Motoring Investments $52.9K Unrestored Color Change '69 280SL?

[Nate]

Asking price seems a bit steep, or is this where the market is headed for our cars?

http://motoringinvestments.com/MainPage.htm

[hank sound]

Asking price seems a bit steep, or is this where the market is headed for our cars?

http://motoringinvestments.com/MainPage.html

Since you already own your Pagoda, I'll state this with a huge grin on my face - - Pagodas are a wonderful investment !!!   Unfortunately, part and mechanical work prices are going up as well !!    But wait, I'm keeping mine forever....so there goes the grin

I just ran down to look at her - the grin is back !!

Hank

 

[Richard Madison]

The description "virginal" trunk floor, etc sounds a lot like my car...not for sale yet but I'm counting the big bucks already.

Richard M, NYC  

[71Beige280SL]

I bought a 1971 280SL from Brian that I took delivery on this past May. He did a great job on restoration: repairing all rust; color sanding; numerous cosmetic items and some engine work. Brian and his team do a great job. He also advises the buyer on what is important to the value of the car and what is not. This is particularly important if you have a budget in mind. I recommend Motoring Investments and would not hesitate to buy another car from him. He knows his work is his reputation.

[john.mancini]

Nate,
Brian is a very nice guy. I believe he sells high quality cars and he provides an honest description of what he sells. I have worked with him in the past. I strongly recommend him. Like all businessmen, he must make a profit. You know as well as the rest of us that selling high quality cars, with an added profit margin, translates into fairly lofty prices for Pagodas.
At $52.5K, the added cost of a "done correctly", complete paint job will push the cost of that car way past it's true, current value. Most likely, other minor issues will be addressed once the car is restored.
At $52.5K, maybe the car is fine the way it is, as long as the incorrect color doesn't bother the buyer.
John

[Kemal]

He also advises the buyer on what is important to the value of the car and what is not.

What is important to the value of the Pagoda and what is not ?
Love to know what Brian said!

Thanks for sharing, in advance. 

[thelews]

What is important to the value of the Pagoda and what is not ?
Love to know what Brian said!

Thanks for sharing, in advance. 

I can tell you he says any sign of originality is important and lack of rust.

[71Beige280SL]

Originality is absolutely key to value. As context, I wanted a quality driver (but never driving in the rain or snow). Brian and I discussed this upfront. He gave me solid advice on what would drive value. As an example, I have an original firewall pad. His advice...don't touch it. Engine compartment was solid with a nice patina...don't touch it out side of a few engine repairs. My interior was original except that the previous owner put new cognac leather seat covers on ~15 years ago. We did some minor repair on the seats and kept them in place. Becker rebuilt the radio with a hidden iPod adapter. This may not be a real value driver but, everyone today wants to listen to their music collection. A bonus feature. He repaired all the rust including a new passenger side floor pan. The wheel wells and undercarriage are clean and pristine.

I have a fair amount of money in my car (as we all do) but, it is not perfect. I'm ok with that. Pagodas snap heads around even though they may not be perfect.  We all need to decide how far we want to go on our restorations. It's a personal choice in the end. Personally, I always look forward to that next project!  

[GGR]

Very informative website, especially pictures of this blue Pagoda being restored: http://motoringinvestments.com/MainPage.htm

It shows how an unmolested original undercarriage should look like. Not necessailly all painted body color as seen on some restaurations.

In all frankness, I would have left that blue Pagoda alone. It seems to be in an astonishing original condition. Cars are original only once.

[Kemal]

Originality is absolutely key to value.  As an example, I have an original firewall pad. His advice...don't touch it. Engine compartment was solid with a nice patina...don't touch it out side of a few engine repairs. My interior was original except that the previous owner put new cognac leather seat covers on ~15 years ago.

Thank you.