Are you ready for a bold statement? The R107 Mercedes-Benz roadsters (think 230/280/450/560SL) are not only the single best-built open car ever produced by the German automaker, but they also are likely to be the most over-engineered and finest constructed two-seat convertibles ever built by any manufacturer ever. I say this because I have owned two myself and have driven just about every open two-seat car model built since 1946. Even when compared to the Mercedes 300SL roadster, the R107 cars still feel more solid and almost indestructible. They are so good that even when you drive a “scruffy” one with worn-out suspension bushing and shocks, it still feels amazingly well-made.
Now I am not saying these roadsters are sports cars, because they are not; rather, they are true two-seater open GT cars that literally have no real competition—they are really in a category of their own. No, they do not offer incredible acceleration (though they work just fine in today’s traffic), but they will happily cruise all day at somewhere near 100 mph, and ride nicely and comfortably while doing so.
Of all the R107 Mercedes roadsters built (which amounts to 237,287 cars from 1971-89) my single favorite is the very first of the 1972 U.S. models. My Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com is one of these: a 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL offered by a dealer located in Concord, North Carolina.
Wes and Forrest, two friends of mine who collect Mercedes cars, both agree that these earliest 350SL cars are the most interesting and the rarest of the bunch. The reason I like the early ’72 cars (besides their small European bumpers) are a few tiny details that separate them not only from every other R107 car, but also from the later 1972 cars. One of these details is the chrome surround on the shifter, which later (in 1972) was replaced with black plastic. Another difference is the steering wheel, which is also unique to the early ’72 models. To me, these subtle details make the interior seem just a bit more high-end than the later cars. I am not sure why Mercedes changed this stuff, but the look of these parts and the rarity of the early cars make them my favorites.
The 1972 350SL featured here is said to be in good shape overall. The car is finished in white with a matching white hardtop. I am not sure if the soft-top is present, but would want to know about its condition, as replacing it is not inexpensive. It does have a typical-for-the-era pinstripe, likely added by the dealer, but even though I do not like pinstripes on these cars, it’s not a deal-breaker for me, as I know it could be easily removed.
The interior looks good overall, featuring leather seats in nice shape with no fading noticeable in the photos. The carpets, dash and center console also appear to be in good shape. The only changes from stock are the JVC radio—which I personally don’t hate—and the wrap on the steering wheel, which I would immediately take off and throw in the trash. If the steering wheel underneath has deteriorated, I would spend the money to get this rare steering wheel redone.
An additional interesting interior option is the jump seats in the back. This was a factory option from Mercedes, though I am not sure if even small children would fit back there. That being said, it is a nice extra, even if it does take away a little interior luggage space.
Under the hood, this 350SL looks like an older car. It is not mint or perfectly clean or detailed, but neither is it a mess. I think taking some time to detail the engine compartment would go a long way towards making the car nicer.
The biggest surprise is the underside of this 350SL, which looks to be in amazingly good condition. The seller states that this car has covered 132,000 miles, but the underside looks excellent with no signs of corrosion of any kind.
Yes, I like this car a lot. It is a driver-level example, which to me makes it in some ways better than a truly show-worthy one, because you can drive it without worrying about a stone chip or two. Do understand the 350SL is not inexpensive to repair, but also know that when you repair or replace something, you are never likely to ever do that job again, ever. Yes, these cars are that good.
The asking price for this early 1972 350SL is what I am calling a very fair $12,995. I would be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection done by a Mercedes specialist to avoid any bad surprises. That being said, I would do this before buying any classic used vehicle. If it passes that inspection, you will have a classic European GT car that you can literally enjoy for a lifetime.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com