In our recent market review, we touched upon the increasing pressures of climate change, and how it will only push the values and desirability of select Mercedes classic cars upwards. This desirability is multifaceted, but this article focuses specifically on the usability and reliability of specific models, as well as their age, making them exempt from the impending expansion of low emissions zones. Towards the end, you’ll find several of our ULEZ efficient classic Mercedes cars that represent strong investment and enjoyment opportunities.
What Is It and Where Does It Mainly Apply?
The Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) has been in existence in London for several years now. Its aim is to reduce air pollution in areas with a dense population. It does so by charging vehicles a daily deterrent fee of £12.50 – but this is only the beginning. Since October 2021, the zone encompasses 3.8 million people in London. This restricts specific vehicles from roaming the city free of charge. Generally, petrol vehicles built after 2005 (Euro 4) and diesel cars built after 2015 (Euro 6) are exempt.
But where do Mercedes classic cars slot in? The cleaner vehicle register doesn’t cover period vehicles, so check your car’s status using the TFL site. If your classic car is 40 years or older – look for a classic Mercedes with T and/or V plates – will be exempt from any clean emissions zone charge.
How Could It Develop?
But London isn’t just the centre of this green goal. 2022 will see 15 more cities introduce clean emission zones, illustrated on the map below. As with the spread of classic Mercedes car owners around the UK, the clean emissions zones will be incorporate cities as far north as Aberdeen and Glasgow; paralleled by Portsmouth and Bristol in the south.
This positive move will benefit the health of the population and the planet. However, it will force newer vehicle owners to adapt. Since these are the most numerous of the pollutants, this is only to be expected. Enthusiasts with exempt classic Mercedes can continue sharing their passion with the world. They will enjoy unfettered access to these same areas. With the expansion of the low emissions zones, the increasing popularity of staycations and the general worldwide appeal of the UK’s charismatic cities, the surge in demand for low emissions compliant classics will likely increase.
Pair this with the continued shortage of semi-conductors hindering the new electric and ICE car market, as well as the hike in used car prices, and we begin to witness more discussion around earlier Mercedes R107 prices. The same can be said of the saloons and coupes that also left the factory prior to 1982.
Purchase a Mercedes Classic Car With Caution
We will be the first to proclaim the opportunity presented here to investors and enthusiasts. A pre-1982 Mercedes R107 SL, W108/W109, W111 or W114 offers all the comfort and refinement of a modern luxury car. It includes the power and modern conveniences necessary to drive daily, on holidays or just at the weekend.
But. The key is due diligence. Too often do we see newly purchased classic Mercedes cars – a blind buy on Collecting Cars or The Market where the Mercedes price was low, but a quick inspection reveals a dormant tsunami of problems or a tide that is quickly receding. Be cautious with these sites before purchasing what you think could be a ready-to-use ULEZ compliant classic Mercedes.
If you intend to use the car regularly in one of the cities listed above, don’t be afraid of the high mileage cars. Focus on maintenance records and a stamp of approval from a reputable workshop or service centre. For added security, ask where the parts have come from – are they OEM or reproduction? A classic Mercedes car that has been stored for a long period of time will need attention; so, ensure you have it looked at by a specialist. You’d hate to break down in the middle of Mayfair or on the cobbled streets of Edinburgh. Our sales team encourage aspiring owners to invest to their comfort level – focusing on what they need from the vehicle.
A Selection of ULEZ Efficient Classic Mercedes for the City-Skating Enthusiast: for the City-Skating Enthusiast:
Super Light and Comfortable: Blue Green Metallic (877) R107 SLC
The SLC arrived at the same time as the roadster but with a longer wheelbase to accommodate a 2+2 configuration. The SLC features a distinct pillar-less side profile and louvres located at the C-pillar. This helped to strengthen the structure without obscuring the driver’s view.
The SLC you see here has been painstakingly restored by SLSHOP. We removed the engine and stripped the shell completely. This allowed us to rectify all corrosion and rust. This included a repaired bulkhead, new floor pans, inner and outer sills, boot floor and cross member. With help of our parts team, the exhaust, braking system, suspension and bushes have all been replaced with the highest quality parts.
This is an exciting ULEZ efficient classic Mercedes with ample space to take you from the streets of Bristol right to Aberdeen, around the North Coast 500 and back, with plenty of space in the boot for stocks of Scotch.
Compliant Coupe: W114 280CE Coupe
Towards the end of 2021, SLSHOP were approached by Kienle Automobiltechnik GmbH in Germany to find new homes for a unique trio of fully restored vehicles. This included 280CE you see here, as well as an R107 300 SL and a later 280CE (W123) – all have been finished in Astral Silver (735) with a Blue MB Tex Interior (162).
This is a Mercedes classic saloon with a remarkable history of CARE and dedication by an owner who truly cherished the vehicle. Due to the extensive nature of the restoration work, aspiring owners have an opportunity to really delve into the detail and uncover what makes this vehicle special. Like the SLC, this is another chance to benefit from the refinement of a luxury classic Mercedes-Benz – power-steering, Halogen headlights and more. This is a unique, rare and road-ready coupe compliant with all of the impending low emissions zones.
Looking for a specific Mercedes classic car? Contact our sales team to discuss your desired colour combination, optional extras, engine preference and budget.
