ID# 000037
1976 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class - 1976 Mercedes 450SL Convertible For Sale
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1976 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
2886 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10303 United States 718-447-6100 (Main Phone) 718-513-8614 (Alt Phone) | Price: | $3,499 | | Condition: | Used | | Mileage: | 126,000 | | Transmission: | Automatic | | Engine Type: | 4.5 Liter V8 | | Exterior Color: | Red | | Interior Color: | Black | | Category: | Classic Vehicles > Classic Cars |
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The US models built on the 107 chassis were as follows[3]:
350 SL/SLC (MY 1972)
450 SL/SLC (MY 1973 through 1980)
380 SL/SLC (MY 1981 through 1985 - SLC: MY 1981/82)
560 SL (MY 1986 through 1989)
Prices increased dramatically over the years. The earliest 107, the 1971 350 SL, sold for about $11,000. Eighteen years later, the last 107 model, the 560SL, sold for about $64,000.
From 1974 until the end of production, the front and rear bumpers of the U.S. model R107 grew out 8 inches (203 mm) on each end to comply with U.S. regulations.
When the first 350's were exported to the US, because of the strict horsepower robbing emission requirements, the US 350's were shipped with low compression 4.5 liter engines.
The 450 SL was produced until 1980. Model years 75 and 76 450 SLs suffered from vapor lock and hard re-start because of the under-hood position of the catalytic converter. Starting in MY 77, the catalytic converter was moved to replace the resonator, located just behind the transmission in the exhaust system.
Next was the 380 SL imported from 1981 to 1985. The 380 SL was the least powerful of the US imported R107 roadsters. This engine came with a single row timing chain from 1981 through 1983. MYs 1984 and 1985 came with a double row timing chain from the factory. These early 380 models were plagued with chain failure problems and the problem was corrected by Mercedes-Benz, free of charge. Some models, however, escaped retrofit and may at some point fail as a result.
Another problem area for late 450SLs and early 380SLs was the automatic climate control system. Based on a "servo", which controlled coolant flow to the heater core, as well as vacuum to actuate the vents in the interior of the car, the system proved unreliable. It was installed on 450SLs from 1978 through end of production in 1980, and continued on the 1981 MY of the 380SL. Models produced prior to 1978 had a manual climate control system, models produced after 1981 received a more reliable automatic climate control system.
The more powerful 500SL with 5.0 liter engine, produced from 1980–1989, was not available in the U.S. through Mercedes-Benz and was popular in "gray market" import before the arrival of the 560SL (only made for the USA and Australian market) in 1986-1989.
Despite the larger 5.6 liter engine of the 560 SL, the 500 SL is recorded as being the fastest production 107 produced (mostly because of the lack of emission restraints, but also late 500 SLs were more powerful than the 560 SL.) The 500 SL was published by Mercedes-Benz as having 0-60 mph times of 7.4 seconds for a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). Torque for the 500 SL is 296 lb·ft (401 N·m) at 3200 rpm and for the 560 SL 287 lb·ft (389 N·m) at 3500 rpm. The 500 SL was not available in the U.S. or Australian markets through Mercedes Benz dealers.
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