A "Top 10" smart buy for 2010: the venerable 107 series SLs, particularly the early small bumper non-smog US '72/'73 editions. This is a spotless 1972 US 350SL 4.5. Most are hobbling and rather worn out so it's wise to pay more for a superb example.
Octane Magazine’s “Smart Buys” for 2010
R107 series SLs gaining respect
Octane Magazine, Europe’s premier collector car magazine recently published its “Smart Buys” for 2010 list. The list was intended to alert astute buyers of currently undervalued classics. Number one position was occupied by Ferrari’s 550 Maranello (no quibbling on this choice from your editor as I owned one few years back – an absolutely brilliant car.) The list went on and covered among others, Aston Martin’s V8 Virage (I vastly enjoyed my 1992 5-spd), Porsche’s early 911 Turbos (yup, had a 15k mile bone stock 1976 in the ’90s), but squeaking in at number 10 was the R107 SL. Hooray!
Bookends for the R107 series in the US; an arctic white 1989 560SL fronts a medium blue 350SL 4.5. We recommend either the first 2 years (1972/3) or last 4 years (1986/89) as the most interesting of the US series.
Including the often overlooked 1971-1989 SLs in this privileged group is long overdue. We’ve been touting this era of SL’s virtues for some years, particularly the early small bumper US cars and the 560SLs that finished the era in the US. These cars have caught the eye of Laurence Sayers Gillan of Barons auctions in UK: “Pagoda SLs have gone through the roof, but the next generation SLs bear a family kinship at very affordable prices.” I’ll second that. Pagodas are charmers but can be unnerving at speed and have become very expensive.
Brawny end-of-series 560SL incorporates all that was learned during unusually long 107 production period. Europe's 500SL mirrored our US 560SLs performance albeit without obtrusive 5mph bumpers.
A well prepared early Euro 350SL 4-speed will outperform a 280SL Pagoda all day and do it in a more refined and relaxed manner. The facts were presented in my article “Looking for the next collectible SL.” Gillan likes the Euro 300SL for its low cost of operation and capable handling. However, Euro 1985-1989 300Sls are virtually non-existent in the US. I’ve owned only one and did feel it was a relaxed, agile cruiser.
Euro only 300SLs are a rare sight in the US. 188 hp E class engine lacks the muscle of the 500/560 variants.
What an interesting development; the old 107 SL taking its place among Europe’s exotica as the most affordable “Smart Buy” of the bunch. Don’t rush out and buy the first shiny 350/350/560SL you see. Do your home work. Most of the cars offered for sale in the US are horrible old cars with massive reconditioning costs looming. Do your homework and have a look at the massive section devoted to evaluating the 107 cars in our SL Research Database. You won’t regret it.
Recommended Reading:
Mercedes-Benz Roadsters, LJK Setright ISBN 0-85045-325-9
Mercedes-Benz V8s, F. Wilson McComb ISBN 0 85045 383 6
The Mercedes-Benz since 1945, Vol 3: The 1970s, James Taylor
ISBN 0 900549 97 1
Shop Amazon for Mercedes-Benz Books>
Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography from MercedesHeritage.com
Please post your comments below.
18 Responses to “Octane Magazine names 107 SL “Smart buy” for 2010”
[...] a smart buy? Good write up on our old SLs: Octane Magazine names 107 SL “Smart buy” for 2010 Hope they are [...]
Thank you, I very much enjoyed your artical on the 107. I have one of the euro 300 SLs
and I love it.
My 72 SL is a dream machine, completely perfect and I enjoy driving it. Full restoration took 10 years ( a few detours along the way) but the result I feel is fabulous. Glad to see they are starting to get some respect!
Another terrifc article.
You guys supplied me the extra nudge to get my 1986 560SL this year and I’m lovin it. She’s a beautiful Black ‘n Cream with 88K and great cosmetics. Owners take note … I replaced the chassis supports and motor mounts for a truly enhanced quality of ride & drive experience. Thanks again.
I agree with Ron July 16th, 2010 12:24PM
“Glad to see they are starting to get some respect!”
I have owned a 1974 350SLC for 16 years now and just love driving it. Back in 2007 came across a very good and very rare 107, 1981 280SL 4 speed manual. It is a very fast vehicle, has kept up with early turbo Porches on past rallies. I have even given it the respect it deserves with a set Euro style number plates V SL 107.. My advise, keep buying them, if not only for pleasure, they will increase in value.
