Calling the Experts!! Question About Pricing for 1971 280SL

[kellybuster101]

I have a single owner 1971 280SL that I am looking to sell for my family. It has been family owned since new, with approximately 93,000 original miles. The vehicle was damaged on the passenger side fender approximately 10 years ago. It was professionally repaired and the entire vehicle was repainted the original color. It has the original spot welds on the driver side fender and hood. We have all of the service records since it was purchased. Overall it looks to be in good shape, with some light surface rust in the trunk area and on the driver side door jam. I currently have the SL listed on autotrader classics for $69k OBO (https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1971/mercedes_benz/280sl/101140011). I see a huge range on pricing with these cars, so I am curious what everyone's thoughts are on my asking price. I will be adding more photos of the soft top and trunk (with mat, spare, and tool kit) in the days to come. Thanks in advance!

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Hi Kelly,

Since you are not sure about the price I strongly recommend you have the car appraised, you need to do this anyway for it to be insured. It would not be right to have someone test drive it without being insured. Unless you can get short term insurance to have someone test drive the car.

In my humble opinion I think you might be a bit low on the price, i’m Thinking more like mid $ 80K

Dieter


PS. I am by no means an expert, however, have seen quite a few cars for sale in the past 5 years since I found my280 SL

[MikeSimon]

To an extend, the moniker used in Real Estate values also applies to collector cars: Location, location, location.. There is a 20+% spread in value/price if you consider this.
And then, timing. If you sell your car exactly at that time when several people are looking, you will be able to realize a higher price.
I don't know the car of course, but from your description, anywhere between what you are asking and what Rolf-Dieter said seems to be a fair price.
Although, you may have to let it go for 50-55k if you want to sell it and are pressed for time.
Restoration jobs for these are extremely pricey and if someone wants to buy it to turn it into a perfect car, they may not want to spend that much.

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Artur,

One other item you might like to do and that is go to Insurance site Hagerty, select Value then fill in the car make year etc.

The classifications of condition 1 to 4cshould give you a fair asking price.

Dieter

Here ——> https://www.hagerty.ca/valuationtools?gclid=EAIaIQobChMItevzs4Oh4gIV242zCh2WyAXVEAAYASAAEgJD0vD_BwE&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMItevzs4Oh4gIV242zCh2WyAXVEAAYASAAEgJD0vD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!5126!3!295193841992!b!!s!!%2Bhagerty%20%2Bvaluation&aff=g_ca_hv_b

[kellybuster101]

Thank you Dieter! I had not considered getting the vehicle appraised. The SL is currently in storage, but I will definitely have it appraised once it is transported up to my location. As of now, we were not planning on showing the car or entertaining offers until June 1st. I will wait until we have it appraised and insured for that value before doing anything else with the car. I appreciate your quick feedback!

[kellybuster101]

Thank you Mike. We are not in a rush to get rid of the car, and frankly I would like to enjoy it for a bit before we see it go. It is such an awesome little car. I am not surprised at all to see that they are so popular with collectors!

[Benz Dr.]

Make sure that your car runs well and that you can get everything to work. I call it eliminating objections.

Because you're going to have a potential buyer drive your car you want them to be happy with how it drives. Not everyone wants a perfect car but they will want to to perform well. If you take your car to an auction, cosmetic items are far more important because no driving is required.

[Mike Hughes]

... be careful - you might fall in love and have to keep it!  ;^)

[Chris Long]

I would check out bring a trailer for a
Good indication on market pricing.  Wheels are a personal preference but I think originality at the moment helps pricing significantly.

[Vander]

An insurance appraisal is not the same as real market price.

[specracer]

Im FAR from an expert compared to this group, but Im thinking your at a good number to get the car to a new home. Asking more, while you might get it, you just might be waiting longer. You have some huge advantages, one owner, manual, nicely equipped, and seems very rust free (relatively speaking). You should add undercarriage pictures.

As others have said, you should get the car sorted, and running to maximize your sale price. I might also suggest considering Bring a Trailer. They have done a really good job differentiating their cars that they represent (like keying in on the single ownership). 

Great car! Good luck with the sale!

[MikeSimon]

There are two later 280SLs on BaT right now and while bidding is still going on, the prices are not really where you would expect them to be.

[Chris_ATL]

I saw this on reddit and that you were directed over to here... I would think the cross over between reddit and this forum is pretty small :-)

As others have said, I would think that your price looks a little low for a desirable 4-speed with 1 owner... but the market is strange. I would say take a look at the ones sold on BaT and the quality of the pictures and see if you want to go through that process.

Best of luck. beautiful car

[Iconic]

There are two later 280SLs on BaT right now and while bidding is still going on, the prices are not really where you would expect them to be.

Usually the price they are at more than 20 minutes before the end of the auction on BaT has nothing to do with the value of the car or what they will sell for. All the action happens at the end .... and it can be fun if you are a seller !! Ask me how I know.