SL R107's

[ivan1983]

I wanted an R107 but ended up with R129 as my budget wouldnt stretch to a good R107.

For an R107 I wanted a 500 or 420, I have the 380 in my W126 and feel that more is always better.

Once I realised I could afford an R107 I decided that I wanted a R129 500 with a pano roof, 5 speed box and the M119 engine finding a good one was still hard work but I got one in the end.

I have to say whilst its a lovely car it just doesnt feel as special as my somewhat aged W126, saying that I do hope to hold on to it for a number of years.

Personally if I had the cash I would jump at the opportunity to own a nice 500 or 420 R107

 

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

In the 4 years that I have owned my 450sl I have only regretted not buying a tidier example. To be brutally honest the 129 leaves me cold , and technical improvements aside , there is no way I would trade mine for one. Just as the 107 is not as aesthetically pleasing as its predecessor , the 129 has a lesser road presence . Park one alongside the other and see which gets the most admiring glances. Only my opinion of course .

 

[IanA2]

To be brutally honest the 129 leaves me cold , Only my opinion of course .

It would be a terribly boring world if we all liked the same thing. The 129 leaves you cold whilst I think it was one of Sacco's greatest achievements; I really like it.

On the other hand the 107 is I think, ugly and uncomfortable, I just don't like it, it leaves me cold.

Vive la difference

 

[mct_cars]

It would be a terribly boring world if we all liked the same thing. The 129 leaves you cold whilst I think it was one of Sacco's greatest achievements; I really like it.

On the other hand the 107 is I think, ugly and uncomfortable, I just don't like it, it leaves me cold.

Vive la difference

That's exactly it, makes us all different doesn't it. I find that the R107 is elegant and is climbing in value as examples turn to dust. It's amazing how many random strangers comment on mine to me - no other car that I have owned has done that and I'm betting the 129 doesn't get the same attention as its not (yet?) as special. More modern maybe.

I always loved the R129 when it came out, but looked at one in around 2003 and thought the body design looked old in the way a 1st gen Sierra looks and the dash design had aged badly (very 80's flat and angles).

I'm sure the 129 drives better, but the R107 is very comfy and while the handling leaves a lot to be desired by modern standards, it's very controllable and with the 500, genuinely quick even by modern standards.

Remember that the 107 was designed and engineered not long after the MGB and it starts to make a lot of sense - especially as someone who has taken both apart.

Horses for courses - they are different cars from different era's. Buy the one that suits your own will.