WORLD BEST

Car price tracker

Track car prices and stay informed on market trends with our comprehensive car pricing tool. See historical prices and compare models to make an informed decision on your next vehicle purchase. Find the best deal on your dream car today!
< Go back
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz - Classics (1952)

Step into automotive history with the Mercedes-Benz 1952 Classic, a masterpiece that still turns heads today. While the Mercedes-Benz Classics price fluctuates with condition, provenance, and location, enthusiasts know that this 1952 model carries a story worth cherishing. Whether you’re comparing a pristine example to a well‑maintained used vehicle or simply curious about what a 1952 Mercedes-Benz Classics worth, this guide gives you the facts you need to make an informed decision.

Key Specifications

  • Engine: 3.0‑liter inline‑six, 90 hp (67 kW) at 4,200 rpm
  • Transmission: 4‑speed manual (non‑feathered) gearbox, shift lever in L‑shaped layout
  • Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Dimensions:
    • Wheelbase: 2,570 mm (101 in)
    • Length: 4,280 mm (168 in)
    • Width: 1,520 mm (60 in)
    • Height: 1,645 mm (65 in)
  • Weight: 1,170 kg (2,585 lb) curb
  • Drive: Front‑wheel drive
  • Body Styles: Cabriolet, Coupé, Hardy (canvas fastback), W15 / S15 sedan
  • Suspension: Independent front with semi‑elliptic rear leaf springs; hydraulic shock absorbers
  • Brakes: Mechanical drum brakes front and rear, later models offered hydraulic front brakes
  • Features:
    • Pantheon organizers, glove box, and usable air‑conditioning (in later builds)
    • Roll-up windows, manual windscreen wipers, and optional instrument cluster upgrades

Depreciation Insight

Unlike modern “collector” cars that often climb in value, the Mercedes-Benz Classics depreciation profile is fairly predictable once the engine is turned off. A typical 1952 Mercedes-Benz Classic will:

  • Lose about 15–20% of its value in the first year after purchase—especially if the vehicle starts with a high mileage or non‑original parts.
  • Experience a gradual decline of 4–6% per year thereafter unless it enters a high‑condition, low‑kilometer rarity tier (e.g., only 250 units of a particular body style remain).
  • Consider that a well‑maintained, showroom‑condition vehicle can actually retain its value better than a common used example that has had parts replaced or has a history of repairs.

For casual buyers, the best strategy to avoid steep depreciation is to purchase a used car that already has a documented service history, preferably one that stopped around 1955 or earlier when fewer units were produced.

Comparison Context

  • Mercedes-Benz Classics 1952 price vs. Mercedes-Benz Classics 1961 price: A 1961 model usually sells 10–15% higher due to 13 years of>
  • Compared to similar mid‑20th century luxury cars, such as the Rolls‑Royce Silver Ghost or Jaguar E-Type, the 1952 Mercedes-Benz offers a more comfortable ride with less aggressive performance—a niche that attracts interior‑design and heritage collectors.
  • A used Mercedes-Benz Classic from the 1950s is typically 25–35% more affordable than an expertly restored 1940s pre‑war example, making it a more attractive entry point for first‑time vintage buyers.

Market Position

These cars are popular among the new antique‑car investment market segment, especially in the United States, European classic car shows, and car restoration clubs. Dealerships in the U.S., Spain, and Germany frequently list their 1952 collections under “International Classics” because the vehicle’s heritage and engineering appeal to both hobbyists and serious collectors.

What Is a 1952 Mercedes-Benz Classics Worth? (A Real‑World Example)

While it is impossible to give a single price point, you can expect a 1952 classic priced around $35,000–$65,000 for a used model in average condition. The price ranges from under $30,000 for an example with a rough exterior and many non‑original parts, to over $70,000 for a fully restored item that and paint.

Key factors that influence the value include: