None of the W107 chasis SL's will probably ever become really collectible because of the large numbers of cars that were sold.

The most collectible would be the '72 and '73 models because they had the most horsepower (no catalytic converters) and had the graceful original design bumpers, rather than the 'park bench' clumsy crash tested bumpers fitted to '74 and later cars.

Having said that, '77 is the first year that the catalytic converters were moved from the engine compartment to beneath the floor where they belong. '75 and '76 models had the cats in the engine compartment and thus suffered from vapor lock problems because air flow was restricted by the tight fitting engine underhood.

'76 was the first year of the CIS fuel injection, which replaced the earlier fuel injection system. '76 and later models also came with hydraulic lifters and breakerless electronic ignition. '77 also had the manual climate controls, which is a better and more reliable system than what '78 and later models got - automatic climate control - which was never known for durability.

'79 and earlier 450 SL's also have more horsepower than 1980 models (180 hp vs. 160 hp.).

If you enjoy doing this - bringing basket cases back to life - then I'd never persuade you not to do it.

It'll always be cheaper to buy as good a car as possible, but if you're not concerned about profit, and would prefer to spend your money a little at a time, then why not?

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".