Author Topic: Bring a Trailer Pagoda prices  (Read 23718 times)

Iconic

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Bring a Trailer Pagoda
« Reply #125 on: June 09, 2021, 19:22:53 »
This is interesting. It is at USD $92,500.00 !! And there is 1 hour left in the auction.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-mercedes-benz-280sl-59/?utm_source=dm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-06-09

I'll let the buyers determine it's value.
But, a few facts are (at least I believe they are facts  :D  ):
No proof of any number matching at all. Nobody asked and the seller did not show pictures of the usual body numbers. We see the plate, so we have the number, but no one even asked if it is an original hood or soft top cover.
No driving video.
No radio (that's a bucket of money right there).
It went from $57000 to $92500 in four bids !!  WOW.
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

Benz Dr.

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda
« Reply #126 on: June 09, 2021, 20:25:23 »
Numbers matching; classic car. Both are meaningless titles today.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Iconic

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda
« Reply #127 on: June 09, 2021, 20:29:12 »
Dan,
I've heard what you have to say about "classic" cars, and I don't have an argument for that, but I sure believe that numbers matching means nothing to you, but plenty of collectors out there place some value on it. I don't understand how you could disagree with that.
Take care,
Mark
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

MikeSimon

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda
« Reply #128 on: June 09, 2021, 21:04:12 »
The "matching numbers" importance depends a lot on the car model. I do think, however, the provenance of a car, supported by engine and chassis numbers as original to the vehicle are important.
There are too many hackers out there who put vehicles together from different donor wrecks and these things should not be considered on the same 'collectible" level as a vehicle with documented components.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

Shvegel

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda
« Reply #129 on: June 09, 2021, 22:43:43 »
Porsche owners who are well aware that the early 911's popped engines like popcorn are starting to use the phrase "Born with engine". 

Benz Dr.

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda
« Reply #130 on: June 10, 2021, 01:13:36 »
Dan,
I've heard what you have to say about "classic" cars, and I don't have an argument for that, but I sure believe that numbers matching means nothing to you, but plenty of collectors out there place some value on it. I don't understand how you could disagree with that.
Take care,
Mark

It makes sense for some cars but not all of them. At first, it was headlight notches, then it was fender spot welds, and now it's matching numbers. ::)

 Aside from getting caught up in the minutia of all things 113, none of these things were rarely even known about or even discussed 10 years ago.  Are we really that better informed these days?

 My advice is to look at how well a car is blended. Does the paint look as good as the chrome? The interior look as good as the exterior? Does the engine bay blend with the rest of the car or is it the dog's breakfast?  Does it drive as well as it looks? Are matching numbers on a car that's never been rated by that criterion more important than a well-blended one when it comes to price? Or, is it all smoke and mirrors; lipstick on a pig?



1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Cees Klumper

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda
« Reply #131 on: June 10, 2021, 01:55:55 »
I was encouraged by this sale result for a car that looks not much different from mine, and with nobody asking about 'numbers' before being ready to pay a high price. Good investment it has been so far - for a car, anyway.

Drove my '71 VW around town today, such a joy. I intend to sell it on BAT shortly, once it's finished (few more things to go). Meanwhile, I am counting on it making it to San Diego (from Long Beach) for this Saturday's get-together. Can't wait! Nor can I wait for the BAT experience - as far as I can tell, no VW 411 'Squareback' has ever sold on BAT so that should make some difference.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

kampala

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda
« Reply #132 on: June 10, 2021, 11:59:40 »
My opinion on why this particular car sold for a high amount is:

* that the seller provided a very good look at the underside of the car and its much of it looked exceptionally nice -- the underside may have pushed the bidders to go for it.

* Green on Green - the color combo is one of those that folks seem to LOVE or hate and those who love it might pay up just for that -- we don't see too many Green on Green.

* Pagoda bull-market - seems to me the Pagoda pricing is heated at the moment, not sure if it's overheated and will cool off but there might be a sense of missing-out.   I don't follow other cars, so not sure if bull-market crosses to many other cars.

