What's a rustbucket worth?

[n/a]

Hi, I'm new here....and I don't really do much much of anything with fine European automobiles, although I do have quite a bit of experience with old Chevys and such.

My inlaws have a 230 sl that they brought over from Germany about 25 yeras ago, it was a patched up rustbucket then, and it's mostly sat in dry Tucson and deteriorated further.  The outer front sheetmetal had been replaced, and the floors patched before they bought the car, but the rest of the car is in bad shape.  

I have some pictures of it

http://www.selectric.org/230sl/

The engine turns, but does not run, the rear fuel pump is rusted out, the condition of the injection pump is unknown.  

I'd like to sell the car, and there is a guy in town who saw it and has made a pretty low offer on it ($1500), but I've been having trouble finding out just what this thing is really worth.  I know it would cost a LOT to restore it, but it also has value as a parts car.  I know that older American convertibles fetch a premium even when they're in really bad shape...do the same rules apply to Mercedes?

Anyways, if any of you have some ballpark guesstimates, I'd sure appreciate hearing them.  I'm not really trying to sell the car here on this forum, although you're welcome to email me about it.  

Thanks,


Jim

[J. Huber]

Hey Jim. Of course, its hard to really say what "its worth" but you may want to hang on before unloading too low (or too soon). (sorry, if the offer came from one among us)... It strikes me as a parts car for sure -- but there are a few redeeming items I see that might make 1500 a good deal for the buyer. I guess it kind of depends on how quick you want to move it.

James
63 230SL

[cth350]

i see plenty of good parts there.  Is that interior complete and intact (and not dried out from the sun)?  As a parts car, it's worth more than he offered.  Heck, put it up on ebay and you'll see just how much.

As a running and drivable parts car you'll see good money.  Is it drivable?

-cth

[Benjegen]

From what I see from here it is worth more than double the offer. If you part out the interior and ebay everything you will make a lot. Even if the engine is not running there are definetely some usable parts.
Ben

[Chad]

if you have the time and space to hold it and dismantle, then selling the good parts will very likely fetch you much more than $1500. make that definitely.

some big money for chrome is out there... how is the chrome really? how is the soft top hardware/mechanism? what transmission? headlights, etc.? the steering wheel, the taillights?

take a look at what OEM and reproduction parts for the above cost... you will see what we mean.

(if it has a nice original chrome center rearview mirror for 230sl let me know, is there any significant pitting in that center rearview mirror?)

1967 230SL (Manual, rustless driver)

[Ricardo]

Jim
I'd say that with power steering, a leather interior and I suspect, a 5 speed tranny then your buyer is going to wish he'd offered you $5,000, and you might have sold it to him, but now I'll bet you get closer to $7500 when all is said and done....it's a perfect project car for those with the skills to do it themselves...looks to be all there......

[n/a]

Thanks for all the info so far!

The car has a 4 speed transmission.  Chrome is mostly not heavily pitted, some parts are better than others. I really don't want to go to the effort of parting the car out, it gets to be real work after a while!  and I'm getting lazy as I get older.  For the same reason I don't really feel like getting it running, lots of work and a steep learning curve for me (never having messed with mechanical fuel injection), and parts are rather pricy.

Based on the comments so far, and knowing how us Arizona folks feel about working on rusty cars, I think I should hold out for at least $2500 for a local buyer, probably more if I do some advertising and have to deal with shipping the car.  Sound reasonable?



Jim

[n/a]

Just to let you all know, I talked to the fellow in town and we agreed on a price, and he is going to buy the car.  Thanks again for your help!


Jim

[J. Huber]

Am I the only one who wants to know what it went for? How about it Jim? for the sake of the group, it might be a useful comp later on...

James
63 230SL

[Ed Cave]

Darn, and I was hoping to salvage that firewall pad. [!]

Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA


1971 280SL
1973 911S
2004 A4 3.0
2006 GS430

[Douglas]

At least it was an honest example. I've seen plenty of Pagodas that are in comparable condition that are hiding underneath a layer of shiny paint. Generally, they're on ebay with a Buy it Now price of $35K.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[Benz Dr.]

Really?  You should ask someone who knows.........

As far as parting it out goes... some parts move quickly enough and other things you will look at forever. Interoir parts are VERY low on the radar as are doors and suspension parts.
 And how do I know this?

Dan Caron's
 SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
 slbarn.mbz.org
  1 877 661 6061

[Douglas]

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

Really?  You should ask someone who knows.........

Can you suggest anyone?

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[n/a]

quote:Originally posted by J. Huber

Am I the only one who wants to know what it went for? How about it Jim? for the sake of the group, it might be a useful comp later on...

We agreed on $2500...



Jim