Color is everything. Kind of a broad statement, I know, but when it comes to classic Mercedes-Benz, it is pretty important. Light Ivory, Astral Silver, or Pastel Beige? Okay colors, but no one is clamoring over them. Henna Red, Mimosa Yellow, or today’s car, China Blue? Now people are excited. In all seriousness, I do see a fair amount of price different between two comparable cars with one painted something bright, with the other a little more drab. It just so happens that this 1981 300SD up for sale in Atlanta is one of the few to be painted in the aforementioned China Blue. So that begs the question, how much of a premium will this bring?
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD on eBay
Year: 1981
Model: 300SD
VIN: WDBCB20A8EA067859
Engine: 3.0 liter turbocharged inline-5 diesel
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 95,829 mi
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Price: $12,500 Buy It Now
2 OWNER – RARE CHINA BLUE! LOW MILEAGE! RUST FREE! BUNT CAKE WHEELS W126 BODY ORIGINAL BOOKS ORIGINAL SPARE ORIGINAL TOOLS AND MUCH MUCH MORE. GARAGE KEPT. GAS MOTORCARS INC IS A FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED DEALERSHIP LOCATED IN MARIETTA GA. WE ONLY SELL VEHICLES OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY. WE DO NOT PROVIDE FINANCING. WE SHOW VEHICLES BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Visit Gas Motorcars online at to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 770-769-1398 today to schedule your test drive. Visit Gas Motorcars online at to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 770-769-1398 today to schedule your test drive.
There’s not much info on this one, but from what I can see, it looks really clean. With just 95,000 miles and supposedly two owners, I’m not seeing much to dislike here. China Blue with the gray lowers does clash a little, but this car is so classic now that its looked at for what it is and what that time was all about. Inside, all gray and no major flaws to write home about. Same goes for under the hood, the iron lung OM617 isn’t completely covered in oil.
Now the discussion on price. This is a “hi-line” dealer so their goal is to squeeze every single last penny out of a deal possible to keep the lights on and their creditors off their backs, so naturally their prices are always above market value. However, $12,500 for this car, with this color, and in this condition isn’t the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. I don’t think it’s a great deal, but if someone told me they paid $12,500 for this car, I wouldn’t say they got burned. I personally would be very happy with this car as I’m a giant fan of the W126 300SD as well as China Blue – just wish I had the space.
– Andrew