Is the R107 Mercedes SL The Best Classic Car You Will Ever Buy? | Buying Guide & Review

  Рет қаралды 41,539

Fuel Up Classic

Fuel Up Classic

Жыл бұрын

With exceptional build quality that has stood the test of time, an impressively long production run, and a style that is suitable for every occasion; the R107 Mercedes-Benz SL has proven its immense popularity since the early 70s.
I get behind the wheel of this stylish R107 300SL and tell you what its like to drive and why it could just be the perfect classic car. The R107 SL has always been admired by everyone, from Royalty to celebrities, but what should you look out for and of course how much should you pay if you're looking to buy an SL.
Don't forget to like and subscribe to the Fuel Up Classic channel for more classic car content coming out every week!
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
uppbeat.io/t/cruen/in-the-now
License code: 5X6NVSHKQ1JKO2SA

Пікірлер: 80
@Vince_uk
@Vince_uk Жыл бұрын
These are absolute class, I own 2 Mercs and one day I will own one of these for sure. The R107 and the Bentley Arnage are my ambitions. THe R107 is the pinnacle of Mercedes build quaity.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
They really are fantastic vehicles. I hope you manage to get both an R107 and an Arnage and enjoy them both.
@BEGGARWOOD1
@BEGGARWOOD1 4 ай бұрын
I am a massive fan of Mercedes Benz and own a couple of classics . I did smile when you suggested that the heater controls were simple and easy to use ! Like the radio they are pretty “unique”
@danielsaunders9228
@danielsaunders9228 Жыл бұрын
The immortal R107 series. The Older they become, the more Mercedes they are!!!
@vantagev8331
@vantagev8331 Жыл бұрын
Back when Mercedes built proper cars. I’m fortunate to own one; it always feels special and just puts a smile on my face.
@PeterPan-mx6rk
@PeterPan-mx6rk Жыл бұрын
I bought an 380SL EU model two years ago after a couple of heritage cars I owned. Usually I drove all this cars for two years an sold them. But the SL changed my mind. Every time I open the garage brings a smile on my face. It’s so nice to drive and feels like coming home every time I close the door and fire up the engine…….
@davidarter9670
@davidarter9670 7 ай бұрын
A brilliant car. We didn’t get the 300SL in Australia but I would be very interested in sourcing one and privately importing it.
@mikeparrysatwat
@mikeparrysatwat Жыл бұрын
I have a 1980 450SL and it turns heads every journey ...beautiful to drive as well I will never go back to owning Triumphs ever again
@leee3880
@leee3880 Жыл бұрын
What color is your 450SL? My dad has a 1980 450SL also. It’s kind of a beige/yellow color though, not the greatest color.
@mikeparrysatwat
@mikeparrysatwat Жыл бұрын
@@leee3880 signal red
@FleetAdmiral215
@FleetAdmiral215 Жыл бұрын
One of my favourite all time Car's . As a modern Mercedes owner I'd rather go for the R107 than it's modern equivalent ,the R107 is Stunning Beautiful Timeless !
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
They really are beautiful cars! I will be featuring a R129 on the channel very soon, so it will interesting to see how the SL developed
@comedywriter8408
@comedywriter8408 Жыл бұрын
In 1983, I purchased a new Mercedes 450SL R107. It was a superb car, just driving it gave you a special feel. Mine was a metallic champagne coloured exterior, and the interior was all leather cream coloured seats. And that particular model had a truly classy appearance, even after 10 years of use, people still commented on it's beautiful appearance. If you can find such a model in good condition, it's well worth buying it, you will have miles and miles of driving pleasure.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more!
@jamesellsworth9673
@jamesellsworth9673 Жыл бұрын
This is a fine classic car from Mercedes Benz.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
It certainly is
@manosparavida3551
@manosparavida3551 Жыл бұрын
Definitely the most stylish, graceful and functional of just about any Mercedes ever built. From an era when their advertising motto was 'Engineered like no other car'. Which they undoubtedly were.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
They certainly were in a league of their own.
@ulflei
@ulflei Жыл бұрын
I have an 1985 300SL ,bought that 1990 in Germany and it moved with me to the US 1993.I had it as a daily driver for years and it has now 302000 miles and is still very dependable. The weak point for the 103 engine is the head gasket otherwise just perfect .
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
Fantastic! It is always great to hear of classic cars that are used and enjoyed regularly.
@chrispoulson3215
@chrispoulson3215 Жыл бұрын
The head gasket is a once only fix.
