A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about a low-miles (187 to be exact) 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL600 that sold for $193,500 on Bring a Trailer, including buyer’s premium.
We remarked that this is no longer a car but an artifact. It’s unknown whether this car was “pickled” before it was put into storage (fluids drained, etc), which relates to how much service the car might need before its next value-diminishing drive.
Since the only reason its price reached such a stratospheric level was its low mileage, the converse is also true. Each mile put on the car will decrease its appeal and market value.
For instance, if the car had more miles on it and was in less than perfect cosmetic condition, it might sell for as little as $27,192.
Which happens to be the exact amount a 2003 Mercedes SL55 AMG with 16,876 miles was sold for by Hagerty Marketplace on February 27, including premium. I would call this the “Online Best Buy of the Week.”
https://www.hagerty.com/marketplace/auction/2003-Mercedes-Benz-SL55-AMG/5X5Yy9fBfJ7tsxY1xOVruz
The SL55 was an attractive and unusual Firemist Red Metallic over Charcoal leather, had recently been serviced and had a clean CARFAX report.
It’s no secret that I am a fan of the SL55 and rate it as a best buy in the 20-year-old “aging supercar” category. The silver/black example I owned had 50,000 miles on it when I bought it for $24,000, and 60,000 miles when I sold it for the same amount.
Aside from the value imperative that would keep you from driving the SL600, once you are underway, with the SL55 you are driving a car that is mechanically more sophisticated and advanced. And one that Mercedes said was capable of 200 mph, ungoverned. Plus, the hard top is retractable unlike the cumbersome removable hard top on the SL600.
In fact, I’m glad I didn’t see this listing while it was active, or I might have been tempted to bid on the car myself.
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Putting aside financial constraints, neither appeal to me for different reasons. The retractable hardtop is like a reel to reel tape machine. They are both electro-mechanical devices with the drawbacks of both, so that era of SL’s is a no-go. The low miler (which you have properly labelled) is no longer a transportation device. The CL55 I owned was exactly what I had in mind for a driver car. Two doors rear drive some luxury and serviceable by me. I think I paid $8000 with 100k kilometers. However, I wasn’t even in the area code of the SL for panache and country club quiet dignity. Perhaps the LeMay would be a proper venue for the “artifact”, yes?
Having owned Mercedes roadster I prefer Porsche all day only thing they have in common is German engineering
Porsche builds the best sports cars, and Mercedes-Benz builds the best sedans. That’s why this die-hard Porsche/Alfa/Lancia/2CV owner daily drives a 2006 E55AMG wagon. They are rare but not expensive (I paid $22,000 7 years ago for one with 83,000 miles, now at 137,000). The sedans are even less expensive, but look for one that hasn’t been “tuned.” Minor mods get you from the stock 467 hp to over 500. This bulletproof supercharged engine was the best V8. that Mercedes-Benz ever built. Best of all, it’s a real sleeper, and it’s Useful!
consists of the book itself
Both are wonderful and distinctive cars that are now 20 years old. Both were expensive to keep, insure and service when new, and are likely a parts and service nightmare today – as many high-end luxury cars usually wind up turning into. If you can afford one, and don’t mind the parts challenges, then go for it.