With the reintroduction of the Mercedes-Benz E Class Coupe for 2010, let’s take a moment and pour over its direct forebear. Here is a clean, relatively low mileage 1995 E320 coupe, which represents the final year of production for the W124 chassis. According to The Standard Catalog of Mercedes-Benz, only 1,798 Coupes were produced for 1995, which was amazingly higher than production was in 1994. While there were less W124 Convertibles produced during the same time frame, open top versions seem easier to find in mint condition and appear to change hands rather frequently, given the short supply. Powered by the ubiquitous M104 3.2 liter inline six, this coupe is capable of providing many more miles of effortless, reliable transport.
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Coupe, 88K, Black/ grey leather. Never smoked in, southern car, always garaged, no rust, mint condition. Clean CarFax. Cost new $63K.
Upon seeing this ad, I had a suspicion that $14,500 seemed high for an asking price, but I had not looked up the value of W124 coupes lately. Sure enough, after consulting three pricing sources, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book and NADA, my suspicions were correct. High retail value from these three pricing services was $5,086, $7,150 and $8,912 respectively. Granted, the ad is not very descriptive and there is no telling whether the car is fully documented or if it is an original owner vehicle. If this were the case, I could see the value of this creeping more towards the $10,000 mark, given the mileage and the fact that you don’t see these on the market every day. All of this aside, it is nice to see a well preserved, late model W124 coupe out there, as these cars are simply timeless.
This is one battle ready S class. If you are just looking for regular luxury transportation this is not for you. If your ride to work may lead you through an area known for IEDs or near that former business partner you screwed over who happens to also own a collection of sniper rifles, this may be perfect. This car was built for the Sultan of Brunei by TRASCO a company that was known for building the ultimate in specialized urban protective vehicles. TRASCO is now one of the companies that falls under the Centigon nameplate. The original cost, and you can be sure no expense was spared, was $400,000 you also can be sure that whatever this sells for now it will include a lot of priced in depreciation, the buy-it-now price is $85,000.
With 3″ thick glass and 1/2″ steel plating the car meets European level B6 armor standards, or in other words it’s capable of fending off 7.62mm rounds from the guy parked next to you with a machine gun. Naturally all that armor is going to add a literal ton of weight, the car weighs 7600lbs, but thankfully you have Mercedes’ 6.0 liter V-12 helping put plenty of power through run flat tires and also an upgraded suspension. The car comes with the stock rims as well as a nice set of big Carlsson wheels.
With 20,000 miles the car looks brand new. It even is coming off of a year long stay as an exhibition car in the Petersen Automotive Museum. Here is a link showing the car at the museum.
This is not really a collectible car and should not be seen as an investment, but should go to someone who will use it for what it was built for. Someone who has a chauffeur and is genuinely concerned for their own and their family’s security.…
For the Superbowl I thought this car was appropriate.
A 1993 Mercedes 500SL formerly owned by NFL player and broadcaster Pat Summerall. I don’t really think there is much value added in the former owner status though, no offense to Pat.
67,000 miles is not much at all. With so many of these 5.0 Benz engines out there parts should not be outrageous. The seller says the car has a brand nw convertible top and another $1600 in recent tuneups. I kind of like the blackberry color on this car.
It is nice that it comes with both tops as I think if you aren’t going to drive topless the hardtop on the SL is a much better look than the softtop.
The $11,700 ask should have some play in it if the owner wants to sell.
The 560SEC was not a common car to begin with, as just a little over 5,000 were produced for the 1989 model year. In total, during its entire production run, almost 29,000 were produced. Considering Toyota makes over 400,000 Camrys a year, this kind of gives you a perspective on just how rare these W126 coupes are. Finding a clean one these days proves to be quite a challenge, however, there are still some out there. Take for instance this example, which has evaded the harsh Northeast climate, advertised in Hemmings Motor News:
1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC, Desert Taupe mettallic / Creme beige leather. FLAWLESS, only 48,000 documented miles. Spectacular original paint, clearcoat, glass. Impeccable interior, carpet, wood trim. Fully sorted by obsessive owner and his German born Mercedes (only) mechanic. NEW: A/C compressor, condenser (conversion to R134), water pump, valve cover gasket, brakes (rotors & pads), wheel bearings, tires, alignment, sway bar linkage, window regulators, steering shock, headrest guides. All electronics work perfectly including orginal Becker radio, sunroof, seatbelt extenders, antenna. Remote locking, alarm, 6 disc CD changer. Beautiful!
