Personally I think anything post 1973 is going to need to be a pretty rare and desirable (well optioned or top of the line) model, like the Evo w201 cars, 500e w124, AMG modified w126 and r129, 5.0 SLC cars.

 

ahh yes, i totally forgot about the 500E.

 

Post 80's classics. Three words that don't go together logically in my mind. Very few cars from '73/'74 to about 2005 isn't worth a helluva lot in my esteem-o-scope. I don't consider exotics when making such a proclamation.

Whether due to ugly/crappy styling (American cars), or pollution controls and anemic power characteristics (about everything else), I'd consider long and hard about assigning "classic" to those POS's.

 

Well, a lot of organizations use a 25-year rule with "antique" status. The MB cars had more classic or vintage styling in the models covered by this forum. It seem MB went jelly-bean in the 80's. Personally, I think of anything with plastic bumpers as modern, or just an old car at best, not classic. Still, I own a 1992 r129 just because I think it's a lot of car for the money, not because it's a classic or vintage or antique (even though it will qualify as an antique next year).

 

About the only plastic bumper cars that will hold value later in life will be a 400e or 500e an sec of any year or a 24 valve 190e and any amg dont bother with any others they wont hold much value

amg hammer will probably bring the highest value

 

I'd request a definition from the OP as to what "classic" means. If by DMV status, classic is anything older than a specific year. If by owner/artist/philosophical status, I'd think it means a car respected/admired/held in reverence, regardless of age. It might also mean something timeless or revolutionary, such as a model T or A - I'd never own one and am not a fan of the styling or lines.

The 108, 109, 111/112 and the 114 models instantly come to mind as classic, but not some of the 40's and 50's era stuff ...

 

I'm reminded of an adage that mentions a "silk purse" and a "sow's ear."

 

I totally understand what some deem as classic others will not. For the purpose of this post, when I say classic I'm referring to modern cars (post-1980) that will become (or already are) more desirable & valuable. This post was not intended to be a debate over what is classic and what is not b/c,as others have pointed out, is somewhat subjective. I like old cars and wish I could get one from the 60's or 70's but finding one within my budget is unlikely if not impossible. If you don't think cars past 1980 are or ever will be classics, no problem that's your opinion, but you're not adding a lot to this thread by stating that.

 

If you don't think cars past 1980 are or ever will be classics...

I added my 1992 yo my Hagerty Classic Car insurance, and they didn't flinch when I gave them the info on the car. It is a little more expensive than my older (and less powerful) cars in relation to the insured value though. I found that interesting, but it is much more likely to be a daily driver than my older cars. So I think the higher insurance is very fair.

I hope that's no OT, just an argument stating that some may call these newer models "classic".

 

I think it is perhaps semantics....I think of "classic" as timeless beauty and in that category, I put "classics" such as the 50-60s SL and many of the Paul Bracq Mercedes designs. What you are describing, by saying they "will last longer than any other Mercedes" does not make them "classic" but rather a reliable and cost effective means of transportation.

Perhaps Grubeguy overstated a bit with the "POS" reference. I like the old SDL and considered owning one, but have never thought of it as a classic, or a classic in the making. I prefer to drive my "classic" W108

 

Having owned a 1984 500SEC I would think these may go up in value. I sold it with 300K plus, awsome car. Buy the last year made 1991 560SEC. One of my favorite "modern" MBs. This is when MB only put the center star on the front grill of the top of the line models, SLs and the SEC. Now they are on everything they produce. Marketing bastards, let us know you have the best of the best (or nicths).
Will

 

Thanks in advance. Here are the MB's I believe may fit as modern vintage classics:

1986-87 300SDL - in the process of purchasing one of these off a fellow BW member

1987-1993 190E 2.6

1987 190D 2.5 Turbo

1980-1989 500SL gray market

Those probably aren't going to gain in any kind of value. They made a ton of them and they are easy to find.

''Modern classics'' are more like W116 6.9, W126 560SEC, W124 E500E, W210 16v, W140 CL/S600, R129 SL600.

Notice something about that list? All massive engines that made big power and were extremely expensive when new. And those that will become collectible are the ones that are in very good condition.

 

W210 16v

''Modern classics'' are more like W116 6.9, W126 560SEC, W124 E500E, W210 16v, W140 CL/S600, R129 SL600.

Notice something about that list? All massive engines that made big power and were extremely expensive when new. And those that will become collectible are the ones that are in very good condition.

I would agree with that but I'm not sure which models you are referring for the W210 16v. Is that the AMG cars only? or are you including the E430 also?