Classic Mercedes from the USA. What is worth bringing?
Classic Mercedes-Benz models are constantly popular all over the world, and their prices are constantly increasing. The USA is a big market, which is why there are many collectors there and you can often buy interesting cars and it is a game worth the candle even in case the car needs restoration. We will tell you which classic Mercedes are worth paying attention to.
Vintage Mercedes are in great demand among collectors. Whether it's sedans or old Mercedes coupes, most models have aged decently, and even those of the 50s and 60s of the last century still delight motorists with their appearance, comfort and build quality. The Mercedes brand has always been popular with the American wealthy clientele, which is why you can often find interesting older models there, which, in addition, may appear in specifications that are rare or unprecedented in Europe.
Mercedes-Benz W123 (1976-1985)
Mercedes W123 became famous primarily for its reliability. This model is still used today by taxi drivers in Africa and the Middle East, who appreciate these Mercedes. Models in perfect condition, in turn, are popular in the USA and Europe. All body versions of this car went to the American market, namely the sedan, station wagon and coupe.
The manufacturer offered diesel engines with the designations 240D and 300D and six-cylinder in-line gasoline units, which had the designation 280E. The cars differ in appearance from the European versions, as they have large plastic bumpers and double sealed beam headlights. Americans often bought W123 with automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control and power windows. Do not be surprised if you meet the W123 model with a 5.0 V8 M117 engine. The design of the car allows you to mount this engine quite easily, and car enthusiasts often take advantage of this fact.
Prices for well-maintained units start at the equivalent of PLN 30,000 for station wagons and sedans and from about PLN 50,000 for coupes, which for obvious reasons are more desirable.
Mercedes-Benz SL R107 (1971-1989)
As for the longest-running old Mercedes, the SL R107 models boast a production period of up to 18 years. It is an icon of the style of the 70s and 80s, which is why it was loved by celebrities and businessmen. The car was offered in two body versions - a coupe with a rigid roof and a convertible. Needless to say, the latter sold the most.
Cars were offered with engines from 3.5 to 5.6 and a six-cylinder in-line. Sales in the US began in 1972 with the 350SL, which a year later was renamed the 450SL because it had a 4.5 V8 engine with a three-speed automatic. Engine power in American copies was slightly lower due to more stringent exhaust emission standards. In 1974, federal law made Mercedes from the USA had to be equipped with larger bumpers.
The most interesting case is the history of the 500SL, which was produced between 1980 and 1989 and although it never officially arrived in the USA, it can often be found overseas. This is due to the fact that the gray import zone of this car was formed. In 1986, the Americans got the 560SL as a consolation, but its performance was inferior anyway. At that time, an independent AMG tuner offered its modifications to this model. There were also cases that a completely modified M117 engine went under the hood. Car prices start at around 60 thousand PLN for the 450SL model.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 (1979-1991)
The first generation of the S-Class was produced for a very long time, for as much as 12 years. Cars from the USA are popular among collectors due to their very good sheet and paintwork condition and the absence of rust. Mercedes W126 appeared in two body versions - short and long, with an increased wheelbase. A coupe version with the SEC designation was also sold, which always arouses respect. The Mercedes W126 was unique at the time of its launch, as it became the first mass-produced car with an ABS system and a driver's airbag.
The Americans had a choice of in-line engines in the 300 SE and 300 SEL models and a wide range of V8 engines. The manufacturer also offered diesel engines, which were popular in California. However, if you have the right means and enough patience, then it is worth hunting for the AMG version with a 6.0 V8 engine, which, in addition to the power unit, has a modified appearance and suspension.
Prices for standard S-class models of the W126 series start in the USA from approx. PLN 50 thousand for units in decent condition. In the case of SEC, it is necessary to expect an expense of about PLN 100 thousand. For the AMG version you have to pay from approx. 200 thousand PLN and above.
Mercedes-Benz W114/W115 (1968-1975)
Another iconic Mercedes model is the so-called owl, which appeared in three body versions. As a sedan, it had the designation W114/W115, as a sedan - V114/V115, and as a coupe - C114. It was the first Mercedes model to feature a center console. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the US copies of the first years of production have the same bumpers as in Europe, and only towards the end appeared larger ones, in accordance with the new safety standards introduced in the USA.