I haven’t seen one of these for sale with under 50,000 miles for a while, so $22,900 seems pretty fair, especially if it as well documented as the seller describes. This is a lot of car for the money, especially considering this was the most expensive Mercedes-Benz for sale in 1989.
After the glut of minivans and sport utility vehicles that have flooded the automotive landscape over the last two decades or so, the wagon, or estate vehicle, has become an afterthought in many people’s minds. Mercedes, however, has shown a steadfast commitment to the body style, as they have offered a wagon in their lineup every year for the past 32 years. Below is an example of how perfectly Mercedes-Benz blends style, performance and utility in one irresistible package.
The E55 wagon attained almost instant classic status when Mercedes announced they would be selling it here on U.S. shores, because everyone knew it had no equals and was meant as a limited production model. The E55 and E63 which followed accounted for a few hundred sales across the U.S. during it’s production run. Not many family haulers can brag about sharing a supercharged V8 engine with the legendary Mercedes-Benz SL roadster.
The seller states:
One of 129 (verified with Mercedes AMG Private Lounge – I’m a member/AMG nut with 2 other AMG cars) E55 Estates produced for the 2005 model year. In VERY RARE Platinum Blue Metallic with Black/Blue two-tone interior (has subtle blue stitching throughout), light grey headliner. 31.5k miles with 2 owners (AutoCheck is incorrect, 2 of the noted owners are Mercedes dealers).
This has to be one of my favorite Mercedes-Benzes of the last two decades, partly due to its rarity and the Q ship factor. This is a true multipurpose vehicle, as you can find yourself hauling a wardrobe while simultaneously clipping an apex at 75 mph. And if you are a parent and just can’t let go of your youth, this is the best way to have your cake and eat it while on your way to soccer practice.
Another unique opportunity here. Normally we keep the auctions to North America, but this was too good to pass up.
The bodywork is nice, but the interior is spectacular. Like the Langversion Merc I posted recently it will take someone with a interesting vision to take advantage of a car like this. Though keeping this just as is doesn’t seem like a bad idea. It is really too nice to turn into a German Ecto 1.
The new owner would want to make sure to keep this away from anything that could damage all that custom glass in the back. Speaking of glass, I’m always a fan of the Euro headlights on all Benzs. In this case they replace the dual light vertical stack on the U.S. versions.
This incredible 190E 2.3-16v is in impeccable original low-mile condition, and has had dealer service since new. For the last five years it’s been in the hands of a Northern California Mercedes Benz dealer family. This is not only a high performance car in great condition – it’s also an important bit of history. After developing its four-valve cylinder head with motorsport specialists Cosworth, as well modifying its suspension, transmission, aerodynamics, exhaust and interior, Mercedes unveiled the 2.3-16 at the Nurburgring in 1984 in a race that included several former and future Formula One champions, including Niki Lauda, Alan Prost and Ayrton Senna (who won), as well as Stirling Moss, who had famously driven for Mercedes in its heyday.
Most 16v’s available today are high mileage and/or modified cars. This one shows and drives as nearly new, to which we can attest as this is our third (our first having 17,000 miles on the odometer when it came through the dealership in 1989). 2.3-16’s were only available in the U.S. in only 1986 and 1987, and this `87 may be seen as an appealing “interim” model. It has the flushed-in headlights of the ‘87 models, but retains the simpler and more reliable sunroof and sunroof control of the `86 cars. Recent work includes a major service with upgraded-spec MB factory injectors; serviced rear SLS suspension and replaced front suspension ball joints; refurbished a/c; and four new Michelin Pilot tires. A December 2009 smog report shows unbelievably low emissions, attesting to the car’s impeccable mechanical condition.
For those of you who find some of our under $10k cars a bit mundane here is opportunity for you.
With only 75 ever built perhaps one day this will be collectible, but for now I wouldn’t consider this a real investment grade vehicle, though someone is trying to turn a profit with the ask here being $1,800,000, which is several 100k over original MSRP. This is a chance to show up all those folks in their “standard” SLRs.
