Category: Mercedes-Benz (Page 12 of 12)

Classic elegance within reach

TIMELESS CLASS. For most of the 70s and 80s, the Mercedes-Benz SL (R107) was the embodiment of a lifestyle that evoked achieving a certain status in life while still being able to enjoy it. They were the cars of the stars and the country club set. They were sporty without being sports cars, with refined elegance and graceful performance. Over its remarkable 18-year run, the 107 SL never lost any of its appeal and many would agree that it hasn’t to this day. Of those 18 years, the most enduring is the 450 SL, spanning from 1973 (1972 if you count the 350 SL with the 450’s motor) through 1980. With its iconic “bundt” wheels and fluted rockers, it’s what comes to many people’s minds when recalling the 107. 1980—the final year of production for the 450 SL—also has the distinction of being the only model year to feature anti-lock brakes. Today, the 450 SL’s enduring caché combined with modest prices make it a perfect example of “look rich cheap.” As such, they’ve held up well in a soft economy and are beginning to climb as market conditions improve.

OVERALL CONDITION
Because the cars were so drivable, it stands to reason that many 450 SLs were driven. And driven. And driven. While it’s true that 450 SLs—like any Mercedes-Benz—have legendary durability, finding one with less than 100K miles is somewhat rare. The one listed here is not only a low-mileage example, with 93,000 actual miles, but retains its production line form and has excellent owner history. It’s a lifelong California car owned by a professional woman who later passed it onto her son. The car has been under one family since new. It’s everything a proper 107 should be: It has both tops. It has the original Becker Mexico audio system. It has a complete set of tools designed specifically for the 107 and it matches its data card. The car is presented in a chic combination of Black with tan leather and black folding top. Gaps are perfect (many higher mileage and even some lower mileage SLs were subject to a lot of body flex, which in time compromised fit). The top is in perfect condition with little evidence of ever being used. Exterior canvas and plastic window are as new. Brightwork is a mirror finish with no pitting. Original glass is excellent all the way around. Mechanically, it’s nice and smooth, pulling away strong without any engine vibration that many of the large-motored 107s experience. There are no leaks, no smoke and no unusual smells. Shifting is clean and silky. There’s none of the lurching that is typical of more tired cars. The interior is in excellent original condition. The original dash does have a couple of small cracks in the typical places (coming forward from the defroster vents, on seam of instrument pond), but is otherwise straight and solid. Seats are firm with very little wear on the leather. The wood retains a deep polish and shows no dryness. All instruments work, including the clock. The trunk is clean with excellent fit and finish. The headliners on both the hard and soft tops are clean with no tears or other blemishes and no yellowing. With either top—up or down—it’s a car that’s both a pleasure to drive and a beauty to behold.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Driving an R107 never ceases to elicit images of rolling through tree-lined country roads or meeting friends for lunch at the yacht club. The 450 SL—especially one in this condition—is still perfectly at home in just about any environment where style and grace meet suave and sexy. The first thing you’ll notice is the comfort. Seats are firm and supportive yet comfortable enough for all-day touring. Next you’ll grab the large, leather-wrapped steering wheel and turn the key as the 4.5 liter V8 comes to life. Put the car in drive and the car accelerates with steady power, which is considerable by 1980 standards. It’s not neck-snapping by any means but plenty strong with a wide power band for excellent drivability at moderate sppeds. The suspension is solid. There is no cowl or scuttle shake over obstructions like railroad tracks. There are no rattles or squeaks. Even with the top down, the car is relatively quiet. Even though many would stop short of calling this a true sports car, it has enough sporting characteristics to call it fun to drive. Its handling is spirited with excellent balance. Power and especially torque are on hand when you need it while the brakes grip well when you don’t. And of course there’s little substitute for the pure joy of top-down motoring.

ONE OWNER 32 years. Exceptional Example

THE PINNACLE OF AN AUTOMOTIVE ICON For most of the 70s and 80s, the Mercedes-Benz SL (R107) was the embodiment of a lifestyle that evoked achieving a certain status in life while still being able to enjoy it. They were the cars of the stars and the country club set. They were sporty without being sports cars, with refined elegance and graceful performance. Over its remarkable 18-year run, the 107 SL never lost any of its appeal and many would agree that it hasn’t to this day. Of those 18 years, the most enduring is the 450 SL, spanning from 1973 (1972 if you count the 350 SL with the 450’s motor) through 1980. It’s what comes to many people’s minds when recalling the 107. Today, the 450 SL’s enduring caché combined with modest prices make it a perfect example of “look rich cheap.” As such, they’ve held up well in a soft economy and are beginning to climb as market conditions improve.  

