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| Category: Main > Auto Listings > Mercedes |
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| Ad No. 280589 | | 1972 Mercedes 350SL | |
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| PRICE |
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| CONTACT |
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| charlotte |
| Charlotte |
| NC, 28269 |
| USA |
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| Phone: |
(704) 598-2130 |
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| DETAILS |
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Engine: 4.5L V-8
Mileage: 84383
Model: 350SL
Make: Mercedes
Year: 1972
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| DESCRIPTION |
| When I was a kid, the wealthy neighbor across the street drove a car identical to this triple-black 1972 Mercedes-Benz 350SL. Even when we were nine years old, we knew that car was something special-low and wide, with a bouncy V8 rumble that we instinctively knew was cool, it was the ultimate symbol of wealth and power (not to mention fun on the road) that any of us could imagine. 1972 is perhaps the best year for these early SLs, featuring slender bumpers that fit the design rather than the big, heavy rubber things the government made them install in the later cars. This one also features European headlights, which not only look better, they work better, too, and the design is better for it. With a single repaint in its 40-year history, the black finish is showing a little age and use, but still glistens the way a Mercedes should. These cars were built like tanks, so it's no surprise that the doors don't sag and close with a precise sound that you can only understand after you experience it. They were also tremendously expensive in 1972, and for your money, you got excellent panel fit and finish that was worlds beyond, say, a comparable MGB roadster. There isn't much chrome, but everything is in good original condition, including the window surrounds on the removable hardtop. And while the badges on the back say 350SL, all 1972 SLs were powered by a 4.5 liter V8, and early in the year, Mercedes-Benz sent letters to owners offering them free 450SL badges for their cars. The owner of this one chose to keep it factory, and it still wears the original 350 badges today. Inside, the beautiful black MB-Tex interior is wonderfully preserved. MB-Tex is a leather-like vinyl that Mercedes developed, and it wears like iron. You just can't wear it out. In this car, it appears that it's also impervious to the effects of UV rays from the sun. A wood steering wheel designed by Nardi, with matching shifter knob, add a touch of warmth to the typically Teutonic interior, and even though it's a small car, there's plenty of room even for people over six feet tall. A/C, power windows, power steering, and power 4-wheel disc brakes were all standard equipment in this top-of-the-line Mercedes, and everything works as it should, once you figure out the cryptic controls for the ventilation system. And for just the right finishing touch, there's a Blaupunkt AM/FM/cassette head unit in the dash that sounds pretty good for its age. The black convertible top is manual and folds easily into the well below the hard boot, and a matching removable hardtop is included. With the complete winch system for the hardtop, and new tonneau cover, this car gives you plenty of options, all of which are easy to swap around. As I mentioned, the badge on the back is a misnomer. All 1972 SLs packed a 4.5 liter V8 that is one of the most reliable engines ever conceived by man. With fuel injection and a lack of emissions controls in 1972, it's the best possible combination of power and performance in an early SL, making it quite lively on the road. Properly maintained by the dealer, this one runs well, with a bubbly idle and good power that feels like it could pull forever. There's a little smoke at start-up, but on the road it's tight, smooth, and confident. The transmission shifts well, and the brakes are downright powerful. Traditional Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels wear 205/70/14 Michelin radials that fill the wheel wells just right. These are highly collectable cars, as well. Clean ones are increasingly difficult to find, and like most performance and sports cars, the period between 1974 and 1984 was not good to them in terms of performance or reliability. Early ones like this '72, however, suffer from no such maladies, and if there's a better combination than triple black, I can't imagine what it might be. With service records and history with its current owner that dates back 20 years, this is an excellent example that's ready to drive and enjoy without worries. These cars are still recognized as something special, and you don't have to be a nine-year-old boy to see that. Call today | |
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