Early Euro: ’72 Mercedes-Benz 350SL
The new R107 Roadster that replaced the now very collectible Pagoda SLs, started life with chassis bits from a mid-size Benz and an engine from the big S Class. Volume production of the first R107 car, the 350 SL, started in April 1971 alongside the last of the W113 sedans. Offered in Europe with a high compression 3.5 liter V8 however in North America, cars wore the name 350 SL, but had a larger, lower compression 4.5 liter V8. Gone was the tricky swing axle rear suspension of the Pagodas, replaced by more predictable trailing arms, but the Mercedes values of quality and durability remained. This was a very long-lived SL, the second longest running model in M-B history! Today’s SL has only 68,000 miles and is rust free. The soft top is remarkably original and of course it comes with the traditional Mercedes hard top. The interior is also original and has nice patina. The Euro cars are very desirable because of their lighter weight and nice, trim bumpers. The seller is asking $18,000 and that is high for a R107 but wait a few years and we’ll see if we say the same thing. Click here for the listing.