Vehicle Description
1972 Mercedes Benz 350SL
For 1972, Mercedes-Benz's SL series would jump from a 2.8L
straight, six cylinder engine and into a 3.5 Liter V8 engine (at
least here in the U.S., mainly due to stricter U.S. emissions laws,
in order that the car would have enough power to satisfy the
American buyers). The U.S. version of the 350SL actually had a 3.5
Liter, V8 but was labeled 350SL for 1972 models only and was
changed to 450SL badging for 1973 models.
SL stands for Super Leicht or Super Light and we have in our midst
a 350SL with a 3.5 liter V8. 1972 was the first year for the 350SL
and this one holds up well to the prying eye of scrutiny on its 107
body and design as well as interior and ergonomics, and not to
mention the mechanicals. Also, it is a convertible so add a plus
sign to the fun side!
Exterior
Thick steel panels expertly crafted by the Germans make up the
sporty look of this well-built car. All this steel is rust free and
bathed in Ivory paint, which is retaining its great looks, and has
very few faults throughout. A long hood culminates onto the iconic
tri star badged front grille, which has a shiny bumper below and
dual side by side headlights with wrap around signal covers in
orange. These are ribbed and MB designed them with the ribs to help
self-clean them of road dirt when it rains. A thin but straight
chrome side trimming with a black bottom piece, takes the handoff
from the wrap around front and rear bumpers and completes the trim
line to encircle the entire car. On top is a brown canvas
convertible top with plastic windows that are all clear. The top
presents as new. On the back, more self-cleaning ribbed taillights
and another thin but striking rear bumper, (it's new like the front
one!), with rubber guards in its center is framing the lights
below. 14-inch standard alloy wheels are on all 4 corners. New
tires are now on too! A Tobacco Brown hardtop also comes with this
car for all season driving.
Interior
Completing the spectacular "Palm Beach" color combo we see yards
and yards of MB Tex in Parchment color way. This includes the
ultra-clean door panels and near perfect condition high back bucket
seats with a hint of tuck and roll inserts. A Parchment colored
console is in the center and has the shift lever and power window
toggles. Moving forward to the dash center, is an original Becker
radio in AM/FM capability form and working condition is in and
blowing cold A/C is up to snuff. A padded and rounded design black
dash top has eyeball vents in the center molded into it, and a
centrally located clock. The round theme continues to the
instruments where a trio of round gauges is in front of the
original very clean steering wheel. Below is a Parchment colored
horizontal panel which has a few knobs and buttons, the glovebox
for the passenger, and a surround for the Becker. Correct coco mats
protect like new brown carpeting, and it is held in place with a
shiny threshold trim for the sills on both sides. In the back
behind the buckets is a carpeted "seat" if you will, meant mostly
for storage but if they had to a passenger could sit here for a
short stint, however no seatbelts, so use it for storage! The top
folds down very smoothly and disappears into a flip up panel behind
the passenger compartment.
Drivetrain
Under the long sporty hood, is the 3.5 liter V8 power plant. This
is looking very good with little to no corrosion and decently shiny
bolt ons, in black paint. Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel
injection system is feeding it, and an original factory 3-speed
automatic transmission is on back with a 3.46 rear axle.
Undercarriage
Rust free independent coil springs all around, and power disc
brakes all around and nice shiny stock exhaust is underneath. Floor
Pans have seen some repairs, but these are well done, not the usual
slathering of body "goo" generally seen.
Drive-Ability
I just adore driving these SL's and this one did not disappoint. I
slipped into the comfy interior, downed the top and off to the test
track...Schnell! Here it accelerated smoothly, had solid braking
and smooth automatic shifting. Handling was also excellent and safe
for the wipers not working and the tachometer reading excessively
high all was funktioniert sehr gut.
A very nice example which will fit in anywhere you want to drive
it, and turn heads doing so due to its awesome condition. A Tobacco
Brown hardtop is included and currently off site, but you will have
it when you leave with this beauty.
VIN DECODE
10704412001782
107-R107
044-V8
1-Left Hand Drive
2-Automatic
001782-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.