It is nice to hear that the 107 SLs are on the Smart Buy list. Finally gaining some respect
I enjoy driving my 560SL with the top down year round. They are wonderful machines to drive and own. Mine is original. I picked it up from a close friend about 6 years ago with 58K on the odo. I maybe put 4K a year on her. Mainly rides up and down the Pacific coast highway.
I’d like to see Ron’s restored 72. I bet it looks beautiful.
Not liking the handling of the 350/450 SL’s I never considered owning one ,the post about a early 107 keeping up with a 930 had me glad that we put really good carpeting in our office as I hit the floor pretty hard. Anyway I had the opportunity to buy a 78′ 450SLC that someone had neglected the cam chain,so after 500$ US changed hands it was mine , so out with the drive train, in with a 560 drive train , oh the front of the car looks as if I left the jack stands under it ( I didn’t) cut 1 whole coil out of the front springs, now it sits level, the people that raved about the 107-026 s were right on, there is lots more leg room and no cowl shake compared to a SL , I’ve been competing in the West Coast Rallye events for 2 yrs now and every leg down an unimproved back road brings a smile to my face Rich
My 1972 450 SL was one of the first 25 branded as a 450. The owners manual says “Mercedes Benz 350 SL”. My wife & I love this machine and tour all over the place in it. This machine is a joy to drive and we get many copmliments on it. We just got back from a week in The Poconos.
Earl in Ottawa, Canada
I was becoming concerned about the low prices I’ve seen advertised for some of the SL’s in the DC/MD/VA area, so your articl is encouraging. Mine is insured with Haggarty for $25,000.
I became the third owner of my Diamond Blue 1986, 560SL in 1994. Car was dealer maintained, had documented 20,00 miles on the odometer, looks and runs great, and presently has only 79,000 miles. I had the injectors replaced, and the service manager at the local Benz dealer told me it’s the smoothest SL he’s ever driven! I do have a small crack developing on the dash, adjactent to the curve at the odometer that I’m concerned about, but have not found a solution to a repair.
I’m still looking for the first serial number, and last serial number for the first and last 560SL made. I’ve a very early (made in ’85) #37443 and a very late ’89 #100101.
I’ve owned 19 560SLs; all very fine examples, most had below 40K miles. Also a’71 280SL, 3 450SLCs, and a 380SL; plus a ’96 600SL. Throw in an ’86 560SEC, 2 300SD (diesel) sedans and a ’94 S420 sedan. Loved them all!
Any help?
I have a 88 560 Sl in Signal red. Bought it 5 years ago 43,000 on the clock. It now has 50k. Smoothest car I have ever driven. The other day a young kid in a new mustang eyed me down at a light and we ended up sprinting to the next light. needless to say he could not keep up; I was amazed at how the sl left him effortlessly in the dust. I do not normally drive it this way, but I flet thet I had to give my car the respect it clearly deserves.
I just bought a 450SLC, lovely car, bit heavy on gas, but it *moves* when you need it to.
Its great working on cars without any computer BS (minimal in mine), plus, they’re great fun to drive.
I purchased a 1986 560 SL last year for 11k. It has 37,000 miles and is immaculate. Black Pearl (dark charcoal metallic) with a Palomino interior. It was owned by an elderly lady in CT who seldom drove it and kept it garaged. I replaced the soft top and tires, and this beauty looks brand new. It drives like a dream and will absolutely haul ass! I love this car!!!
I have a gray and navy 560 SL given to me by my late loving husband. I would love to have an estimate and sell it at this point…can you help.
R Strawhorn
1-803-684-9333
How very impressed I am that Mr. Spencer would respond to my questions…I will ask the estimate he suggested and enjoy the readings you’ll provide.
Thanks for the information.
R. Strawhorn
South Carolina
I just purchased a 1985 300 SL (European model) with 47K on the clock and am just beginning to enter this R107 world. This model has the inline 6 cylinder motor. Not very fast, but the car rides nice and am looking forward to years of enjoyment.
One question: What model in the US is compatible for spare parts? Mainly maintenance issues. Thanks.
I got my eyes on a nice 450 SL with both tops for $6,999.00 I think I would love the car to death!
They are beautiful,I also want a 300 SD someday.
webmaster.
I agree with SL values starting upward direction…..good ones at least. I own a great 50,000 m 380sl of 84 and it has long legs for cruising plus brilliant fuel consumption.
My other 107 is a 89 300sl with 35,000 m – using it sparingly and hoping it will double in value every 10 years………
My pagoda is a two owner 100,000 m very original car with detailed history…..still short a 190SL and obviously wouldnt mind 300SL of 1960
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