Lightweight and with 640 horsepower, 220 mph can be achieved if you find enough road. With no windows or windshield goggles would be a must.
It is really hard to fathom what exactly you would do with this, it isn’t street legal in the U.S., but you can probably get it through on show plates or just take it to track events. The seller says the car is currently in Germany.
Not bad looking, but not exactly beautiful. I suppose it is nice to know if you really want one they can be had. It is pretty cool for a company to pay homage to someone as important to their history, as Stirling Moss was for Mercedes, while they are still alive as well.
You would think if you were selling a 2 million dollar car you would add a bit more credibility to your sale by providing better pictures and description. Of course it sort of loses a bit of mystique just being on eBay in the first place.
The car we see below represents one of the rarest post-war Mercedes-Benzes to be produced. They were manufactured to homologate the 450SLC for rally purposes. Fewer than 100 cars were imported into the United States as gray market cars during production. A few more were brought into the US during the 1980s as a one time “personal” exemption.
The 450 SLC 5.0 was introduced in 1978 and it differed from the stock 450SLC in that its hood and trunk lids were crafted from aluminum. Also included were front and rear spoilers which resulted in better aerodynamics and a higher top speed of 142 mph. This model was also the first application of the aluminum/silicon alloy V8 engines. Lighter in weight than the standard 4.5 V8, it produced 240 (DIN) horsepower (over 300 HP in today’s SAE HP terms). In 1980, the 500SLC replaced the 450SLC 5.0. A four speed automatic replaced the previous three speed box and a smaller diameter steering wheel came standard. With only 1,154 units produced, this was the rarest of all SLC models.
With maybe 4 roadworthy examples left in the US, this special run rust free/dent free coupe is ready to go for historic racing, rallies or car shows. Aluminum hood and trunk deck, limited slip differential, working A/C, sunroof, fresh interior and recent paint this car is ready to enjoy or re-market to Mercedes collector and “double your money!”
While this is hardly a concours quality car, $11,500 seems very reasonable considering the rarity and pedigree of this particular model. Much like it’s ancestor, the 300SL Gullwing, this is a Mercedes-Benz that brought racing technology to the street.
Paul is another new author on the site and as you can tell his taste matches ours perfectly. Welcome aboard Paul!
All of a sudden, a glut of mint condition W126 have cropped up on eBay. Spanning a production run from 1979 through 1992, these cars have attained a cult like status and clean examples are becoming more difficult to find as years pass. Here are two different models, each with around 60,000 miles on the clock. This equates to barely run in when it comes to what could be considered the most revered of all S Classes.
1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SE
Introduced in 1985, the 300SE offered the smooth, venerable M103 single cam inline-six in the short wheelbase package. While this could be considered the entry level point of the S class range at the time, it is an optimal choice for those wanting a somewhat smaller, more efficient package while still offering all the bells and whistles that big Benzes are known for. This particular example comes with a bevy of receipts, key for anyone considering one of these young classics.
The seller states:
The car has 60,000 miles and looks and drives like it has 10,000 miles. The paint is stunning. The interior leather is soft and supple. Smells rich and new.
The ivory over parchment leather color combination may not be optimal, there is no denying that this is a car that could last someone well into the next decade.
1987 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL
This particular S class represents the last year for the W126 sedan. This 420SEL is the long wheelbase model with the 4.2 liter V8, pumping out 221 horsepower in US catalyst guise. The navy over blue leather is a more conservative color choice, however, the V8 engine will undoubtedly cost more to run in the long-term. …
Randy emailed me recently with details of his low mileage E55 AMG that he’s listing for sale. What a great looking car! While we usually go with more classic and rare listings to feature on the site, I was compelled by the honesty of his email and history of ownership.
On to the pictures and details!
quote from Randy’s email to me:
I have my father’s 2001 e55 for sale. He bought the car new and drove it sparingly until he died in 2004. (His other cars were a 1995 993 – which we still have with 32,000 miles on it – and a Subaru Turbo Wagon!) I got it after he died and drove it until late 2007. At that point, I got a new 2006 e55 and my Dad’s car was put in the garage. It has been driven occasionally since then.
