My Quest To Buy A Classic Car (2): Choosing An Engine

Just saying that I'm going to get an R107 is not the end of the story.  With a production life spanning two decades, and taking into consideration gray market imports from Europe, there is a myriad of engine types to choose from.  I have not plunked down money for a buyer's guide yet, but I was able to glean the following after a couple of hours on the net.

1. 350SL/450SL (U.S.)

The 4520 cc V8 was available in the American market from 1972 to 1980.  Mercedes called the first ones imported to America 350s because it didn't want its European customers to be jealous.  They needn't be jealous, as the European versions were more powerful.

The U.S. version started off at 190 hp and had 240 lb-ft of torque, but gradually weakened as EPA regs tightened.  Of note, the '75 and '76 models have their catalytic converters inside the engine compartment.   That means fried wires and vacuum lines.  The 1974 California model should also be avoided as it is equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation unit that is prone to cause stumbling.

2. 380SL (U.S.)

The 380SL is the ugly step-child of the bunch.  From 1981 to 1985, Mercedes cranked out these 155 hp weaklings at a prodigious rate.  Up to 1983, these 3839 cc V8s came equipped with a fragile single-row timing chain.  If I had to buy one of these, I would opt for the later version which had a double row chain.

3. 560SL (U.S.)

This is the grand daddy of them all in the United States.  The 5549 cc eight produced 227 hp and almost 300 lb-ft of torque.  But for me personally, it is just too new, not just in age, but also in price.  Plus, I've read that the big engine means it is not as well-balanced as its smaller siblings.

4. Gray market Euro models: 350SL, 500SL

A couple of days ago, I caught sight of a 500SL.  I so wanted to follow the driver and ask him about his car.  In the 1980s, thousands of gray market R107s came States-side.  They are more powerful and, in my opinion, more pure.  However, I have no idea how easy it is to find parts for them and to repair them.  Another concern is registering them without fudging the DMV application.

In conclusion, I would rank the engine choices in this order of desirability:

1. Early model 350SL/450SL (U.S.)
2. Late model 450SL (U.S.)
3. Gray market 350SL/500SL (Euro)

My Quest To Buy A Classic Car (1): Choosing A Car

I'm gonna do it!  I'm going to buy a classic car.  It's going to be a long process, as I am very indecisive (almost fickle) and because I still have to find a place to store it.  At the earliest, I will get it in about a year's time.  But I thought I would chronicle my journey, from research to test drives to purchase.  I hope you enjoy this series and learn from my mistakes (which I am sure will result).

So the first question is, what am I looking for?  First, in the span of fifteen minutes, I came up with a list of cars within my price range-- $5,000 to $10,000.  My list is as follows:

1. Alfa Romeo GTV
2. Alfa Romeo Milano
3. Alfa Romeo Spider
4. Audi ur-Quattro
5. BMW E24 6 Series
6. BMW E30 M3
7. Chevrolet Camaro (1967-69)
8. Citroen CX wagon
9. Citroen XM
10. Datsun 240Z
11. Ford Mustang LX (with trunk)
12. Isuzu Impulse (first generation)
13. Maserati BiTurbo
14. Mazda Miata
15. Mazda RX-7 (FD)
16. Mercedes R107 450SL
17. Mercedes W124 500E
18. Mercedes W126 560SEC
19. Merkur XR4Ti
20. Mini Cooper (original)
21. Nissan 300ZX (last generation)
22. Peugeot 504
23. Peugeot 505
24. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (late 1970s)
25. Porsche 928
26. Porsche 944
27. VW Scirocco

I know, some of these are not technically classic cars.  Plus, some of these may not be available for under $10,000.  But it's my list, so there.

My second step is to figure out my priorities.  I want, in no particular order, the following characteristics in my car:

• easy to work on,
• easy to find parts,
• reliable,
• safe,
• good looking,
• sporty (two doors), and
• significant number of local shops that have experience working on the car.

Preliminarily, and this is very preliminary, I have chosen the Mercedes-Benz 450SL.  I don't know how easy it is to work on, but I see one of these at least once or twice a week on the road.  They are reliable, as my folks' W116 450SEL ran like a champ for over twenty years.  It is relatively safe, although the lack of a top may be an issue.  I think it will be a classic in five to ten years, if it isn't one already.  A quick Craigslist search revealed a handful of superficially decent examples for $5,000 to $8,000.

A little background on the American 450SL: In 1972, it was called the 350SL, although it had a 4.5 liter V8.  It was called the 450SL from '73 through '80.  It produced approximately 185 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque.  I'm not too crazy about the fact that it only comes with a 3-speed auto.

I will obviously have to do more research.  This involves surfing the net, buying a few guidebooks, and chatting it up with the local independent Mercedes shops.

If I do get one, I will immediately change the headlights and bumpers so that they have the original, European look.  Plus, any aftermarket/modern head unit will be tossed in favor of the original Becker Mexico tuner.  Wish me luck!