Auction Action: Arizona 2010 Results

Lot #31: SOLD for $11,550. This is a rare Euro model with small bumpers. Since 1988, it has been in Arizona and Texas and has 89,400 original miles. It has always been stored indoors and well cared for. The 2.8L, dual overhead cam, inline 6 cylinder engine was a basic and durable engine for Mercedes-Benz. The Fuel Injection gives the engine smooth performance. The automatic transmission is in excellent condition and shifts smooth and solid. The extremely straight and rust-free red exterior has been repainted with PPG base coat clear coat in the original red color and shows excellent. The black canvas convertible top is in excellent shape and stows neatly under the hard tonneau cover. A matching red hardtop is included, along with a cover, as well as a rolling storage rack. Both tops give the car a unique look. The black interior is stock with recovered seats and an AM/FM/CD stereo. New wheels and tires give this convertible an updated look as well as crisp handling. All lights, turn signals, air conditioner, heater, horn, stereo, wipers, door locks, etc. work as they should.

Lot #360: SOLD for $18,150 This was a one-year only US production automobile. Small chrome bumpers, rust-free, original California Blue Plate car. Un-restored original condition. Original light beige exterior with Mocha hardtop and hand painted pin stripe. Beautiful panel fit. All original chrome and stainless in great condition. Light tan original cloth top. Original two tone MB Tex interior including door panels that are Saddle with dark brown inserts. Original loop carpet in beige. The car has the original stainless steel hubcaps, all original glass, crack free dash, original engine that runs great and transmission that shifts smooth. All factory books and original jack, spare and tool kit.

Lot #334: SOLD for $10,450 Well cared for and maintained 1959 Mercedes Benz 220S Sedan. Everything is original except a repaint to factory color. Close examination of the body and undercarriage reveals no evidence of rust or deterioration. Shortly after purchase, the owner had service work totaling $10,178.43. A copy of that work is included. The vehicle is in excellent mechanical condition.

Lot #27: SOLD for $8,800 ( Hmmm, $10k in recent service work and the car sells for $8k + buyer's fee. Therein lies the V-12 SL conundrum.) Black with Palomino interior, 388hp 6.0L V12, power everything, multi-speaker sound system, 18" wheels with less than 83,000 actual miles, $10,000 in recent maintenance at Mercedes dealership.

Lot #451: SOLD for $38,500 (Classic Showcase is a highly respected Jaguar restoration facility. If their work on this 230SL was of the same caliber found on their Jags, this might have been a decent buy. It's all down to structure, however, on this Euro Pagoda.) This Mercedes-Benz 230SL roadster has a tremendous patina of originality. It is in a very appealing color combination of cream with a red interior. Features German top, the original German mats in the trunk and inside the car, AM/FM radio and Michelin tires with its original hubcaps. A recent cosmetic restoration by Classic Showcase including full vehicle service, repaint, color sand and buff, internal refurbishing and much more. A great driver and highly collectable.

Lot #918.1: SOLD for $36,300 (This 280SL generated about the same value as the "restored" Euro 230SL above. If this 280SL was structurally correct and ready for some reliable touring, I'd note this sale as market correct.) This 1969 280SL is a wonderful example of the culmination of the series, with 180hp, 193ft/lbs torque, a smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, a correct period Becker Europa in-dash radio. It comes with two tops, both hard and soft and is an extraordinary example. Even the firewall padding and insulation are original and un-molested. There is an impressive package of original paperwork, books, manual, records and even the original warranty plate. In the trunk are the correct spare tire cover, trunk mat and tools.

Lot #1203: Sold for $40,400 Un-molested 280SL. This Mercedes has received a recent major mechanical service and full detail inside and out. This car has always been well serviced and maintained. Having been manufactured near the end of the production cycle makes this roadster highly desirable and collectible. It features its original Becker AM/FM radio, air conditioning and automatic transmission. It comes complete with two tops, a hard and a softtop. The wood, glass, chrome and paint are all in very good condition. This Mercedes comes with the owner's manual and records from the past owner along with the original Protect-O-Plate. This is a very original and great sports car icon for the first time collector or the Mercedes-Benz enthusiast to collect, drive, enjoy and show.

Lot #1527: Sold for $15,400 (Enormous money for a six cylinder early 129 SL...unless it had 10k miles.) Rare red with factory chrome alloys. Dealer maintained, Arizona rust-free car with gorgeous palomino tan leather. Upgraded sound system. Has hardtop and power softtop. Meticulously maintained and rust-free example of a Mercedes-Benz roadster body style. A great addition to any Mercedes-Benz collection.

Lot #1532: Sold for $33,000 (Large money for a 230SL but if the car is a beautifully preserved original 67k mile survivor as the catalogue images indicated, I'd say it's properly bought.) When the 230 SL was introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, it ushered in a new era in the storied history of Mercedes-Benz. A fresh, modern shape, spirited performance, Grand Touring comfort and cutting edge safety were all rolled into one beautiful package with state of the art features like fuel injection, disc brakes and the innovative removable Pagoda top. They are also regarded as the first sports car to combine a stiff passenger cell with front and rear deformation zones, just like on cars built today. The 230 seen here is a handsome example finished in attractive white over blue leather and a navy soft-top. It has 67,779 original miles and shows in very nice condition throughout. Included with the car are the owner's manual, a signed odometer statement, paperwork from when the previous owner purchased the car at the Seattle Mercedes dealer in 1994, extra keys and service history. This SL drives as good as it looks.

Lot #1635: SOLD for $17,050 (Huge money for an early V-8 R129 SL. Hopefully it was spotless and showing very low mileage. $17k buys a superb 2000 SL500 in California.) Has been meticulously maintained. Brilliant Silver with Dove Gray leather interior. Factory chrome wheels with Michelin tires. Still retains its factory system. Always garaged, California car. Always dealer maintained. Has two tops, hard and power softtop. These 500SLs are becoming one of the most sought after S series.

Lot #157: SOLD for $522k As recorded in the 300 SL Registry, this Roadster was delivered new to the Mercedes-Benz distributor in Austria on January 23, 1958. At the time, it was finished in the same color scheme as it appears today and, to accommodate its first destination, was fitted with the desirable one-piece European headlamps sought after by many collectors. Some years later, the car was exported to Southern California. Its first-known owner, Mr. Larry Stoneburner of San Diego, purchased the SL in 1972. After another two years, it became the proud possession of Mr. Stuart Glickman of Granada Hills. Significantly, the vendor has owned this lovely Roadster since July 1976.

Lot #172: SOLD for $82,500 According to a copy of the Mercedes-Benz Wagenkarte, this dapper Ponton Mercedes-Benz was originally delivered on December 15, 1958, in the distinctive two-tone color combination of medium blue over metallic light blue. The late Clayton Durgin, a highly regarded Mercedes-Benz restorer known for his craftsmanship and impressive attention to detail, became the second owner of this 220S when he purchased it on April 1, 1983, from Jesse Torregrossa of East Dorset, Vermont. In his care, the Ponton Mercedes-Benz was painstakingly restored between 1983 and 1992, at which time the stylish 220S Cabriolet was transformed into a magnificent show car.

Lot #25: SOLD for $66,000 (Massive money for a 280SL. Not much relevant information to be found in the description so we presume the buyer saw what he/she needed to see upon a close inspection.) Launched in December of 1967, the 280SL was to be the final and most sophisticated derivative of the already successful W113 model. The Pagoda, as it is often referred to because of the distinctive hardtop’s appearance, was the replacement for the outdated 190 SL. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz recognized the need for a more civil car, both in handling and safety, two key areas that became the focus for the new SL. The styling was another step forward, as renowned industrial designer and artist Paul Bracq penned a very modern design with strikingly simple details and timeless lines. The interior of the W113 is influenced by the 300SL with its large VDO gauges on a body-matched dash, thoughtfully executed chrome and wood details, and all possible amenities.

Lot #35: SOLD for $242,000 (A very good client of MercedesHeritage.com purchased this beautiful 300S and was immediately offered a substantial profit by another buyer. Restored in 1982, the car still presented itself beautifully. I inspected and drove the car briefly at the shipping agent and was impressed by quiet drivetrain and spotless paint and brightwork. Obviously well bought.) In 1951, Mercedes-Benz presented its first totally new automotive designs following WWII at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The 220 was intended to replace the pre-war 170, while the all-new 300 series took its place as the company’s flagship. Initially offered only as a sedan, within months, the 300 S Coupes, Cabriolets and Roadsters debuted at the Paris Auto show and their distinct variations recalled the grandeur and elegance seen in the great 540Ks of the 1930s. With the 300 series, Mercedes-Benz reclaimed its place as one of the greatest automotive manufacturers in the world, setting the tone for decades to come.

Lot #144: SOLD for $660k (Another case of a massive premium paid for originality. Having been sitting untouched for 20 years will guarantee some serious re-commissioning costs. This fairly well preserved "barn find" Gullwing will cost its new owner over $700k once back on the road. We like original cars as well but tend not to pay a 40% premium for the privilege of owning one. We hope the car is never restored and consider it very well sold.) Chassis No. 198.040.5500664 Engine No. 198.980.5500716. An Extraordinarily Undisturbed SL. Complete with Original Books, Tools and Accessories. One-Owner Car Until 2009 Approximately 32,000 Miles from New. Spectacular Irreplaceable Patina. A Matching Numbers, “Curved Star” Gullwing.

