Public sales market prices and auction prices tend toward large differences... the latter generally outpacing the former. However, it is also noted that when auction prices see a sustained rise in a given model/year or feature car, the public market tends to follow the auction pricing trend albeit with considerable lag in time.
It's simple supply/demand economics. I'll will admit however I do not understand the reasons for 280SL's having higher demand relative to availability (supply) than the 230SL and especially the 250SL (only ~5200 produced). Market demand in such things is emotional, non-objective.
My presumption for why the 280SL commands a higher price is that it's simply about the higher displacement moniker (thus higher perceived hp) + general perception that the later model SL is thus a "better" version than the other two W113's.
I've remarked as have several other 250SL owners on this site in the "230 v 250 v 280SL" thread, that the differences in cosmetics on the 280SL vs 230SL and early & even mid 250SL's are significant in many minds... and especially the minds of 230 & 250SL owners (of course).
I am also firmly of the belief that the unique characteristics of the early 250SL's with all the cosmetics of the 230SL but mechanics and mechanical/engineering improvements of the 280SL over the 230SL will eventually find a higher demand relative to available supply over either of the other models.... how long "eventually" is is open to every and any interpretation & supposition. The 2.8L displacement moniker will, however, always be preferred over lower displacement models in the general W113 market. If the auction market is commanding higher prices for the 230SL & 250SL with lower increases in prices for the 280SL in that same market then it would portend the start of a recognition perhaps of the unique characteristics of the 230SL / 250SL versions.
I didn't buy my 250SL as an investment, though I did expect it's market price to keep pace with inflation plus a little bit perhaps, over time.... hence it wouldn't depreciate in price over time so my costs would be covered IF I didn't put any more money into it at any given point in time than it would be worth if I was forced or decided to sell it. As a matter of fact, the appreciation over time since '84 when I purchased it has paid for my costs in restoration, insurance, annual license fees, and maintenance.... so it's the only car I've ever owned that's break-even in use... so I drive it virtually for free so to speak.
Longtooth
67 250SL US #113-043-10-002163
The 6% Club - Best of the Best
'02 SL500 Sport