OVERALL CONDITION
Because the cars were so drivable, it stands to reason that many 450 SLs were driven. And driven. And driven. While it’s true that 450 SLs—like any Mercedes-Benz—have legendary durability, finding one with less than 100K miles is somewhat rare. The one listed here is not only a very low-mileage example, with less than 79,000 actual miles, but retains its production line form and has excellent owner history. Its current owner purchased the car in 2010 from the original owner, the proverbial little old lady who owned the car since new. As a Porsche collector, the car simply doesn’t fit the stable despite its appeal. It has all the Mercedes-Benz prerequisistes:

The car is presented in a stately combination of Anthracite Grey with Black leather and navy folding top. Gaps are perfect (many higher mileage and even some lower mileage SLs were subject to a lot of body flex, which in time compromised fit). The top is in perfect condition with little evidence of ever being used. Exterior canvas and plastic window are as new. Brightwork is a mirror finish with no pitting. Original glass is excellent all the way around. Mechanically, it’s nice and smooth, pulling away strong without any engine vibration that many of the large-motored 107s experience. There are no leaks, no smoke and no unusual smells. Shifting is clean and silky. There’s none of the lurching that is typical of more tired cars. Braking is sure and straight. The interior is in near perfect condition. Seats are firm with very little wear on the leather. The wood retains a deep polish and shows no dryness. Carpets are supple and fresh. All instruments work, including the clock. The trunk is clean with excellent fit and finish. The headliners on both the hard and soft tops are clean with no yellowing. With either top—up or down—it’s a car that’s both a pleasure to drive and a beauty to behold.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Driving an R107 never ceases to elicit images of rolling through tree-lined country roads or meeting friends for lunch at the yacht club. The 450 SL—especially one in this condition—is still perfectly at home in just about any environment where style and grace meet suave and sexy. The first thing you’ll notice is the comfort. Seats are firm and supportive yet comfortable enough for all-day touring. Next you’ll grab the large, leather-wrapped steering wheel and turn the key as the 4.5 liter V8 comes to life. Put the car in drive and the car accelerates with steady power, which is considerable by 1978 standards. It’s not neck-snapping by any means but plenty strong with a wide power band for excellent drivability at moderate sppeds. The suspension is solid. There is no cowl or scuttle shake over obstructions like railroad tracks. There are no rattles or squeaks. Even with the top down, the car is relatively quiet. Even though many would stop short of calling this a true sports car, it has enough sporting characteristics to call it fun to drive. Its handling is spirited with excellent balance. Power and especially torque are on hand when you need it while the brakes grip well when you don’t. And of course there’s little substitute for the pure joy of top-down motoring.

Exceptional original example with provenance

THIS IS THE STORY of how a Ford may have ended up in a Mercedes-Benz. In 1996, the Mercedes R129, already acclaimed by both press and public for its sophisticated elegance and performance, had undergone some refinements which included a 5-speed electronic transmission, side air bags and minor styling updates. A prominent business man and resident of Vail, Colorado, George Gillett, felt an SL500 in classic Mercedes 904 Blue would make a perfect car for his wife Rose to enjoy the deep blue skies of Colorado summers. George and Rose were close friends with former President Gerald and First Lady Betty Ford, who were also part-time Vail residents and partners in Vail Associates. So aside from being a nicely preserved, excellent example of an R129, we have here one that very likely saw Betty Ford as a passenger on many a lunch date around Vail. I don’t know that for a fact, but it’s a good possibility. That aside, it’s an excellent car and one that certainly presents itself as stately in its own right.

OVERALL CONDITION

In addition to—or perhaps because of—its prominent history, the car has been exceptionally well maintained and preserved. As such, it has all the Mercedes-Benz prerequisites:

• It has both tops
• It has the original Becker audio system
• It has a complete set of manuals
• It has a complete set of tools
• It matches its data card

The car is presented in a striking and unique combination of dark blue (904 Dunkelblau) with light gray leather (208 Orion Gray) and black power soft top, all of which are completely original. Paint is exceptionally nice for its age. It shows some stone chips along the nose as well as a few very minor nicks and scuffs on doors and fenders, but has outstanding depth and shine. Gaps are perfect (many higher mileage and even some lower mileage SLs were subject to a lot of body flex, which in time compromised fit). Original glass is excellent all the way around. Mechanically, it’s one of the silkiest SLs I’ve ever had the pleasure to drive. It idles smooth, pulls away strong, without the engine vibration that many of the large-motored 129s experience. There are no leaks, no smoke and no unusual smells. Shifting is clean and silky. There’s none of the lurching that is typical of more tired cars. Braking is superb, sure and straight. The interior is in near perfect condition. Seats are firm with very little wear on the leather. It even smells new. The wood retains a deep polish and shows no dryness. Carpets are supple and fresh. All instruments work, including the clock. The trunk is clean with excellent fit and finish. The headliners on both the hard and soft tops are clean with no tears or other blemishes. Hardtop removal, as well as soft-top operation, up and down, is flawless (often a problem area for 129s). It’s perfect for weekend motoring. With either top—up or down—it’s a car that’s both a pleasure to drive and a beauty to behold.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

