A subject near and dear to my heart. Couple of points to note. 1. Very early & late models in maintained condition are the way to go if you are looking to get into an R107 - or - buy the best one your can. 2. If you can, steer clear of 380SLs unless they have had the chain taken care of (from single to double row chain) & have been well maintained. Don't worry about mileage if loved. 3. As an owner of a 1977 450SL, I'd recommend 77 - 79 if you find one in your budget. I think in 80 there were complications in the climate control. 4. The blower motors of the early to late 70s are not very strong. I've asked multiple MB mechanics and they told me the strength I was getting for blowing cool air was as good as it was going to get. 5. Renzo and Gaston drove very nice examples and all things considered, are fairly priced. You'd be happy with either if you had to choose between the two. I'd take the later model only b/c I already have a 1977. 6. Nardi steering wheels are a nice upgrade if you want a wood steering wheel for the early model. I wouldn't recommend for the later mode. There are also lots of options in terms of upgrades if you want to make it your own for either, notably Euro headlamps, period correct wheels, AMG rear spoiler (rare) or euro bumper kits (avg cost $2k not installed). But those options are very expensive and to be honest, the cars presented are perfect as shown. Cibie headlamps with updated bulbs do wonders for night driving. MacCarbon has really cool stuff for the R107. www.macarbon.com/mercedes-84794/r107-sl-280sl-380sl-450sl-500sl-560sl 7. Rust is the main enemy. Trust me, I am learning the hard way. 8. Maintenance is cheap except for the timing chain or sub frame mount bushings replacing (which by no means are Ferrari/Porsche/Exotic expensive). I had my oil changed at Star Garage, Margate & they only charged $60 including looking over the car. 9. For me personally, the hard top does wonders in terms of drive-ability and looks.I prefer the hard top on the car. It looks and feels WAY better. 10. Driving wise they are great cruisers but don't be fooled. They do have great steering and road feel for a gt/sports/convertible car. 11. Hope this all helps. If you find a 500SL in good condition, that's a strict Euro model that may have been imported grey market. To be honest, a well sorted 560SL like Gaston's would be the better option in my opinion b/c it will be cheaper to purchase & easier to sort parts. 12. My choice the blue 560SL all day long. That's a really nice car. But my 77 450SL is pretty sweet too. 13. Star Garage, Margate, King & Son Motors, Delray Beach & www.pierrehedaryandco.com/ are the local experts on these cars. Hope this helps!
Not into convertibles at all so I found a very solid 1973 450 SLC in Nashville. 9 inch longer wheelbase, small bumpers, a real back seat, sunroof and beautiful styling. Nice video guys!
Interesting comments in here. I own a 1986-560SL, that my dad bought in 1990. It's dark blue with gray inside. Funny enough, I bought a place in Nova-Scotia and discovered that a neighbour has the exact same car, same colour and everything. I really like my car, it goes back to when I was a teen and looking at those R107 was a dream. I did replace the radio with access to a USB to connect my phone. I wish the speakers were better and have a couple more. I did replace the two front ones with modern speakers, it improved the sound, but it is limited. As I live in Canada, the car has always been stored in a garage during winter. Can't wait to spring again to get it out. I didn't this year as with Covid places to go were too limited.
The very first R107s were produced in the end of 1970. Since it was introduced in the states a year later than in Europe Americans believe the first cars were 1972 models. The American version cars labeled 350SL had the 4.5 liter low compression 185hp DIN(after the regulations) engine with a 3 speed automatic gearbox. The europesn 350SL had the 3.5 liter high compression engine with 200hp DIN and a 4 speed automatic. Super great review and comparison guys!
I got my 1979 450sl from my grandpa when he passed and he also left me $7,000 and he told me to keep his car for future generations, I also got my 2009 trailblazer from my uncle but that’s not as important
Dear Fratelli Rossato, please note that "SL" does not mean super light but "Sport Leicht", meaning sport light. Anyway, great video! Regards from Germany, Stefan
72 vs 88 its not so much the power difference but the fact that the early car has a 3 speed vs the newer 4 speed. I have a 72 in Silver over Red and an 83 in Red over Tan and the 380 is a better around town cruiser with the 4 speed but out on the freeway the 350 can still hustle. I will sadly be selling off the 83 but it will be to pick up a 560sl and with any luck an 89 560sl so that I can bookend the pair.
R107 in general suffers from rust, I had a rust bucket 1977 450sl which had a suprised me with rust holes on the floor, the fender, under the trunk seal and plenty more
If you are going to review these icon cars, you really need to know how the nomanclature works. These are both a 350SL and a 560SL respectively. Not a SL 350 or SL560 as pronounced in the video. Later in the mid 1990's Mercedes Benz did change them so the SL would come first before the number. But not during these early times.
