Like many car enthusiasts, the desire for a classic convertible grew after owning a modern one. My sights quickly settled on a Mercedes-Benz SL, but the decision wasn’t straightforward. The choice narrowed down to the R107 and R129 generations. The R107 possessed a certain vintage charm, a more classic silhouette that immediately appealed. Furthermore, its simpler engineering promised greater reliability compared to the more complex R129. Ultimately, the R107 SL evoked strong nostalgic feelings, reminiscent of iconic 1980s American films and television shows, instantly bringing to mind classics like Hart to Hart, American Gigolo, and Dallas.
Choosing the engine variant was the next crucial step. While a six-cylinder engine was an option, it felt like a deviation from the SL’s heritage, which was intrinsically linked to V8 power. Therefore, a V8 was a non-negotiable aspect, but the question remained: which V8? Concerns about the early electronic fuel injection systems in the initial 350 and 450 SL models led me to dismiss those options due to potential reliability issues. Another significant consideration was rust, a common problem in pre-1985 models, further narrowing down the viable choices.
This process naturally directed my attention to the later models: the 420, 500, and the coveted 560SL. The 420SL, with its limited production run of just 2,148 units, proved exceedingly difficult to locate. Finding a well-maintained 500SL (produced from 1980 to 1989, with 11,812 built) also presented a considerable challenge. This ultimately pointed towards the 560SL as the most practical choice, boasting greater availability, particularly in North America, and often at more accessible price points.
While images of the US-specification 560SL with its prominent bumpers might appear acceptable, seeing them in person reveals a less appealing reality. The substantial gap between the front bumper and the lower radiator grille creates an ungainly, open space. Alternative options like Australian or Japanese 560SLs were considered, but their right-hand drive configuration and extreme rarity, compounded by the complexities of importing from those regions compared to North America, made them impractical.
The ideal solution, therefore, emerged: a US-specification 560SL converted to European specifications. These converted models are available in Germany, with specialist dealers like Brabus Classic offering them, albeit at premium prices exceeding €70,000. Eventually, my search led me to KH-Handelsagentur, a specialist near Munich Airport, where several 560SLs were available. I was even presented with a choice of colors: white (code 147) with a light grey interior (code 278), or blue (code 904) with a fawn interior (code 274). I opted for the white example. The specialist’s professionalism instilled confidence, and my ownership experience since the purchase has been entirely positive.
