Buying ANOTHER W107 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tims450SL · #1 03-10-2008, 06:44 PM

I just found another 450 SL 1978 in pretty good condition. My question is are people just forgetting about how special these cars are? Is the gas prices killing this car? I mean I now have 2 and just think that they are being over-looked. I basically commited larceny and robbery with my offer for the car which was accepted. It needs a few things, but nothing major. Am I in the right playing field? I will sell one and keep the better one, or maybe keep them both to mystify my neighbors..what are your thoughts please?

The new car was purchased for 1500 in SFla no rust, light blue, tan interior with 122,000 miles. Needs a paint but not mandatory.

donbryce · #2 03-10-2008, 06:58 PM

Florida and California seem to be the home of the best 107 deals, and as you go further north, they get rarer and pricier. You're spoiled

, and I'm green with envy, but hey....motor on and enjoy! I can't touch a 1986 - 1989 107 here in Canada for under $15,000 in reasonable shape. The 70's models are very rare here, and don't sell for much less than that either. Maybe you should come on up when the f*(&^%g winter's over and make some $$. LOL

ScottinSoCal · #3 03-10-2008, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tims450SL

I just found another 450 SL 1978 in pretty good condition. I will sell one and keep the better one

Speaking with firmly established bias, I say keep the 78. The D Jetronic system is fine, but I like the simplicity of the all-mechanical K Jetronic.

Of course the 75 has more power when it's running right, so.....

Tough call.

Strife · #4 03-11-2008, 12:12 AM

Well, my 380SL gives OK gas mileage, but a 450SL is going to be brutal if not running perfectly. However, I looked at the economics, and even with gas at $4.00/gallon, it's cheaper for me to drive my fairly easy to understand and repair 380SL, which I like, than a newer, quickly-depreciating, unfixable car that I probably would like less.

At the price you mention, if you have any mechanical ability whatsoever you could buy a HECK OF A LOT of gas and parts and still come out way ahead.

ScottinSoCal · #5 03-11-2008, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strife

However, I looked at the economics, and even with gas at $4.00/gallon, it's cheaper for me to drive my fairly easy to understand and repair 380SL, which I like, than a newer, quickly-depreciating, unfixable car that I probably would like less.

Yeah, there's that. I figured out that my Acura (bought new in 2001, sold years later with 77K miles) cost me 27 cents per mile in depreciation. Gas, tires, insurance, maintenance, and the one repair job it needed would all go on top of that. All totaled it probably ran me around 60+ cents per mile.

My 450SL is all paid for. The money I've put into repairs and paint have made it worth more, and it isn't going to depreciate much unless something really radical happens to the gas situation. With what I've been getting for gas mileage and what I pay for insurance it's costing me about 35 cents per mile, vs. the 60+ cents per mile of my brand new Acura. Not bad.

Tims450SL · #6 03-11-2008, 09:40 PM

acura is great-but I am hooked. Hey Scott any info about a new ragtop? I appreciate it...haven't had to do that before, and now it looks like I do!

ScottinSoCal · #7 03-11-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tims450SL

acura is great-but I am hooked. Hey Scott any info about a new ragtop? I appreciate it...haven't had to do that before, and now it looks like I do!

I got mine from World Upholstery and am happy with the top. I'm not happy with the way it was installed, but that isn't the fault of World Upholstery. That's my fault for farming out something I should have done myself and not getting references when I did it.

I think everyone who has ever bought a top has convictions about it one way or the other, but there's only a couple of sources for soft top canvas, so all the material comes from the same couple of places. As long as you deal with a shop that's been in business for a while and offers a good warranty on their product I think you'll be fine.

Lexxani · #8 03-12-2008, 09:51 PM

Nice find on the SL. My 107 was also a south fla car, with the previous owners residing in hollywood, fl. The only thing about the '78-81 107 that I sometimes wish I didnt have to deal with is the ACC-II system. I rigged mine so I have both hot and cold, but I cant find/wont spend $700 on a servo. Its just a matter of time before one appears in a yard. Other then that, beautiful car. I gotta say I do envy you with 2 107's...niiicceee.

ScottinSoCal · #9 03-12-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexxani

I cant find/wont spend $700 on a servo.

$1400 new, these days. $465 rebuilt with the aluminum body. I replaced my servo with a rebuilt and a new amp and have been happy with it. But if it goes out again I'm going digital.