- Seller: Jesse M
- Location: Boise, Idaho
- Mileage: 116,886 Shown
- Chassis #: 10704412008799
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 4.5 Liter V8
- Transmission: Automatic
We have a bucket list of classic cars we want to experience. Some because of how they look or perform, while others we want to see if what has been written about them over the years is really how they are. The Mercedes-Benz R107, in this case the 450SL, was on our list partially because of the looks but also so we could see if what we’ve read on the internet carries any merit. So when this one popped up locally, we had to look. We were so impressed with it that we ended up buying it! We’ve enjoyed cruising in it, but another project just arrived at Barn Finds HQ that’s also on our list, so we are cutting this one loose. We are offering it as a no-reserve auction!
Depending on the source, the R107 is either described as one of the best luxury coupes ever built or just a boring cruiser. While ours isn’t the prettiest one, it runs and drives great. Every time we take it out, we are impressed by how comfortable it is and how effortlessly the V8 engine moves the car along. It’s no sports car, but it’s surprisingly fun to drive. The previous owner had inherited it from their Father-in-law many years ago. Beyond regular maintenance and a new window regulator, they didn’t have to do anything to it. Unfortunately, they ran out of space about five years ago and parked it outside with a tarp over it. While we haven’t found any major rust on the car, the tarp damaged the paint on the top half of the car.
When the R107 debuted here in the States, it featured the smaller bumpers found on the European version. Unfortunately, US regulations required larger bumpers. Thankfully, this one is a ’73, so it received smaller, more elegant bumpers. While you can backdate later cars, it’s an expensive endeavor requiring more than bolting on new bumpers.
Thankfully, the tarp did seem to protect the interior. The dash is in decent shape, with only a few small cracks, and the seats are beautiful. All of the gauges work, although the speedometer bounces around some. Even the clock still works! The driver’s side floor mat is worn, and the rear tray carpet is faded. The only real issue we’ve had is that the driver’s side power window stopped working, but after removing the door panel (which proved to be a straightforward task), we discovered the power connectors had come loose from the motor. We tightened the connectors and reinstalled the door panel. The window has worked great ever since.
The R107 was offered with several V8s here in the US market. The 450SL is equipped with the 4.5-liter version of the M117 engine. This engine is quite durable as long as it’s treated to regular maintenance. Unfortunately, the seller didn’t have any paperwork for the car, but the engine starts at the turn of the key, idles nicely, and has lots of power. We had the oil and oil filter changed as soon as we bought it. The only issue we’ve noticed is what sounds like an exhaust leak, and the air conditioning doesn’t work. The seller removed the belt from the A/C compressor, so we aren’t sure what all is wrong with it. On hot days, we take the hardtop off and enjoy cruising with the top down.
We would keep this Mercedes if we had space. It’s comfortable to drive, runs great, and is super unique. The look isn’t for everyone, but it’s grown on us. We’ve gotten a surprising number of compliments about it. We can see how they could get expensive; some parts aren’t the cheapest, but there’s a healthy supply for every item you could ever need to keep it on the road or restore it. This one can be driven and enjoyed as is, or you could fix the paint and take it to the next level. Included with it is the factory hardtop and hardtop stand. The soft-top is in nice condition and matches the interior. So, if a Mercedes SL has been on your bucket list, be sure to bid. Let us know your questions in the comments, and we will do our best to get you an answer!
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