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Mercedes-Benz - 300SL (1985)
Mercedes‑Benz 300SL – the legendary gull‑wing coupe – continues to capture hearts and auctions worldwide. The 1985 model, a close‑to‑new example during its time, carries a historical value that many collectors now try to gauge. When you hear a potential buyer ask “what is a 1985 Mercedes‑Benz 300SL worth?” or “what’s the Mercedes‑Benz 300SL price today?” it’s a sign that demand remains strong. Below we break down everything you need to understand the current used Mercedes‑Benz 300SL price, how the car depreciates, and where it stands amid other classic sports cars.
Key specifications (typical for the 1985 300SL)
- Engine: 3.0‑liter, inline‑six, dual overhead cam, naturally aspirated, 245 hp (at 6,800 rpm) and 214 lb‑ft torque (at 4,800 rpm)
- Transmission: 5‑speed manual, four‑speed automatic (optional, but rarely found on true W198 models)
- Fuel type: gasoline
- Dimensions: Length 4,717 mm; Width 1,778 mm; Height 1,361 mm; Wheelbase 2,445 mm
- Weight: Approx. 1,738 kg (3,835 lb) curb weight
- Performance: 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in ~6.5 seconds; top speed ~270 km/h (168 mph)
- Suspension: Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link, both with adaptive dampers on later models
- Brakes: Ventilated front discs, calipers; rear discs (early 80s), vented drums (early 80s) – modern units almost always include discs
- Interior: Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim, dual scolops (classic) with chrome accents
- Features: Power driver’s seat, air conditioning, dash radio, sunroof (wide window), manual sunroof on some units
Depreciation insight
While the Mercedes‑Benz 300SL depreciation curve doesn’t mirror contemporary cars, there are clear patterns. Classic cars often experience a quicker initial loss when sold in good condition on the secondary market, then level off or even appreciate due to scarcity.
- First year: typically loses 15–20 % of its value under normal market conditions
- Second to third year: depreciates an additional 8–12 % annually, slowing to 5–7 % per year thereafter
- From 5+ years: value tends to stabilize, with rare models sometimes gaining 3–5 % if kept in near‑original condition
Because the 300SL has a limited production run (only 1,400 units worldwide from 1954‑1971), a well‑maintained example can
Last 20 car trackeds
| Last tracked date | Status | Price | Price rank | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,950.00 | Unlock all links |