Lot #207: SOLD for $74,250 This particular 1970 280 SE Cabriolet was purchased new in Greenville, South Carolina and cared for during most of its life by a U.S. Air Force Colonel. As evidenced by a sizable file accompanying the car, it was maintained with near-military precision, including regular updates as required to the belts, hoses, bushings and mounts. In fact, the front seats were rotated to minimize wear! Prior to his retirement, the Colonel was transferred back to Greenville during the early 1990s where the current owner acquired the Cabriolet in 1997. The original selling dealer handled the inspection of the car at that time. While the Cabriolet showed no evidence of body damage or bodywork, a repaint in the original gold finish was completed due to some damage caused by a leaking battery. No other restorative work was performed, and today, the car displays a remarkably clean undercarriage with the original finish still visible, since it was not undercoated when delivered new. As offered, the Cabriolet drives exactly as it looks, with its outstanding overall condition reflecting the attentive care and proper maintenance it has always received. It is currently used on weekends and in classic car events and is ready to be enjoyed in many, many more.

Lot #212: SOLD for $93,500 (Noted in the catalogue to have been restored to an "Epic" level in a very desirable color/trim combination, this 190SL brought a correspondingly epic price. 190SLs have been bringing fairly strong money over the last 12 months with basket cases bringing over $20k and exceptional cars such as this creeping toward $100k.) Please note this car was actually purchased by its current owner in 2004. It has been driven sparingly and maintained at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California ever since. The owner reports the full frame-off restoration to have been to epic proportions and the opportunity to acquire a 190SL of this caliber is accordingly quite rare.

Lot #312: SOLD for $112,750 Est. 80 hp, 2,195 cc inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed column-shift transmission, independent front suspension with wishbones and coil springs, rear suspension by swing axles and coil springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 112" Introduced at Frankfurt in 1951, the Mercedes-Benz 220 series was available in sedan, coupe and cabriolet variants. It was in production through August 1955, with only 997 Cabriolet Bs built. According to a letter sent by a previous owner to the vendor, this lovely example was owned by a gentleman in Wisconsin from 1993 to 1998, who bought it from a party that found the car in a barn they had purchased. Upon acquiring it, he removed the body from the frame and restored both. He claimed to have never driven the car but only restored it cosmetically. In 1998, he sold the car to a car dealer in southern Louisiana, who painted the car black (it was red before) and only drove it 42 kilometers over the next five years. In fact, it sat in his showroom, not for sale, but simply as a display car. Finally, in 2003, the vendor acquired the 220 Cabriolet B with 36,363 kilometers showing on the odometer. Although it was cosmetically restored, he enjoys driving his cars and therefore elected to conduct a mechanical restoration on this car as well. He carried out as much work as possible on his own before sending the car to noted restorer Henry Magno of Massachusetts. Receipts totaling over $37,000 in mechanical work are available. As presented, the car is reported to run perfectly and drives wonderfully. The owner has driven the car about 3,500 kilometers since purchasing it and has won awards in every car show he has entered. The extensive list of desirable features include an original owners manual, sales literature, service manual, a Telefunken radio with multiple bands and original Bosch lamps with halogen bulbs, which do not have sealed beam units behind the original lenses like so many other restored cars. The car also has a set of fitted luggage in the trunk, which is in excellent condition. Overall, it is described as being in outstanding condition with everything in working order. The lovely black exterior finish is offset by a burgundy interior with matching carpets. Thanks to properly executed restoration work, this Mercedes-Benz requires nothing to be driven and shown with pride.

Lot #F425: This 1971 Mercedes Benz 280SL is an immaculate, mostly original and unrestored example. It was always pampered from new and has all matching numbers. Finished in white with a black hardtop and softtop and original matching leather interior, everything works properly. The automatic transmission shifts crisply and the car runs and drives perfectly. Even the trunk features the original unused tool kit jack and tire wedge. The original Becker Europa stereo was rebuilt by a former Becker technician. The engine bay is outstanding with pristine original firewall pad. All chrome is original mirror finish. FrigiKing A/C blows cold. Trunk and undercarriage are in perfect time capsule condition. Show condition paint with no modifications rust, dings or dents. This may be the nicest low mileage original 280SL in existence. You must see this car before considering the purchase of a restored car. Remember, they are only original once!

Lot #F573: Offered here is an example of one of these cars. Finished in white over red Roser leather and with just 49,050 original miles, it is still in the possession of its first owner. The car is in like-new condition throughout having always been garaged, properly serviced and maintained. Never rusted or smoked in, it benefits from recent servicing including a new air conditioning system, a full fluid-change and tuneup, new shocks, brakes, motor mounts, exhaust, Michelin radial tires, a new battery and more. Not only does its powerful 4.5 liter V-8 run as smoothly as it did when new, the 3-speed automatic transmission coupled to it shifts just as well.

