[{"id": 16963371, "authorName": "AlohaZ3", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/alohaz3/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Purity of design before the pesky bumper regs came in. Nice looking Merc.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1740854450, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16963450, "authorName": "whipcity76", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/whipcity76/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Looks to be a late production MY72 R107. Might have the higher compression V8 engine though unsure when/where the cutoff was. May have been where the 350 and 450 were interchanged. Regardless, one can see how simplified the early R107\u2019s were. Not very complicated compared to the \u201889 560SL\u2019s at the end of the run. The R107\u2019s had a very long run and certainly one for the record books for Mercedes-Benz. Everyone who had owned one liked their purchase obviously, self included. Sturdy, well built machines that held their own against very tough competition out there during that era. No speed records with the 450SL\u2019s. Just solid vault-like comfort and steady 100mph safe driving lay ahead for all drivers. Not the best for Winter snow and ice. One of few open air convertibles on the market for those who enjoyed the feature. Plenty of respectable service available with good spare parts. A good solid performer to have within one\u2019s Mercedes collection today and into the future. A good, well-sorted example should behave and present a lot of smiles to go along with all those miles ahead. GLWTA!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1740854846, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16964899, "authorName": "Cobrasteve1042", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cobrasteve1042/", "bidAmount": 1250, "content": "USD $1,250 bid placed by Cobrasteve1042", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1740861842, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16965629, "authorName": "tthornell (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tthornell/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks @whipcity76! You are spot on, my experience as well with this jewel. I too am passionate for the glory of days gone by; engineering marvels, advanced nature of manufacturing and understanding much early then most give credit. Finding much pleasure in having a vision for what a restoration could be, problem is time and money are constraints most of us struggle to overcome. This Mercedes has been a pleasure to experience, but my intentions when purchased from the previous owner of 30 years was to just get her in tip top condition and pass along. I have a few Porsches an Alfa Romeo, and the family vehicles to keep my occupied.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1740864711, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16965621, "authorName": "CarFoolLane", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/carfoollane/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Love this, in the early pure form. Slender bumpers, and the iconic color-keyed wheel covers. A set of narrow-stripe whitewalls would really pop with all the other white on the car, and I'd get the factory radio modernized with Bluetooth, and ditch the obsolete cassette stereo and free up glove box space. \n\nFunny, I either like these really early R107s, or the '86-89 560s. Sure, more complicated, but Mercedes-Benz sent it into the history books as a factory hot rod.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1740864737, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16966112, "authorName": "CarsintheBarn", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/carsinthebarn/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@whipcity76 this is a us version so it will have the lower compression 4.5l with us emissions, the higher compression 3.5l were only available in ROW models. These are much easier to get parts for and have serviced in the US though. Either way these early cars with the euro bumpers look the best.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1740870274, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16972463, "authorName": "Knuckles-R-Busted", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/knuckles-r-busted/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The rest of the world got an actual 3.5 in the 72 350. Canadian 72 models were called 450 and got the 4.5. I never understood why the same naming didn't happen in the US until 73. Regardless , these are my favourite of all 107s because of the simplicity and lack of insane bumpers.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1740980274, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16972500, "authorName": "macarbon_johnnyb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/macarbon_johnnyb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is a late '72' US car as the last '72 is vin 5793. It will not have the higher powered ROW 4.5L. Not sure when the ROW 4.5L cars started to be produced... that is something to investigate. \r\n\r\nHard to tell the paint condition in the photos. Seems to be pretty good with no obvious cracks. Subframe reinforcement has been done. Description says suspension and steering work but from the video but it seems like there is a bit of straight ahead slop to the steering? If so, was the coupler replaced? Floors look good.. almost Cali levels of rust. As in none. Top looks rough on the inside shots, might want to add some exterior shots. I only see one side shot at the top of the listing. \r\n\r\nFirst thing I would do if I was getting this SL is replace the seat pads and covers. The driver seatback pad has disintegrated and I can't imagine the bottom pad is much better. The passenger pads would probably explode into dust clouds if someone dared sit on it. Since it needs a driver seat cover, it makes sense to both seats at the same time. Its about $2K for the pads and MBtex covers (no need for leather on a '72) plus labor.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1740982679, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16972914, "authorName": "69_911e", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/69_911e/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Someone has certainly enjoyed this one, to the tune of over 200k miles, wow! GLWTA.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741009620, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16973294, "authorName": "tthornell (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tthornell/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks @macarbon_johnnyb - I have added some additional photos and this comment to clarify / reveal further details. The soft top, its frame, canvas, and rubber are good but plastic not so good. This morning, in the cold, I unfortunately cracked the plastic trying to latch the top down. You mentioned rust, there is very little but I added a few pictures showing it is not entirely rust free. The steering coupler was not replaced. Also, 200K miles so one thing I wanted to add was a compressor check. Every cylinder 100 - 110 psi. I also took a picture of the plugs prior to cleaning them, revealing good burn and no fouling. Another item I wish to note, #4 cylinder exhaust gasket leak.\r\n\r\nThe seats, top, and radio were my next items to address. Some have questioned, why am I selling. In addition to the other project cars; my 4th of 5 kids is starting college in the fall, the oldest getting married in 2 months, and I've been in between work for 3 months.