Help selling my fathers 58 benz

[t-maxxracer32]

Hey guys/gals,

first time poster here so hopefully this is in the correct forum.

Im here to try and gain knowlege on how to sell my fathers benz and also how to increase the sales price (IE detailing it, knowing relevant specs, etc)


My questions:
is this a 1958 Benz 220s?
where are some good places on the net to list this up for sale?
rough estimated value?
Things I can do to maximize value?


Specs
-58 bens..?
-sliding top convertible
-owned by Brian Epstein (manager of beetles)--not sure if we have paperwork on this... but its just what I was told
-new paint, upholstery, wood, top
40 hr 2000cc aluminum overhead cam motor
2 single barrel carbs


This is all I was given as far as specs go.. what else should I be looking for?



Pics:











Ill be getting an engine pic soon.


Any help here would be greatly appreciated!

[Palolo]

Look around Mercedes-Benz Pontons (1953-1962) © www.mbzponton.org for comparable cars in terms of quality of body, paint, interior and mechanical.

The mileage is less relevant at this stage of that (beautiful, btw) car's life. So is hearsay provenance (unless you find a diehard Beatles fan as a buyer).

Here is one selling local to me (with an interesting tag): 1958 mercedes 180 D

Good luck.

Nice car that you have there.

(just had a thought: you just missed the MBCA's national event "StarFest" which was in Scottsdale this past Sept. you might well have found an on-the-spot buyer there. The MB fans who can afford to go to it usually have some pocket change for these situations)

Whoops. Forgot to add... To increase value, ditch the Best Buy stereo. You might be able to find a nice period radio from another board member or eBay. A compete dash that is in keeping with the car's age/era is far more appealing than one that has a modern radio. Other value-increasing things are subtle, but meaningful to MB enthusiasts; showing photographs of the roof open, a clean and washed underbody with pics of the bottom of the car, etc.

[Ed Mclass]

Here is a link to the Mercedes-Benz Club of America and THE STAR classifieds:
Mercedes-Benz Club of America |. The classifieds are free to members. 1 year membership is $49.
Good place to reach serious buyers!

[mangrum]

It definately looks like a 220S. The VIN would tell you the year. The Mercedes-Benz Pontons (1953-1962) © www.mbzponton.org site has a page that shows where all the ID tags are.

A really good place to advertise the car is the ponton : International Ponton Owners Group (IPOG). You will also be able to get a lot of advice about the car there. When you go there, click on the Join This Group! button.

Where are you/car located?

[tewfiks]

Do you have any idea what you want for it?

[t-maxxracer32]

Thank you for all the input! I will look into those selling cites.

I am not too sure as to the price we are looking to get for it.. I guess thats partially why I posted up here to see what is realistic for us to get for this vehicle.

Probably difficult for you all to estimate without knowing full specs though.

Edit- thanks for the idea with the stereo! Ill have to see what we can do about that.

[NYYYCEandEEEEZY]

Originally Posted by Ed Mclass

Here is a link to the Mercedes-Benz Club of America and THE STAR classifieds:
Mercedes-Benz Club of America |. The classifieds are free to members. 1 year membership is $49.
Good place to reach serious buyers!

Nice looking car! As a member of MBCA, I also recommend that you check that out as a possible resource. Many older members who have and collect older cars. Good Luck.

[sokoloff]

When you advertise the car, don't call it a convertible. Mercedes did make a convertible version of that car and yours is not it. What you have is a sedan with a Webasto folding top. Just want you not to be accused by someone of deceptive advertising. The Webato top is a desirable option thoguh and should be mentioned.

[DirectLA]

All great advice so far, I can add to change the front signal lens to match, figure out what color is accurate for that car between the white and amber lenses and replace it. Many sellers believe that these small details are not a big deal, but I know when I see a car for sale with these minor issues it makes me wonder "if they didn't correct this small issue, what big problems are lurking?" Those should be very easy to find on eBay or any number of parts suppliers, or even from a member here for very little money.

Definitely mention the Webasto roof by name in your advertising, it's a desirable option. If you can get your hands on the current (Nov-Dec 2012) issue of the Mercedes-Benz Club's magazine The Star, it features the 1953-62 Ponton bodied cars and has some technical info there. Also consider Roy Spencer's site MercedesHeritage.com, the classified section has heavy traffic from enthusiasts.

Celebrity attachment carries a small premium depending on the level of "celebrity" the person achieved so, as you may guess, this would be worth more if an actual Beatle had owned it than simply their manager. Of course, it is likely a Beatle or four traveled in the car, but I'd say it's worth trying to locate any supporting documentation on this since you never know who it will be especially meaningful to.

[t-maxxracer32]

DirectLA and everyone else thank you for the advice!

Ill be in town next weekend and will see about getting additional pics.