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, and includes input from Roger's colleagues, who continue to run his company, a leading source of expertise on Mercedes. The book also benefits from the author's 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 buyer's 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 learned 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.

Table of Contents

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

About the Author

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.

Reviews

Mercedes Benz Club gazette, August 2007-UK
Our very own Chris Bass has written both these pocket or glovebox size guides and by his own admission has relied very heavily on the late Roger Edwards, particularly for the Pagoda volume. We are sure Roger would have been pleased with the results and for those who knew him it is easy to imagine his dulcet tones coming out with some of the phrases Chris has seen fit to use.
The objective of this series is to have a 'marque expert by your side' and each edition (not just for Mercedes) is full of advice about running costs, paperwork, important statistics and even valuation.
Conveniently divided into 17 small sections, which include technical advice, the format inevitably means there is some repetition of sections of text in each Mercedes-Benz book, and there is also great similarity between the two volumes. The content is extremely useful and would appeal to both the novice and the experienced enthusiast alike and there are many pointers that would help a potential buyer to identify whether a particular car is genuine or not. A buyer armed with one of these books might also help put off any seller that is in any way underhand.
Both volumes are well illustrated with useful photographs although the Pagoda version has more large photographs than that for the R107 and consequently some of the detail is lost. The text is clear and concise in each case and Chris Bass has obviously put considerable thought into the precise wording to avoid ambiguity. As Pagoda owners for some years, even we found some useful information so we would certainly expect these volumes to have wide appeal.
To conclude, they make interesting but lightreading and are a useful library addition to anybody interested in purchasing one of these SLs or to existing owners.