BUYiNG TIPS

1 lOOk fOr blOckeD Drains Water does not respect the Mercedes

SL. Be particularly careful of blocked drain holes in the wings and sills causing major rot. The heater plenum chamber can rust through into the front valance, too. 2 cHeck fOr cOrrOsiOn Earlier cars rust more easily than later models because galvanised bodyshells were only introduced in 1986, though corrosion is by no means unusual on any SL. As such, look for rust on the windscreen surrounds, sills, door bottoms and wheelarches. 3 is THe sUbfraMe sOUnD? Subframes can also suffer rot on 1970s cars so check the car carefully on a ramp. It’s well worth getting a specialist to closely scrutinise a potential purchase.

4 OTHers TO waTcH

Smoke from the engine on start-up is probably worn valve stem oil seals; not a huge job to rectify. Electrics have no specific faults but check for bodged wiring and worn indicator/wiper stalks. Interiors wear well but several different specifications and materials were used over the years so you might not instantly find replacements.