New Guy

[Gwol]

I’m Gus Wolter and I live in Cloverdale CA a small town 75 miles North of San Francisco. My current fun car is a 1963 VW “Oscar”, now I'm looking to pick a Mercedes Benz SL. In September of 1968 I purchased a 190sl, at the time I didn't realize what I had and after a few years I traded it in on another car. Now I want to get back into an SL, I know I can't afford a 190sl and I not so sure I can afford a Pagoda.

Should be looking at 380, 450, 560 SL's  I’m limited to around $10,000 and if so which is the best.
The question is what do you suggest for a nice fun SL that not all that expensive?

1963 VW
 http://teagardeninn.com/my63vw_files/IMG518082.jpg

[ja17]

Hello and welcome,

The W107 SLs (380, 450, 500SL and 560SL) also some six cylinder cars were made in this chassis also (280SL ,  W107)      Hundreds of thousands of these SLs were produced. They are a bit heavy and are hard on fuel, but are a real bargain these days. Not quite as sporty or unique as a Pagoda.

You can  buy a very nice 560SL for that money.  Any Pagoda for that price will most likely be a project unless you get lucky. I would go for a early example (W107) with the pretty small bumpers or the latest with the big powerful 5.6 liter aluminum engine and all the creature comforts. If your lucky you may also be able to find a 500SL (euro delivery) with the small bumpers.

[thelews]

Stay away from the 107, 380 SL.  What a pig.  Best bet if you want a 107 is the very early one, the first years, 72-73.  They are the ones that have some collector value.  The rest are just used cars.  My friend has a beauty for sale.  http://www.memory-motors.com/Show_Car.php?CAR_ID=80

Another SL to consider is the 129, 89-02.  In my opinion, a much nicer car than the 107 and at great prices.  Stay away from the V12.

[Gwol]

Can I assume it’s a W107, from the VinNumber if it starts with 107 or a few letters then 107. It’s a W107?

[thelews]

Can I assume it’s a W107, from the VinNumber if it starts with 107 or a few letters then 107. It’s a W107?

Yes.  Here are all the chassis types with pics of the cars.  

http://www.mercedesheritage.com/classifieds/

Scroll down a bit.