Lot #S726: This beautiful little SL, is complete with a known history from new. It is strikingly presented with solid black paint offset by excellent chrome and whitewall tires. The interior is equally smart with tan leather upholstery, dash surround and trim throughout accompanied by correct matching tweed carpets. The car has its original steering wheel and also has an extremely rare and pristine period Becker Europa radio. With restoration receipts well in excess of $100,000.00, one will be hard pressed to acquire a more thoroughly sorted and finely restored example presented anywhere.

Lot #SN809: Top-of-the-line for Mercedes in 1995, this SL 600 V-12 Convertible has both its removable accessory hard top as well as a crisp convertible top. With just 66,678 original miles, it's a great driving car that is ready to be enjoyed today!

Lot #SN806: This 1977 Mercedes Benz 450SL has been lovingly maintained throughout its life and is in superb condition. It has been repainted and sports a new convertible top as well as a removable hardtop. Inside, the interior is original yet remains in amazingly like-new condition! This Mercedes is ready for the road, having passed a California SMOG test in 2009. The 16" chrome-plated alloy wheels are genuine Mercedes parts and truly add to the visual appeal of this fine automobile.

Lot #???: This outstanding original example of the 'Grosser Mercedes' is a lifetime rust-free California example with perfect wood, leather, chrome and paint. Unlike most 600s, the vendor states that all elements of the mechanicals including engine, air-suspension, transmission, brakes and more are in perfect working order and ready to enjoy today!

Lot #F448: This 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL is finished in classic Astral Silver over a Red interior and sports a replacement engine from another car.

Lot #???: Featured here is a stunning example of a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5. Recently professionally restored in the correct factory ‘mittelblau’ metallic over Saddle Roser leather with acres of burl-walnut trim and a contrasting Haartz cloth convertible top, the results are nothing short of stunning, understated opulence combined with the power, handling and ride comfort this generation of Mercedes-Benz automobiles are known for. As all 802 examples that reached the United States were equipped, this car features factory-installed Behr air-conditioning, a Becker Europa stereo radio, dash-mounted clock, power-windows, vacuum-operated power locks and much more. As remarked on by marque specialist Alex Dearborn, ‘The enthusiast would have a hard time finding a collectible car so thoroughly modern and easy to use. With their snug-fitting six-layer convertible tops, excellent sound-deadening, and quiet V-8s, they can cruise the interstates at today’s elevated speeds, delivering four people to their weekend destinations in better comfort than many new cars. Service and parts are easy to obtain through hundreds of knowledgeable dealers and independent shops.

Lot #49: No results noted, possibly indicating the car was pulled prior to the auction. This car is a one owner car - Everything is original and has not been restored. It is the original color - Desert Tan-Gold with a dark Brown removable hard top and dark Brown interior. The concealed "soft" top is in place but needs replacing. It has 95212 miles on it and a recent tune up - excellent running condition.

Lot #58: No information noted in Silver's auction results. Both tops, AT, A/C, Full power, Heated leather seats, AM/FM with CD changer, Factory windscreen, 98K Actual miles, Very nice car!

Lot #327: No information noted in Silver's auction results. This 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL Coupe/Roadster is the rarest of the W113-bodied cars, which were built only in 1967 and 1968. It features the advances showcased in this model including four-wheel disc brakes, all-independent suspension, and a 2.5-liter sohc, mechanically fuel injected, six-cylinder engine. The removable hard top is another unique feature of this ‘pagoda’ style coupe. The forest green exterior and tan leather interior are both in excellent condition. This car was purchased new in 1967 by S.H. Kemp and has never left the family. In its 42 years in the Kemp family it was driven only 96,000 miles. The car was passed on to his daughter, Shirley upon his death in 1972. She is now offering this car for sale and she will be donating 100% of the proceeds to help build a new animal shelter in her hometown of Helena, Montana. Shirley is honoring her father’s memory and her own love of animals through this sale.

Lot #363: SOLD for $18,360 (Not a bad value here. We see tired 380SLs advertised for $12k-$14k. Is it worth $17k to buy an essentially new 380SL? Barring any surprises from generally sitting most of its life, we certainly think so. Well bought.) 1982 Mercedes Benz 380SL Roadster. Rare Sun Yellow exterior with Palomino interior, Has dark brown soft top and removable hard top. This is a one owner vehicle purchased new from Fletcher Jones in Las Vegas, NV. Car has full documentation including original buyer's order, Monroni sticker and new vehicle brochure with all books, records, and documented 16,500 miles.