Any recommendations for a 70's/80's SL?

[matt_harris]

Having recently decided to take a break from the rat-race, I am feeling rather enthused by the idea of cruising down to France in a vintage SL convertible. Red, with cream leather seems to appeal.

- Does anyone have any model recommendations?
- I would like to spend around 10K - is this a reasonable budget?
- What is the availability of parts and is this model dependant?
- Do they all use unleaded or LRP?
- Are some models more reliable than others?
- Am I mad to consider taking a 20-30 year old car over to the continent?

Any advice welcome - I would like to kick off my Mercedes ownership with a reliable and stylish model. The last thing I want to end up with is something that is going to be a pain and cost me a fortune in repairs!

 

[Mikesmerc]

Hi Matt,
My one is a red /cream leather 350sl 1972 which I took to France, Germany and Belgium last summer without missing a beat. Shes high mileage, bit tired and needs a respray, but would trust it to go anywhere. Cant really comment on other models as I haven't tried any others, but I would suspect that you cant go far wrong if inspected properly before buying. Should get a smart 70s one for 10k.
Regards
Mike

 

[matt_harris]

Thanks Mike.

Have you not had any problems with your 350 then? That is good to hear! I was thinking about getting an AA inspection. Are they any good or do you have something else you would suggest?

Cheers,

Matt.

 

[DWB!]

107 SL's

Matt

I was making the same decision last year after doing the maths to find out company cars now suck financially.

I looked through quite a few different models and kept coming back to a 107 SL. After looking at loads I bought an 87 420, with low miles and loads of service history.

Since then I have took it down to the South of France last summer - roof off motoring - top, top laugh. I stuck the car on cruise at 80mph and we rolled up and down without a problem at all. I use the car most weeks to do a motorway journey to meet clients - it goes down a storm in corporate car parks, cruise around london at the weekend to many an approving look and havent regretted my decision once.

What's gone wrong with it ? Nothing, except a mud flap falling off when my wife drove home one night. My fault apparently for drinking to much...

I use George Frasier at Hanger Lane(ish) who is great, and well priced so servicing isn't a shot in the heart either.

On top of all this it'll be holding it's value pretty well too.

Any regrets ? YES - that I didn't do it a lot earlier.

In terms of what to go for model/year wise there is a load of info on this site which is invaluable - my impression was get as late a model as poss.
But rather than me explain (and risk getting it wrong) have a look around. Malcolm Brown (who has been a bit quiet recently) has left a lot of very good posts which are worth having a look at.

Have fun in your search, have a good look around, get behind the wheel of a few and the decision will be easy.

Apol's for typo's etc - I've gotta fly so havent proofed this.

Cheers,
DWB!

 

[edshaw]

Don't buy 350 or 450 sl, too old, cast iron V8 heavy on petrol 3 speed auto, etc etc.
Stick to new generation approx 81 to 89.Many upgrades over older model. 280 or 300 sl good or go for the new Aluminium V8's 380 or 500 for more power. Incidentally 280 Sl puts out approximately same power as old 350.

 

[matt_harris]

Thanks very much for everyone's replies. Having looked around and thumbed through 'Mercedes Enthusiast', I think a 1980's 300SL sounds about the right mix between reliable car and gorgeous classic.

There is a dealer called 'Classic Chrome' in Mortlake, SW London who I may go to at the weekend to take a good look around some of the SL's they have.