8 of the best Mercedes-Benz cars sold on Collecting Cars

寫者： Collecting Cars

Inextricably linked to the creation of what many see as the first true automobile by Karl Benz in 1885, Mercedes-Benz remains one of the world’s biggest and best-known car manufacturers more than 130 years later.

Given its long history of catering for a demanding yet incredibly varied customer base, the marque has produced just about every kind of automobile imaginable, including lightweight sports cars, compact family cars, stately limousines, fire-breathing super-saloons, and even desert-conquering six-wheeled SUVs.

Here, we look at eight of the best Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold on Collecting Cars to date, spanning an elegant 1960s roadster to a modern-day 720bhp supercar.

1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

No list of great Mercedes-Benz models would be complete without including the achingly elegant classic SL, so what better place to start? Entering production in 1955 and intended as a more affordable alternative to the iconic 300 SL, the ‘W121’-generation 190 SL is lauded for its attractive styling, robust running gear, and fully independent suspension.

This beautiful 190 SL had been treated to a nut-and-bolt restoration, with just 10,000 km covered since. Presented in excellent condition, it attracted nearly 7,000 viewers, and sold for A$198,888.

1964 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman

Where the SL was created with grace and lightweight performance in mind, the W100-generation saloon is substantial, stately, and solidly built. It succeeded the acclaimed 300D ‘Adenauer’, and was just as popular with royalty, political leaders, captains of industry, and discerning celebrities.

The long-wheelbase ‘Pullman’ model was especially rare, with just 304 understood to have been built. This remarkable example was kept by its first owner for 51 years, and was offered from the cherished eight-year ownership of the third keeper. It was recently serviced and presented in impressive order, representing a great opportunity to acquire an exceptional flagship limousine. It attracted bids from the world, eventually selling for €225,000.

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda

One of Mercedes-Benz most recognisable models, the W113-generation SL is close to the hearts of enthusiasts the world over, with the likes of John Lennon among famous owners. Nicknamed the ‘Pagoda’ for its bowed hard-top roof’s resemblance to the Asian architectural feature, the W113 SL was particularly advanced for its time, featuring disc brakes, a four-speed automatic transmission, and even front and rear crumple zones.

An original UK-market example, this 280 SL was specified with Blue Metallic paintwork over a blue ‘MB-Tex’ leatherette-trimmed interior. First registered in March 1970, it had remained in the same family for close to 20 years, and was supplied with a complete known ownership history from new. Treated to a full, ‘no expense spared’ restoration by leading specialist Kevin O’Keeffe between 2015 and 2017, this wonderful and well-document SL secured a fantastic final bid of £141,000.

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL AMG 6.0

While it is now a fully owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG, until 1999 AMG remained an independent engineering firm, initially building racing engines before moving on to the modification of various road cars – the majority of which were Mercedes-Benz models.

A rare ‘pre-merger’ example, this R129-generation 500SL was built in 1992, before being sent to the AMG factory for a full conversion, which included being repainted in special-order Cobalt Blue, the interior retrimmed with extended leather, and most notably the ‘M119’ 5.0-litre V8 engine being reworked into a 6.0-litre AMG unit.

Originally ordered by Prince Abdul Hakeem of the Brunei royal family, this UK-delivered SL was reported to have been kept in storage in Brunei between 1993 and 2001, before returning to the UK. Offered for sale in good order, and benefiting from refurbishment of the roof mechanism, this unique AMG-tuned 500 SL sold for £54,000.

1993 Mercedes-Benz E500

Moving from one early ‘90s classic to another, we have the refined yet potent W124-generation E500. Built in collaboration with Porsche and hand-built at the marque’s Zuffenhausen plant, the E500 featured a wider track, lowered suspension, flared wheel arches, and the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre ‘M119’ V8, which sends 322bhp and 345lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

Finished in Blue-Black Metallic over an Anthracite leather-trimmed interior, this E500 was believed to be one of only four post-facelift examples supplied new to the UK. With two notable collectors among its previous owners, this handsome modern classic ‘super saloon’ sold for £31,500.

2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Today, McLaren is one of the world’s best-known supercar manufacturers, but things were very different just 20 years ago. After the sensational F1’s production run ended in 1998, there would not be another solely McLaren-branded road car until the launch of the MP4-12C in 2011. However, the wider McLaren Group remained active in the period between, and in the early 2000s it (with lead engineer Gordon Murray) was called upon by Mercedes-Benz to create the striking SLR McLaren grand tourer.

