1972 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

350 - 450 - Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

10704412001322

Gasoline

* * * 1972 Mercedes 350SL * * * Early example of the R107 series Affordable, versatile collectible  Super 70's Green on Green    Here up for bids on eBay is this excellent example of the Mercedes R107 series, a 1972 350SL.  The R107 series ran from 1972 through 1989, producing over 300,000 units in that time.  This particular car is number 1,322 off the line, and has all of the desirable features of the early cars; small bumpers, 2 tone interior, simplified climate control, and full wheelcovers carried over from the W113 280SL.  Although badged with the 350 moniker, North Amercian cars were actually equipped with a 4.5 litre motor, the badging changed shortly thereafter to the familar 450SL designation in 1973.  True 350SL's are uncommon and provide an interesting glimpse into the transformation from the W113 series and the continuation of the venerable SL line. Click to enlarge any of the photos below, a link to a slideshow of all the enlarged images is available at the bottom of the page.   Repainted in its original color of DB834, Moss Green Metallic, the car presents very well.  The repaint was of high quality, showing good prep, gloss and depth.  On close inspection you will find some touched in areas, and some subtle color mismatch if your eyes are good.  Overall the car makes a strong impression, I just don't like to advertise any paint job as being "perfect".  The body panels on this SL are straight and true, panel fit is excellent.  You'll find no rust issues anywhere on this car, undercarriage included. All chrome and trim on the car are very nice with no pitting or hazing.  All of the glass are original Sekurit pieces in great shape, including the windshield.  Bumpers show a couple of marks on the rubber but no dents or dings on the chrome.  Tires are in great shape, they are 1000 miles from new. Original wiper assemblies.  Bosch Euro headlights add a distinctive look.  Grill is in nice condition, you'll notice that the lower grill bars beneath the bumper are straight and true, not warped or broken like most.  All lights and signals on the car work as they should, lenses show good clarity with no cracks or fading. The soft-top is a quality GAHH replacement in the correct German canvas material.  The hardtop is overall in good shape, but showing a small tweak on the trim at the lower end of the B-pillar.  Headliner, glass, and weatherstripping are all good.  The hardtop is a big part of what makes these cars so versatile.  Due to their over-engineered design, they transform this car into a snug, soundproof coupe for winter time driving. The trunk is in good original condition with no rust issues.  The right side well on these cars were prone to rust, this one shows no issues there and has been treated with POR-15 to ensure no rust in the future.  Spare is a vintage Michelin X radial.  Spare tire compartment is clean and original. The interior is a flashback right back to '72 and has held up remarkably well.  All original and unrestored, it remains in excellent condition.  Seats show no scuffs or tears, cushions are still supportive and firm.  The soft top compartment lid shows no dents or dings but does have a small flaw on each side of the vinyl cover.  Door panels are both in terrific condition, all of the car's weatherstripping is original and still in great shape.  Windows roll up and down smoothly.  Central locking function works as it should. Crisp and clean details throughout this interior with everything working as it's intended to.  The heater and fan work effectively, I can't vouch for the AC this time of year but the compressor definitely clicks on when activated.  The Becker Mexico cassette radio is original to the car and still operates perfectly, including the auto-seek function.  Power antenna works in tandem with the radio.  Clock keeps accurate time.  Ashtray and lighter are unused. Steering wheel is in excellent condition.  All gauges work and show good readings.  Dash pad shows no cracks or splits.  The fragile integrated speaker grilles, left and right, are both in great shape The car drives beautifully, starts right off the switch and runs perfectly.  This car offers a suprising amount of power, but delivered with absolute decorum.  The car feels good and tight on the road, ride quality is first rate, and the car cruises along no squeaks or rattles.  Freeway driving is a pleasure, the car is equally at home going around town.  The transmission shifts well, it tracks straight, brakes well and basically drives like you would expect of a Mercedes. Undercarriage is clean and correct, showing absolutely no rust or evidence of rust repair, you can tell you're looking at a West Coast car.  The car has had recent brake service and an OE replacement fuel pump. I mainly sell 1963-1971 W113 SL's but am always on the lookout for exceptional R107's.  With W113 values on the rise, some collectors are starting to look at these later SL's as the next in line. As with most Mercedes, clean examples in rare colors will always find themselves at the top. Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the Reserve Price:   This car is being sold with a reserve that should be easy to meet.  Out of fairness to all bidders I won't reveal it, just bid at the level you are comfortable with.  This auction ends Friday, 11-26-10 at at 12 Noon Pacific Time , 2 PM Central , 3 PM Eastern, 8 PM GMT. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit (paypal, money order or bank check) within 2 days.  Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid.   Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid.   Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car.  Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied.  License plate is for illustrative purposes only.  Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws.  By bidding you agree to these terms. About me: Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon.  I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week.  You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5.  Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics.  I have a wholesale account with a transport booking service and can help you find a reasonable shipping rate, open or enclosed. Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo Horizon Auto Services California Shipping Or check out www.movecars.com for a unbiased market guide to transporters and tips on moving cars. Feel free to email me with any questions: mail(at)cascadiaclassic.com Thanks for looking!