Throughout automotive history, there have been any number of cars that transition from throwaway projects to desirable specimens. Rarely does that phenomenon crystallize so perfectly than with the Mercedes-Benz 190SL, a car that recently has enjoyed a fast-rising tide after years of being cast aside in the shadow of the glorious 300SL. This 1961 example on eBay was actually purchased as a parts car and then left in the barn. Bidding is brisk with the reserve unmet at $27,400. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Jim S for spotting it!

If the seller’s story is true, he’s enjoyed some good fortune likely buying this car for peanuts in the ‘80s and simply holding onto it. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve daydreamed about cars that if money and space permitted, I would purchase and squirrel away for a rainy day. There are some vehicles like the 190SL that just seem to be too affordable, almost as if you know it’s destined to become collectable someday. I often think cars like the Porsche 914, Corvette ZR1 and the first-generation Mazda RX-7 are next on the list to soon become more difficult to purchase on the cheap as good ones disappear.

Personally, the 190SL has always been a compelling choice to me. From a price point, certainly – the 300SL roadster has been fetching huge money at the auctions, catching up rapidly to the iconic Gullwing. Of course, the 190SL is enjoying a bit of a resurgence that’s driving prices on cars like these upwards, but it’s still attainable from a project standpoint. Restoring it to its former glory, however, isn’t going to be an affordable affair, especially if this car in this condition fetches over $30,000. There’s a lot of work to be done, from rust repair to reassembling the interior and of course, complete mechanical refurbishment.

To me, whatever the outcome of the auction is will make me feel good. A car that clearly deserves restoration will likely undergo an expensive transformation; a hobbyist will clear out some space in his barn and likely make a nice profit in the process. It does make you think, however, that now is the time to buy that project while it’s affordable (unless you’re shopping for a Renault Fuego, which you can likely buy for a good price at any time). What car would you buy now before the prices go up? Let us know in the comments below.