Less than a week ago, a 1978 Mercedes Benz 280E factory rally car sold at auction for $36,499. This sophisticated model was built with superior quality. The unique mud flaps along with the contrasting hood color add to the interest in the car. That price, however, has nothing on the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster.
This GT supercar has a price tag of $495,000. It is the fastest automatic-transmission car in the world, with a top speed of 206+. It can reach 60 miles per hour in a stunning 3.8 seconds. This convertible model has an extremely powerful engine, which offers one-of-a-kind styling along with outstanding performance. But, even at nearly half a million dollars, this Mercedes Benz does not have anything on the 1937 Mercedes Benz 540K Special Roadster.
This Roadster is reported to be the world’s finest example of a 5.4 litre sports car. In 2007 it sold at Battersea Park in London for $8.2 million. Another oldie, a 1929 Mercedes Benz 38/250 SSK, that is one of only 33 built, was sold at auction in 2004 at Sussex. The gavel came down at the auction when the price reached $7.4 million.
It is difficult to believe, despite its beauty and accomplishment, that any car could reach the price of the 1954-55 Mercedes Benz W196. This car won the Grand Prix in 1954 and 1955. Mercedes generously donated this car to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu in the 1980s. They, in turn, sold it to raise funds to finance a museum renovation. The Mercedes then sold in 1990 to a French industrialist for $24 million!
Any new Mercedes Benz for sale can be purchased for far less than the Roadster, or the W196. However, why do people pay what they do for a luxury car like the Benz? The answer is quite simple – it is the quality, the look, the sturdiness of the car along with the legacy of its reputation. Mercedes cars will stay on the road for years upon years, and rarely go out of style.
Other Topics of Interest:
Mercedes Parts: Original Mercedes Benz parts carry with them the same quality of manufacturing and reliability that the cars have, as a whole.
Tags: Mercedes Benz 280E, Mercedes Benz 38/250 SSK, Mercedes Benz 540K, Mercedes Benz For Sale, Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster, Mercedes Benz W196, Mercedes car, Mercedes cars, Mercedes E Class, Mercedes-Benz, New Mercedes Benz, Roadster