Built in 2004, this two-owner car had covered just 15,509 miles from new, and had undergone a major service less than six months prior to its listing at a cost of nearly £30,000. Finished in the timeless hue of Crystal Laurite Silver Metallic over a bold red leather-trimmed cabin, this rare ‘super coupe’ secured a winning bid of £215,000.

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

Another performance-focused ‘SL’ variant, but this time designed and built solely by Mercedes-Benz’s in-house performance division, the SLS AMG Black Series is a sensational coupe, inspired by the GT3 racing car, and accordingly powered by a 6.2-litre V8 producing 631hp and 653Nm of torque.

First registered in 2014, this Black Series was one of only 80 German-delivered examples out of the total production run of 350 cars, and had had only one owner from new. Reportedly used as a daily driver for its first four years but meticulously maintained, this powerful and exotic machine sold for an impressive €580,000.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series

Building a worthy successor to the SLS AMG Black Series was no easy task, but the Mercedes-AMG GT version came to the party with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 producing a mighty 720bhp; capable of dispatching the 0-62mph sprint in a mere 3.2 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 202mph.

Specified in the vibrant hue of Magma Orange offset by exposed carbon-fibre, protected by an application of PPF, and with main dealer service history; this dramatic high-performance coupe sold for $335,000 USD.

If you are looking to sell your cherished Mercedes-Benz or AMG, then contact our team of Consignment Specialists to discuss the process and next steps, and find out how to get a great result at auction. Alternatively, if you are in the market as a buyer, then don’t forget to ‘Watch’ any listings in Coming Soon, or register for alerts about similar cars for sale in the future.

What to pay for a Porsche 993

寫者： Collecting Cars

Porsche is renowned for many things in the automotive world, but for many enthusiasts the truly defining characteristic has always remained the same: a rear-mounted air-cooled engine. The performance, mechanical simplicity, and distinctive aural drama of these flat-four and flat-six engines keeps bringing new generations of enthusiasts to these iconic Porsche sports cars. The 911 remained powered by an air-cooled flat-six all the way up until 1997, with its swansong being the 993.

The 993-generation Porsche 911 was introduced for the 1994 model-year and brought with it a dramatic shift in styling from its predecessor the 964. The 993 cut a far smoother form than the 964, with more curvaceous wrap-around style bumpers, ‘faired-in’ headlights, and teardrop-style door mirrors. However, the changes weren’t only cosmetic. The 993 also featured a newly designed light-alloy rear subframe, and heavily revised multi-link suspension that improved handling and ride comfort. These mechanical changes transformed the 993-era 911s into more refined and approachable sports cars.

Today, the 993 range has become a highly desirable generation of the 911 due in no small part to it being the last of the ‘hand-built’ and air-cooled 911s. Since our first auctions in 2019, Collecting Cars has sold over 250 examples of the 993-era 911 in virtually every guise, from the entry-level Carrera, all the way to the rare Carrera RS and GT2 models.

For the purposes of this article our team have scoured the ‘Sold’ archives to put together a guide on anticipated prices for every level of 993 ownership. Naturally, bidding on any given car will be subject to nuances of the individual example, such as service history, condition, and mileage.

Carrera and Targa variants of the Porsche 993

993 Carrera / Carrera 4

Carrera models were powered by a new 272PS naturally aspirated 3.6-litre flat-six, which was improved for the 1996 model-year with the new ‘VarioRam’ system, increasing the power output to 285PS (and in today’s market these typically command higher values). The 993 was the first generation of the 911 to be given a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with a four-speed ‘Tiptronic’ automatic gearbox available as an option on Carrera, Carrera S, Cabriolet, and Targa models.

While the standard Carrera retains the defining rear-wheel-drive experience, for those seeking a capable year-round sports car, the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 (first released for the 1995 model-year) offers even more surefooted handling.

This original UK-market 1994 Carrera with a rare Aventurine Green finish, a solid maintenance history, and the six-speed manual gearbox sold for £52,000. In Sweden, this manual 1996 Carrera showing around 142,100 Kms achieved a hammer price of €67,000. Back in the UK, this 1995 Carrera from long-term ownership, with significant previous mechanical maintenance, and finished in the rare shade of Turquoise, sold for £58,500.

In Australia, a 1996 Carrera 4 finished in Midnight Blue Metallic and showing around 105,700 miles sold for A$127,920. This manual 1996 Carrera 4 with a tasteful colour scheme, a solid maintenance history, and showing around 66,700 miles sold in the UK for £67,000. Another UK-market Carrera 4, this time a 1997 car with only around 28,800 miles and a factory-fitted Aero Kit, achieved a hammer price of £75,500.

