Yes, you can daily-drive an R107. Whether you should depends on climate, distance, backup transportation, and appetite for old-car mornings. I keep mine seasonal in Chicago; friends in milder climates commute in sorted examples.
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Ownership: Chicago ownership. Reliability: is it reliable?. Storage: winter storage.
Reliability
A sorted fuel system and cooling system make weekday starts boring in a good way. Deferred maintenance makes Mondays exciting. Sitting still hurts more than moderate commuting — if you daily it, keep up on fluids and rubber.
Safety
Late 560s with ABS and an airbag are the least-bad classic choice. Early cars lack modern assists. Drive with space and tires that are not age-hardened.
Comfort
Highway cruising is what these cars do well. Urban parking and blind spots are period. Air conditioning must work if you commute in heat — budget for it.
Costs
Fuel, parking dings, theft risk, and faster wear on tops/interiors add up versus a boring modern daily. Agreed-value insurance may limit annual miles — read the policy before you commute.
Backup car
If the R107 is your only car, plan for shop days. Most owners are happier with a modern beater for salt and appointments.
What I do
Nice-weather driving, no salt, Battery Tender Plus 12V maintainer in storage season, hardtop on when the weather turns. The car is the reward, not the only appliance in the fleet.
Details that finish this topic
Reliability
On an R107 this means verifying the condition on your year/engine before ordering parts. When in doubt, match the data card and engine number, then confirm with a specialist who works on 107s regularly.
safety
comfort
costs
Treat any dollar figure as a starting band that moves with city labor rates and how seized fasteners are. Get a written estimate for your VIN before you commit — especially for welding, tops, and injection work.