Driving an R129 never ceases to elicit images of rolling through tree-lined country roads or meeting friends for lunch at the yacht club. The SL500—especially one in this condition—is still perfectly at home in just about any environment where style and grace meet suave and sexy. The first thing you’ll notice is the comfort. Seats are firm and supportive yet comfortable enough for all-day touring. Next you’ll grab the leather-wrapped steering wheel and turn the key as the 5.0 liter V8 comes to life. Put the car in drive and the car accelerates with steady power, which is considerable by 1996 standards. It’s not neck-snapping by any means but plenty strong with a wide power band for excellent drivability at moderate speeds. The suspension is solid. There is no cowl or scuttle shake over obstructions like railroad tracks. There are no rattles or squeaks. The car is very quiet, even with the top down (the original wind buffer is included and in excellent condition). Even though many would stop short of calling this a true sports car, it has enough sporting characteristics to call it fun to drive. Its handling is spirited with excellent balance. Power and especially torque are on hand when you need it while the brakes grip well when you don’t. And of course there’s little substitute for the pure joy of top-down motoring.

Impeccably maintained two-owner Florida car.

THE PINNACLE OF AN AUTOMOTIVE ICON For most of the 70s and 80s, the Mercedes-Benz SL (R107) was the embodiment of a lifestyle that evoked achieving a certain status in life while still being able to enjoy it. They were the cars of the stars and the country club set. They were sporty without being sports cars, with refined elegance and graceful performance. Over its remarkable 18-year run, the 107 SL never lost any of its appeal and many would agree that it hasn’t to this day. Its final iteration, between 1986 and 1989, was the 560 SL. The 560 SL was in response to US customers who sought performance that was comparable to the European market 500 SL (in the early 80s, only the 155-hp 380 SL was available though US dealers). Not since the pre-emissions 350 and 450 SL of 1972 and 1973 had a US-market SL eclipsed 200 horsepower. Furthermore, a significant increase in torque made it the most drivable SL ever. Today, the 560 SL’s enduring caché combined with modest prices make it a perfect example of “look rich cheap.” As such, they’ve held up well in a soft economy and are beginning to climb as market conditions improve. 

OVERALL CONDITION
Because the cars were so drivable, it stands to reason that many 560 SLs were driven. And driven. And driven. While it’s true that 560 SLs—like any Mercedes-Benz—have legendary durability, finding one with less than 100K miles is somewhat rare. The one listed here is not only a very low-mileage example, with less than 59,000 documented miles, but retains its production line form and has excellent owner history. Its current owner purchased the car from the original owner, the proverbial little old lady. The car has shared the same mechanic throughout its post-warranty life and has been impeccably maintained with thorough service history, including fresh 60,000 mi. scheduled maintenance. It has all the Mercedes-Benz prerequisistes:

The car is presented in a striking and rare combination of Signal Red with Black  leather (most red cars had Palomino, or tan, interior) and black folding top. Gaps are perfect (many higher mileage and even some lower mileage SLs were subject to a lot of body flex, which in time compromised fit). The original top is in perfect condition with little evidence of ever being used. Exterior canvas and plastic window are as new. Brightwork is a mirror finish with no pitting. Original glass is excellent all the way around. Mechanically, it’s perhaps the silkiest 560 I’ve ever had the pleasure to drive. It idles smooth, pulls away strong, without the engine vibration that many of the large-motored 107s experience. There are no leaks, no smoke and no unusual smells. Shifting is clean and silky. There’s none of the lurching that is typical of more tired cars. Braking is superb, sure and straight. The interior is in near perfect condition. Seats are firm with very little wear on the leather. The wood retains a deep polish and shows no dryness. Carpets are supple and fresh. All instruments work, including the clock. The trunk is clean with excellent fit and finish. It even smells new. The headliners on both the hard and soft tops are clean with no tears or other blemishes and no yellowing. The car comes with a unique set of matching luggage that evokes the 50s SL cars. It’s perfect for weekend motoring. With either top—up or down—it’s a car that’s both a pleasure to drive and a beauty to behold.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Driving an R107 never ceases to elicit images of rolling through tree-lined country roads or meeting friends for lunch at the yacht club. The 560 SL—especially one in this condition—is still perfectly at home in just about any environment where style and grace meet suave and sexy. The first thing you’ll notice is the comfort. Seats are firm and supportive yet comfortable enough for all-day touring. Next you’ll grab the large, leather-wrapped steering wheel and turn the key as the 5.5 liter V8 comes to life. Put the car in drive and the car accelerates with steady power, which is considerable by 1989 standards. It’s not neck-snapping by any means but plenty strong with a wide power band for excellent drivability at moderate sppeds. The suspension is solid. There is no cowl or scuttle shake over obstructions like railroad tracks. There are no rattles or squeaks. Even with the top down, the car is relatively quiet. Even though many would stop short of calling this a true sports car, it has enough sporting characteristics to call it fun to drive. Its handling is spirited with excellent balance. Power and especially torque are on hand when you need it while the brakes grip well when you don’t. And of course there’s little substitute for the pure joy of top-down motoring.