Bring a Trailer/Pcarmarket W113 auctions

[john.mancini]

I know it's none of my business what people pay for online auction cars, but I am amazed at what is being sold and what bidders are willing to pay. Recent 280SL sold for $131K (+buyers premium). It had a repro VIN plate, color change, interior change, wrong engine block, average restoration, and a lot wrong with it. Another recent 280SL, with rust everywhere, didn't meet the seller's reserve at $54K. The car is a disaster. Probably, at best, a parts car. I hate seeing people get taken like that.

[Peter h]

Many do not want to search for months or longer. Most of the comments there are positive and then the bid is high. But the market for original pagodas at acceptable prices in the States and also in Germany is pretty much empty. No more grow back.
Peter

[thelews]

Well, 4 people were willing to pay within $5K of the sales price, so that's a pretty good indicator of the market.

Tobin Motorworks, isn't that Dave Tobin who took over from John Olson, the 113 God, who if I recall, literally wrote the book?  Not that I was ever impressed with him.  Olson also had "progressive" springs that were to dramatically change the suspension dynamics of the 113.  They were put on my car as part of a tech session that Olson attended here.  I noticed no difference and they were promptly removed.

[Jack the Knife]

Well, 4 people were willing to pay within $5K of the sales price, so that's a pretty good indicator of the market.

Tobin Motorworks, isn't that Dave Tobin who took over from John Olson, the 113 God, who if I recall, literally wrote the book?  Not that I was ever impressed with him.  Olson also had "progressive" springs that were to dramatically change the suspension dynamics of the 113.  They were put on my car as part of a tech session that Olson attended here.  I noticed no difference and they were promptly removed.

Did you drive the extremely nice car in your signature in any spirited fashion before determining they were no different? Genuinely curious because I want to get the sport/progressive springs for my own car.

John Olson recently had a stroke it seems and is having a hard time of it, but he is still extremely giving of his personal time in answering questions from people and always answers the phone. I'm impressed by anyone willing to do that, and enjoy the great conversation he makes. It is also good to see someone who actually does things with their car, rather than just admire it like some sculpture.

[MikeSimon]

In general BaT auction result prices are outrageous. I saw both the W113s and was flabbergasted. I have no idea what the bidders think and why they are willing to spend so much money. Lack of specific knowledge is my only explanation.
One notable exception was this one. And it was right around the corner where I live. Was seriously thinking about sticking a bid in. It was a steal.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-porsche-911-carrera-coupe-9/

[thelews]

Did you drive the extremely nice car in your signature in any spirited fashion before determining they were no different? Genuinely curious because I want to get the sport/progressive springs for my own car.

John Olson recently had a stroke it seems and is having a hard time of it, but he is still extremely giving of his personal time in answering questions from people and always answers the phone. I'm impressed by anyone willing to do that, and enjoy the great conversation he makes. It is also good to see someone who actually does things with their car, rather than just admire it like some sculpture.

No, I didn't, but was in my car with John Olson when he drove the living piss out of it (which I didn't appreciate).  It wasn't much if any difference.  Of course, YMMV.  I'm sorry he's having health issues, wish him well.

Others will not agree, but I believe these cars are boulevard cruisers, not sports cars in the sense of high-performance speed and handling.  Have been since their birth with the 190 SL.  I don't include the Gullwing or 300 SL Roadster in this class.  Wonderful, solid, incredibly built, easy to drive, open air, sporty cars.  But, if performance is what you're looking for, stick with the likes of Porsche that made it their core.

Sure, a great driver can whip around a 113, but, I think you know what I mean.

[john.mancini]

In general BaT auction result prices are outrageous. I saw both the W113s and was flabbergasted. I have no idea what the bidders think and why they are willing to spend so much money. Lack of specific knowledge is my only explanation.
One notable exception was this one. And it was right around the corner where I live. Was seriously thinking about sticking a bid in. It was a steal.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-porsche-911-carrera-coupe-9/

Mike, I agree that "lack of specific knowledge" is the main reason that certain substandard cars get bid to silly numbers. And then, you have the "experts" chiming in about how great the car is. Unknowing bidders don't have a chance. Winning bidders are in for a shock when they start having problems. With regards to the 07 Carrera, it has had a front end accident and the IMS was never replaced. Those could be the reasons for the lower winning bid. 997.1's can be a bargain though.

[lreppond]

I agree with the two Mikes.  I had been watching the dark olive car and felt that many of the positive comments were inconsistent with what I saw.  So I was definitely gobsmacked by the gavel price!  I can offer no explanation other than its lovely color combination.     

[Benz Dr.]

I've been looking at an operation out of the UK that runs an operation similar to Bat except only the bidders can ask questions or make comments which is the way things should be run. The rest is just annoying nonsense.

[lreppond]

Yep, annoying alright. 

[rwmastel]

... but was in my car with John Olson when he drove the living piss out of it (which I didn't appreciate).  It wasn't much if any difference.  Of course, YMMV.

I think that pushing the car would be the only chance of noticing a difference. And yes, YMMV because each person's Pagoda is different before the springs get changed.  For a person interested in suspension changes, they're worth a try.

[Cees Klumper]

A fellow member let me drive his Olson-equipped car so I was able to compare it to mine with the original springs. Just in ordinary driving, to me the car felt very much better - for example, much reduced nose dive upon even moderate braking. So, yes, YMMV (had to think about that one for a bit!). I've since pondered getting progressive rate springs on my car, but I do like just the way it drives now so haven't sprung for the cost and hassle just yet ...