Market Watch: Mercedes-Benz W107

By: Cliff Chambers, Photography by: Mercedes-Benz

Date: 14.11.2023

No shape is more instantly recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz than this one.

Climber or slider?

Not surprising either, because the square shouldered W107 Series first appeared in 1971 and stayed around for another 20 years, selling more than 300,000 units in that time.

This was the first sporty Mercedes-Benz to offer V8 power; beginning life as a 3.5-litre 350SL and peaking as the 5.6-litre 560SL. A longer wheelbase SLC version was offered here during the 1970s, but despite selling significantly above two-seat SL versions, the SLC today costs around 50 per cent less.

The 450SL roadsters were available from late 1971, and 1973 saw a 450SLC added to the range. These initially cost $23,000 but soared in price until 1980 when an SLC cost more than $64,000 and was discontinued.

The 450SL was then replaced by the 3.8-litre 380SL, which sold locally only as a two-seater and came standard with ABS braking. It lasted until 1986 when the introduction of unleaded fuel saw it replaced by the 5.6-litre, 175kW 560SL.

Because these cars were typically sold to well-off owners, service schedules were strictly observed and a lot were rarely used. As a result, our market is well-supplied with SLs and most remain in excellent condition. 

With cars of this quality, distances travelled matter less than how they've been treated. An SL that has covered 10,000km annually during 40 or 50 years of dedicated ownership and been repaired whenever required, will be a better prospect than a car with lower mileage, but been neglected.

It will come as no surprise to learn the most expensive of these distinctive roadsters are later cars, with the biggest engines. 

The 560SL versions began to move in value around 10 years ago, and by 2021 the best ones had topped $100,000. 

Around half that amount buys a good 380SL, and these remain viable for regular use. Also in the $40-50,000 price bracket are 300SL and 500SL versions that weren’t sold new here, but have come via Japan, South Africa or the UK.

Cheaper 350SL and 450SL two-seaters can be found at $25-35,000 – usually with the desirable factory hardtop. SLC versions with some life left can be found at less than $20,000.

From Unique Cars #484, Oct 2023

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