Ok guys, I want a show car. Help me find one - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jim B. · #16 02-06-2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

300SEL 6.3 or 450SEL 6.9.

$10k isn't enough to get a really nice one of those though.

AMG C126's are pretty cheap now, I don't think they will be this cheap again. You can probably find with some hunting a super mint 560SEC 6.0 32 valve wide body AMG Hammer...but they go for $20k-$40k or more.

Rare yes, $100k car in 20 years, probably.

600's are also poised to really shoot up in value. More so if they had famous past owners.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

600's only have one problem. It's not the cost of buying them, it's the cost of just keeping them going that gets people and that's without doing any restoration.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

They are expensive, but not horrendous.

Scott Featherman in Sports Car Market profiled these a few years ago..
here are couple of remarks....

"It takes a true specialist, with first hand knowledge and experience, to service, repair or restore these machines. For example, the hydraulic system requires a lightweight special purpose oil. MB Part #100 890 00 11. While this looks like typical ATF fluid, if ATF fluid is innocently dumped in the hydraulic reservoir-the system that powers the seats, windows, ventilation flaps, sunroof, trunk lid, shocks and on the early models, the door assists, you have just committed a $30,000 faux pas. Typical rebuild costs: Brake system overhaul, $25,000; front or rear axle assemblies $12,000 each plus $6,000 for the rest of the air suspension system, driveshaft $7,000, Fully restoring a 600, if you begin with a complete decent $20,000 builder, will set you back at least $150,000

"Obviously if you must have a 600, you are better off spending at least $70,000 for a good car with 40,000-50,000 miles that has been maintained, with a thick folder full of documentation. Top condition SWB 600s will bring well over $100k from savvy buyers who are aware of what it takes to make one right..."

"If the car runs out OK, and the owner drives it for a year and then sells it without doing anything, he will probably get his money back and have had a good time. But if he comes out one morning and notices the car has adapted a kneeling position at one corner due to the collapse of the air suspension, he should be aware the good times have ended and the fiscal future is bleak."

Hatterasguy · #17 02-06-2013, 04:00 PM

Meh so what, they were not designed to be cheap in any way.

Most 600 owners had a fleet of cars and a personal mechanic to keep them going. Its a dictators car.

My favorite was when Clarkson was comparing service bills with James May and his Ford Zephyr, I think his last service visit was like $30k pounds...

iwrock · #18 02-06-2013, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Meh so what, they were not designed to be cheap in any way.

Most 600 owners had a fleet of cars and a personal mechanic to keep them going. Its a dictators car.

My favorite was when Clarkson was comparing service bills with James May and his Ford Zephyr, I think his last service visit was like $30k pounds...

This.

Those numbers are high though. Those numbers are quoting new parts from MB! Most of the components on these cars can be sent out to be rebuilt. Take the window switch... ~$10000 from the dealer (last time I checked). A gentleman in WI can rebuilt the window switches for ~1/10 of the cost of the new switch pack.

Maybe... One day...

Fulcrum525 · #19 02-07-2013, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

Old unimog or a Pagoda SL.

Here you go

Mercedes-Benz Fire Rescue in Mercedes-Benz | eBay Motors

The price actually seems a bit low considering the condition and number of toys that it comes with....

Fulcrum525 · #20 02-09-2013, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

AMG C126's are pretty cheap now, I don't think they will be this cheap again. You can probably find with some hunting a super mint 560SEC 6.0 32 valve wide body AMG Hammer...but they go for $20k-$40k or more.

Rare yes, $100k car in 20 years, probably.

Here's one

Mercedes-Benz : S-Class 500SEC AMG in Mercedes-Benz | eBay Motors

Hatterasguy · #21 02-09-2013, 07:00 PM

Yeah I saw that, its not really to AMG'd but still very nice. Judging by the house and air cooled Porsche's in the background its probably a legit car.

TheDon · #22 02-09-2013, 07:20 PM

You've already been watching Bring a Trailer... thats all I can suggest

The Swede · #23 02-09-2013, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

I'm selling off a few of my toy cars and think I want a real show car. Ideally an all original survivor with the right patina or a lick-ably pristine car. I like driving my SL too much to take it to that level of obsessiveness, and its had lots of paintwork done over the years.

Budget is no more than 10k. I've been going to shows with the MBCA club for years along with other car shows entering random cars that gather little appreciation. Its time to end that.

I would not want a 126 or 116 unless it was a very unique euro with very low miles. I also don't think I'd want that new. I've always lusted after the 108s so that's my first thought. I don't want any of the older midsize models or diesels.

So keep an eye out for me. Post something you see that's interesting, and I'll post listings here for you guys to critique. Thanks.

Wouldn't Jono have a lead on something interesting?

JimFreeh · #24 02-10-2013, 07:04 AM

Show car for under $10k?
That rules out cool and fast.
Leaves oddball,and fringe.... like a very nice undesirable car.

I've BTDT, having owned and shown 2 high 90 point original cars.
While it has it's merits, you no longer have a car you want to drive.
You are constantly freaking out about potential damage and dirt accumulation. If that's your thing, it has it's rewards, but your $10k cap really limits your choices and the potential upside when you sell the car.

I'm much happier owning cars I feel comfortable driving when I want to go out for some fun times. Still nice, but not so far out on the asymptotic curve where you have a huge cost factor for incremental improvement.

Jim