CHRIS BASS
Introduction & thanks � the purpose of this book
1. Is it the right car for you? � marriage guidance
2. Cost considerations � affordable, or a money pit?
3. Living with a W107 SL or SLC � will you get along together?
4. Relative values � which model for you?
5. Before you view � be well informed
6. Inspection equipment � these items will really help
7. Fifteen minute evaluation � walk away or stay?
8. Key points � where to look for problems
9. Serious evaluation � 60 minutes for years of enjoyment
10. Auctions � sold! Another way to buy your dream
11. Paperwork � correct documentation is essential!
12. What's it worth to you? � let your head rule your heart!
13. Do you really want to restore? � it�ll take longer and cost more than you think
14. Paint problems � bad complexion, including dimples, pimples and bubbles
15. Problems due to lack of use � just like their owners, cars need exercise!
16. The Community � key people, organisations and companies in the W107 world
17. Vital statistics � essential data at your fingertips
Index
Written with input from Roger Edwards Motors the leading SL specialist
Drawing on 10 years of Mercedes-Benz Club articles on these cars
All you need to evaluate a Pagoda SL
Benefiting from Veloce Publishings established assessment system
100 photographs showing you what to look for and what to avoid
A clear and realistic description of what these cars are like to drive and own
A reliable guide to values
A step by step guide to assessing a car
A guide to the realities of restoration
An introduction to the support available to Pagoda owners
Description
Given the small cost of this book, you would be foolish to spend thousands on an example of Mercedes-Benz 280-560SL or SLC without taking it's expert advice
STOP! Dont buy a Mercedes-Benz 280-560SLor SLC without buying this book FIRST! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Chris Basss years of Mercedes ownership: learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price! Packed with good advice from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the Mercedes community, to will it fit in your garage and with your lifestyle? This is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying your dream car.
Synopsis
This book gives you a warts and all introduction to what Mercedes-Benz 280-560SL or SLC are like to own, drive and maintain, plus a step-by-step guide to how to evaluate any example you might be considering. It includes 100 photos of what to look for and what to avoid, plus a realistic assessment of running and restoration costs, as well as market values. This includes servicing and spare parts prices, and the relative values of the various models, specifications and vehicle conditions you are likely to encounter. Written by the Editor of the Mercedes-Benz Club Gazette, it draws on the experiences of the late Roger Edwards a former Mercedes-Benz apprentice who spent his life working on and enjoying these cars. Including input from Rogers colleagues, who continue to run his company, a leading source of expertise on Mercedes. The book also benefits from the authors 30 years of owning, restoring and enjoying old cars and his contacts in the world of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts. The latest in a series of buyers guides published by Veloce, it uses a well-established evaluation system, developed to enable potential buyers to assess any car they view, and builds on all the lessons learnt in the preparation of earlier titles. It is written in an easy to follow, jargon-free style and will equip you with all you need to know when buying a Mercedes whether you want to get your own hands dirty or just need to know what is necessary to supervise others working on your behalf.
Independent Reviews
Review from Octane magazine, July 2007
Veloce now publishes a wide range of these slim, softback buyer's guides and its latest duo spans the Mercedes SL range from 1963 to '89. If you're in a car buying mood, you'll do well to invest a tenner here first.
Chris Bass has been Editor of the Mercedes-Benz Club Gazette since 1997. In that time he has handled many restoration stories and articles about the Pagoda SL, which is one of the most popular models amongst the 10,000-plus members of the MB Club. Notable amongst these articles were those written by the late Roger Edwards, a club member and a leading authority on these cars who assisted with this book. As well as running a Mercedes of his own, Chris has restored and runs an Allard and a Triumph TR4A. His garage also includes a 1930 Crossley Silver and a Triumph Herald convertible.