NADA Pagoda Values

[KevinC]

In my personal opinion, there are a lot of factors...American muscle cars as "investments" have cooled, MB is getting a lot of attention with its new models, especially the SLS Gullwing a couple of years ago. That stirs interest in the "original" Gullwing of which less than 1500 were produced; 27 of those alloy bodies. They start selling for a million dollars or more, 300SL convertible's a half million and 190 SL's are heading up over two hundred thousand. So what's happening now seems to be that the since the first generation SL's are skyrocketing, it would make sense that the next generation would follow suit.

[Tomnistuff]

I am almost sure that the anniversary has nothing to do with it.  Take a look at the car I sold before I got hooked on my Pagoda.  Look up 1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2.  it shows the same trend during the last six months.  And that`s a V12 2+2 coupe, not even a 2-seater cabriolet.
Tom Kizer

[Benz Dr.]

Benz Dr., do you know where I can find detailed photographs of the guy's work in the Dominican Republic?  Are there any members out there who own one of his cars?

I'm not sure if anyone on this forum has one of his cars or not. I know that one was sold to a guy from Toronto but I don't think he's member here.

I have quite a few pictures of work being done. PM me and I'll forward something to you.

[Brian in NL]

Values are going up sharply here in Europe, which also is likely driving up prices in the U.S. as importers continue to scour the U.S. for affordable drivers and restorable heaps. One importer I talked to says it is getting harder and harder to find "buys" in the U.S., however, due to the rising interest in the W113s and awareness of their investment potential. And I suspect the 50th anniversary is driving up interest here, too, especially in Germany.

[Flyair]

the prices (asked at least) are sharply up indeed. Here is what seems to be a nicely restored car offered after a restoration by a reputable shop in Poland. Nevertheless the price commands a deeper reflexion and some meditation as well

usual disclaimer
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1966-Mercedes-Benz-230SL-Roadster-4-spd-euro-w113-/330939644625?cmd=ViewItem&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&category=6338&ih=014&forcev4exp=true#ht_1000wt_1182

[Brian in NL]

My '67 230 SL (coincidentally, which has a VIN very close to the car in Poland that Flyair flagged) has been undergoing an engine overhaul and some mechanical fixes for the past few months at the Van Dijk shop here in the Netherlands. Now that the engine is back in and the work is largely done, the appraiser came by the other day and I was pleasantly shocked at the value he gave to it: EUR 85,000.  He said in Germany, I would fetch over 100K. 

Granted, it is a very clean car, largely original, fully documented and now fully restored. But I was still surprised. I had been expecting maybe about 60-70K. I'm happy that I may one day recoup what I have invested in it, if I ever sell it, but it also makes me a bit sad for those who love these cars and can't afford even a decent driver at today's rising prices.

Brian

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Prior to  my purchase last month I made a lot of research about the 1969 Pagoda 280 SL (and others). I saw the car first in early March in a collectors local garage (he basically collects [and has the cars restored] 50s and 60s american cars). During my research here in Canada I saw prices ranging from $40K to $170K. Once I made my check list and inspected the car I was satisfied that I paid a fair price for the car.

I know I will spend more $$ to get her into perfect shape, still I'm very satisfied. Once I told my daughter what I was about to do she said "Dad this will be the only car you ever purchased that will actually increase in value" It's good enough for me for I have no intention to sell her. I plan to have fun with this car and get my fingers dirty once in a while

[JamesL]

I don't think it's to do specifically with the Pagoda.
A 911T in need of a resto sold here last week for £26,000
http://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2013-06-01/car/porsche-911t-restoration.aspx?p=1
and another in need of "recommissioning" went for £48k
http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20928/lot/149/?page_anchor=MR1_page_lots%3D2%26r1%3D50%26m1%3D1

Even the ugly duclkings of the 911s - the "impact bumper" cars are whizzing up - £35k for an SC is very strong money when they were in their teens not long ago


There's a lot of cash about (in some circles) looking for a home and the stock market risks, bank rates (and risk if you're in Cyprus), prior safe havens like gold are being hammered, bonds yield nothing as companies can borrow at such low rates from banks... and so on means that other items start getting attention. "Iconic" 60/70s/80s cars seem to among them - some are rising faster with that tide than others and our cars may be going faster than some but it's a general thing. For now...

(I was told recently by a specialist that I could get £75k for mine, when less than 2 years ago another specialist was talking of it being £50k - OK, engine rebuilt since then but 50% in under 2 years? ...)