Lot K2 – 1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SEL 4.5
moto+match estimate: $15,000
UPDATE: Sold for $17,500
A recent spike in the value of the W108 saloons has brought them out in droves. But not all are quality examples. Some have succumbed to rust; others simply tired. Here is a very presentable 280 SEL with the 4.5-litre V8 that has excellent paint, glass, chrome and interior. It’s what one would expect of a 42,000-mile car. Some will appreciate the resistance to swap out the hubcaps steel wheels for the Bundt alloys, while others will appreciate a more modern (Becker) CD-based head unit. A timeless, classic big benz that can be enjoyed while a sound investment.
Lots K4, K5, K6, K7 – A Quartet of Low-Mileage Mercedes Benz 107s
moto+match estimate: $18,000-$35,000
UPDATE: Lot K4 – High bid at $43,000; Lot K5 – Sold for $40,000; Lot K5 – Sold for $22,000; Lot K6 – Sold for $13,500
The Mercedes-Benz 107 has had its ups and downs and, for the moment anyway, it seems to have settled at a reasonable level whereby higher-mileage driver quality examples can still be had for $10,000 or less while outstanding examples command outstanding prices. Here we have four of the latter. With the highest mileage car of the bunch (Lot K6 – 1986 560 SL) clocking just over 30,000 miles and two other 560 SLs yet to turn a fifth digit, it will be curious to see if this trio and its one-year-only fixed roof 380 SLC (with just over 20,000 miles) spur new interest in these look-rich-cheap classics.
Lot K26 – 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
moto+match estimate: $95,000
UPDATE: High bid of $90,000
The Spring and Monterey auctions were very kind to the W121 190 SL. It’s not hard to see why. Bearing a familiar resemblance to the 300 SL, which is now in seven figures, this smaller, more “everyday” roadster exudes grace and style but with a definite sporting character. Its 1.9-liter four-cylinder won’t set any Nurburgring records, but, mated to its 4-speed manual gearbox, is more than capable along B roads on the way to brunch at the Club. We’ll have to see if Kissimmee as as favorable a venue as Monterey or Amelia, but they’re on a good wave. There likely won’t be many more opportunities to catch it before they chase their bigger sibling into the stratosphere.
Lot K99 – 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43
moto+match estimate: $35,000
UDATE: High bid of $35,000
In a departure from the Mercedes-Benz parade, here’s something completely different but equally interesting. Unique among the Toyota FJ Land Cruisers is the mid-length FJ/BJ43. It’s longer than the Jeep-sized FJ40 that most of us are familiar, but not as long as the Troop Carriers. Even more unique is that most 43s were 2B- or 2H-diesel powered. Though never available through US dealers. a few have made their way up from Central and South America. This one appears to have undergone a high-quality restoration and while not entirely original, its modifications likely won’t detract from its crew among Land Cruiser enthusiasts. The vintage Land Cruiser market has tempered somewhat after a mid-2000s frenzy, but rare and well-sorted examples will always have an audience. It’s not unusual to see restored-to-showroom US-model FJ40s with the later-year (1980-1983) options like power steering and air conditioning (which imports like this FJ43 did not come with) reach or surpass the $50,000 mark. It’s unlikely this has the same kind of appreciation, but its rarity should attract some interest.
Lot K252 – 1969 Ford Torino Talladega
moto+match estimate: $45,000
The Ford Talladega was built over a very short period of time in early 1969 homologation special based on Ford’s Torino-based NASCAR entry that year. In total, only around 750 were built; just about a hundred more than the coveted Hemi ‘Cuda. On the track, the Superbirds and Daytonas obliterated them. In the aftermath, the Talladega faded into a near-obscure contender existence. At its heart though is a 428 Cobra Jet lump that Ford claims puts out 335 hp, but this was from the day when Ford and their Detroit counterparts would grossly understate horsepower figures. This is the same motor that propelled the Boss 429 to grail status among blue-chip collectors, but has largely remained overlooked in the Talladega, despite its more direct racing lineage. Not that long ago, a decent Talladega could be found for around $30,000. In the past year or so, its rarity and that motor have seen it climb sharply and there’s every indication it will continue to do so. While the automatic gearbox in this car will undoubtedly hold it back, it’s a very well sorted and documented example of Ford muscle car history.
