The engineers toiling in Stuttgart had accomplished a monumental task when the third-generation SL debuted. They had successfully designed and built a two-seat luxury sports tourer that was so inherently right, it would outlast and outsell every other car to wear the badge, before or since: Between April 1971 and August 1989, exactly 237,287 “R 107”-chassis convertibles would be built, their decklids bearing the emblems 280 SL, 300 SL, 350 SL, 380 SL, 420 SL, 450 SL, 500 SL, and 560 SL. American buyers could purchase the V-8-powered 1972 350 SL, 1973-’80 450 SL, 1981-’85 380 SL, and 1986-’89 560 SL through official channels, so they are the focus of this buyer’s guide. Still plentiful and relatively accessible, these cars enjoy an impressive network of parts and repair specialists that make them easy to own and operate—though they’re not recommended for enthusiasts on a shoestring budget. As R107s are already considered “youngtimer classics,” it won’t surprise anyone that their values are on the rise. Read on to learn how to pick the best SL for your wallet and lifestyle.
In making the replacement for the 1963-’71 “Pagoda” SL, Mercedes-Benz
