Yes, W140. I think the W220 that replaced it is a bit softer, and if you want iffy design, find the 00s era Maybach. And the W126 was timeless and elegant compared to them both. I think W126 is probably the pinnacle, mixing tech and design.
Ouch. You’re right Fin. Our lovely and incredibly reliable 380SE suffered an undeserved death in the Santa Rosa CA fires. I am in deep mourning.
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
Aaw damn, that's terrible. Going to be hard to replace something like that, I know you had it for years, and there are only so many truly nice ones out there anymore. Dealing with insurance will be a hassle too, no doubt. Good luck.
Here's a car for you, early 500SEL, high option car, low mileage (I believe around 10K miles), this is at the MB "All Time Stars" classic center at the museum, where they sell old cars. Take a look at the price. This car is deemed by them to be virtually perfect, and I think has a warranty, but you pay for it:
Yes, W140. I think the W220 that replaced it is a bit softer, and if you want iffy design, find the 00s era Maybach. And the W126 was timeless and elegant compared to them both. I think W126 is probably the pinnacle, mixing tech and design.
Ouch. You’re right Fin. Our lovely and incredibly reliable 380SE suffered an undeserved death in the Santa Rosa CA fires. I am in deep mourning.
Well, glad that you made it through! Condolences for you losses.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Yes, W140. I think the W220 that replaced it is a bit softer, and if you want iffy design, find the 00s era Maybach. And the W126 was timeless and elegant compared to them both. I think W126 is probably the pinnacle, mixing tech and design.
Ouch. You’re right Fin. Our lovely and incredibly reliable 380SE suffered an undeserved death in the Santa Rosa CA fires. I am in deep mourning.
Lotsa cars burned up there. My friend lost a rather pristine BMW Z3--original owner!
For a driver, that one is a definite better value. Interior looks well preserved. The low miles MB Classic Center one will likely never see regular use. It might not be an exciting old car in the US, but I think people in Europe are into it, and a time warp car is attractive to people.
Here's another 126 from the same seller. This one a 280SE - an I6, not a top model, low mileage but not as perfect as the 500SEL, yet the price is dear:
I think for MB fanatics, it might represent the pinnacle of the brand, especially relative to the competition. Nothing compared back in the day, and they are still nice cars.
Oh, not to disparage them for what they are, but they are 4-doors, pretty common. You know, a nice ride that I hope people would just buy and use. I think paying those high prices for them is foolish, if investment is your game.
Oh Lord, it’s the same color as my late one. And hey; it has 150K fewer miles, so probably will give good service for a while. Thanks to Fin and xwrsx for the sympathies.
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
Yes, W140. I think the W220 that replaced it is a bit softer, and if you want iffy design, find the 00s era Maybach. And the W126 was timeless and elegant compared to them both. I think W126 is probably the pinnacle, mixing tech and design.
Ouch. You’re right Fin. Our lovely and incredibly reliable 380SE suffered an undeserved death in the Santa Rosa CA fires. I am in deep mourning.
Lotsa cars burned up there. My friend lost a rather pristine BMW Z3--original owner!
Yup, quite a few treasures lost in garages of SR. I also lost a gorgeous original owner (me [OK, my wife]) Jag XK8.
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
Oh, not to disparage them for what they are, but they are 4-doors, pretty common. You know, a nice ride that I hope people would just buy and use. I think paying those high prices for them is foolish, if investment is your game.
Older Benzes, unlike many "old cars" are really nice to drive around and are quite durable. So your investment is in "use" and in "fun".
Adjusted for inflation, an 80s Benz sedan will never be worth more than you paid for it.
If I took the price I paid for my 220S fintail, which was a pretty nice car, and projected that to 2017, I'd have $10,000----which is about what you'd pay for a decent fintail today.
So, yeah, breaking even and getting use out of something---that's smart. Paying 6X what it's worth---not so smart but you know what they say--"it's your money to do with as you wish".
Appraisers and auctioneers have a polite way of consoling people who paid way too much:
"You're somewhat ahead of the market on that purchase".
That's how to look at it, these are hobby cars, leisure objects, not appliances, not investments.
The same could apply to a 126 to the right person. Diehard traditionalist fans would see it. Not many of them out there willing to spend the money, but not many perfect time capsule cars sold by the factory, either.
Older Benzes, unlike many "old cars" are really nice to drive around and are quite durable. So your investment is in "use" and in "fun".
Adjusted for inflation, an 80s Benz sedan will never be worth more than you paid for it.
If I took the price I paid for my 220S fintail, which was a pretty nice car, and projected that to 2017, I'd have $10,000----which is about what you'd pay for a decent fintail today.
So, yeah, breaking even and getting use out of something---that's smart. Paying 6X what it's worth---not so smart but you know what they say--"it's your money to do with as you wish".
Appraisers and auctioneers have a polite way of consoling people who paid way too much:
"You're somewhat ahead of the market on that purchase".
That's how to look at it, these are hobby cars, leisure objects, not appliances, not investments.
The same could apply to a 126 to the right person. Diehard traditionalist fans would see it. Not many of them out there willing to spend the money, but not many perfect time capsule cars sold by the factory, either.
Older Benzes, unlike many "old cars" are really nice to drive around and are quite durable. So your investment is in "use" and in "fun".
Adjusted for inflation, an 80s Benz sedan will never be worth more than you paid for it.
If I took the price I paid for my 220S fintail, which was a pretty nice car, and projected that to 2017, I'd have $10,000----which is about what you'd pay for a decent fintail today.
So, yeah, breaking even and getting use out of something---that's smart. Paying 6X what it's worth---not so smart but you know what they say--"it's your money to do with as you wish".
