1973 450 sl

[tommyob]

just won a 1973 450sl convert.(hardtop) car seems in good shape has some minor interior and body fixes,engine seems good but will have checked(122,000 mile gas engine) my question is is this car worth putting money into(no air conditioning(florida) car looks good but I know if I start tinkering I will spend more then I should-- thanks Tom

[alabbasi]

depends what's wrong with it and how much you paid for it. It will require more maintenance then a new car but wont depreciate. Parts are mostly cheap if you do the work yourself.

[Mike D]

Do you like the car? If so, then yes it's worth spending the money.

Are you looking to make money on the car? It's doubtful you would recoup the money you spend.

No one can give you any idea of the value or condition unless you post pictures. Forget the Kelley "blue book" crap, those numbers are for sellers and banks. They have no correlation to the real world and repairs needed.

[Graham]

Originally Posted by tommyob

just won a 1973 450sl convert.(hardtop) car seems in good shape has some minor interior and body fixes,engine seems good but will have checked(122,000 mile gas engine) my question is is this car worth putting money into(no air conditioning(florida) car looks good but I know if I start tinkering I will spend more then I should-- thanks Tom

I have owned a '72 SL for the past 19 years. I once got the A/C to work, but it must have a leak so I gave up. Mostly use the soft top and drive 'topless' whenever I can.

How is car otherwise? Does it need new paint, upholstery? Tires, softtop? Exhaust system, engine/tranny leaks?

Engine & transmission on these cars are usually reliable although getting the D-Jetronics electronic injection properly tuned can be interesting!
I guess you make a list of what the car needs and estimate what it might cost. I would not worry about the A/C if it needs a costly repair.

I am presently trying to determine replacement value of my car for insurance purposes - what do you think yours is worth now and once upgraded?

Good Luck

[meltedpanda]

generally a great car, but as stated give us more info on service records, body rust, general look , feel
I have a 72 and have had it apart from the ground up, pretty easy to work on once you know your way around them. Finding someone to do the work is hard and very expensive