1973 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

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A 1972-1/2 Mercedes 350SL 4.5, now for auction on eBay! Early Edition: 1973 Mercedes 350SL 4.5! Few cars have as stellar a reputation as Mercedes' Sport Leicht Roadsters. Beginning with the open-topped 300SL built between 1957 and 1963, now commonly selling for over a Million Dollars, to its smaller sibling, the 190SL, mostly in 6-figure territory, to the equally expensive 230SL, 250SL, and 280SL Pagoda models of the 1960s, they all have become collectibles of the highest order. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Successor to the Mercedes Benz Pagoda, the R107 SL, manufactured from 1972 until 1989, has gained cult car status on its own, with values rising constantly. Especially the earliest 107s, the "small" bumper cars before 1974, are now in high demand worldwide. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Over four decades years later, finding such a desirable car in good to very good, unmolested condition is no easy task these days, not even in car-crazy sunny Southern California. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Interestingly, the replacement for the 280SL Pagoda was intended to be a 350SL, equipped with a 3.5-liter V8 engine, and the cars were manufactured with 350SL trunk badges. When EPA testing showed that the European 3.5-liter engines would have to run very lean in order to pass US emission requirements, the decision was made to use the bigger 4.5-liter engine instead. And thus every US 350SL is actually a 450SL. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The 1973 Mercedes 350SL 4.5 presented here, VIN *107.044-12-006350*, was manufactured in July of 1972, which makes it one of the earliest R107 Roadsters officially imported into the United States. Sold in 1972, it reportedly has been a local Santa Barbara car for the past 42 years. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The factory owner's manual and service booklet, as well as a stack of previous registrations, accompany this car. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) A SoCal resident since new, the 350SL still proudly carries its original, 6-digit blue California license plates, front and back. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Inside the sparkling clean engine compartment, originality abounds. The four-and-a-half-liter cast iron Vee Eight might be of German descent, but it behaves much like a good ol' American muscle car engine, certainly aided by its advanced single overhead camshaft design (as also found on the legendary Ford 427 SOHC engine). The 450 is a torque monster, loafing happily along at any speed, from its 550rpm idle up to its 6,000rpm redline. Yes, this Roadster is capable of running on the Autobahn at 125mph, all day long. Assembled with utmost precision and fed by a BOSCH L-Jetronic fuel injection, this power plant thankfully lacks the black boxes and myriad sensors of its successors. The 450SL is a simple -- but purebred -- athlete from the days of the dinosaurs, destined to outlive all of the high-tech toys of the new Millennium with their pre-programmed OBD II code nightmares. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The engine is as healthy as the proverbial ox. It starts on the button, immediately falls into a mellow idle, and doesn't display misbehavior of any kind. There are neither oil leaks, nor smoke, nor any untoward noises to report. We did replace the Ignition Control Module and performed a standard tune-up with new spark plugs, coil, distributor cap, rotor, and condensor, which should give you peace of mind for years to come. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Not only does the SL combine the best elements of a luxurious tourer and an exhilarating sports car, but its versatility is unrivaled, since all R107 models came factory-equipped with 2 tops. The steel hardtop, with its heated rear window, permits year-round driving, even in inclement weather conditions. It can be removed within minutes, transforming the car into a true Roadster. Of course, a folding convertible top is waiting to be raised in the event of a surprise rain shower. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view The hardtop still wears its factory red paint and is clean, inside and out. Black German canvas soft top is in wonderful condition, but the plastic rear windows have faded due to UV exposure. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The unusual and quite stunning white (code 050) and red (code 568) color combination is factory correct. While the red paint on hardtop and wheel covers is still all original, the white is an older repaint that has mellowed over the years and shows some signs of age and crackling, much like fine porcelain. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Moving on to the car's inside, we marvel at the beautifully preserved cockpit. Everything you see here is factory original, including the dash top, the ocean liner-sized steering wheel, and the Becker radio, and looks quite stunning in its all-red color! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) All of the gauges and switches work as they should, as does the Becker Europa AM/FM stereo radio. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Also original are the leather seat covers, which proudly show their age. Replacement is a straight forward affair, or just opt for sheepshin covers. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Still beautiful in the eye of the connoisseur: forty-three year-old hides! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) All the lights work as they should. Ready for a test drive? So are we, but before take off, let's take a look at the trunk and check out the car's undercarriage. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Unique to the earliest cars, is the light gray rubber trunk mat, on later models to be replaced with carpeting. Note factory tool roll and warning triangle. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Matching and date-coded factory spare rests in a separate petition below the trunk floor. The undercarriage of this lifelong California car is of reference quality. All factory finishes appear to be intact and "as delivered." Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Above photos showing the undercarriage in more detail. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Thursday, January 28, turned out to be another lovely winter day in our olde mission town San Buenaventura, and we were excited about exercising the SL, soaking in some sunshine, and snapping these photos along the way. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Nothing beats chauffeuring a classic star cruiser, and this white-and-red beauty didn't disappoint. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The car starts, runs, drives, shifts, handles, and brakes very nicely, thank you very much, with no untoward noises emanating from its drivetrain. This SL exudes an air of utter confidence! Especially with the top down, one enters a spiritually uplifting zone of wellness while driving this Roadster. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we are very impressed, indeed. The inherent qualities of a Mercedes Benz Roadster are based on a long tradition of hand-built automobiles. You are looking at a car that has withstood over 4 decades of its intended use admirably. Factory fit and finish of every part is just about perfect. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) R107 SLs are wonderful automobiles. They are as safe as a bank vault and provide trouble-free motoring. The early 450SLs have now rightfully taken the place of their coveted predecessors, the out-of-sight Pagoda 230/250/280 SLs, in terms of affordable collectibility. While the latest 560SLs with their black boxes and emission controls may be a bit plusher than the early cars, only a first-year 350SL 4.5 can provide the experience of a genuine Mercedes sports car of the late 1960s. This is one of those rare birds, and it's a good 'un! You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid. Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. For more information about Californiaclassix, please click on the link below: About Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2016 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author. 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