1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL

The 107 Series SL Mercedes had one of the longest production runs in Mercedes Benz history. Debuting in 1971, it continued through to 1989 with essentially the same body, albeit with numerous engine variations along the way. Too long a run? Probably, but not everyone thought its replacement was a huge step forward. That had to wait for the current 230 series introduced in 2002.

The 107 was the next generation after the "Pagoda" roofed 6 cylinder SL's that have proved such a success in the investment stakes. These are selling for two or three times the asking price of the nice 350SL shown on this page.

If debate exists as to whether the Pagodas were sports cars or grand tourers, that argument was lost on the 350SL which is most definitely a tourer. Nicknamed the "Panzerwagon" or battle tank during pre-production, the new model was heftier and, with the V8 engine, more powerful than its predecessor. The engine came from the S class and, in many ways, the 107 Series was the S class of the 2 door Mercedes range. Luxurious, effortless and imposing are words that come to mind when confronted with a SL. If you want lithe, balanced and aggressive, then a Porsche is more for you!

The beefing up of the new model had much to do with the demands of American legislators and their calls for "crash proofing" of new models (remember Ralph Nader? Nah, me neither). In the days before lightweight plastics and composites, the answer to the new laws usually involved a weight penalty. Nearly 200kg extra in the case of the SL.

Mercedes were also putting more effort than many manufacturers into safety design in the 70's and the SLs incorporated features like front and rear crumple zones - things we take for granted today, but were real innovations 30 or 40 years ago.

The new engine was seen as a necessity on two fronts. Extra power to overcome the extra 200kg and a V8 to satisfy the American buyers demand for a "real engine". The old 6 cylinder was a free revving motor; the new V8 was all about effortless torque.

The 3.5 litre engine outputs 230 bhp and gives adequate, if not exciting performance when mated to the auto gear change that was the only transmission available at the time.

Buyers might want to bear in mind that, due to emission controls, engine outputs actually went down during the late 70's and early 80's, so the early 350SLs are actually the more sporty of the breed until you move into 500SL territory.

And talking of other models, the range of engines offered within the SL range during its 18-year life was quite prodigious. Variously, the 107 Series was badged as a 280/300/350/380/420/450/500 and, last but not least, the 560 SL.

The 350 SL available at Bennett's Classic Auctions had an extensive restoration 3 years ago and looks to be good buying for someone looking for an early 107 Series SL. The back to metal respray was well done and the interior has been thoroughly refurbished.

The modern-looking dash with its round dials is nicely set off with an original Blaupunkt radio. Optional, but small, rear seats are available for occasional use by children or vertically challenged adolescents. Chrome wire wheels are a non-factory modification.

The seats are typical Mercedes - larger than normal and without enough side support for enthusiastic drivers. The steering wheel is not overly large and falls nicely to hand.

The long travel required of the accelerator pedal takes some getting used to and tends to mask the power of the engine until you are used to it. Other than that, driving a 350 SL is as easy as it is pleasurable.

The all-disc brakes do a good job and the compliant suspension looks after the worst of Australian main roads. There is more roll than you might expect, but the grip level is high and even sporty drivers are unlikely to reach the car's handling limits without serious intent.

The new owner of this SL might choose to use the car as a weekend runabout, but there is no reason it would not make a totally serviceable day-to-day car. Trevor West

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH

Model: Mercedes-Benz 350SL

Year: 1972

Dealer: Bennetts Classic Auctions

Price: $23,990 reserve guide

0-100 kph: Around 10 seconds

Best point: Well restored classic

Worst point: Shame they're not a bit
‘sharper'

Recommendation: Good car, good condition and
a good price

Trivia: In 1972, the 350SL was sold in the USA with a 4.5litre motor. Rumour has it it wasn't called a ‘450SL' because german buyers might have felt short-changed with their 3.5 litre offering.