At $7,500, Is This 1990 Mercedes 300 SL a Cut price of a Benz?

With its six-cylinder engine, right now’s Nice Price or Crack Pipe Mercedes R129 is a rarer hen than its V8-powered counterparts. We’ll must resolve if the worth on this lower-spec’d roadster makes you need to flip it the hen as properly.

Must you be the kind of one who rues the huge variety of vehicles and vehicles denied to us within the U.S., you possibly can take umbrage in eager about all those who did come right here, solely to fail. One such failure was Rayton Fissore which managed meager gross sales in what has arguably been essentially the most profitable phase out there, that of the luxurious SUV.

We regarded on the fallout of that effort yesterday, a 1989 Laforza, which didn’t supply any apparent clue as to the marque’s demise, however as a substitute stood as a stalwart reminder that an effort was made. At $9,900, it didn’t show to be a really costly reminder both. Not less than to not the 53 p.c of you who voted the uncommon 4X4 a Good Value win.

Hey, would you like somewhat cash funding tip? Top off on R129 Mercedes convertibles. Significantly, I feel these are nearly to pop in the marketplace. Proper now first rate examples may be had for properly below ten grand, and if the previous R107 and older W113 editions set any precedent — which they’ve — that state of affairs gained’t final all that for much longer. The query, in fact, is simply which mannequin of R129 makes for the perfect funding?

Here in the States, there are basically three flavors from which to choose: the six-cylinder 300, the V8 500, and the romper-stomper V12 600. While their engines are different, they’re all SLs, which stands for Super Leicht (Super Light) harkening back to the 300 SL Gullwing and roadster of the 1950s. Each of the three models has its pros and cons, but today we’re going to focus on the particulars of the lowest-end model, this 1990 300 SL in grey over biscuit leather-based and sporting 152,000 miles on the clock.

The 228-horsepower/201 lb-ft of torque DOHC six within the 300 proved to be far much less widespread right here within the States than the 300-horse V8. A lot in order that the six-cylinder vehicles could be dropped right here totally in ’98, leaving solely the five-liter eight and six-liter V12 vehicles to hold the torch. That makes the 300s a bit rarer and contemplating that the three-liter M104 straight six lives in an engine bay that has room for a V12, they’re pretty simple vehicles to wrench on.

In line with the advert, this one comes with a clear title and full upkeep data. One of many weak factors of this mannequin is the hydraulic high mechanism which might sprout leaks at a number of factors proudly owning to age. The vendor says that the included hardtop was lately eliminated and the smooth high raised to make sure perform, so it apparently handed that take a look at. That material high is claimed to be in glorious situation if a bit wrinkly from having been folded up for therefore lengthy. The additionally included onerous high comes with a roll-around stand for when it’s not on the automotive.

The inside is claimed to be in glorious situation. The leather-based on the seats seems to be intact and there’s no obvious cracking on the burl wooden console dealing with. I’m unsure if the added wooden on the steering wheel and instrument cluster is an unique possibility or an aftermarket add-on, however that appears to be in fine condition as properly.

One factor to all the time search for with an R129 is the windscreen and its boot-mounted case. These often go lacking and are expensive to switch if they’ve. This Benz has each.

This appears to be a stable instance of an R129, and the one actual query about its worth could also be whether or not the extra widespread V8 automotive might make a greater funding. The funding on this one calls for $7,500. That’s not dangerous on this market, however is it a deal?

What do you say? Is this SL a sleeper at that $7,500 asking? Or, does its bottom-of-the-barrel cylinder depend demand an even bigger low cost?

You resolve!

Orange County, California, Craigslist, or go here if the advert disappears.

H/T to Paul Chabe for the hookup!

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