Tag Archives: 280SL
So spring (or summer, apparently) has sprung – at least in the Mid-Atlantic region, but also throughout much of the rest of the country, from what I hear. What that means to me is that it’s time to dust-off your convertible, change the oil, pump-up the tires, put the top down, and head-out for a relaxing drive in the country, or the city, whichever is your pleasure. What’s that? You don’t have a convertible? We would argue that there is a convertible out there for nearly any budget or anyone with a credit card that they’ve given-up trying to pay off and therefore don’t mind piling onto. Who among Car Geeks doesn’t relish the wind in their hair, the sun on their face, and the sound of the exhaust bouncing off the trees? Now is the time before prices jump-up for the season. What we offer here are some thought starters…
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5 Comments | tags: 280SL, 300CE Convertible, 300SL, 325iC, 350SL, 380SL, 450SL, 560SL, Alfa Romeo Spider, BMW, British Cars, E30, E320 Cabriolet, E36, Fiat 850, German Cars, Graduate, Italian Cars, Japanese Cars, Mazda Miata, Mercedes-Benz, R107, RX-7 Convertible, Triumph TR6, W124, Z3 | posted in Resources, Totally That Stupid
Having been produced from 1971 through 1989 in no less than eight engine configurations, Mercedes-Benz R107 roadsters are hardly rare. In fact, for many of us children of the 1960s, 1970s, and even 1980s, when someone references “Mercedes SL” these are the cars that come to mind. Here in the US, however, we only really got three “official” versions of the R107: the 450SL (and 350SL 4.5 which was the same car) from 1972 through 1980, the 380SL from 1981 through 1985, and the 560SL from 1986 through the end of production. That leaves a lot of SLs that never made it to our shores, including anything across the range that came with a manual transmission. That’s what makes this Euro-spec car on CraigsList in Fort Lauderdale, Florida a rarity. That, and its low $4,400 asking price.
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2 Comments | tags: 280SL, 300SL, 350SL, 420SL, 450SL, 500SL, 560SL, BMW 635CSi, C107, German Cars, Manual Transmission, Mercedes-Benz, R107, R129, SL | posted in Totally That Stupid
Last week’s trip to Europe has me contemplating all sorts of next moves related to the things automotive in my life. Really, there are 2 considerations: upgrade the Accord Hybrid to something modern and fun with all of the bits and baubles that one expects with a new car, or buy something fun as a weekender – ostensibly in place of the recently-acquired Mercedes 300D Turbodiesel – that may even be well-positioned to start appreciating if looked after. Truth be told, as dull as the Honda is, I cannot deny the benefits of using the carpool lanes to commute from Fairfax, VA to Washington, D.C. every day. It easily saves me an hour a day. That leaves me looking at the classics.
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4 Comments | tags: 280SL, 308GTB, 308GTS, 308GTSi, 380SL, 450SL, 500SL, 560SL, 911SC, BMW E36 M3, Bobby Ewing, Carrera, Classic Car Depreciation, Dallas, Ferrari Mondial, Hart to Hart, Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda S2000, Mercedes-Benz R107, Porsche 911, Porsche 964, Porsche 993, Quattrovalvole, SL, Weird Science, Wonder Woman | posted in Resources, Totally That Stupid
UPDATE: October 3, 2011:
Pictures received, along with some more details. The interior does come with the car, but there are issues lurking beneath. Compression is between 105 and 130 – low for this car and with no explanation. That suggests a head rebuild at a minimum, and potentially a full engine rebuild. Coupled with the need for body work and paint, the cost of the car is quickly exceeding its potential value. I still believe the car is a great deal, but for someone with the knowledge, time, room, money, skills, or friends to get the needed work completed without requiring a second mortgage – if you can even get one at this point. Inquiries welcome at totallythatstupid@gmail.com.
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1 Comment | tags: 230SL, 250SL, 280SL, Convertibles, German Cars, Mercedes-Benz, Pagoda | posted in Commentary, Totally That Stupid
1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Pagoda Euro: Opportunities and Decisions – UPDATE
UPDATE: October 3, 2011:
Pictures received, along with some more details. The interior does come with the car, but there are issues lurking beneath. Compression is between 105 and 130 – low for this car and with no explanation. That suggests a head rebuild at a minimum, and potentially a full engine rebuild. Coupled with the need for body work and paint, the cost of the car is quickly exceeding its potential value. I still believe the car is a great deal, but for someone with the knowledge, time, room, money, skills, or friends to get the needed work completed without requiring a second mortgage – if you can even get one at this point. Inquiries welcome at totallythatstupid@gmail.com.
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1 Comment | tags: 230SL, 250SL, 280SL, Convertibles, German Cars, Mercedes-Benz, Pagoda | posted in Commentary, Totally That Stupid