1971 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Convertible

6 culinder

Automatic

11304412023277

Clear

Gasoline

Here is a car that can be enjoyed right now as a reliable, attractive driver that you simply maintain and drive. But it is also the kind of low mileage, original car that collectors look for to take to the next level because of the unbelievable condition of the original interior and door panels and the essentially rust-free nature of the car. But this car has proven to me that it is a very solid car with a dependable drive train--a pure delight to drive--a reliable driver that I would not hesitate to take on any full day trip. I have the original window sticker and data sheet where it was sold locally in 1971. I have the maintenance records back to 1988 which clearly confirms that the mileage of under 86,000 is correct. I think there have been 4 owners. A doctor owned it early on, then the lawyer I bought it from had it the last 15 years. Since 1988 it appears to have been well maintained and driven only sparingly, although it had sat mostly indoors for 4-5 years before I acquired it. So we right off did the following: remove the gas tank and have it cleaned and lined; install new $1500 Bosch fuel pump , filter, rubber mounts, gas sending unit and hoses; flush then remove radiator and get it cleaned and repaired then reinstall with new coolant; remove oil cooler for cleaning and leak repair then reinstall; flush motor then change oil twice; new points, plugs, wires, condensor; new front calipers, rotors, pads ; drain and refill brake lines; new master cylinder; new brake hoses; 4 new KYB shocks; new fuel sending unit; new repro turn signal switch. At that point I starting driving the car and was thrilled with how solid it drives with tight steering, smooth motor and crisp transmission. It handles bumps in the road like the true sports/luxury car that it is with no rattles, shakes or shimmy. The original Becker Europa stereo AM/FM sounds great, and the aftermarket electric antenna works flawlessly. [It came with an inoperable Hirschmann. I bought a $121 mast from Odermer, but the motor is weak--should be an easy, inexpensive fix if you want Hirschmann. I will include it in the sale.] A prior owner spent a fortune buying all new headlight and taillight assemblies. If you ever price them, you will be shocked how much they cost. I took pictures of all four. No cracks in the plastic on 3 of 4 and near flawless chrome make these assemblies an important part of this car. They also put on a new stainless steel exhaust system from front to back and put a new set of tires on it. These items represent a major savings of several thousand dollars. The soft top appears to be older, but is in excellent cosmetic condition. Some wetness is seen on the underside after a big rain. And putting the soft top up and down is a challenge in this car, so the new buyer might want to go ahead and get a new soft top and have the frame adjusted. The factory hardtop is very nice as shown. The hardtop stand and cover will be included with the car along with the original top removal tools and case. It starts easily and all electrical components are operational, including the clock! 3 of 4 of the original heater control levers work smoothly without forcing--unfortunately I forced the 4th one and broke it off. I bought a replacement that will come with the car. I did not install it in case the next owner wants to put in 4 new ones, not just one. It is a couple hours work, after all. It idles at over 30 psi and when driving pegs the oil pressure at 45 psi. I have driven it stop-and-go in 90 degree heat, and it runs cool in traffic. I have never seen the needle get within 1/4 inch of the red temp warning zone on the gauge. When I bought the car it had the normal early rust that you see behind each of the four wheels, and it extended at the rear onto the lower valence. I have access to high quality body work reasonably priced, so I bought the 5 needed patch panels (heavy gauge U.S. made--$700) from K & K Mfg and had the areas repaired with new metal. I have many pictures of the work--before, during and after. The car had an inexpensive enamel paint job, so I only had the shop paint the area around each patch panel to avoid a total repaint. The color matches generally, but you can see a difference. The data card reveals the car remains the original color (#670) of "light ivory", with "cognac" seats and "brown" carpet (#140) all of which, I understand, are rare for a 1971. But, like I said, it is now a driver, not show ready. The shop indicated to me that the car has never been wrecked in their opinion. The Ziebart plugs are still intact where one of the early owners had it rustproofed. It surely has nice gap lines all around. Doors shut beautifully with one finger. The car comes with its original tool kit, jack, owners manual and paperwork as shown, all the service records I received, and all the receipts and pictures of what I have done to get it up and running and ready for eBay. [I have a very nice 1970 280SL that I went through this process with years ago, and only wish I had owned this car then.] This car will be an easy car to restore, if desired. But it surely could be enjoyed right now as a reliable "driver" if the buyer wishes. The original trunk mat and spare wheel with old tire are included. The rust that remains is shown in the pictures and is mostly around the front windshield and along the hood opening. You will have to remove the windshield to properly repair that, and I decided that would best be done as part of a full paint job, so I leave that for the next owner. The pictures from underneath are important and impressive, I believe. There should be no question of the condition of the undercarriage, floor, trunk and other areas that in many other cars can be a nightmare to fix. I do not think the buyer will have to endure any bad surprises. I have tried to take meaningful, clear pictures so you can properly appreciate the condition and value of this car. I have dozens of more pictures you would benefit from seeing, so feel free to call or text so I can make sure you get them. My preference is to sell the car face-to-face to a buyer who has driven and fully-examined the car. I am not a car dealer, but I could not resist the opportunity to buy this car, having restored the one in my collection already. Our airport is CRW in Charleston, West Virginia. If you come, I will pick you up personally at the airport and off we go for a test drive. Then I can have the car put on a lift for you to spend whatever time you need. So this listing might end abruptly to such a buyer. To come and see the car or to discuss it further please leave a message for Bill at (304)389-3900, Include return phone number and I will call you within an hour or so if I am unable to answer. If you will leave me your email address by voicemail or text, then I can send you a link to all the other pictures on Photobucket. On Jul-22-16 at 16:33:50 PDT, seller added the following information: Both fenders have a row of pinch welds at the inner edge of the engine compartment. The right fender has the "headlight crimp" that the factory put at the spot where the headlight trim ring meets. The crimp and some of the pinch welds on the left are not visible because body filler was used in the past on that fender, apparently to make some sort of repair. As for the hood, the number 834 is stamped on the hood. This matches the last three numbers of the 6 numbers stamped on the body tag riveted to the body in the engine compartment: 73834 The number stamped on the frame rail is also correct.