This question has come up several times before. No one really knows and it's anyone's best guess, so here's mine: between 25,000 (so half) and 35,000. I did do a comparison once between the number of cars thought to be in The Netherlands (roughly 1,000 which is partly based on the number of cars perpetually for sale here, which is around 100), related that to our population and then multiplied that by the total population in the developed countries of the world. I believe that estimate came to around 30,000. Factors going into it: these cars were oftentimes bought as second or third cars, by people who where generally well-off so could take care of the cars properly and usually keep them in garages. They were always relatively expensive, so worth protecting. They were durable and attractive-looking, so that helps. Of course then there was the lack of rust proofing and there was the period of time when the cars were less popular, handed down to sons/daughters and grandsons/granddaughters who drove them to college for instance, not taking very good care. My next door neighbor in Florida was a prime example of this situation. She bought one new when living on Palm Beach, then after many years of owning it, she passed it onto her son. When I saw the car back in 1991, by then in his care, it was in poor shape. So poor care, rust, and heavy accidents will have taken their toll. But I would guess at least more than half survived.
Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