It has approximately 49,900 miles on it. I have all service records; mine and my Dad’s.
There have been no modifications to the car. No air dams, spoilers, extra AMG badges, blue lights or huge wheels with ridiculously low profile tires, etc. It’s just as Mercedes intended it to be: subtle, yet extremely powerful.
The car runs strong; it accelerates powerfully, it stops straight. The air blows cold. The radio & trunk-mounted CD work as they are supposed to. In fact, everything (to the best of my knowledge) works, with the exception of the air bladders in the front passenger seat.
It is classic silver with two tone silver.
Defects:
1) There is a tiny scratch (not through the paint) on the right rear bumper skin.
2) Very slight “curb rash” on the right front wheel.
3) Two years ago, my wife was involved in a minor accident with the car. She pulled into an intersection and hit another car.
Here is something a bit unique. The pictures are nice, but the seller provides no description at all. Note to car people if you are selling a car and want to get people to offer you good money, describe your vehicle.
You occasionally see Benzs like this that have had a tough life and get moved to a new owner who a decade after the car was built tries to bolt on cheap body parts to make an AMG look car. This one appears to have been given the AMG treatment early on. Though the AMG front fender badges have the new AMG logo that would not have been contemporary with the car.
The car does have genuine AMG body parts, the trunk spoiler in particular is a fairly unique item. The car also has tailight filler spacers on each side of the rear license plate. These red parts that match the ridges of the tailights are not stock. The wheels appear to be genuine period correct AMG spec Ronal parts. Though they are missing AMG center caps.
The addition of a 5.0 badge on the right of the trunk makes me wonder if AMG did any engine work. Why advertise that it was 5.0 unless it was special? Mercedes only distinguished engine size with numbers on the right when they were different from the engine size given in the model number. (190E 2.6, 280SE 3.5, 300SEL 6.3, etc.) This is not a standard part for a U.S. 500SEL. To my knowledge it was only used on the 450SLC 5.0, standard, from the factory.
The velour interior, combined with the euro headlights, along with the VIN show this to be a Euro car.
If you are a Benz enthusiast and have never tried the online VIN decoder it is a must see.…
Newcomer to eBay, but not to the business, Club Carrera Motors has an entire fleet of Porsche vintage racers now available for you on eBay.
A couple racers, including a 56 speedster that raced from day 1, some build up race cars, and a few street cars. They look good and have plenty of pictures and info in their listings. Prices are a bit high. If you want to have an instant race team for SCCA, SVRA, HSR, etc., I bet you could get yourself a deal if you bought them all.
From high to low price wise:
Now just pick up to take them with you to the track. Hey it is Mercedes powered so it is German.
Rarity and classic lines can make prices of some vehicles sky-rocket. When most people think of ultra expensive vintage Mercedes the 300SL gullwing springs instantly to mind or they may think of really old models like the 540K. The previously sleeping beauty of vintage Mercedes in my mind is the 1971 280SE 3.5. Several years ago these cars could be had for far less than their almost unbelievable $100,000 to $200,000 sale prices the cabriolets now bring.
With the 28SE, opposite the gullwing, the cabrio is far more valuable than the hard top coupe. So right now non-convertible 280SE 3.5s can be had at a small fraction of the cost. You still can have all the classic lines and purchase a car that, in my mind, is a fantastic investment. Just don’t by a hard top with the intention of turning it into a convertible, that sort of shenanigans frowned upon. Beware of nice looking outsides with scary rusty under body.
The 108 coupe body style could be had as a 250SE, 2.5 liter inline 6, 280SE, 2.8 liter inline 6, or 280SE 3.5, 3.5 liter V8. Just over 1000 of the 3.5 cabrios were made and all 280 3.5 models combined totaled less than 5000 during their run.
The similar 112 chassis 300SE is also a place to look if this design appeals to you, but the price of the 3.5 does not.
Here are a couple of nice no reserve examples on eBay of several of these models.
Unique black over red color combo. Mercedes occasionally made black roofed cars (My 1970 250C was black over silver), which added to an illusion of being a convertible, particularly when the windows are all down in the pillarless coupe. This one appears well maintained. The no reserve and low starting price will guarantee a sale and provide a view of market value.…