993 Cabriolet

For those looking for an open-air driving experience, the 993 Cabriolet was the exciting yet stylish choice. Released alongside the coupe variant, the Cabriolet featured a fully electric convertible roof, which was reinforced with metal sheets, and came with an automatic wind deflector. Like the coupe model, the Cabriolet was available in either rear-wheel drive Carrera or all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 specification.

In May 2024, this original UK-market manual 1997 Carrera Cabriolet with the associated VarioRam improvements, and showing around 95,100 miles, sold for £30,001, which reflects the typical ‘entry point’ for buyers. In the same month in New Zealand, a 1995 Carrera 4 Cabriolet boasting a manual gearbox and very modest 56,957 Kms sold for NZ$72,500. In Europe, this handsome 1994 Carrera Cabriolet showing around 176,800 Kms sold in Sweden for €59,003, while back in the UK, a 1994 Carrera Cabriolet in sought-after Slate Grey with an extensive history file sold for £51,000.

993 Targa

Introduced for the 1996 model-year, the 993 Targa ditched the traditional ‘removable panel’ design found on previous Targa models, and now featured a large, electrically retractable panel fabricated from tinted laminated glass. This gave the 993 Targa a distinctive panoramic roof, letting much more daylight into the cabin, and giving a feeling of open-air driving even with it closed.

In the UK, this 1996 Targa with the Tiptronic S automatic gearbox and showing a relatively modest 69,981 miles sold for £38,500; while in Europe this same-year example in a blue-over-blue colour scheme and benefitting from a recent engine overhaul sold for €53,150. Another Tiptronic S UK car, showing around 59,100 miles and finished in rare Grand Prix White over Chestnut leather, sold for £45,250. In Australia, this 1997 Targa in Ocean Blue with around 97,700 miles and a solid maintenance history, achieved a hammer price of A$104,000. Back in the UK, a sought-after manual gearbox car showing just 25,734 miles sold for £60,000, reflecting the top-end of Targa values.

993 Carrera S / Carrera 4S

The Carrera 4S was released in 1996, quickly followed by the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S in 1997. These new models in the 993 range retained the standard 3.6-litre air-cooled flat-six engine but were fitted with the wider Turbo model’s bodyshell. Both the ‘S’ models also featured slightly lower suspension than their standard counterparts, further enhancing their presence and handling. Due to these desirable upgrades, and more limited production numbers, they typically command a considerable premium over a standard Carrera.

This 1996 Carrera S was one of just 251 UK-market examples, and boasted the desirable manual gearbox and attractive Ocean Blue paintwork, selling for £86,500. A 1996 Carrera 4S showing a modest 59,931 miles at the time of sale sold for £96,500, while an even lower mileage 1997 Carrera 4S in a highly desirable Forest Green over Cashmere colour scheme achieved a hammer price of £120,000. In Australia, this 1997 Carrera S with the desirable six-speed manual transmission and finished in the launch shade of Vesuvio Grey Metallic sold for A$257,500. Back in Europe, in June 2024 this 1996 Carrera 4S with a solid maintenance history and just 21,453 Kms from new sold for €178,500.

Turbo variants of the Porsche 993

993 Turbo / X50

This era of the 911 Turbo was the first to feature a twin-turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive. With a 408PS power output (rising to 430PS and 450PS for the ‘WLS I’ / X50 and ‘WLS II’ / XLC power kits respectively), air-to-air intercoolers, electronic engine management, and revised cylinder heads, the 993 Turbo was a force to be reckoned with. Externally, the model featured wider rear wheel arches, redesigned front and rear bumpers, a large fixed rear spoiler housing the intercoolers, and new hollow-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.

The optional and rare ‘X50’ power kit (or ‘Works Performance Increase I’) added larger K24 turbochargers and intercoolers, a revised ECU, and a freer-flowing twin-pipe exhaust system. The result was a power increase from 408PS to 430PS.

In June 2024, this UK-market 1997 993 Turbo offered from long-term ownership and with around 85,300 miles sold for £105,000, while this 1997 model-year car featuring the X50 Pack, two private owners from new, and around 67,200 miles sold for £128,500.

In Spain, this two-owner 1995 Turbo showing around 68,800 Kms achieved a hammer price of €162,500, and in Australia this 1996 Turbo finished in a distinctive ‘Special Wishes’ factory specification with an exceptionally low 1,755 Kms sold for A$371,000. In Italy, this 1996 car with the X50 ‘WLS I’ pack and just 25,567 Kms sold for €243,000, while an X50-equipped 1997 Turbo in Australia with desirable Porsche Exclusive upgrades sold for A$405,500.