The car was sold with diesel and gasoline engines, the specifications of which often changed due to changing federal exhaust emission standards. These units were weaker than their European counterparts. Coupe models are available in carburetor versions (250C and 280C) and with fuel injection (250 CE and 280 CE). There were also engine versions reserved only for the American market. An example of such a car can be, for example, a version with the designation 250 with an M130 engine.
If you are interested Importing a car from the USA, then for a sedan you will pay from about PLN 30 thousand in the case of copies in decent condition. The prices of the coupe version start at around PLN 60 thousand, and the highest prices are reached by the 280CE models in perfect condition.
Mercedes-Benz W201 (1982-1993)
The Mercedes-Benz W201, which was baptized as Baby Benz, was a compact but still luxurious sedan of the German manufacturer. Due to its attractive prices, it was an affordable ticket to the world of the German brand. Although many copies of this model went to Poland, mainly from Germany, as a rule, they were compilations, most of which ended up in the scrap yard a long time ago. Specimens in collectible condition or with a documented history are rare and appreciated by lovers of the brand.
Which models are the most interesting? A unique configuration for the American market was the model offered with the M103 engine with a volume of 2.6 liters and a power of about 160 hp. With this engine, the car combined the best, so it was light and powerful.
The Americans also had two special versions, intended only for the local market. We are talking about 190 E 2.3 LE and 190 E 2.6 LE. 700 copies of each model were produced. The first appeared only in the color Emerald Green, and the second - in black. In the 2.3 LE variant, the car has 15" wheels, cream-colored leather upholstery, walnut wood inserts, electrically adjustable front seats and headlight washers. The 2.6 LE version is equipped with Recaro seats, carbon fiber inserts, a sports steering wheel, low-profile tires and suspension from the 190E Cosworth model.
If you are interested in importing a Mercedes W201 from the USA, then you have to count on spending in the order of 40 thousand PLN for well-groomed copies with a 2.6 engine.
Mercedes-Benz SL R129 (1989-2001)
The next generation of the famous SL model bears the designation R129 and is in demand all over the world, regardless of engine and technical condition. The car represented a powerful technological leap compared to its predecessor. It has, among other things, an electric roof and an automatic anti-roll bar. The most sought-after standard versions are the SL500 and SL600. However, the power in American cars was slightly lower than that of European ones. The equipment often includes automatic air conditioning, leather seats with adjustment and memory, and Bose sound system.
The Mercedes SL R129 was produced at a time when the German brand was slowly tightening its cooperation with AMG. The most common in nature is the SL 60 AMG with a 6.0 V8 engine with 380 hp. It was produced for as long as 5 years. In turn, the rarest is the SL 72 AMG with a 7.1 V12 engine with 510 hp, and only 35 units of this variety were produced. Also on offer was the SL 73 AMG with a 7.3V12 engine with 525 hp, which Pagani later also used in the Zonda model. For this car, only 50 copies were produced. Another rarity is the SL 70 AMG with a 7.1 V12 engine with 496 hp. From 1996 to 1997, 150 cars were produced. The last on the list is the SL 65 AMG with a 5.4 V8 engine, which has a capacity of 354 hp and was created in the number of only 65 units. AMG also offered the possibility to increase the power for owners of the SL600. The Americans also had their own special versions - Designo Slate Blue Edition and Designo Black Diamond Edition.
In the USA, you have to pay for an SL model in acceptable condition from about PLN 50,000, and the prices of well-groomed cars easily exceed the equivalent of PLN 100,000. Mercedes R129 is valued there as much as in Europe.
Summary
These are just a few of the many classic Mercedes-Benz models that are worth taking an interest in. Prices for rare models in perfect condition are high, but often still lower than in Europe. In addition, if the car meets the requirements of customs regulations and can be considered vintage, then they are exempt from excise duty and the buyer only pays VAT, which is lower than for newer cars. This will reduce import costs. However, keep in mind that an additional opinion of the appraiser may then be necessary.
If you want to bring a classic from the USA, it is worth using the help of professionals. An experienced and trusted broker will not only guide you through the entire import process, but above all he knows where to look for cars that will meet your expectations. This will save you time and money, as well as avoid possible misunderstandings with the customs and tax authorities.
