Hagerty declares SL's devaluation to "Bottom 25"

[mackthomas]

I wondered what the experts here think about this...

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/Articles/2017/06/19/hvr-june-2017-bottom-25?utm_source=MagnetMail&utm_medium=email&utm_term=mack3007103@gmail.com&utm_content=17%2DHagerty%20Weekly%20News%2006%2D21&utm_campaign=Craftsman%20video%3A%20The%20Pinstriper%2C%20inside%20a%201953%20%27Cutaway%27%20Corvette%2C%20and%20fixing%20your%20carb

[Garry]

I can only agree that the 280SL prices have slipped and I also believe they have in relation to the other Pagodas as well. I see the 230SL and 250SL are still holding.  I think there was a misconception that the 280SL was the absolute “must have car” to have and it was generally the uninformed that were putting their money there thinking that it was the “better” car.

I guess different strokes for different folks but I am one that is somewhat glad to see the prices of the 280SL come back into the fold and the realm of the reasonable.

[franjo_66]

I think you are spot on Garry

There was a nice dark blue 280SL (with cream interior) that went up for sale at $280,000 here in Sydney!
Sold for $175K

Although it presented very nicely (one owner, good mechanicals, great paint etc) however it did have some rust issues in the underbody

So I think that the price is still rather high taking that into account

Regards
Franjo

[Flyair]

Garry,
that discussion about the advantages of one model vs. the other, we already had it on another ground

My true thinking is that the premium of 280 vs 230/250 was an artificial bubble fuelled by probably some "illuminati" type of experts. OK, there are differences between the two "opponents", but I believe that the ownership of either type is very satisfying in itself.
When I was looking around to buy one, it just happened that I bought a 280. All I wanted was a Pagoda, full stop, with no fuss about the rest. I am sure that every owner is proud of his Pagoda, regardless of the type...

BTW, I found the statement in the first paragraph of this so called valuation report extremely stupid: "This isn’t an ideal time to own a certain pair of Mercedes convertibles". It is maybe not an ideal time for speculation driven folks, but as an owner I don't give a XXXX (Aussi word I guess ) about how much money the car is worth. Personally, I would love the values to drop to 5000 dollars, so what?

[Montreal V8]

  Hi Stan. I heartily agree with your comment re. "not a good time---". I bought my 280SL a few years ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed it ever since. With some good weather recently (about time !! ) I have been using it regularly, and still enjoying it, so who's to tell me it's a bad time to own one. As to which series is "best", I feel this is purely an academic question, as "best" is whatever an individual chooses.

[GGR]

I agree such difference in value between the 230, 250 and 280 was not justified.

The 280 saw a tremendous increase in value over the 2012 - 2013 period, then it plateaued, and now is slightly down. Values may fluctuate a bit over the medium term. but I believe the Pagoda (all models) will remain a very good investment. Despite relatively great production numbers, its specific design makes it a car worth of interest. 

[john.mancini]

I hope Hagerty lowers my premiums on my now-devalued 280SL .

[49er]

The 280 was the only model available when I bought mine, not counting a few used 230s and 250s wink, wink

John

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

I agree with Stan's way of thinkin 100% it's all in the eyes of the beholder I think.

To my eyes a Pagode/Pagoda is a Pagode/Pagoda regardless of the model sticker on the trunk ... it's a timeless fun automobile. Period.

Dieter

[kampala]

it seems to me that since last fall the "irrational exuberance" on many collector cars has calmed.   Exceptional cars still seem to command the high prices but the average stuff seems to not be flying-off-shelf like it use to.


"collector" vs "classic" just for Benz Dr.

[Benz Dr.]

it seems to me that since last fall the "irrational exuberance" on many collector cars has calmed.   Exceptional cars still seem to command the high prices but the average stuff seems to not be flying-off-shelf like it use to.


"collector" vs "classic" just for Benz Dr.

Thanks,

finally, someone who gets it...........

[steven harris]

I suspect that what is happening is the normal supply bubble occurring when values rise. Same happened with Porsche 930s - once a car sells publicly very well, everyone who has one thinks theirs is equally valuable and supply floods the market. The very best will continue to hold their value and the mid-market cars will suffer or at least correct for buyer's delusions.

[Shvegel]

Maybe the parts prices will come down too!

[Taleb]

I've been going around the world shopping @ classic car shows & realized that the Pagoda cars have increased in price but there are no buyers . The same company's displaying  them @ a higher price but no sales , even in ebay they don't reach the reserve price !!!

[Pagodarestorer23]

Maybe the parts prices will come down too!

We can only hope! Some of these prices are crazy.