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1741014340, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16974197, "authorName": "Knuckles-R-Busted", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/knuckles-r-busted/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@tthornell (The Seller) cudos to you, sir for your candor and desire to be as truthful and forthcoming as possible with both comments and photographs. Having made three purchases on BaT up to now, I can confirm that not all sellers have your integrity.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1741022622, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16974399, "authorName": "TWW77", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tww77/", "bidAmount": 1972, "content": "USD $1,972 bid placed by TWW77", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741024161, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 16978411, "authorName": "sseiverg", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sseiverg/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "All these 350's imported and sold in the US had the 4.6 liter engine. As far as the number of vehicles produced, this is the only Mercedes Benz having an alternative engine than depicted on the badging that didn't have additional badging telling the actual engine displacement. All other vehicles that had a different displacement than the badging came with badge numbers depicting the actual displacement. In actuality according to the production numbers these 350 SL's were added to the 450SL's production count. They were not added to the 350 SL's numbers produced and sold in Europe. No production numbers for these 350 /4.5 liter vehicles is recorded on the records. There were around 3,000 of these cars imported to the US . They simply changed the badging arbitrarily the following year and started calling them 450 SL's. These original 4.5 engines had the most hp. Of all SL's until the 560's were introduced. They also came with the metal sleeve guides on the timing chain, which made them last longer, and less prone to skipping. These first run versions came with smaller outside rear view mirrors off the sedan models. They also had the smaller front disc brakes without sensors taken from the sedans. To order replacement pads for these first run cars you must order them as if these were sedans. The 450 SL brake pads will not fit. Another peculiarity is the cover plate over the squirrel A/C-heater fan , which was metal not plastic was always painted the color of the vehicle, after that they were always black including the replacement parts. \r\n The original cars had removable rechargeable glovebox lights that could be extracted and used in helping to change a tire at night, like a flashlight or torch as they call them in Europe. None of these first run cars came with electric windows. They all came with two-tone interiors. You couldn't have an electric automatic antenna as these cars antennas were mounted in the front left fender without space to install a motor. They all came with duel down-turned stainless steel exhaust stingers. \r\n The original vehicles were supposed to have the 3.5 liter engine but after the de tuning and lowering the compression to pass emissions, Mercedes wasn't happy with the performance. It was decided to install the newly developed 4.5 liter engine they were using on the sedans. The licensing procedure for selling vehicles in the US had the name of the vehicle listed on the first page of the licensing forms. Mercedes Benz had listed this as the 350 SL . There wasn't time to re-license the vehicles as 450SL's before the introduction date, so they left the name as 350 SL. It took an additional one liter of displacement to supply the same amount of work as higher tuned 3.5 liter motor. This lowered the emissions the required 10% but of course it had to run 10% longer burning more fuel. Although the emissions were 10% less, running it 10% longer to get the same amount of work caused the actual amount of emissions to be 10% greater, thereby there was no actual advantage in reducing emissions, they ended up being identical. This was Road and Tracks argument at the time in attempting to reduce emissions. \r\n I couldn't see all of the positions but these cars were production line marked with painted finger tip markings. This was the way the supervisor on the production lines signed off on parts installations. There were yellow, green, white, and orange color fingerprint markings throughout the vehicle. I have a first run car # 1706 built 3/71 that has all these production line markings. These first run vehicles are now highly desirable because of their uniqueness. One of the best things about these vehicles is you never have to smog them. Good luck and enjoy.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1741038231, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16979042, "authorName": "TWW77", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tww77/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@sseiverg - considering the early models and uniqueness, how difficult is it to find parts?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741040279, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16979614, "authorName": "macarbon_johnnyb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/macarbon_johnnyb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@sseiverg I think you car is a bit later than March of 71? #1706 would be a Sept of '71 production for 4.5L cars. Even for a 3.5L, 1706 would be June of 71. As for the number of 350SL 4.5 produced, it would most likely be 5792 as #5793 was where the '73 model year changes commenced according to Engelen's SL book. I think its highly likely that all of those were exported to the US. 3K seems low. That's interesting on the finger print markings... I've not heard that before and don't think I've seen any.. mine is #1467. Where would be an easy place to spot some? That will be cool to find.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1741045654, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16981700, "authorName": "105btr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/105btr/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@sseiverg I own 12-001904, built November 1971. It has a working electric antenna, mounted front left. Raises and lowers when the Becker Europa II is turned on/off. Do you think it's a retro-fit? It haas the sedan left side mirror and the different front brakes, etc. My impression was it was all original. However, as a MB parts guy 50 years ago we did sell a lot of replacement antennas. I am also very interested in the fingerprints and would welcome a hint as to where they might be found.\r\n\r\nBest...", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1741097816, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16989046, "authorName": "flyingdago", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/flyingdago/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Just slightly broken in.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741131771, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16996099, "authorName": "sardalani", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sardalani/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Any issues with cold starts or warm starts? Can you post a walkaround video?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741208086, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16999588, "authorName": "tthornell (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tthornell/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Evening @sardalani - no problem posting a video, I will have it up tomorrow. The vehicle has no issues starting cold or hot. Thanks!