So how is this thread summing up among the various views presented today? Values are increasing, static or declining ? ~ the fact is I think we've concluded it doesn't matter one way or another.
As owners, be it your garage queen low miler show car, a mid-miler serving an array of your needs, or that fixer-upper you always wanted and now own ~ the value is clearly in the passion.
Just recall the feeling you had the first time you got behind the wheel and drove it home then call it what you want- but nothing short of being a truly great automotive experience.
Thanks guys. It's been interesting to read and share the views from all.
Vehicle: 1989 560 SL, 1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible, 2011 BMW 328i
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Posts: 109
Think "location" too.
I agree with all of you who said that it's about enjoyment - I have way more into my car than I could get out at this point. But, I love owning it, driving it, taking it to shows, drive-ins, etc. So, I really don't care about resale at this point.
That being said - if you're interested in following the market, location is key. Here, in Southern California, there are a ton of very nice 107's - relatively low mileage (under 80,000) and in decent shape. Lots of older folks live down here who garaged these cars for years and used them "only for special occasions." There are also a ton of 107's that have been beaten to shit - I saw one recently with more than 300,000 miles, ripped up leather interior and orange peel like you wouldn't believe. To sum it up, down here, you can get a really nice model (private sale or from many of our local classic car dealers) for under $17,000. There are so many 107's down here that I rarely see any of them go for more than $20,000. But, I'll bet that some of our more "average" So Cal cars with no rust and light wear would go for more than $20,000 in the Bay Area.
If you're really interested in market analysis, check out John Olson's news letters (SL Market Letter, Inc.). If you're a new subscriber, I'll bet that he'd send you back issues that cover 107's. The guy follows all SL's. (I assume that he's still out there - but, I have to confess, I haven't subscribed to his publication in a couple of years.)
Vehicle: '80 450SLC Afro RHD Ikonengold, '77 280SE Aus RHD Milan Brown
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rewillia
So how is this thread summing up among the various views presented today? Values are increasing, static or declining ? ~ the fact is I think we've concluded it doesn't matter one way or another.
As owners, be it your garage queen low miler show car, a mid-miler serving an array of your needs, or that fixer-upper you always wanted and now own ~ the value is clearly in the passion.
Just recall the feeling you had the first time you got behind the wheel and drove it home then call it what you want- but nothing short of being a truly great automotive experience.
Thanks guys. It's been interesting to read and share the views from all.
That's the very thing that makes this car priceless to me. I do not have to recall. EVERY time I get in, it's the same beautiful old leather smell, same feeling, same excitement...
And Money spent... well... I could gamble, drink, take serious drugs or tip the strippers... but I don't.
I've loved the 107 from their introduction and it quickly became my "one day" car. Well, that one day finally came three years ago when I bought my '86 560SL. As an accountant, I'm sort of into investment returns and such - except for my SL. I found a beautiful and well cared-for one owner and I've spent well more than the purchase price as I attempt to make her the best she can be. I'm having a great time with her and I expect the spend-ometer will keep turning. She's an investment all right - an investment in enjoyment.
I believe any appreciation in values will signal an appreciation in respect for the 107 by the collector community. That will be a good thing and I hope it happens. I'm well upside down on the old gal but I don't much care about market value and it won't change my course. I share Rowdie's view and I hope one of the heirs will keep her when that time comes.
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The owner of my wheel shop said he got an offer on his late-70's 450sl for $31,000 and he turned it down. It was his dad's car. I am guessing no number would have worked. Guys like that are keeping our sales prices down.
R107 Parts Wanted:washer bottle (1978), blue r107 visors, 107 trunk spare tire well, 107 headlight wiper arms
w107 FS/trade/giveaway: 4 silver BBS RS009 8x16 et11 (won't fit front of 560sl without spacers and smaller lips), D-jet parts, 1975: (wiper motor, multiswitch, coil, injectors, etc.), US headlights, a black 1973 450sl
I too share the view that my R107 is a very personal asset that I am proud to own and as a matter of fact, the last for sale sign that was on it when I bought it was just that - the last one it'll ever see. Its already written into my will and will go to my son who has a equal appreciation for it and agrees with "Dad" that he too will pass it on to his children when that day comes.
Likewise, I have spent well more than I paid for it bringing it back up to and in the condition it is today and would not hesitate today to climb in it and drive it anywhere, for any distance, with the full confidence that I would get where I'm going without any problem what-so-ever.
The owner of my wheel shop said he got an offer on his late-70's 450sl for $31,000 and he turned it down. It was his dad's car. I am guessing no number would have worked. Guys like that are keeping our sales prices down.
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