@76APJ
@76APJ Жыл бұрын
I bought a 1972 350SL about 4 years ago and spent a lot of time with my mechanics getting it 'right'... now that the work is done it has gone from being a below average daily driver... to a mechanically perfect car... its amazing how great the car is to drive. Long drives are effortless, the car has more than enough power at every speed... steering is light and its very easy to manoeuvre. If you can buy one today... do it. And dont be afraid to go for a perfect early model as they are very much misunderstood. Dont compare them to a 560sl... Instead look at a 280sl and imagine how the engineers saw themselves as building a car that was better than anything else in the market at the time.
@pasifsc
@pasifsc Жыл бұрын
I agree with you about usability of R 107. I drive -71 SL 350 3,5 liter V8 with factory 4 speed manual and it works fine in today's traffic.
@johnmcdonald1647
@johnmcdonald1647 Жыл бұрын
Great video thank you, I've daily driven my 1980 500SL since buying it in 2015 and only once left me stranded. I had the starter motor rebuilt to factory specs and with regular fluid and filter changes expect many more years of driving pleasure.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
They certainly are a level above anything else in terms of build quality. I'm sure it will give you many more years of good service.
@MrWallybones
@MrWallybones 3 ай бұрын
Fantastic video! Thank you for your in depth review of the Mercedes R107. I just love the aesthetics.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic 3 ай бұрын
Glad you liked it!
@christophers7070
@christophers7070 Жыл бұрын
I'm biased because I have a 1986 300SL with 65,000 miles, but the handling of the 300SL is better than the V8's due to less weight over the front wheels, they feel just as quick as the V8's due to the lower gearing. The M103 was actually the most modern engine in any R107. The V8's were born around 1969 (3.5 V8), and then tinkered from that, right up to the 5.6 litre V8. Well sorted 6 cylinder models (in the UK) are actually more valuable that the V8's. The 560SL sold like hot cakes in the US, and despite the ugly bumpers and headlights are gaining in value rapidly. I bought mine in the UK and brought it back to Australia, where the 300 was never sold. (we got the 350, 450, 380 and 560). Elegant and bank vault build quality. Iron fist in a velvet glove. I won't be selling it!
@billybobtanner
@billybobtanner Жыл бұрын
All the R107s handle like a soft sofa which suits the car. The euro 500sl is the most sought after of the range and is valued as such. It's still a quick car today and sounds great.
@chrispoulson3215
@chrispoulson3215 Жыл бұрын
@@billybobtanner Whilst I agree that the handling of R107 is more comfort than sport the 300SL is better in the twisty stuff than the 500SL particularly those built before the 1985 upgrades and even the post '85 500SLs. The M117 burbles along quite nicely but the M103 getting into full chat at 4,400 rpm and above is addictive. More isn't always best and the 300SL is the sweet spot in contemporary ownership. The other bonus is that you don't get the stupid rubber spoiler which does exactly what it says: it spoils the beautifully subtle convex curve of the R107 boot-lid.
@alexandrebeinotti3359
@alexandrebeinotti3359 18 күн бұрын
The M103 is the most reliable gas engine.
@nabeelhussain1154
@nabeelhussain1154 Жыл бұрын
great channel keep up the great work.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
Thank you
@ashleygordon3467
@ashleygordon3467 Жыл бұрын
R107’s are a standout classic and would be vastly more valuable had they not made so many due to the 18 year production run. That said, here in Australia they have significantly increased in value. As an example, my 380 SL (very good condition, 130,000 KLM, full service history) was bought 6 years ago for AUD$35,000 and was valued for insurance a few months ago at $AUD 90,000! I’m sure it would take a while to sell at that price but the valuer insisted that was on the mark.
@grandadpreneur
@grandadpreneur Жыл бұрын
I just got a 1987 420SL, it's incredible.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
Enjoy!
@NickForest999
@NickForest999 Жыл бұрын
Just completed a road trip through Normandy and the Loire Valley in my 300SL (1989 R107 in smoke silver) very comfortable although air con would have been nice. I’ve had 107’s since 2016 (I’ve also a very very low mileage R129 which is now for sale) - These SL’s are very much an emotional ownership prospect and you have to get used to people asking questions and wanting to know more about owning one…a quality problem imo
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
Fantastic!
@HighPeakAutos
@HighPeakAutos Жыл бұрын
I love the R107. Do you remember the lady with the red one who had kids at BIC? I would see it everyday.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
I remember that red SL. There were some great cars outside every morning. I drove past BIC a few months ago, it’s developed a lot.
@bartcleemput9556
@bartcleemput9556 Жыл бұрын
I did buy my 300SL last year, for 27.500 euro. It's a 1968 car with 250.000kms, 3 previous owners. Although it was in very good condition, I had some unexpected extra costs to make it look like new. Major problem is to replace the exhaust (with cath), which I will still need to do and which will cost me a fortune... The car is a dream to drive, I still get a happy feeling each time I start the engine.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
Hope you enjoy the car for many more years and miles.
