those spares would be and how long they anticipate the spares will last for given that a lot of people with an existing boxes would be needing some spares already.

Unfortunately that is all I know at this point.If I get some more info I or I am sure someone else will post on the Forum for all to see.

Garry