When the Mercedes R107 replaced the W113 or the Pagode, as itβs more commonly known, it was a huge success. The second longest production run after the G wagon. Mercedes called it βelegant, sporty, powerful and confidentβ but in 1981 a man from Las Vegas called up a coachbuilder in Long Island and ordered a slightly different R107. That man was Wayne Newton and the coachbuilder was Niko Sokol. The vehicle was a 1981 Mercedes Benz 380SL with a M116.962 3.8 Liter (3839 cc) aluminium engine, it was also the US version of this engine number which is typically unusual for Mercedes. This engine series ran from 1981 to 1985 which had a compression of 8,3:1 also with a 157 Hp (116Kw) and 266nm of torque. However, back to the car you either hate or love.
The very uniquely naval shaped Mercedes was only modified on the outside. The black leather interior and its engine are completely stock. That seems, somehow, fitting for a Las Vegas car. The Naval SL has hand made moldings on the side, a retractable hardtop with engravings reminiscent of Egyptian hieroglyphics, and the spare tire has been moved to the outside of the trunk for some extra style points. The 16 inch Gold BBS RS Rims complete this rarely driven car. It spends about 30 years at Wayne Newtonβs βDanke Schoenβ museum at his former Casa De Shenandoah Ranch outside Las Vegas. We are not really sure how we feel about this car, let us know what you think.