Both R - 107, are basically the same, only thing is the years one is from the 70s, the other one is from the 80s period, the 70 380SL, is awesome, as the 80s 560SL, that has an airbag, it is basically the same, minus the rims.
Mercedes SL suck big time, since their MOST COMMON issue is the timing chain, the biggest snake that can open up a can of worms with broken valves, and other issues if timing chain breaks.. dont get me wrong they drive great i'm sure, but the old diesels are far more better when it comes to reliability and durability.
They only suck if they’re not takin cared for. You only have to change the timing chain every 100,000 miles. It’s not a big issue. You want to talk about opening a can of worms, the successor to the 107 the R129. Good car but Mercedes crammed a bunch of high technology stuff in them cars and they can be scary, including the automatic top. The automatic top can be really scary if you don’t know what you’re doing and most don’t.
A subject near and dear to my heart. Couple of points to note.
1. Very early & late models in maintained condition are the way to go if you are looking to get into an R107 - or - buy the best one your can.
2. If you can, steer clear of 380SLs unless they have had the chain taken care of (from single to double row chain) & have been well maintained. Don't worry about mileage if loved.
3. As an owner of a 1977 450SL, I'd recommend 77 - 79 if you find one in your budget. I think in 80 there were complications in the climate control.
4. The blower motors of the early to late 70s are not very strong. I've asked multiple MB mechanics and they told me the strength I was getting for blowing cool air was as good as it was going to get.
5. Renzo and Gaston drove very nice examples and all things considered, are fairly priced. You'd be happy with either if you had to choose between the two. I'd take the later model only b/c I already have a 1977.
6. Nardi steering wheels are a nice upgrade if you want a wood steering wheel for the early model. I wouldn't recommend for the later mode. There are also lots of options in terms of upgrades if you want to make it your own for either, notably Euro headlamps, period correct wheels, AMG rear spoiler (rare) or euro bumper kits (avg cost $2k not installed). But those options are very expensive and to be honest, the cars presented are perfect as shown. Cibie headlamps with updated bulbs do wonders for night driving. MacCarbon has really cool stuff for the R107. www.macarbon.com/mercedes-84794/r107-sl-280sl-380sl-450sl-500sl-560sl
7. Rust is the main enemy. Trust me, I am learning the hard way.
8. Maintenance is cheap except for the timing chain or sub frame mount bushings replacing (which by no means are Ferrari/Porsche/Exotic expensive). I had my oil changed at Star Garage, Margate & they only charged $60 including looking over the car.
9. For me personally, the hard top does wonders in terms of drive-ability and looks.I prefer the hard top on the car. It looks and feels WAY better.
10. Driving wise they are great cruisers but don't be fooled. They do have great steering and road feel for a gt/sports/convertible car.
11. Hope this all helps. If you find a 500SL in good condition, that's a strict Euro model that may have been imported grey market. To be honest, a well sorted 560SL like Gaston's would be the better option in my opinion b/c it will be cheaper to purchase & easier to sort parts.
12. My choice the blue 560SL all day long. That's a really nice car. But my 77 450SL is pretty sweet too.
13. Star Garage, Margate, King & Son Motors, Delray Beach & www.pierrehedaryandco.com/ are the local experts on these cars.
Hope this helps!
Awesome video and what a treasure trove of cars these R107s are. Good stuff! Keep it up!
Thank you
Love seeing the classics. Thanks for the great video guys!!
Thank you we appreciate the view
You guys deserve more subs!
Agreed. Please help share 😃
You guys should do a similar video on the R129.
The Euro bumpers make a great difference. And please install a set of Euro headlights on both cars, please!
Sold like hotcakes in the US. Timeless classics
Especially here in California, there’s always one driving around and tons up for sale for less than a grand, in fair condition
Indeed!
Not into convertibles at all so I found a very solid 1973 450 SLC in Nashville. 9 inch longer wheelbase, small bumpers, a real back seat, sunroof and beautiful styling. Nice video guys!
Interesting comments in here. I own a 1986-560SL, that my dad bought in 1990. It's dark blue with gray inside. Funny enough, I bought a place in Nova-Scotia and discovered that a neighbour has the exact same car, same colour and everything. I really like my car, it goes back to when I was a teen and looking at those R107 was a dream. I did replace the radio with access to a USB to connect my phone. I wish the speakers were better and have a couple more. I did replace the two front ones with modern speakers, it improved the sound, but it is limited. As I live in Canada, the car has always been stored in a garage during winter. Can't wait to spring again to get it out. I didn't this year as with Covid places to go were too limited.
