Euro Rocket: ’82 Mercedes-Benz 500SL

These R107 Mercedes Benz SLs are among the nicest and best built Mercedes SLs ever. Drive one and you will feel like you are driving a very sporty feeling anvil. Typical of Mercedes long-lived models, there is a constant progression in engine size and other refinements. And since this is the 2nd longest running production model for Mercedes (The G-Wagen the longest), there are many differences from year to year.The range began with a 350SL, moved up to a 450SL but uncharacteristically retreated to a 380SL before ending with the 560SL. The 450SLs are quite popular with climate control systems being there weakest link. The 380SL is kind of boring. But fans like the rare 500SL the best. Fortunately any 500SL here in the states came from somewhere else because they were not officially imported into the US. The 500SL packed the same engine that powered the 450SLC 5.0 Rally Cars. That means the highest horsepower rating of any R107 at 240 bhp. Today’s find is a 2 owner, 71,000 mile example in a sporty Signal Red exterior with Safran interior. It looks really nice in the photos. It has updated wheels from the next generation SL, the R129. But the seller has the originals and we would go back to them first thing. Since it is a Euro specification car it has those amazing headlights that are now acceptable here due to the age of the SL. Again, if he has them, let’s put them back where they belong. The listing tells us that everything is in working order including the A/C. That’s refreshing to know. We do not like the modern convenience of a CD player radio. It just looks wrong. Perhaps the seller has the Becker it was born with? They can be easily adapted to accommodate an iPod, MP3 player or Satellite radio. CDs are so yesterday. It’s an auction. As nice as these are, they do not command a lot of money in the marketplace. That’s good for us. We think this might be a buy in the low teens. Click here for the listing.