The R107 chassis Mercedes-Benz remains one of the more accessible contemporary classics that you can buy for safely under $10,000 if you’re not set on owning a concours example. The range of options is expansive, owing to the long-term production cycle. Of course, this also means there are some total dogs out there as well, and even if you buy the cheapest one out there, parts and servicing can still be pricey. This 1974 450SL was acquired via an estate sale and has supposedly been in southern California for quite some time. Find it here on eBay with bids to $3,616 and no reserve.
The thing about these cars is you can afford to be picky. This of course is not only in regards to condition but also qualities like color and options. The baby blue paint is a bit more uncommon than a black, white, or red SL, and the matching factory hard top is an added bonus. The Mercedes presents well down the sides with what looks like laser-straight body panels and unmarred U.S.-spec “safety” bumpers. The chrome fender liner is sometimes a cause for concern as they can hide rust, but I wouldn’t be too worried about it on this California car.
The interior is a mixed bag, with the leather looking slightly baggy in places and prompting me to wonder if it’s been re-done – poorly – at some point in time. The carpets are clean and the same goes for the door panels, and those nicely integrated speakers in the rear jump seats look like they were meant to be there (perhaps they are factory – I’m not sure.) The seller notes they purchased this 450SL from an estate sale and then addressed some tune-up needs before listing it for sale. Amazingly, the R107 retains its original Becker radio, which you simply never see – especially in the convertibles.
By this point, almost any car of this vintage has ended up with caretakers who preferred high-end sound over originality, leaving it to the subsequent owners to track down a factory-correct radio. Seeing an R107 with the original center stack in place reminds us how pretty these cars were inside and out, as most used examples these days that have average miles on the clock sport a cheesy aftermarket radio in place of the Becker. The dash is cracked but that truly seems like one of the only cosmetic flaws evident in the pictures. This 450SL looks like a winner to me; do you agree?
Having worked on and owning the R107 this would be a hard pass. Parts are very expensive. Especially interior work. I see rust on the trunk lid and left fender under the moulding. Most likely rust under those hideous chrome wheel arches. Bosch D-Jetronic and ignition can be a real pain. 3-speed auto will only return 12-14mpg. I would bet you there is rust in the front floors. If you want a R107 buy a 86-89
106,000 miles it’s priced about what it’s worth current just under 5k and less than a hour on the auction
Baby blue only works on a few cars, not on this one. For me it makes it look cheap. This one has to be a screaming deal because I would have to repaint it, probably a nice white. For me it’s $4,000.00 tops. And it wouldn’t need any mechanical work at all. Good luck. Nice article.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned this. The 74 R107 has a design flaw (I own one), the catalytic converters (one for each side) heat up causing exhaust leaks. The heat can warp the exhaust manifold and I think the engine head. I’ve spoken to mechanics that claimed this wasn’t the case, they said there was only one cat … until they worked on my car and realized I know my car.
No catalytic converts until 1975. This one doesn’t have them.
These are considered “ Ladies Cars”, especially in powder blue! Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Why is it looks stef as a 450 SL and on the deck lid, next to the rust, the badging says 560 SL?
See that the seat bracket has rust as well as rust stains on the center console. Would look closely under floor mats/rugs to check that this hasn’t been submerged at some point. Could be the effects though of always parking / riding around with top down.
Would buy at $4k or less and just drive it on those sunny California days.
Traditionally, and by casual observation, light colored SL’s are driven by women and darker colors are driven by men. Weird but true.
I am of the male persuasion, and drove a pale yellow 450SL. Nobody told me that men don’t drive light colored cars. Imagine my chagrin.