Resto Mod..... Decrease or Increase Value?

[Fearon]

I have a question?

If one were to "resto mod" OEM+ a 500e would that massively decrease the value, or increase?

Ive got the chance to buy a 500e, Its Silver, but originally it should be Blue-Black. apparently was resprayed when it entered Japan all them years ago!

So, If I were to respray Sapphire Black still an OE colour but not correct for the car, slap in a pair of Recaro Classic's, Alcantara roof and pillars, with a complete red leather retrim (dash top, door tops and seats), how would this affect the value, if I came to sell the car later down the line??

TIA

Tom!

 

[2phast]

I think the case of a 500E. Bone stock would garner the most buyers with the largest bank accounts. Although, I will say every car I have owned has been "resto-modded" and sold for more than what I had into them (even my 500E). It does take longer to find the right buyer and assuming your "resto-mod" isn't out in left field (e.g. pink paint, 24" donk wheels etc.) you will do ok.

 

[sheward]

It is difficult to say without more info. If the car is in need of much repair, as most are, it will likely be difficult to resurrect to collector condition which will make your plans less impactful economically. Spraying the car a third time will likely be quite expensive due to labor and what might be found underneath. Further, the color combo you choose may or may not be popular to prospective buyers.

If the car is in very good stock condition already, I'd say your mods are going to reduce the value towards the purists, which likely represent many of the potential buyers, although the present color change may scare off some purists anyway.

Maybe an easier way to answer your question would be; If you are ready to spend the money to do a complete respray with color change the possible loss of value will be negligible.

Overall, if the mods are done to a high degree of quality the impact should be small. I personally like the interior upgrades and performed the Alcantara roof and pillars on my own car. I also think SILVER over red is beautiful.

 

[sheward]

I will add, with the increasing difficulty to find people to work on these cars as well as find parts for them I think we will experience a divide between collector examples and driver examples, the latter being coveted for their mechanical updates and less for their being "as the factory delivered"

 

[gsxr]

Short answer: Don't expect to get your money back.

If you want to "resto-mod" and enjoy the ride for a few years, great! However, you'll likely be upside-down with regards to what you spent vs what it will sell for in the future (unless 036 values shoot to the moon, which is unlikely). Also, if any mods will only appeal to a small percentage of buyers, that will cause problems when you want to sell. E.g., the red re-trim might not be everyone's cup o' tea.

If you want a Sapphire Black car without the Limited price premium, I'd find a rust-free car with bad paint, as your entry cost will be lower. Then respray 009 and mod away. Same stuff applies about not getting your money back though.

 

[duuder]

if its over 120kmi, it may not be much of a difference but it'll take time for the right buyer.. in honesty - do you whatever you want and enjoy it

 

[Bogeyman]

What it does is reduce your pool of potential buyers. There are some that won't consider it. That doesn't mean that you will potentially get less but it may take longer to find a buyer.
I have a W113 280SL that was originally 050 white over black. I restored it to 040 black over parchment. I've owned it for over 30 years and never regretted it. In fact I love it.

 

[2phast]

Short answer: Don't expect to get your money back.

If you want to "resto-mod" and enjoy the ride for a few years, great! However, you'll likely be upside-down with regards to what you spent vs what it will sell for in the future (unless 036 values shoot to the moon, which is unlikely). Also, if any mods will only appeal to a small percentage of buyers, that will cause problems when you want to sell. E.g., the red re-trim might not be everyone's cup o' tea.

If you want a Sapphire Black car without the Limited price premium, I'd find a rust-free car with bad paint, as your entry cost will be lower. Then respray 009 and mod away. Same stuff applies about not getting your money back though.

I guess you did not read my post. My extensive experience with this topic directly contradicts what you posted.

 

[Alphasud40]

I would approach from a different angle and purchase a 034 car and modify to your hearts content. For the price of entry you could install a modified drivetrain, suspension, and brakes, repaint and reupholster. If you plan to keep the car long term no worry about its value. It will still be a special build and if done in good taste will attract the same audience. Nobody will harp on you for ruining the originality.

 

[alabbasi]

originality always wins.

 

[Markus-MD]

Yeah for the Byer.But i will love the experence for Modifications.Hey ist an old car for easy peasy long distance drive not for hidding .My car my rules .i like 19 zoll weels fited also big Brakes fitted .NAG1 check.also so coulor my car was 199 in bad condition.Also repainted in 040 inkluding zhe saccos.hey best idee ever looks as well another car. i liked .
but i want do this for me .not for selling.
everthing we wants.
its an typical discuss one side "All must be original" other side "Shit must be modifed"the real live is somewhere in zhe middle.
take it easy