10k: 570 SL: 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL R107 w GM LT1 V8
The Mercedes-Benz R107 was introduced in 1971 as a 2-seat soft-top roadster (with optional hard-top) and relied heavily on chassis components borrowed from the W114 E-Class and engines from the W116 S-Class. The iconic shape of the R107 lasted for an incredibly long 18 years of production and was finally replaced in 1989 by the smoother but less cool looking R129. Find this 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL with GM LT1 V8 swap for sale in Evansville, IN currently bidding on ebay for $1,131 reserve-not-met with buy-it-now of $10,500. Thanks to tip from Jim K.
This R107 looks completely stock from the outside and no one will expect anything is out of the ordinary, our favorite kind of sleeper. Most R107s of this vintage are driven around slowly by little old ladies, so it is great to see one with potential to do big smokey burnouts.
The LT1 installation isn’t the cleanest we’ve ever seen, lots of exposed wires make it look like the underside of the Millennium Falcon. It’s not that we have anything against Wookie engine swaps, it’s just that their hairy fingers don’t lend themselves well to detailed electrical work. Perhaps a hard working droid or little Jedi kid could do some cleanup on this one.
The interior, fitted with Toyota Avalon electric seats looks surprisingly natural but still reminds us of when MB Tex ruled the world and before Daimler-Benz threw away its history of quality for short term profit.
The $10k buy-it-now price may be a bit difficult to swallow, but it all depends on how well the overall package works…at $5k this could be purchased via a click on ebay, but at $10k…it really needs an in person inspection.
See a better classic V8 swapped Merc? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
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The thing to remember is most of that exposed wiring came from the factory that way. Good as Mercedes' from that era are, the wire looms weren't the neatest on the planet. The wiring on the LT1 OTOH is actually rather easy to hide. A bit of TLC over the course of a day or two can clean that up without much problem. I see the FI fuse box and the module is underhood, so at least repairs won't be a pain in the ass to get at.