Okay, seriously, bemaitea2. You've been a real good sport, and you seem honest. I'll toss you a "what I think" and you may do what you wish.

The most likely buyer of a car like yours will be a Mercedes guy. To most Mercedes guys, your car shows like an old, worn out 500SEL with some body paint on the bumpers and a few 80's stereo customizing things. I don't think your car is an AMG. I don't think you car is an ITS (whatever that may be, it looks like a sticker someone tossed up on there). It's been sitting for at least 10 years, has bad paint, a worn interior, a worn engine bay, and a few 80's customizing things like side valences (no AMG body kit, no spoilers, no aprons, nothing), Lorinser wheels, a 1000SEL badge (just a badge, that's it), and a Becker in the rear armrest. It's an old 500SEL - no more, no less.

Therefore, I don't think you'll get much for it. You seem honest, and it's certainly possible you've had offers in the past for $10,000+, but I don't see why. It just makes no sense.

$8000 could get you a real AMG SEL in "used" condition.
$12000 could get you a real AMG SEL in "good" condition.
$18000 could get you a real AMG SEL in "excellent" condition.

I think if you researched its history, had some docs proving its provenance, made an excellent ad with excellent photos, and tossed it up on ebay with no reserve, the market would tell you its worth to be $3500-$4500. Without any provenance, I bet the ebayers let it die for about $2500.

Good luck to you, and thanks for taking our comments (mine included!) with a grain of salt.

__________________
- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600