Appraisers and auctioneers have a polite way of consoling people who paid way too much:
"You're somewhat ahead of the market on that purchase".
For $60K, instead of a frumpy old Benz sedan, I could buy an 80s Ferrari drop-top, a vintage motorcycle, and a Caribbean cruise for 2.
Yeah, a Mondial, cool if you are a "Weird Science" re-enactor anyway
Mind you, that's 60K asking price in Europe, for someone who will use it as a yearly show trophy queen. Different buyer. Ir'd be half that in the US, and would sell to the same type of person.
These are 30-35 year old cars now, not old looking, but they are getting old, and are interesting to the right group. I have the same issue, cars that I can remember when they were new shouldn't be "old"
Tribute generally means "building an exact copy of a real car with another real car". So I don't think the term "tribute" is accurate in the case of this Forderarri. The term "fake" comes to mind.
These are 30-35 year old cars now, not old looking, but they are getting old, and are interesting to the right group. I have the same issue, cars that I can remember when they were new shouldn't be "old"
I tend to look at cars as an appraiser might.
So let's say you were a real estate appraiser in Seattle. and on this one block were 5 basically identical houses that all sold at the same time. The selling prices were:
House #1 -- $542,500 House #2 -- $545,000 House #3 -- $519,000 House #4 -- $3, 225,000 House #5 -- $ 535,000
What kind of rational statement can we make about House #4? Nicer paint? Had a swimming pool out back? Furnished?
Simply put--it's a screaming outlier and makes no market sense.
I look at it more like two neighboring towns where an identical house is 2-3x as much in one as the other. There's a demographic or emotional issue at play.
Here's another bargain from the All Time Stars - of course, this is a very low miles as-new car, but it wouldn't carry such a price here:
I don't think so. Values seem to have actually dropped the past few years. Not sure why, but perhaps because it is a C4, and also because parts for the ZR-1 are extremely difficult to find.
I would say "buy it and drive it". Value Trend? Stagnant.
Didn't GM kind of bring back that red interior stuff for sporty cars? Although their brown and red mix isn't nearly as bold or bright in nature. For me, if I was going that way, the GM design would be more appealing. But I'm probably more conservative in design preferences.
Comments
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
you'll never win a race that way though.
Here's a car for you, early 500SEL, high option car, low mileage (I believe around 10K miles), this is at the MB "All Time Stars" classic center at the museum, where they sell old cars. Take a look at the price. This car is deemed by them to be virtually perfect, and I think has a warranty, but you pay for it:
Well, glad that you made it through! Condolences for you losses.
The price you pay for probably one of the best survivors, offered by one of the most credible sellers in the world.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz/500sel/2032154.html
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Here's another 126 from the same seller. This one a 280SE - an I6, not a top model, low mileage but not as perfect as the 500SEL, yet the price is dear:
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
Cheap? You want cheap?
Parts are readily available---just not in America
A total hit @ cars & coffee
Is This a Threat or a Promise?
Look Rich for Cheap
Hooptie on a Budget
Winter Project, doesn't look too bad
Yup, quite a few treasures lost in garages of SR. I also lost a gorgeous original owner (me [OK, my wife]) Jag XK8.
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
As long as your idea of a party consists of nothing more than a 6-pack and a bag of doritos.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Wonder what would happen if you put the max 900 lbs in the 'Mighty boy'?
@Mr_Shiftright
Yeah they were good cars too, the “9C1” was the equivalent to the Ford police Vic’s (P71)
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Adjusted for inflation, an 80s Benz sedan will never be worth more than you paid for it.
If I took the price I paid for my 220S fintail, which was a pretty nice car, and projected that to 2017, I'd have $10,000----which is about what you'd pay for a decent fintail today.
So, yeah, breaking even and getting use out of something---that's smart. Paying 6X what it's worth---not so smart but you know what they say--"it's your money to do with as you wish".
Appraisers and auctioneers have a polite way of consoling people who paid way too much:
"You're somewhat ahead of the market on that purchase".
Oops! Lost a decimal point somewhere
I Dunno...Something odd about that engine
Easy Project, Says He'll Take Gold Silver or Precious Stones
Needs a Good Detailing
I am leery of sellers who won't spell out "before".
Truck ad is funny - needs interior, and exterior, and mechanical work - what else is there? The bearded hipster set should be all over the "patina".
The same could apply to a 126 to the right person. Diehard traditionalist fans would see it. Not many of them out there willing to spend the money, but not many perfect time capsule cars sold by the factory, either.
Mind you, that's 60K asking price in Europe, for someone who will use it as a yearly show trophy queen. Different buyer. Ir'd be half that in the US, and would sell to the same type of person.
I have the same issue, cars that I can remember when they were new shouldn't be "old"
I'm going to have to look up 'Tribute', it seems to have a different meaning than I thought it did.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Oh, I like that Modena. If it is well built and sorted. Not at that price, but would love to have one.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So let's say you were a real estate appraiser in Seattle. and on this one block were 5 basically identical houses that all sold at the same time. The selling prices were:
House #1 -- $542,500
House #2 -- $545,000
House #3 -- $519,000
House #4 -- $3, 225,000
House #5 -- $ 535,000
What kind of rational statement can we make about House #4? Nicer paint? Had a swimming pool out back? Furnished?
Simply put--it's a screaming outlier and makes no market sense.
Here's another bargain from the All Time Stars - of course, this is a very low miles as-new car, but it wouldn't carry such a price here:
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/717190371/overview?aff=share_other
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Except on certain cars red interiors are saleproof!
What is next? Nice blue interiors ? Maybe people do want a choice other than beige, grey or black
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I would say "buy it and drive it". Value Trend? Stagnant.