@richardelson3261
@richardelson3261 9 ай бұрын
Agree with everything you said - all round great classic package
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic 9 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching
@mollyhatchet7075
@mollyhatchet7075 10 ай бұрын
I LIKE THESE WITH THE AMERICAN DOUBLE HEAD LIGHT CONFIGURATION. WITH THE THE LITTLE BUMBERS THEY LOOK AWESOME .I HAD AN EARLY 350SL SILVER WITH RED INTERIOR THAT WAS AWESOME WITH THE 4.5 V-8 . IT WAS A GAS HOG BUT IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL CAR THAT WAS SO CLASSY .LOVED THE WAY THAT CAR MADE ME FEEL. MISS IT .
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic 10 ай бұрын
Very cool!
@Yorkshiremadmick
@Yorkshiremadmick Жыл бұрын
I think the R129 was the last of tank like build quality. I heard they lost money on everyone they made. I have an SL320 straight 6 1999 and it sounds lovely. Owned since 2010.
@Eric-pw5yf
@Eric-pw5yf 6 ай бұрын
Can somebody tell me why the center console of the UK R107 is still the same as the early models, while the later models in Europe have the more modern lay-out. Same counts for the foot brake which is replaced by a handbrake. I’ve owned a 280SL and a 300SL, I personally like the 300 SL a bit more because of the front spoiler and the alloy wheels. Thanks for the review!
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic 6 ай бұрын
That's an excellent point and it's something I had never previously noticed. I'm sure somebody will come along with far more knowledge than I to explain further.
@richardsmith9509
@richardsmith9509 Жыл бұрын
I sold my Jaguar XK8 and bout an 18 year old BMW 645Ci conv....What a difference.. Not quite classics, but its getting close....
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
How are you finding the 645CI? I think they will be a modern classic in a short amount of time and they still offer so much car for your money. I’d like to feature one on the channel at some point.
@jamespainhouseman4289
@jamespainhouseman4289 Жыл бұрын
From bitter experience, I would say that for any convertible, check under the back seat, under the carpets etc in case it has ever got throughly wet from someone leaving the top open and then it having got rained on. It may not be just rust - maybe lots of it - but also some of the electronics may have got ruined as well. If it has happened the owner may not have even realised that there may be standing water in the low points that could just sit there for ages, quietly rusting away the floor, from the inside so nothing to see from beneath.
@patrickfalter4487
@patrickfalter4487 6 ай бұрын
I bought a 1981 380 sl for 2500 U.S. , put a little work in it, brakes, tires and the usual pm stuff. Definately not perfect but still looks and runs great. Has some floor rust issues and could use a valve job. Anyways I went to insure it, the insurance company asked me how much I valued it at ? I said I dont know , 5000 I guess. They said the minimum on that car was 15000 LOL. So its not worth that but she's fun, great colors too. Black and tan.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic 6 ай бұрын
Black and tan is a lovely combination.
@oldporkchops
@oldporkchops 9 ай бұрын
Thanks for this review. Would you prefer this R107 over the R129? Why?
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic 9 ай бұрын
Great question! I personally prefer the R107, mostly just for its looks, desirability and the fact it still feels very capable. However, the R129 is really coming into its own and you could still easily use one everyday. If you can find a good one, you still get an awful lot of car for your money. It's worth remembering that a good V8 R129 is roughly 50% or less of the cost of a good R107. I've done a video on a R129 SL you may want to check out.
@oldporkchops
@oldporkchops 9 ай бұрын
@@fuelupclassic I sure did not expect such a detailed response. Thank you for taking time to share your opinion. Oh, so even though the R129 is newer, it is less costly to own one? Put another way, it still has not appreciated in price? Will it? I'm thinking of getting a few. To keep for parts and collect. How difficult to find is a silver arrow, authentic certificate version?
@jamesreckling6697
@jamesreckling6697 Жыл бұрын
The R129 is the best SL since the original.
@fingling8
@fingling8 11 ай бұрын
Want want want!--just like the one you had there, with the 6. And that tweedy look. I am not interested in speed or impressing anyone. I want beauty. So sounds like 1970s MBtex and the tweed (if they come together). I don't want sticky leather. I'd probably leave the hardtop on.
@bizmyurt8582
@bizmyurt8582 Жыл бұрын
There is one for sale in Sweden a silver 1988 500SL with just 2252 miles on the clock but they are asking 71146 punds for it. You could probably take it down a bit. If anybody needs help with the car my services are here!
@stevevenus1
@stevevenus1 Ай бұрын
What is the official colour on that one, I Iike it.