* A/C working or not seems to drive sales up a bit (my opinion)



I agree, it was a bit odd to see holes in the parcel shelves, missing radio, mis-matched wheels (as pointed out by Scoot on BAT), no trunk floor photos, no data card etc.

250sl - later - manual
280sl - 1971 - Auto - LSD

Aslam

Azmurciev12

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda
« Reply #133 on: July 09, 2021, 01:17:26 »
This is interesting. It is at USD $92,500.00 !! And there is 1 hour left in the auction.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-mercedes-benz-280sl-59/?utm_source=dm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-06-09

I'll let the buyers determine it's value.
But, a few facts are (at least I believe they are facts  :D  ):
No proof of any number matching at all. Nobody asked and the seller did not show pictures of the usual body numbers. We see the plate, so we have the number, but no one even asked if it is an original hood or soft top cover.
No driving video.
No radio (that's a bucket of money right there).
It went from $57000 to $92500 in four bids !!  WOW.

I’m the idiot that bought this car from BAT  ::) I really wasn’t expecting to buy a Pagoda and only saw the auction the night before auction end.  I have been looking and bidding to end but no win at Longhood Porsche 911’s and SL600 R129 when my wife said you keep buying old cars, you should get a Mr. Slim instead of those junk.  So I looked and we both really loved this color so it was really the color that sealed it more than anything.

Also, I didn’t think I was going to win like in all my previous bids on BAT.  We were abroad and it was 230am and I couldn’t wait for the auction end so I put in a bid ($2K more than the last bid) and went to sleep thinking impossible I would get it so I slept well knowing that my money would not be at risk.  Oh BOy I was surprised when I woke up  :o

Anyway, I just received the car yesterday.  The paint and interior is in excellent condition and as represented.  It must have been detailed well as there are no swirl marks on the paint.  I looked under the hood and in the trunk (under the mat) and there are no signs of rust).  The leather is in excellent condition but I think the seats need new padding as I could feel the spring/base when I sit on it.  Everything looks pretty good in the interior.  Perhaps the Vent controls need to be repaired but I haven’t really tried it.

There is no radio, as represented, but it came with an original radio cover so I’m thinking this car may have originally came without a radio.  I probably will just put back the faceplate cover and run it without a radio.  The holes on the rear deck, I’ll probably cover it with carpet again.  I’ll just bring a portable BT speaker when I use the car  ;D

The engine starts right up and idles well.  It runs ok when going slowly but when you reach 3K rpm it begins to stutter and stall.  However, it will restart no problem and run ok slowly.  I’m sure it needs some tuning, cleaning and spark plugs most probably.  The last service record was from 2001 and it has only covered around 1500 miles since then.  The registration card sent together with the car shows the same owner since 1989.

Overall I think it was a pretty good buy.  I am happy I got the color I wanted and my wife says it’s my best car purchase… Worth it, she says.  It is scheduled to see the workshop next week so we will know more then.  The BAT ad had one wheel 5.5” which was one of the comments but I checked the spare and it’s the correct 6” wheel so I will just exchange that and use the former as spare.

I was very scared after I won the auction but now I have the car, I will say it is as represented.  It does have the original hood, the welds on the fenders and the slit on the headlights.

Talk to you guys here more in the near future.

teahead

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda prices
« Reply #134 on: July 09, 2021, 04:14:37 »
#s matching became all the rage bc you couldn't figure out if you had a 300hp C2 vette, or a 435hp tri-power from the VIN or anything else unless you had a tank sticker (only in 1967) or window sticker/invoice.

On a Pagoda?  Doesn't it really matter if it's the original engine or not, as long as it's a W113 motor?

I guess the big money guys will pay extra for it.  Makes no sense.
1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

teahead

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda prices
« Reply #135 on: July 09, 2021, 04:16:12 »
Congrats @Azmurciev12!

Green cars always bring big money; at least for Pagodas.

She looks smart, but man, you'd think for that $$, it'd run better.

