Original Owner 69 280SL. A few questions before sale.

[George3]

Hi Everyone.
I was contacted by a lady in her 80's to assist in the Sale of Her 69 280sl, Black with red interior. She purchased it herself in 69. Currently 167k miles. I will be seeing the car tomorrow. It has been maintained by a very good Mercedes Mechanic that I know very well personally. I'm also very familiar with this era of Mercedes, but in the w108/109 body. My main focus is going to be structural integrity. The w108 shell has its weak points that I'm very aware of, but I wanted to ask where I should concentrate my inspection on the SL, besides the obvious, rockers, floor pans, trunk, fenders, fender wheelhouse etc etc. Any input would be greatly appreciated. My main goal is to help her get the right buyer and at a fair price for her, as She has no one to help.
All the best John.

[mdsalemi]

While you will get most any question answered here, there is a lot of information in a buyer's guide (which also by default, is a seller's guide) to Pagodas. They have been published in our own magazine, in the MBCA Star, in several books about SLs and more.

The challenge is a fair price for a good car is a lot of money no matter how you slice and dice it. So, you or the lady will be getting a LOT of questions, some of them from looky-loos who really aren't buyers. If you try to put it on a place like BaT yourself, no matter how many good photos you take, someone wants more.

In your particular case I'd consign it to a well known and respected specialist. Give a shout to Brian Peters at Motoring Investments, or Roy Spencer at  Mercedes Heritage. The former is in San Diego, the latter in the South Bay Area. They know the market and the value and the cars. Yes they will take a cut but they will earn it with doing things you or she cannot do.

[George3]

I will take a look at the buyers/sellers guide I'm sure it will help. As far as answering questions, I have no issue with that and I will be shooting a lot of pictures and video as I've done in the past on BAT. The last sale went very well and the detailed video helped a lot. Consigning it is an option but an expensive one. I do have contact with a lot of enthusiast's that will help with getting the word out. I will have a better handle on her needs and condition when I see the Car. I'll keep you posted.
John

[DavidAPease]

John,

For your inspection of your friend's car, perhaps these YouTube videos (one by Roy Spencer himself) will help guide you as far as what to look at:

      https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLihgxPAE6TJ--Ow0jSA0X6p8CoeS4ddV_
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x46SIidmVPY

Also, I've attached a drawing that shows rust-prone areas in our cars.

              -David

[George3]

Thank you David! That's extremely helpful. I'll check those videos out.
Cheers John.

[George3]

Update.
I saw the Car last night.
First impressions. Extremely clean and presented very well. As stated before its the Original owner since 1969. First purchased in Glendale California  Irs always been garaged and driven lightly. Especially the last 25 years. The interior is in very nice shape. Red Mb tex seats and new carpet fitted in the early 90s. I didn't do an extremely close inspection at this time. But it does have some. negative points. Front. The front  fenders no longer have the headlight surround notch. The hood has some paint damage because someone tried removing the hood alone and dropped it into the car while upright. Causing edge damage. All chrome is in excellent condition. Engine bay could do with a clean but is very original. Fires up instantly and sounds very healthy. Interior a minor crack on top of dash above dials. Not original radio. Other than that very nice interior. All wood re finished. Those are the things that stood out after my initial look.
 
Now for the downer. It has a Salvage title:(
This came about because they had an arson attack in the early 90s. The car suffered paint damage. Right-side from door to rear quarter to center of rear. Car was completely re painted and repaired by a competent Restoration company in the South Bay. The paint job is very good. I will check if its ss or two stage. Thats about it for now until I go back out and do a thorough inspection of all aspects. I'd appreciate your input. The Salvage title situation is unfortunate even though it was cosmetic damage and never crashed.
All the best John.

[Cees Klumper]

Let us know if you have any actual questions.

If you're looking to partially market the car through this forum, please read the rules on 'for sale' posts. Most significantly, you have to name the price the lady is asking. Some try to circumvent this requirement.

The salvage title will put a significant limit on the value. Buyers outside the US may be willing to pay more as the title impairment may not 'emigrate' together with the car.

[Garry]

George,


Have a look in our Technical Manual in the following area that is open to Associate Members.  It will be helpful.


https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Buying/PrepurchaseEvaluation

[George3]

I'm not trying to sell the car through this forum at all. I was merely asking for some advice on how to proceed in light of the salvage title. I have my answer. Thank you.

[Vander]

A general rule of thumb for salvage cars is 50% value. Salvage aside, the car you described sounds like it falls in the project car category.

[George3]

Thank you Vander. Much appreciated. All the best. John.