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741225753, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 16999667, "authorName": "tthornell (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tthornell/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TWW77 - from your post on parts accessibility, I have not had issues sourcing parts and the cost are fairly standard. It as been my experiences over the years; Euro, classic, or American made - you can find networks that still sell the parts you need, new and used. I can provide those sources off-line if you like? Thanks", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741226661, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17001356, "authorName": "GPMCMAHON", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gpmcmahon/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "All R107SLs imported to the U.S. in 1972/73 even though badged as 350SLs actually had the new 4.5 engine.which was necessitated by the reduced compression ratio demanded by the new U.S. emission regulations. The story is that they only had enough of the larger engines for North America and did not want cause a problem with the European market. So the cars were shipped with 350SL badges and the new owners would then get a letter informing them that they could return to their dealer to have a free 450SL badge installed ...", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1741271762, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17010037, "authorName": "tthornell (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tthornell/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@sardalani Cold start and walk around video's added. Thanks!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1741313340, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17016662, "authorName": "Samino", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/samino/", "bidAmount": 3000, "content": "USD $3,000 bid placed by Samino", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741380966, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17019738, "authorName": "tthornell (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tthornell/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741393323, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17019986, "authorName": "TheFierceGrizzly", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/thefiercegrizzly/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Great looking R107! Any thoughts on what is the 'ticking' sound from the engine? Thanks!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741395813, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17020047, "authorName": "flyingdago", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/flyingdago/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Maybe weak hydraulic lifter?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741396603, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17020815, "authorName": "tthornell (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tthornell/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TheFierceGrizzly - the ticking sound is an exhaust leak. I tighten the bolts, which were a bit loose, along that banks manifold, but the gasket on #4 port is damaged. The gasket needs to be replaced.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1741408343, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17021440, "authorName": "Kmarcum", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kmarcum/", "bidAmount": 3300, "content": "USD $3,300 bid placed by Kmarcum", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741440556, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17021981, "authorName": "tomebrand", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tomebrand/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Love the early 70's SLs. This looks to be very original w/o any \"aftermarket\" messing around. Original patina is in, i would just maintain it and drive it as is.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741446667, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17021992, "authorName": "tomebrand", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tomebrand/", "bidAmount": 4350, "content": "USD $4,350 bid placed by tomebrand", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741446711, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17022131, "authorName": "tthornell (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tthornell/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks @tomebrand - yes all original, this is the real deal classic. The quartz clock even still works! Truly a car to be enjoyed and papered into an exceptional classic.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1741448005, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17022837, "authorName": "pevans", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pevans/", "bidAmount": 4500, "content": "USD $4,500 bid placed by pevans", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741454405, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17022979, "authorName": "overlandish", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/overlandish/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Seller, great job with your transparency and honesty! I'd rather buy a high mileage car from an honest seller than a low mileage car from someone hiding things.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1741455480, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17023721, "authorName": "Kmarcum", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kmarcum/", "bidAmount": 4600, "content": "USD $4,600 bid placed by Kmarcum", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741458871, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17024223, "authorName": "squasher", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/squasher/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sadly, I can't get the videos to play. Any idea why?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741460495, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17024273, "authorName": "tomebrand", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tomebrand/", "bidAmount": 5350, "content": "USD $5,350 bid placed by tomebrand", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741460652, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 17024348, "authorName": "tthornell (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tthornell/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sorry @squasher777 - private email and I could try emailing? Thanks", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741460852, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17024697, "authorName": "Anonymous", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Reserve not met on 3/8/25 at USD $5,350", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741462141, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 17024711, "authorName": "tomebrand", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tomebrand/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Bummer. I got excited for a second.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741462194, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17024727, "authorName": "bobgreenman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobgreenman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "as should tomebrand - was getting irritated that it might go so incredibly low", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741462259, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 17026711, "authorName": "squasher", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/squasher/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Very weak bidding for a rare and highly restorable classic...", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1741475719, "type": "comment"}]