ASK QUENTIN
Restore or sell my Merc 6.9?
I bagged a decent 1979 Mercedes 6.9 ten years ago after being wowed as a moody 15-year-old by a journey to Cornwall with my mate’s uncle. It was the best thing about the trip. I knew values would climb because of rarity, pedigree and Seventies nostalgia but was waiting until I retired to start a restoration. Well, I retire in January and am pondering the economic sense of spending an estimated £15-20k to bring the 6.9 to a good standard. I have so far spent about £15k including purchase. What is your view?
Jason Phillips
If the dilemma is all about money, there’s no economic sense in restoring an SEL 6.9 in the current market. The very best make around £50,000 and average drivers sell from between £20k to £30k. If you’ve already spent £15,000 and throw another £20k you’ll be lucky to get your money back. But since when has anybody applied economic sense to the ownership of such a glorious hot rod as the 6.9? You should restore if you can.
Quentin Willson
How much for our barn-find Sunbeam?
I have a 1968 Sunbeam Rapier H120. The original bodywork is in pretty good condition, it has a genuine 81k on the clock and has been in dry storage since 1982. I can’t find the ignition key but the doors are unlocked. It was my late father’s pride and joy. However, my elderly mum is now looking to sell it. But we have no idea where to start, or even know what it’s worth. Any help or guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.
Carolyn Bintley
Your dad’s Rapier is rare and desirable. There are just 31 H120s registered with the DVLA and all Rootes/chrysler performance models of the Sixties and Seventies have become very sought after. A mint H120 is worth around £17,000, so if, as you say, the bodywork is pretty good then yours could make as much as £6000 to £7000 as a barn find. Ask your mum if she still has any paperwork, put it together in a file and ask one of the auction houses like Silverstone or H&H Classics to offer the Rapier in one of its online sales. You might be pleasantly surprised. Good luck,
Quentin Willson