993 Turbo S

Introduced for the 1997 model year, the 993 Turbo S featured a raft of factory upgrades, including larger turbochargers, an additional oil cooler, a modified ECU, an uprated exhaust system, stiffer and 15mm-lower suspension, carbon-fibre interior trim, and a bespoke body kit. The exterior revisions included engine cooling ducts on the rear wings, a larger rear spoiler, and brake cooling ducts in the front bumper.

Due to a production run of just 435 examples, coupled with the desirable factory enhancements, the 993 Turbo S has become highly sought-after among enthusiasts and collectors. As a result, on the rare occasions they are offered for sale, the premium over a standard Turbo is substantial.

In the UK, this striking 1998 Turbo S finished in Pastel Yellow, with a solid maintenance history, sold for £261,000. Another original UK-market example ordered in the special ‘Paint to Sample’ hue of Ocean Blue Metallic, with a full Midnight Blue leather-trimmed cabin and just 41,974 miles from new, achieved a hammer price of £397,500.

Lightweight variants of the Porsche 993

993 Carrera RS / RS Clubsport

Only built in 1995 and 1996, the 993 Carrera RS was a more focused, lightweight variant. Power came from a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre air-cooled flat-six, delivering 300PS to the rear wheels, via a six-speed manual gearbox with a short shifter and modified gear ratios on the first three gears. The upgraded engine also featured forged pistons, uprated intake and exhaust valves, Porsche’s ‘Variocam’ system, dual oil coolers, and lightened rocker arms.

Additionally, the Carrera RS featured distinctive front bumper ‘flaps’ and rear spoiler, upgraded suspension, a lower ride height, a limited-slip differential, aluminium bonnet, thinner glass, uprated brakes; and a seam-welded, stiffened and track-prepared chassis. Inside, the cabin was pared back with the removal of the rear seats; lightweight bucket seats were installed in the front, soundproofing was reduced to a minimum, and simplified door cards were fitted.

The optional Clubsport package brought further track-focused upgrades, including a welded roll cage, a suspension strut brace, lightweight composite bucket seats, racing harnesses; the removal of the carpets, power windows, air conditioning, and radio; shorter top gear ratios, a shorter throw gear lever, a larger rear wing, and a deeper chin spoiler.

In July 2024, this 1995 Carrera RS Clubsport finished in the iconic hue of Guards Red and one of only 227 examples built, sold for €260,250. In the same month in the UK, this original UK-market 1995 Carrera RS with a solid maintenance history sold as part of ‘The Analogue Collection’ for £247,000.

An original UK-market 1995 Carrera RS with just three owners from new and extensive maintenance history sold for £280,000. Finally, this exceptionally rare 1996 Carrera RS with a single private owner from new, a mere 10,734 miles at the time of sale, and desirable factory options sold for a remarkable £456,000 – an auction world record at the time of writing.

993 Carrera Cup

A rare track variant of this generation came in the form of the 993 Carrera Cup, which was developed by Porsche’s racing department and weighed just 1100kg. This remarkably low kerb-weight was thanks to the use of plexiglass rear side windows, lightweight side window and rear window glass, lighter bodywork, the removal of the door side impact beams, an aluminium bonnet, and the removal of the internal sound insulation, carpets, headlining, power steering, handbrake, and heating system.

Power came from a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre ‘M64/70’ flat-six, capable of delivering up to 315bhp, which would later be replaced with the 325bhp 3.8-litre ‘M64/75’ engine in the 993 Carrera Cup RSR. In total, just 186 examples of the Carrera Cup were built, making it another highly sought-after 993-era performance hero.

In April 2024, this 1995 993 Carrera Cup was offered for sale in France. It was finished in the striking shade of Speed Yellow and showed just 27,000 Kms at the time of sale, and went on to sell for €166,500. In February 2024, an incredible car was offered for sale in Germany, which had been campaigned as part of the UPS Porsche-Junior Team in the 1998 Carrera Cup, where it was driven by Dirk Müller. During the season, he took victories at Zolder, Siegerland, the Nürburgring, and Hockenheim, and secured the German title in the final race – ending with a total of 132 points. Now road-legal, finished in Pullman Brown with light brown sponsor decals, and with unrivalled Championship-winning provenance, it sold for €407,704 – another auction world record.

Looking to sell or buy a Porsche 993?

The Porsche 993 model range represents a highly desirable cross-section of the marque’s modern classic sports cars, and the last of the air-cooled 911s. From entry-level Carreras and thrilling Turbo models, through to the rare and celebrated Carrera RS; if you’re looking for a 1990s poster car, there’s a model for almost all budgets. Those in the market for a 993 can subscribe to Collecting Cars’ alerts to stay updated with all the latest Coming Soon and Live auctions.

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