Anthony Brown reports on the forthcoming sales of two especially spectacular Mercedes-Benz cars
On 28th and 29th January, RM Sotheby’s will sell two exceptional Mercedes-Benz cars at their Arizona sale. The first is a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC 6.0-litre AMG ‘Wide Body’ and the second is 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9-litre.
The silver 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC 6.0-litre AMG ‘Wide Body’ is one of only fifty made. It is consequently extremely rare and though connoisseurs would pay more for an example in black, this car’s upgraded engine makes it especially able to provide what the auctioneers describe as “serious high performance pleasure”. It has a guide of £70,000 to £105,000 ($100,000 to $150,000) and is offered without reserve – which represents great value considering it cost over $200,000 new (the equivalent of £268,000 or $383,000 today) with modifications.
Offered without reserve, the 1979 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9-litre is presented in “well preserved and original condition” and has covered just 30,000 miles. It has a guide of £42,000 to £56,000 ($60,000 to $80,000) and features a Milan Brown Metallic paint and Bamboo interior. Ranked fourth in Classic & Sports Car magazine’s list of the world’s greatest saloons in April 1999, the sale of this vehicle represents the chance to acquire what can only be an appreciating asset.
Update 31st January 2016: The 1979 Mercedes-Benz sold for just above its lower reserve £42,500 ($60,500 or €52,900) whilst the 1989 Mercedes-Benz sold above its upper reserve for £108,000 ($154,000 or €142,000).
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