15k: Low Mile Original: 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450SL R107
The R107 generation Mercedes two-seater mated the mechanical components of the W114 sedan with the engines from the W108. Everything was wrapped under one of the best looking bodies ever to come from Stuttgart and even the post 1974 US market editions with cow-catcher bumpers looked gorgeous. Find this 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL
with only 19k miles on the odometer for sale in Portland, OR currently bidding for $15,200 with a few hours to go.
The market for R107 coupes is very friendly to the budget enthusiast, cheap examples are abundant and even the best cars go for reasonable money. Price-wise it is just about the polar opposite of any 1960s 2-seat Mercedes such as a W198 300SL or W113 230/250/280 SL. This particular example is just about museum quality and bidding is just above $15k with a few hours to go.
The 4.5 liter M117 V8 puts out 214 horsepower and is mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system is fairly reliable but easy to work on when things get broken.
This 450SL has only been driven 500 miles per year since it was built and the interior looks almost new. The low miles is certainly a factor, but this car dates from the era when Mercedes-Benz built positively indestructible interiors.
See a better way to drive a 2-seat topless classic Mercedes without breaking the bank? tips@dailyturismo.com
the seats and the wheels are not proper for the year. seats look like they came out of a much later amg product like a c36 or e55.
Having bounced and wallowed around in vintage MB seats for several years, I'd say these are a good call. Too bad there's no manual trans option, but then prices would probably be much higher. Stick swap reasonably?
I've often wondered the same thing regarding a stick swap on these SL's, but I have yet to see an example where someone took that on. I'd be pretty interested if I ever saw what looked to be a reasonably-performed swap on the market. BTW, love the new icons.
Thanks, bro! Put in a suggestion or two for more badges and I'll whip something up. Comments thread for the "Icon Do It All By Myself" thread would be the best place.
I'm not buying the 19K mile claim unless they have ironclad documentation. Seat and door card change looks silly in this car and makes you wonder about the mileage claim as well.
Not to mention the really glaring color mismatch between the front passenger fender and the door. It shows up in both side profile shots, so it's not just a lighting anomaly. This car has definitely had to have some body work done.