Share With Your Fellow Enthusiasts
In our recent market review, we touched upon the increasing pressures of climate change, and how it will only push the values and desirability of select Mercedes classic cars upwards. This desirability is multifaceted, but this article focuses specifically on the usability and reliability of specific models, as well as their age, making them exempt from the impending expansion of low emissions zones. Towards the end, you’ll find several of our ULEZ efficient classic Mercedes cars that represent strong investment and enjoyment opportunities.
What Is It and Where Does It Mainly Apply?
The Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) has been in existence in London for several years now. Its aim is to reduce air pollution in areas with a dense population. It does so by charging vehicles a daily deterrent fee of £12.50 – but this is only the beginning. Since October 2021, the zone encompasses 3.8 million people in London. This restricts specific vehicles from roaming the city free of charge. Generally, petrol vehicles built after 2005 (Euro 4) and diesel cars built after 2015 (Euro 6) are exempt.
But where do Mercedes classic cars slot in? The cleaner vehicle register doesn’t cover period vehicles, so check your car’s status using the TFL site. If your classic car is 40 years or older – look for a classic Mercedes with T and/or V plates – will be exempt from any clean emissions zone charge.
How Could It Develop?
But London isn’t just the centre of this green goal. 2022 will see 15 more cities introduce clean emission zones, illustrated on the map below. As with the spread of classic Mercedes car owners around the UK, the clean emissions zones will be incorporate cities as far north as Aberdeen and Glasgow; paralleled by Portsmouth and Bristol in the south.
This positive move will benefit the health of the population and the planet. However, it will force newer vehicle owners to adapt. Since these are the most numerous of the pollutants, this is only to be expected. Enthusiasts with exempt classic Mercedes can continue sharing their passion with the world. They will enjoy unfettered access to these same areas. With the expansion of the low emissions zones, the increasing popularity of staycations and the general worldwide appeal of the UK’s charismatic cities, the surge in demand for low emissions compliant classics will likely increase.
Pair this with the continued shortage of semi-conductors hindering the new electric and ICE car market, as well as the hike in used car prices, and we begin to witness more discussion around earlier Mercedes R107 prices. The same can be said of the saloons and coupes that also left the factory prior to 1982.
Purchase a Mercedes Classic Car With Caution
We will be the first to proclaim the opportunity presented here to investors and enthusiasts. A pre-1982 Mercedes R107 SL, W108/W109, W111 or W114 offers all the comfort and refinement of a modern luxury car. It includes the power and modern conveniences necessary to drive daily, on holidays or just at the weekend.
But. The key is due diligence. Too often do we see newly purchased classic Mercedes cars – a blind buy on Collecting Cars or The Market where the Mercedes price was low, but a quick inspection reveals a dormant tsunami of problems or a tide that is quickly receding. Be cautious with these sites before purchasing what you think could be a ready-to-use ULEZ compliant classic Mercedes.
If you intend to use the car regularly in one of the cities listed above, don’t be afraid of the high mileage cars. Focus on maintenance records and a stamp of approval from a reputable workshop or service centre. For added security, ask where the parts have come from – are they OEM or reproduction? A classic Mercedes car that has been stored for a long period of time will need attention; so, ensure you have it looked at by a specialist. You’d hate to break down in the middle of Mayfair or on the cobbled streets of Edinburgh. Our sales team encourage aspiring owners to invest to their comfort level – focusing on what they need from the vehicle.
A Selection of ULEZ Efficient Classic Mercedes for the City-Skating Enthusiast: for the City-Skating Enthusiast:
Super Light and Comfortable: Blue Green Metallic (877) R107 SLC
The SLC arrived at the same time as the roadster but with a longer wheelbase to accommodate a 2+2 configuration. The SLC features a distinct pillar-less side profile and louvres located at the C-pillar. This helped to strengthen the structure without obscuring the driver’s view.
The SLC you see here has been painstakingly restored by SLSHOP. We removed the engine and stripped the shell completely. This allowed us to rectify all corrosion and rust. This included a repaired bulkhead, new floor pans, inner and outer sills, boot floor and cross member. With help of our parts team, the exhaust, braking system, suspension and bushes have all been replaced with the highest quality parts.
This is an exciting ULEZ efficient classic Mercedes with ample space to take you from the streets of Bristol right to Aberdeen, around the North Coast 500 and back, with plenty of space in the boot for stocks of Scotch.
Compliant Coupe: W114 280CE Coupe
Towards the end of 2021, SLSHOP were approached by Kienle Automobiltechnik GmbH in Germany to find new homes for a unique trio of fully restored vehicles. This included 280CE you see here, as well as an R107 300 SL and a later 280CE (W123) – all have been finished in Astral Silver (735) with a Blue MB Tex Interior (162).
This is a Mercedes classic saloon with a remarkable history of CARE and dedication by an owner who truly cherished the vehicle. Due to the extensive nature of the restoration work, aspiring owners have an opportunity to really delve into the detail and uncover what makes this vehicle special. Like the SLC, this is another chance to benefit from the refinement of a luxury classic Mercedes-Benz – power-steering, Halogen headlights and more. This is a unique, rare and road-ready coupe compliant with all of the impending low emissions zones.
Looking for a specific Mercedes classic car? Contact our sales team to discuss your desired colour combination, optional extras, engine preference and budget.
Share With Your Fellow Enthusiasts
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