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Ай бұрын
Smoke Silver
@SimonWallwork
@SimonWallwork 4 ай бұрын
Panzerwagon!
@guy4469
@guy4469 Жыл бұрын
i love these but id rather have the granada 2.8 ghia x in the background .you cant put a jaguar HORRIBLE.agaist this baby ,its like putting a lexus LS430 against toyota prius .
@asc968ccc8
@asc968ccc8 Жыл бұрын
@pobinr
@pobinr 22 күн бұрын
No need for the cheesy music. Especially when we could be hearing the engine instead
@chrispoulson3215
@chrispoulson3215 Жыл бұрын
1530kgs for a 300SL.
@virgilrytaar9083
@virgilrytaar9083 Жыл бұрын
'Panzerwagen'
@monman8183
@monman8183 Жыл бұрын
Longest production car of Mercedes is the G Wagen.
@MDavidG1
@MDavidG1 9 ай бұрын
Yes, but the G Wagen is not really a car...
@goodfest007
@goodfest007 Жыл бұрын
Think the child police would lock you up if you put children in the back today… ha ha, but one of my favourite classics, almost bought a mint one 10 years ago, sadly mint ones are out of reach of my budget now….😂
@Biskawow
@Biskawow Жыл бұрын
pft the excuses ppl make for v6. If I was going for this car I'd go for 5 liter v8
@fuelupclassic
@fuelupclassic Жыл бұрын
not the v12?
@Biskawow
@Biskawow Жыл бұрын
@@fuelupclassic only noobs drive v12s, v16 is the way to go
@virgilrytaar9083
@virgilrytaar9083 Жыл бұрын
300SL in the R107 is a straight 6
@Biskawow
@Biskawow Жыл бұрын
@@virgilrytaar9083 booo Virgil, booo
@callelindstrom4789
@callelindstrom4789 Жыл бұрын
No. All cars where with an hardtop from the factory…
@ashleygordon3467
@ashleygordon3467 Жыл бұрын
True and the hardtops are numbered to match the car
@TheMercedes500
@TheMercedes500 7 ай бұрын
No, The 450 SL is much better.
Daily Driving an 80's Mercedes SL Roadster. An Ownership Review.
22:08
1986 Mercedes Benz SL 560 Review
32:47
JW Reviews
Рет қаралды 38 М.
We Got Expelled From Scholl After This...
00:10
Jojo Sim
Рет қаралды 33 МЛН
Универ. 10 лет спустя - ВСЕ СЕРИИ ПОДРЯД
9:04:59
Комедии 2023
Рет қаралды 963 М.
СНЕЖКИ ЛЕТОМ?? #shorts
00:30
Паша Осадчий
Рет қаралды 6 МЛН
ГДЕ ЖЕ ЭЛИ???🐾🐾🐾
00:35
Chapitosiki
Рет қаралды 8 МЛН
Mercedes R107 SL Buying Guide - The Perfect Classic Cruiser?
15:55
Classics World
Рет қаралды 7 М.
Owning a 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL
13:05
CarGurus UK
Рет қаралды 30 М.
Here's Why This Mercedes 300SL Is The PERFECT Classic Car
10:56
Andy Sprocket
Рет қаралды 4,1 М.
Mercedes SL R107 classic, real world review
21:50
Harry's garage
Рет қаралды 443 М.
Is The Mercedes Benz SL R107 A Good Investment Or Sale Proof?
14:44
Sale Proof Car Reviews
Рет қаралды 34 М.
Should you buy a Mercedes R107?
38:58
classick!
Рет қаралды 4,6 М.
Don't Buy It Guide: Mercedes 107 280 SL
8:27
Number 27
Рет қаралды 90 М.
Mercedes-Benz W107 500 SL - A winning package | Tyrrell's Classic Workshop
29:51
Tyrrell's Classic Workshop
Рет қаралды 226 М.
Which Mercedes-Benz SL should you buy?
9:44
Sports and GT Cars
Рет қаралды 75 М.
#asmr #explore #estetica #explorar #reels #estéticaautomotiva #viral
1:01
Mozac estetica automotiva
Рет қаралды 4,8 МЛН
3rd time’s a charm 😅 #bugatti #dodge #daytona #americanmuscle #muscle #musclecar
0:31
Делай ПРАВИЛЬНО #дневник #стройка #excavator ✔
0:13
ДНЕВНИК ЭКСКАВАТОРЩИКА
Рет қаралды 1,3 МЛН
This is how 😂 #miata #mx5 #shorts
0:10
Miata Nation
Рет қаралды 1,7 МЛН
Comenta tu coche favorito #skate
0:20
Jordan Zapatillas
Рет қаралды 967 М.