1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL Roadster with Hardtop Chassis no. 107.044-12005506

1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL Roadster with Hardtop
Chassis no. 107.044-12005506

3,499cc SOHC V8 Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
200bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

* A rare first-year R107
* Carefully prepared for long distance rallying
* Matching hard top
* The Great Race finisher

THE R107 SERIES SL ROADSTERS

When Mercedes-Benz redesigned its famed SL in 1971, there was a lot of equity behind it. After all, when the incomparable 300 SL Coupe and Roadster were built fewer than 20 years before, they set the automotive world alight. The R113-series 230/250/280SL redefined the luxury roadster market with its unrivaled levels of refinement, luxury, and quality. For its latest iteration of the SL, Mercedes started with the chassis of the mid-size W114/115 model and sourced engines from the large W116 S-Class. The result was a luxurious V8 Convertible with continent-crushing performance wrapped in a timeless, crisp design that went on to become the longest-running passenger car series ever produced by Mercedes-Benz to date. With its combination of elegant styling and superb engineering, the R107 remains a cornerstone collector car, cherished by enthusiasts the world over.

THE CAR OFFERED

The 350SL offered here is a rare early model from the first year of R107 production, featuring the compact 3.5-liter V8 engine shared with the 280SE 3.5. This US-delivered example is finished in Mimosa Yellow over Biege and was delivered new with a matching Mimosa Yellow hardtop, Becker AM/FM radio, Behr air conditioning, and power windows. The early history of the car is not documented; the current owner acquired the car from the Los Angeles area over five years ago.

While showing nicely when acquired, desires to take the car on long tours necessitated major servicing to ensure swift, reliable operation. A reported $30,000 to 40,000 was spent on mechanical preparations and a reupholstered interior to bring the car to tip-top shape. So completed, this first-year example of the longest produced SL was successfully taken on The Great Race, where it finished with flying colors.

Showing nicely today, it would be fine machine for any number of tours, including the Copperstate 1000 and Going to the Sun, and an equally suitable machine for enjoying on sunny Sundays!