Color change

[Zazunova]

I am considering buying a 1970 280 SL that has had the exterior color changed by a previous owner. The paint is in excellent condition with only one tiny chip and was clearly very well done at the time of the repaint. My concern is how much does that devalue the car? Should there be a consideration in price because the original engine tag reads a different paint code? The fender notches are also not visible and I am uncertain if they were ground down when it was repainted.The numbers on the hood and fenders match. This will be my first Pagoda and I'm still uncertain what I should be looking for. Thanks in advance for any help or direction!

[Vander]

It's not a big deal if they used a Mercedes-Benz color offered that year. But for example....if they used some Chevy color from decades later,  huge deduction!

Are spot welds present on the inner fender lip inside the engine bay? They are far for important than fender notches.

[Cees Klumper]

If the current exterior color is much more popular (these days) than the original color, then maybe it's a plus. Most important (I think at least) should be: do you like the color.

[dirkbalter]

This will be my first Pagoda and I'm still uncertain what I should be looking for. Thanks in advance for any help or direction!

I would recommend using the help of someone familiar with these cars. There are a lot of things you should be looking for and are quite important to verify prior to buying.   

[rwmastel]

Dirk,

What?  You don't recommend buying strictly on color?   

This will be my first Pagoda and I'm still uncertain what I should be looking for.

Zazunova,

Dirk is right.  Do you have experience owning or servicing/restoring 1960's Mercedes?  There are a LOT of things to consider when selecting your Pagoda.  Can you find an inspector or appraiser in your area that specializes in this era Mercedes?

[johnk]

Go to Motoring Investments web site. I believe they still have their 113 buyers guide online.

[teahead]

Yes as long as someone already mentioned, if it's a color that was offered that year, and in great condition, and a better or equal color than original, then no harm, no foul.

What color was it and what color is it now???

[lreppond]

Ditto on learning as much as you can before making a purchase.   Both the Motoring Investment and Cascadia YouTube videos are exceptional. 

As for color change, as a personal preference, I do not like it.  However, after following many BAT sales of cars with changed paints, it does not appear to decrease the car’s value if done correctly and factory colors are used.

[Zazunova]

Thanks to all of you for your help and advice. I am also getting some great advice from a friend who owns a 1969 280SL and is a member of the group. I've also downloaded the Motoring Investments 280 SL Buyers Guide. All great information from all of you! I do appreciate the thoughts on color as well! The original color of the car under discussion was 291 Dark Olive with a Cognac interior. I'm not very fond of that color, so I probably wouldn't be considering it if it were still that color. It was repainted 576 Red and is quite beautiful with the cognac interior. I must say I'm smitten! I believe that the color is a vast improvement. (Apologies to any of you who may be 291 fans!!) The car was purchased by the seller for his wife from Daniel Schmidt & Co. in 2014. The color had already been changed at that point. I have contacted a mechanic who works on these cars, as well as many other makes of vintage autos, to do a general inspection. I'm already feeling that this is the car!! I'll keep you posted.

[MB113]

I am currently in the midst of having our 1969 280SL completely restored by Brian Peters, who is the owner of Motoring Investments. We have thoroughly discussed the "change of color" option over this past year and what it really comes down to is personal choice and what makes you happy. The current color combo is silver /black and the new finished product will be a VERY DARK Navy Blue/biscuit(leather)- BOTH Jaguar colors and materials. I have no worries about the "value proposition" of how it "might be" impacted because I buy and keep my classics and they will be passed down to my heirs after my final drive.
As long as the finished product is 100%+ then you have your dreams come true. Brian was the only choice for us in this long term endeavor and the results will speak for themselves. Hope this helps.   

[johnk]

The biggest thing that could affect value is did they also repaint and do a nice job on the door jambs, dash, engine compartment and wheel wells all in the same color.