Pricing Help on a 1966 230SL

[vincentevers]

I have posted my car for sale but have not yet priced it. I don't know a fair price because I think it is a unique car.  I have had it about 15 years and a m the second owner. The car is the most original one I have ever seen:
•   1966 230SL green with Cognac interior automatic.
•   It has 62,000 miles. Original paint and everything works including the radio, clock, and power antennae.
•   The original tool kit and spare tire cover, etc. are in the trunk.
•   No rust anywhere.
•   I have the original purchase documents including the import documents purchased under the European delivery / vacation program.  Also all maintenance records since new.
•   New soft-top, carpets and seat coverings. The rest of the leather is original and like new.
•   I see nicely restored cars, badly restored cars, but never a completely original car ( I chromed the wheels but that is the only change and it can be changed back easily).
•   I also have the under dash air conditioner unit that I had removed.

Does anyone have an opinion on a fair price or know a source I can consult?

[stickandrudderman]

Having looked at your pictures on the other thread and read your description I would agree that you have a pretty unique car there. The only downside (and personally I love the colour combination) is that green cars are notoriuosly difficult to sell.
There is a similar car here in the UK; an ex USA car that has been for sale for $50,000 dollars for at least three years. I know it to be a great car because i sold it to someone five years ago and it hasn't been driven since. I'm not involved in the sale of it now but the only conclusion I can draw from its failure to sell is that people just don't like green cars.
That said, I may have a buyer here in the UK for your car but I have no idea how to fairly value it, only what I've observed in the case I've described. I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice from our US members in due course.
Edit: I've just realised yours is automatic and that is exactly why my buyer doesn't want the one I described!

[DaveB]

It sounds great. But, being pedantic, with new carpet and seat covers it's not completely original.

There car pictured below on ebay UK (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190802915593) sounds similar to yours. The asking price is £48,000.

[dpreston Virginia]

Hagerty.com the insurance company has some very accurate valuation tools.
I have looked at the value of all 5 of my collector cars and I believe they are a good indication of value.
Unrestored is a big plus in today's market.
Hagerty lists values from auctions and sales roughly below:
#1 75-80k
#2 55-60k
#3 32-40k
#4 25k

[vincentevers]

Thank you for your advice. Yes, I will have to wait for the person - like you and I - who likes this colour combination. I love it and am sick of seeing all the red SLs.  

[vincentevers]

I just looked at the 230SL you referenced on eBay UK. That car looks very rough to me - not even close to the condition of my car.

The pricing data from Hagerty.com is very helpful. Thank you.

I think that people would agree that my car is in the #2 category.

[Bonnyboy]

Vincent,  very nice car. 

Since I got one of these beauties a year and a half ago they seem to be less rare as I first thought, coming out of the woodwork so to say.  I am seeing and finding more pagodas than I thought was possible and believe it or not there have been a few like yours - original , unrusted, unmolested low mileage cream puffs.  The $45-50,000 range seems to be fairly consistent with a couple in the high $30s when sellers need to settle an estate.   These cars were for the most part 2nd and 3rd cars with many relegated to sunny afternoon drives in the countryside so you would expect that there are unrestored great condition ones out there. 

If your car is as you suggest mid $50s should be adequate in the US market. 

[vincentevers]

Thank you. Yes, I agree that is a fair price.  I am hearing from some people in Europe too.  People fixing them up for sale into India and China - where some people have money to burn.

[Benz Dr.]

I've seen this car before and can tell you it's pretty nice. It was here at my big show back in 2006. I've only ever seen one car as original and as nice in the past 25 years.

   Hey Vince, Phil was here yesterday and picked up a window seal for his 250. Shelley likes the ML but I don't think we will keep it.  Anyone looking for a nice 430?

[vincentevers]

Hi Dan, Thanks for the vote of approval on my car. There were a number of people interested in the ML when you bought - so I think you can sell if you decide.  Please let your friends know about the my 230SL.  I think $55 is a fair price. Can I have people contact you for your opinion on the car?

[Benz Dr.]

Sure. I can only give them my impressions but it is a clean car.

[KevinC]

According to NADA Guides...

Original MSRP Base Price $6,185
Low Retail $20,500
Average Retail  $33,000
High Retail $59,000
 
Options: (edit options)
ADD-SL MODELS REMOVABLE HDTP   10% 

http://www.nadaguides.com/Classic-Cars/1966/Mercedes-Benz/230SL/2-Door-Roadster/Values


Good Luck!