“Better than shares”: The SL as a classic car and long-term investment

The 190 SL, the W113 or Pagoda and the R107 and 129 SL have also long been sought-after vintage cars and modern classics. The timeless appeal of these remarkable cars is reflected not only in the passion they inspire in people, but also in how much they retain their value.

In November 2011, Motor Klassik magazine described some classic cars as “better than shares”. Naturally, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing falls into this category, the well-preserved copies of which have seen price increases of 171 per cent since 2001.

This is not a temporary flare, but a long-term trend. On this basis, Mercedes-Benz Classic experts believe that prices of well-maintained classics from the SL series will continue to rise.

In January 2012, Motor Klassik magazine gave potential buyers of the 300 SL series W198 I the following advice: “For most classic car fans, owning a Gullwing coupé will remain a dream. At auction, the premium models reach prices in excess of one million euros.”

The classic car magazine also took a closer look at other SL models. The best models were cars that offered “something for every taste”. The R107 singled out because of the many different engine types and configurations that were produced, while Mercedes cars such as the R129 are considered “classics of the future”.

The inclusion of the cars described above in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Index (MBCI) published by Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI) confirms their investment potential.

According to HAGI, the average increase in the value of 190 SL has been around 10 per cent per year since 1980, and in the years closer to our time it has amounted to more than 11 per cent.

The 300 SL Coupé has averaged as much as 11 per cent since 1980, with an increase of up to 18 per cent in recent years, corresponding to a fourfold increase in value since 2004.

The main difference between the 190 SL and its larger cousins is the absolute price, which is not yet very different from the price of a complete restoration.

At MBCI, the 190 SL ranks directly behind icons such as the 300 SL Coupé and Roadster, the 1920s S series and the legendary 500 K and 540 K. It is also worth noting that the price increases of the 230/250/280 SL in the W113 series, the Pagoda are more and more noticeable.

Investment in valuable vintage cars is primarily associated with the top end of the classic car market and the vintage vehicle scene, with an annual value of €14 billion in Germany alone.

Cars with a very high-value and stable prices are particularly attractive as long-term investments.

Such an increase and maintenance of value adequately offsets the expenditure needed for the restoration and ongoing maintenance of the classic. A study published by the specialist German magazine “Motor Klassik” in 2013 also highlights this link.

Since their debut, the 300 SL and 190 SL have consistently set the standard for technical excellence and aesthetics. Key engineering innovations include direct injection in the W198, the Pagoda's safety bodywork and the pop-up safety bar in the R129.

The SL as a style icon that changes with the times, this sports car can still be seen today at international classic car rallies, in films and prestigious collections around the world.