Value of a 280CE?

[JMyers]

Where is the best place to figure out the value of an older Benz? I have an 81 - 280CE that we started 'restoring' bit by bit. Now after the body work to take out the rust, the wet sanded paint job, the rebuilt engine, and so on, I figure that we have over $20K in this car, including the $5K that we bought for. Now I feel like the "stupid fairy" must have cast a spell over me somewhere in the middle of that paint and body work.

I'm ordering new carpets for it now, and having new body side moldings installed, then I think I'll either put it on E-bay, or run it through one of the vintage auctions. I'd like to get some rough idea of what the car might bring.

[Tomguy]

You'd probably be lucky to fetch $10K, and would be lucky to settle for $7-8K. I don't think they're worth that much, but don't have a true bluebook value handy.

[ctaylor738]

It is really hard to predict what these cars will bring. I think that the market is thin and the price depends on how many people you can get interested, and how many cars are on the market when you are trying to sell.

We all wish these cars were more highly valued by the market.

Even the $7-8K range is reserved for the low mileage original cars. No matter how good your repaint, you aren't going to get into that group.

The one thing you have going for you is that it is the last of the US models, and has the vastly improved climate control (doesn't it?)

Maybe I'm wrong, but $6K would be doing very well.

[JMyers]

Thanks Chuck. Hey, it all comes down to what someone is willing to pay for it, so I guess the magic is finding that 'special someone'.

Do you think it would be worthwhile to run it through a Barrett - Jackson auction, (if it looks pretty enough)? I'm sure it would be fun to go anyway.

[ctaylor738]

I don't know a lot about the auction scene. But ...

The upside is that you might get some of the low-end bidders interested and start a minor bidding war. The downside is that no one would be interested and it wouldn't get past the reserve. So then you are out your time and the entry fee. Or if you went no or low reserve, you could end up giving it away.

I would try the MBCA Star magazine, and the Atlanta (Peachtree?) section of the MBCA newsletter, and maybe a Daniel Schmitt type ad in Hemmings before I went the auction route.

Try to get it in venues where the audience at least knows what the car is. Otherwise you get calls from people thinking it's a cheap C280 or just a low-priced Mercedes.

[JMyers]

Good advice. Thanks! This is such a great web site.

This all very true and was the considerations I went thur before deciding to upgrade the 250c. this car has about 80k on the clock. I was offered by a man 4500 for her before doing anyting.
I expect if did want to sell it after paint and air upgrades that it would bring here in sunny ca 7-8k.

But I have seen the 250c's go for 9k here in los angeles , being a
perfect car with under 100k.

My point is perhaps these cars are starting to share a little of limelight. For me I love the car and the true value is driving.

If investment was my only concern a 380sl would be the pick.
I was offered a black on tan with 98k for 4500 last week, needed speedo and air. a real b+ car. Almost bought it to fix up and sell off , since the prices of these cars can be good.

opps.. i forgot the nada guide for the 280ce:
October 28, 2003
1981 Mercedes-Benz 280CE
2 Door Coupe

(*) EUROPEAN MODEL
MSRP
Original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price when new $30,314
Low Retail Average Retail High Retail
Base Price $4,550 $7,250 $9,450

Total Price $4,550 $7,250 $9,450

Value Explanations
Low Retail Value
This vehicle would be in mechanically functional condition, needing only minor reconditioning. The exterior paint, trim, and interior would show normal wear, needing only minor reconditioning. May also be a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. Most usable "as-is".

Note: This value does not represent a "parts car".
Average Retail Value
This vehicle would be in good condition overall. It could be an older restoration or a well-maintained original vehicle. Completely operable. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are presentable and serviceable inside and out. A "20-footer".
High Retail Value
This vehicle would be in excellent condition overall. It could be a completely restored or an extremely well maintained original vehicle showing very minimal wear. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are not in need of reconditioning. The interior would be in excellent condition. Note: This value does not represent a "100 Point" or "# 1" vehicle *.
* "100 Point" or "# 1" vehicle is not driven. It would generally be in a museum or transported in an enclosed trailer to concourse judging and car shows. This type of car would be stored in a climate-regulated facility.

[BradH]

My November CPI Black Book Collectible Vehicle Value Guide says $4,625 for a #3 car and $5,875 for a #2 car. Sounds like yours falls somwhere closer to a #2.

Cheers,

Brad