This oddity is being offered with no reserve. The seller offers very little description, which you really would wan with a car this modified. What is known is it looks fairly nuts, has a 1994 Camaro Z28 suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes, a 3.23 posi rear end, LT1 engine, and a 6 speed manual. The mileage is listed as 1500, which I am certain is just since the new engine and not total mileage, which is unknown. The seller says to give him a call if you want more info, but I’m sure he would get more bids if he just listed more description.
The custom body work and two tone paint make this stand out. Probably would look even more modern if the front U.S. spec roundies were replaced with Euro spec headlights. I’m really not sure what to think, but the shaved bumpers do make the R107 body look good. The car comes with he factory hard top. The interior looks empty, with most of the stock items removed.
No reserve with bids to $7,600. We’ll see what the market says about this creation.
~Evan
This just proves bad taste still lives.
Nasty.
Sold at $8,600.
Why?
I’ve developed a craving for a 450 SL—my late husband had a midnight blue one when we met, and I would like to drive one again. I am also in the mood for a red convertible, but as no good horse is the wrong color I imagine no good car is, either. Though mint green might qualify.
I a told the ’80 is less desirable than the earlier 73-79 models because of new emission standards.
Any advice on the best way to shop for one, what to look for, etc?
Step one don’t buy one that is anything like the one in this posting.
Earlier models do have less to go wrong, but the difference is not hugely significant. Better to just find one that has been well maintained. The euro spec models with smaller bumpers will look better in any color, in my opinion, but stepping into the world of grey market vehicles can mean a lack of service history, which is not a good idea if you aren’t really familiar with these cars.
Other than poor maintenance rust is the biggest killer of these cars. Make sure to poke around the rear window, the rocker panels, and look under the carpets for signs of leaky roof damage.
If fuel mileage is a concern and horsepower is not don’t rule out other SL models like the 280SL or 350SL.
For fun you can get on eBay and purchase an SL sales brochure from the late 1970s and then see what options and paints were available.
There are several Mercedes buyer’s guides to look at to help with your decision. See if your local library has them.
The buyer’s guide by Bass is a dated, but a good choice:
http://www.amazon.com/Mercedes-Benz-280-560SL-SLC-Essential-Buyers/dp/1845841077
These are some other choices:
http://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Mercedes-Benz-Buyers-Guide/dp/0879389028
http://www.amazon.com/Mercedes-Benz-Buyers-Guide-Fred-Larimer/dp/0760318115/
There are lots of online resources from general and free:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R107
to specific and pay:
http://www.oursl.com/