Mercedes R107 SLS experiencing value volatility

R107 SL fanciers may have seen some head-scratching swings in values lately. One month auction prices seem bullish and the next enticingly affordable again. In August Anglia Auctions sold a shiny ’81 380SL that I once owned. 800 HLU was in Astral Silver with blue leather, 134,000 miles with history and a had a recent new hood and partial interior retrim. I remember the car as sound, strong and well-maintained, but definitely worth more than the hammer price of £8640. Yet the month before Mathewsons sold an ’83 380SL with 70,000 miles and a slightly questionable colour combo of green and green for £13,975.

In July Mathewsons also dispatched a very smart ’76 350SL in rare factory yellow with 120,000 miles for £7686, yet in May Historics sold a ’72 350SL

VALUE 2014 £10k VALUE NOW £17.5k

in less desirable manual form, but in rare Aqua Blue with blue leather and 149,000 miles, for £16,980. We know that values of R107s very much depend on condition and mileage, but all these early SLS were all similarly smart, historied and well presented. The significant difference between them in hammer prices was puzzling.

I think that the moral here is to bide your time with R107 SLS. There are enough examples being constantly churned by owners to depress values if too many come onto the market at any one time. Many Merc SLS were offered over the summer and prices reflected the over-supply. The 107 is still without a doubt a desirable and evergreen classic car hero but – and this is the good news – you can still buy one at sensible money if you just take your time.