BUYING ADVICE – OUR QUICK GUIDE

Beware clumsy restorations, so do your homework and inspect every inch. Especially if you’re paying top dollar. Projects aren’t exactly simple. A DIY Pagoda restoration will be a huge challenge, as you’ll need to really know your stuff and have big bags of cash tucked away for horrendously expensive replacement parts.

Check the straight-six engines for signs of head gasket failure, but it’s not the end of the world and these super-tough engines will do 300k if regularly serviced.

The weakest point on R129s is electronics, so poor running is likely to be sensors or ECUS… make sure everything electrical works as it should.

This is one very complicated Mercedes-benz that is known for being a bit demanding when it comes to electrics. Just make sure it all works before buying. Sniff inside the boot for a whiff of dampness as the roof can leak. Check for misfires on the test drive. That can indicate ECU issues. If you spot a warning light, beware!

Mechanically the R107 is fairly bulletproof, with beefy design having won out over any sporting credentials, but bulkheads rot so check them carefully or expect welding bills to rocket faster than this SL can get from 0-60mph. Help is at hand for home restorers, though, with repair panels available from the SL Shop.

The 171 and 171 that followed are cracking sports cars but come from an era where Merc build quality wasn’t the best. Check for electrical faults – wiring disintegrates – also check everywhere for corrosion, particularly the rear subframe mounts. Interior plastic paint is usually a disaster.