* Additional photos at http://s1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg561/chasm61/
Total R107 convertible production from 1972-1989 is cited by various sources to be 237,287 cars. The 5.0 liter engine was the pinnacle of this design, producing 245hp and 296lb-ft of torque. Only 11,822 500SLs were produced from 1981-1989. Just 1563 were produced in the 1983 model year. This engine was not intended for US distribution. In the US we had to make do with the 380SL (1981-1985) and the 560SL (1985-1989), which both lacked the power of the 500SL.
There are many styling cues that make any European spec R107 generally more desirable than US spec models; the bumpers are smaller and more graceful, halogen projector headlamps rather than US dual sealed beam units, and a tasteful rear deck spoiler.
This car was legally imported new in 1983 through "gray market" channels. This involved an importer who would federalize the cars to meet US safety requirements. In many cases, some or all the desirable cues listed above were removed. Today, collectors look for a car that preserves as much of its European character as possible.
This car has a clean, one-owner history from new and was in storage for about five years prior to my purchase. There is no rust on the car, and it was resprayed in its original Anthracite Grey Metallic some time prior to storage. The paint is very good, and the body is in excellent condition.
The matching color removable hard top is included in the sale. The black soft top is in very good condition for its age and is in excellent working order, with no fading or discoloration of the plastic windows. Likewise, the black interior is in great condition. The seats were recovered in 1997 and there are no rips, tears, seam pulls, sagging, broken springs, or any issues you find with many older Mercedes seats. The Zebrano wood dash trim and inserts are in excellent condition, without any sign of cracking or fading.
Mechanically, the car has been completely recommissioned over the past year. Receipts are available to be emailed upon request for your review. All work was completed by an experienced and certified Mercedes mechanic who worked at a dealership in the 80's and is very knowledgable on this model.
I had hoped to hold onto this car for many years, but due to changing circumstances I'm willing to let it go for much less than what I've spent on the car since my purchase. Here is a brief recap of most, but not all work completed over the past year since my purchase:
New Battery
New Oil Pressure Sender
Complete Timing chain service including new chain, guides, tensioner, gear sprockets, etc...
Complete intake and fuel injection service including new gaskets, seals, injectors, hoses, vacuum valves, etc...
Major 120k Service including replacement of all fluids, spark plugs, filters, etc...
Replace transmission mount and transmission coolant lines
New rotor, cap, and plug wire set
New drive belts
Replace or recondition door vacuum actuators (central locking) and seals, and top boot seals and cable
Recharge and service A/C system
Drain and recondition fuel tank, replace fuel pump, and service/replace all fuel lines as needed
Front end alignment and inspection, replace front sway bar bushings
New Brake master cylinder
New slotted brake rotors, calipers, lines, and ceramic low-dust brake pads
New shock absorbers
New Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport tires (225/55R16)
Professionally reconditioned 16 inch 1992 Mercedes "8-hole" style wheels
New spare tire mounted to 14 inch original "Bundt" style spare (205/70R14)
**PLEASE ASK FOR COPIES OF ALL MAINTENANCE, AVAILABLE TO BE EMAILED**
There is only one project which I consider a MUST to enhance the value and driveability of this car. The heater core has a small leak in it, and I have bypassed the heater for now. As a result, this car does not currently have cabin heat or defrost. It does have heated seats and A/C, both of which are in excellent working order.
Otherwise, there are a few rock chips that have been repaired or touched up. The ABS system still needs some tinkering. And the headlight wipers don't work. But these are all minor issues to be expected of a 30 year-old car, and nothing that will detract from the safe enjoyment of this fine classic automobile.
This is an excellent opportunity to buy a known quantity, with confidence in the condition. Of course the car is being sold as is, where is, and without warranty either implied or specific, but I'm certain the right buyer will be elated with their purchase. I wish my current circumstances allowed me to continue driving and restoring the car myself, as this car will certainly appreciate in value.
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