[cwmoser]

The TV car restoration show called "Classic Car Rescue" staring Bernie and
Mario featured a Mercedes 450SL restoration. Started with a rough looking
non-runner, resprayed, engine serviced, transmission serviced, and the
professional car appraiser "who forgot more than most know" valued the
450SL at $24,300 stating that they could have spruced up the interior
better. Apparently its an appraisal in Europe.

I thought about that valuation ... here in the USA ... bull.

Carl

 

[CA-280SL]

Carl, what TV service do you have. I looked on my directv and couldnt find that show

 

[cwmoser]

I have Time Warner Cable and the show Classic Car Rescue is on the
Velocity Channel. Pretty interesting show. In the 450SL episode,
they first purchase a rusty 380SL to restore but find the front bulkhead
is so rusty that they have to scrap the 380SL. Mario goes out and finds
another SL - yet another rusty one, a 450SL but the bulkhead is OK.
They take parts from the 380SL and use on the 450SL in the restoration.
Interesting episode. Very surprised at the valuation.

 

[frndrfoe]

Like every reality show... They create their own reality.

 

[rowdie]

Like every reality show... They create their own reality.

Ditto. It is TV. Not reality. Wonder how many idiots here in the states will be influenced by it.

 

[107merc]

A quick look at Craigslist is usually enough to bring most folks back to the real world.

 

[cwmoser]

Couldn't it be that Europeans value these SL's more than us Yanks?

 

[isthisdave]

.


Yes. They are undervalued here.



Or, overvalued there.



Either way you look at it, the difference has been noted here for years.

 

[300sl-24]

Undervalued in the U.S we think...they are gaining value yearly in the U.K not that I am selling... but nice anyway.

You have only to look at the prices of new spares to see that if you need to restore one, the restoration costs can easily cost a lot more than the cars value.

 

[PanzerPuff]

Episode 3: Mercedes SL | Classic Car Rescue | Channel 5

 

[ejboyd5]

Would anyone really want a car those two had "rescued?"

 

[cwmoser]

Would anyone really want a car those two had "rescued?"

They don't do a rotisserie restoration, but they do more than mask and spray paint.

Not a 100% restoration but more than what most folks do.

 

[OldWorldShepherds]

It would be interesting to know what type of reputation their appraiser has. True restoration is likely not good TV, as it is tedious work and usually does not involve as much theatrics.

 

[SoonerCPA]

Seems the various automotive restoration programs follow a very predictable storyline including unrealistic build times. So, I agree with Rowdie, reality and reality TV are very different realities! I have a bit of insight into one program's build that was supposedly done in two weeks. In fact, the build took over six months. Numerous other dramatics were added for TV but knowing the facts and having seen the vehicle, I can report it was very well done. For the Classic Car Rescue's 107 build, we need Paul Harvey for the rest of the story...

Cheers,

 

[rowdie]

Would anyone really want a car those two had "rescued?"

Was that a rhetorical question?
If not my answer is NO!

 

[CavallinoRed]

Tried watching the show once but was a bunch of made up problems so they could yell at each other. Like most of these shows I guess.

R107s do go for much more in the UK. Sure supply and demand has a lot to do with it. Not that many right hand drives were made percentage wise and I'm rust has been a factor in limiting supply of clean ones.

 

[cottagstan]

I have to agree with all the comments here about the "reality" restoration programs. I visited a reputable restoration shop here in SW Florida and he stated that these shows all do the industry one great dis-service, and that is misleading the public on time lines. People come into his shop expecting a one or two week turn around when in reality they should be talking about six months or more. Pinpointing all the problems and sourcing all the correct parts for a proper restoration takes time (and money), and a good shop should not and does not take shortcuts just to meet a client's unrealistic expectations. If I ever bought a "restored" car I sure would want to know who did the work.

 

[My First 450SL]

Here's the Youtube for you westcoasters.

Did anyone enter and win the car from the show?

 

[My First 450SL]

That green is awesome btw...not that I am bias or anything.

 

[Kevin Kemper]

My wife and I came upon the show the other night and watched it

"Hey sweetie, look, these cars are worth a lot of money now, so its not really like we are going to be upside down on the project car in the garage after I spend lots of money on it, how cool is that?"

Beyond that, not much to commend, though I guess I like to see 107s being restored in any situation