February 2011: A REAL MIX OF MERCS
With the latest Historics auction looming, there are five very different models from German auto-maker Mercedes-Benz, that we've been taking a closer look at.
The 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet is a luxurious, five-seater convertible with much sought-after styling mated to a high-performance 3.5 litre V8 engine.
The 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet is a luxurious, five-seater convertible with much sought-after styling mated to a high-performance 3.5 litre V8 engine.
Instantly admired, the 3.5 litre version of the 280SE was given stacked twin headlights and adorned with more chrome trim – in addition to the iconic oversized grille - to cater for its wider, bigger bow. With the car also sitting one inch closer to the floor than the straight-six model, the 3.5 litre V8 boasts enduring good looks that have withstood the test of time.
With residuals on the rise, the Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet is attracting significant interest throughout Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Back in the September sale, Historics sold a rare 1970 right hand drive model - one of only 55 - for £80,000, and now brings a concours condition left hand drive car of the same year to the table.
With rich Tobacco Brown paintwork – courtesy of Nigel Cooper coachworks – and the original luxurious leather Cognac interior, this 280SE also boasts the highly desirable factory-fitted air conditioning unit, and with it’s status approved by SS Motors of Weybridge, has been showcased at nearby Mercedes-Benz World for the past six months.
A stunning motor car likely to attract plenty of interest, Historics estimate offers to be in the region of £80,000 - £100,000.
With residuals on the rise, the Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet is attracting significant interest throughout Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Back in the September sale, Historics sold a rare 1970 right hand drive model - one of only 55 - for £80,000, and now brings a concours condition left hand drive car of the same year to the table.
With rich Tobacco Brown paintwork – courtesy of Nigel Cooper coachworks – and the original luxurious leather Cognac interior, this 280SE also boasts the highly desirable factory-fitted air conditioning unit, and with it’s status approved by SS Motors of Weybridge, has been showcased at nearby Mercedes-Benz World for the past six months.
A stunning motor car likely to attract plenty of interest, Historics estimate offers to be in the region of £80,000 - £100,000.
Image courtesy of www.kristyfield.com
Equally popular currently is the famed SL model and in particular, the 190SL. Historics sold four in its first year, including a debut sale of a silver 1960 model for £20,000 over its estimate at £67,000.
Demonstrating the appeal of the 190SL, another car sold in the December sale despite it not being present in the sale room due to the travel chaos caused by snow.
The imminent March auction features a 1961 190SL with white coachwork and contrasting red leather interior. Build quality is superb, and this example represents excellent value given the appreciation and respect these cars have always enjoyed.
Good examples of these cars are seemingly leading the charge in collectability at the moment, and with this being a particularly fine example, we could see offers around the £40,000 - £50,000 mark.
Demonstrating the appeal of the 190SL, another car sold in the December sale despite it not being present in the sale room due to the travel chaos caused by snow.
The imminent March auction features a 1961 190SL with white coachwork and contrasting red leather interior. Build quality is superb, and this example represents excellent value given the appreciation and respect these cars have always enjoyed.
Good examples of these cars are seemingly leading the charge in collectability at the moment, and with this being a particularly fine example, we could see offers around the £40,000 - £50,000 mark.
Boasting the same colour scheme, albeit among the more modern Mercedes to make the block in March, is a 2010 SLS AMG – the spiritual successor to the 300SL Gullwing - which bristles with a raucous 6.3 litre V8 engine, punching out a vigorous 563hp and capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds, with a restricted top speed of 197mph.
The SLS gained instant fame with its use as the safety car in the 2010 Formula One season and being the cover car for the widely acclaimed Gran Turismo 5 Playstation 3 computer game.
Having completed just 2,700 miles since build and coming complete with every imaginable driver aid and accessory, the highly-desirable left hand drive SLS is expected to spur interest around £165,000 - £180,000, still comfortably under half the price of an original ‘Gullwing’.
The SLS gained instant fame with its use as the safety car in the 2010 Formula One season and being the cover car for the widely acclaimed Gran Turismo 5 Playstation 3 computer game.
Having completed just 2,700 miles since build and coming complete with every imaginable driver aid and accessory, the highly-desirable left hand drive SLS is expected to spur interest around £165,000 - £180,000, still comfortably under half the price of an original ‘Gullwing’.
Back with the famed SL series, and another 'AMG', a fifth generation 2003 SL55 AMG, also known as the R230, is estimated to generate bids in the region of £20,000 - £25,000. When you consider this was originally a £90,000 car when purchased new, the 5.5 Litre V8 powered two-door convertible, featuring black coachwork and grey Nappa leather interior, seems remarkable value for money.