Get some pool noodles and stuff them under the seat and just enjoy the car (at least, after you sort out your stalling issue).
1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

Azmurciev12

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda prices
« Reply #136 on: July 09, 2021, 05:47:39 »
Yeah for sure I was hoping I could cruise on it right away.  But it wasn’t unexpected due to the car being in storage for a very long time, probably some 20 years with only minor movement.  The owner was a 93 year old who couldn’t remember much about how much he had done to the car as relayed by the daughter.

Anyway, first order of business is get it sorted and maybe get the aircon running.

Iconic

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda prices
« Reply #137 on: July 09, 2021, 13:25:57 »
Azmurciev12,
Welcome to this group. I'm glad you are happy with your purchase. Now you are the custodian of that fine car.
It sounds to me like you got lucky with some important things, but now you got to get it running right.
It's a 50 year old car, so I hope your mechanic is familiar with the model.
There is plenty of helpful information on our site (you might want to consider a full membership which will open up all of the info available). If you and/or your mechanic are patient enough to go through this material, I am confident you will be able to cure your running issues with you car.
"Enjoy the ride !!" as some of us say.
Thanks for telling us your story and please tell us how we can help.
Mark
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

Azmurciev12

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda prices
« Reply #138 on: July 16, 2021, 03:42:41 »
Seems like I got lucky and escaped any major expense.  The mechanic just called up and he said “you have a very decent car considering its age”  :D. So far all it needs are the radiator and brake hoses plus a major service (around $2500).  He checked the compression and everything is well with it.  Aircon might just need a recharge but will have to wait until the aircon guy comes in.  Sent out the tach and clock for repair/ refurbish.  Looks like no rust to report of at this time… it was probably all repaired as shown by the BAT pics of the underside.

Also, I might have to buy the radio since the tech said the car did come with a radio because it has an antenna.  He says if it didn’t have a radio option then it shouldn’t have an antenna he says.

Well, it’s just waiting time right now until he is finished with the car.  I am just glad it seems like I got a pretty good car.

Cheers

mnahon

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda prices
« Reply #139 on: July 16, 2021, 08:06:00 »
That's great; and for that, you can thank the 93 year old who can't remember much about what he did to the car. Sounds like he was a responsible steward of the car, and it was probably his pride and joy. As Mark says, we'd be happy to help you continue on that path.
Meyer Nahon
Montreal, Canada
1968 MB 280SL Auto Euro LHD Silver
2021 Tesla Model 3

teahead

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda prices
« Reply #140 on: April 13, 2022, 21:22:43 »
Man, this one went for good money considering all the work it needs:


https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-mercedes-benz-280sl-85/#comments-anchor
1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

badali

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda prices
« Reply #141 on: April 13, 2022, 22:22:33 »
I think the buyer will get a bit of buyers remorse when he gets the car.  A few of us commented on the work needed but I think the buyer is slightly inexperienced with cars in general.  The front fenders are not correctly attached and the floor will need replaced.  It also looks like the trunk lid is a little tight on the gaps.  Strong money for the amount of work needed...
Brad

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1966 230 SL
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Pinder

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda prices
« Reply #142 on: April 14, 2022, 00:56:40 »
I think its not always about what needs to be fixed.  I think the w113 are once in a life time experience and its getting very hard to find anything that is actually running. a little rust here and there is to be expected. its half a century.
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.

john.mancini

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Re: Bring a Trailer Pagoda prices
« Reply #143 on: April 16, 2022, 19:06:16 »
The sale of this white 1971 280SL is exactly why I started this thread. It's not that Pagoda prices have become inflated, hell, everything is inflated. It's OK to pay a bit high for a real good car. This, however, is not a good car. Once the owner starts "fixing" things on this car, his eyes are going to pop out. Let's be honest, the car is a sad sack beast. Unfortunately, bidders on BaT have no idea what it costs to restore a W113 MB. Much better off paying another 50% for a decent, well sorted Pagoda.
John
68 280SL 906 Blue 4-sp
69 280SL 906 Blue
70 280SL 904 Blue
70 280SL 571 Red
70 280SL 040 Black 4-sp
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