When it comes to the Mercedes-Benz R107, you could be forgiven if you have some fatigue from seeing this two-seater convertible offered up for sale as a collector car almost daily on major classifieds site. I feel like it’s one of those vehicles that has always been available in the local newspaper all the way to the country’s biggest auction stages, and the range of quality is just as extensive. You can buy a Signal Red on Palomino example for under $10K all day long, but the special ones are still highly sought after. This 1980 example is somewhere in the middle, with bidding quite low at the moment but appearing to be in excellent condition. Find it here on eBay with bids to just under $5K.

To me, in addition to the high levels of care and attention the seller claims it’s received, the color combination is the best thing it has going for it. It’s not red! Of course, this era of the U.S.-market R107 had to suffer through the ugliness of huge safety bumpers that completely changed the looks of the car from its European-market counterpart; if I owned one of these, one of the first things I’d do is the Euro-bumper swap. Of course, the R107 was also brought into this country in large quantities via gray market importing, so you can find one with the better bumpers and less restrictive emissions equipment without too much work.

However, if you’re not going to go that route, finding one that’s been loved is the next best thing. The owner of this example claims the 450SL has been well maintained while in his care, and has never seen rain. If it’s not being driven, it’s kept in the garage under a cover, and the paint condition would certainly seem to back that claim up. The same goes for the interior, which remains very nicely preserved with clean woodgrain trim, unmarked leather seats, spotless floor mats, and a nice upgrade in the form of what looks like a Nardi steering wheel with a Mercedes horn button to keep it looking as OEM as possible.

The listing also claims this is a no-Bondo example and that the Mercedes hasn’t spent much time in the bodyshop. The engine bay presents as well as the rest of the car, and the seller mentions there’s no funny noises, smoke, or squeaking belts for the next owner to deal with. Mileage is indicated as 76,159, which seemingly indicates the Mercedes has only been used in fair weather. It will come with both tops, and the hard top is painted to match. Get some Euro bumpers, the corresponding H4 headlights, and possibly upgrade to some later SL wheels and you have a stunning summer driver for not much cash. And it isn’t red!