My fav channel with another upload .. my father had built a retro badass build 1977 500 with fat rear tires alpine period correct sound system
Thank you!! And that sound awesome
One correction guys. First year of 107 body is not 1972 it is 1971. I know. I own 1971 SL 350 with manual gears.
I have the 1971 sl 350 and you are correct sir
The very first R107s were produced in the end of 1970. Since it was introduced in the states a year later than in Europe Americans believe the first cars were 1972 models. The American version cars labeled 350SL had the 4.5 liter low compression 185hp DIN(after the regulations) engine with a 3 speed automatic gearbox. The europesn 350SL had the 3.5 liter high compression engine with 200hp DIN and a 4 speed automatic. Super great review and comparison guys!
@@sundar999 automatic or manual gears
@@pasifsc Yes of course but the US versions only had automatics I think. It's more of a sports car with manual in my opinion
US spec r107 looks like a mustang with merc logo. Anyway what a lovely review.
I enjoyed the comparison. I have a '85 380 SL black pearl metallic with black interior sitting at 77,000
Thank you! That sounds like a beautiful car. Enjoy her...
Awesome review of an icon
Thank you
I got my 1979 450sl from my grandpa when he passed and he also left me $7,000 and he told me to keep his car for future generations, I also got my 2009 trailblazer from my uncle but that’s not as important
that's awesome! I'm sure you've enjoyed that 450
Nice job boys!
Applause!!!!
Thank you
High quality video, you should try to get a shout out from Stradman or something
Thank you! We appreciate the support
Put me down on your list for an 80's 560 sl AMG package same body style.
You know it 😉
Both are nice cars but older SL looks nicer.
Saab og900 turbo cab is better cause it is 4seater.
Thank you
Wunderbarr
Dear Fratelli Rossato, please note that "SL" does not mean super light but "Sport Leicht", meaning sport light. Anyway, great video! Regards from Germany, Stefan
Thank you!
SL stands for Super Leicht I believe, the first SLs were racing cars and built very light
@@sundar999 You are right. Initially, „SL“ meant „super-leicht“, but was later translated as „Sport Leicht“.
72 vs 88 its not so much the power difference but the fact that the early car has a 3 speed vs the newer 4 speed. I have a 72 in Silver over Red and an 83 in Red over Tan and the 380 is a better around town cruiser with the 4 speed but out on the freeway the 350 can still hustle. I will sadly be selling off the 83 but it will be to pick up a 560sl and with any luck an 89 560sl so that I can bookend the pair.
R107 in general suffers from rust, I had a rust bucket 1977 450sl which had a suprised me with rust holes on the floor, the fender, under the trunk seal and plenty more
This is true
They started galvanising them in the early 80s
Mechanics don't know everything about these cars... That's why there are so many collecting dust in mechanic shops.
Too be honest there’s no point in keeping the 30 plus year old spare, I had to use mine and it bpopped out of no where, almost lost control
It’s just for originally, you definitely don’t want to use it
If you are going to review these icon cars, you really need to know how the nomanclature works. These are both a 350SL and a 560SL respectively. Not a SL 350 or SL560 as pronounced in the video. Later in the mid 1990's Mercedes Benz did change them so the SL would come first before the number. But not during these early times.
❤
Full DECAL SET, renovation KIT: restartcar.eu/lt/products/decal-set-for-mercedes-benz-r107-sticker-set-label-set
Both R - 107, are basically the same, only thing is the years one is from the 70s, the other one is from the 80s period, the 70 380SL, is awesome, as the 80s 560SL, that has an airbag, it is basically the same, minus the rims.
Correct year of production is 1971 to the end of 1989.... please get your facts correct it’s disappointing to see years of production wrong !
Not the end of 1989 but August 1989 when it was replaced by the R129.
So many facts wrong 😮
first
Mercedes SL suck big time, since their MOST COMMON issue is the timing chain, the biggest snake that can open up a can of worms with broken valves, and other issues if timing chain breaks.. dont get me wrong they drive great i'm sure, but the old diesels are far more better when it comes to reliability and durability.
They only suck if they’re not takin cared for. You only have to change the timing chain every 100,000 miles. It’s not a big issue. You want to talk about opening a can of worms, the successor to the 107 the R129. Good car but Mercedes crammed a bunch of high technology stuff in them cars and they can be scary, including the automatic top. The automatic top can be really scary if you don’t know what you’re doing and most don’t.