∙Low owners, low miles ∙Excellent condition inside and out ∙Recently revamped by The SL Shop ∙Extensive history file ∙'Top of the range' Post 86 example
The Background
There’s a sweetness to R107 Merc SLs, an inherent dependability. Ask any specialist or aficionado of the model, they’ll tell you the same thing: the enduring popularity of these cars is down to the fact that they offer a classic vibe and experience, but you can also use them just as you would a modern car. They’re reliable, well-built, easy to maintain, just as happy to potter about town as they are to leap across continents. The story of the R107-series is an interesting one, and something not repeated in quite the same way anywhere else in automotive history. The car went into production in April 1971, and carried on selling strongly right up until August 1989… and in all that time, very little changed. If you remove the number plates from early and late examples and park them side-by-side, only the truly hardcore enthusiasts would be able to differentiate them. Why so long without any significant alterations? Quite simply, because Mercedes-Benz got it right first time. The design is beautifully judged and fabulously executed, and the mechanicals that reside beneath that sports/luxury silhouette are reassuringly rugged. These cars were so good, they remained consistently desirable in their original 1971 form for eighteen solid years – almost a quarter of a million were sold, and they’re as sought-after today as they’ve ever been.
R107 SLs, it goes without saying, are in pretty high demand – and there’s a fair few of them on the market. So what differentiates this one from the run of the mill? Well, for starters it’s only had two owners and that low-mileage of 76k is genuine. Not something you come across every day, is it?
It’s always been fastidiously maintained, as the bulky history file will attest, and has recently had a large amount of money spent to carry out various important works including replacing the bulkhead. With a great history and a superb colour combination, this is a fresh and tight little SL that’s eager to have some fun with its next owner.
The documentation with this SL is extremely reassuring. Having a fully stamped original service book is always a good thing, and the V5 confirms this to be a two-owner car. All of the original books and manuals are present, as is a chunky sheaf of invoices and receipts. The most recent ones we can see that £4,623 was spent in 2019 on replacing the bulkhead, servicing the gearbox, replacing the brake lines, fitting new bushes and much more besides. A further £1,309 was then spent on replacing the radiator, thermostat and ancillaries. A new battery is documented, and there are a host of other jobs itemised – this is clearly a car which has been maintained with care.
The gentle tone of the grey leather acts as a sublime counterpoint to the black exterior; this is a very well-specced R107, and thanks to the low mileage and careful curation the interior is showing minimal signs of age. The front seats are supple, supportive, and largely free from wear aside from a little light rubbing on the driver-side bolster. You’ll also spot that this car is equipped with the expensive factory-option rear seats, and these are in excellent condition, with the fronts tilting correctly to gain access. The dash is in great condition, with no cracking to the dashtop, all the vents swivelling freely, and all gauges working correctly. The wood trim is very tidy with no signs of sun fade or lacquer peel. An aftermarket CD head unit is fitted, a high-end Blaupunkt Toronto model, playing through quality Morel speakers. The steering wheel isn’t excessively worn, and the windows raise and lower as they should. Inside the boot, everything is free from moisture, with the correct carpets in place along with the original spare alloy wheel and warning triangle.
Black is an excellent colour choice for an R107, isn’t it? The menacing hue suits the lines so well, perfectly bejewelled with just the right amount of chrome trim. A timeless image. The bodywork is all in very solid condition here, with nice even panel gaps and no visible evidence of corrosion. The doors and boot close with a pleasing thunk, and the bonnet is correctly aligned, which is so often trouble spot with these cars. The light lenses and window glass are all in good condition, and all of the proper brightwork is here, each piece in lovely condition with no tarnishing or corrosion. The wheels are free from kerbing or scuffs, and wear quality Pirelli Cinturato tyres with plenty of tread. The soft-top hood is in superb condition with no holes, cracks, or milkiness to the windows, and it raises, secures and lowers with ease. The original factory hard-top is also included, and this too is in very good order and affixes without drama. On the whole, this is evidently a car that hasn’t suffered abuse or damage and has always been doted upon – the bumper corners are free from scuffs, the chassis is all straight, it all speaks of a quality SL with good bones and a beauty that’s more than skin-deep.
R107s are famously dependable and robust if properly maintained, and that’s very much the case here – having always been serviced correctly and looked after by specialists, the result today is an SL that starts on the first twist of the key and runs supremely smoothly. The 300 SL came equipped with a 3.0-litre straight-six, offering up a handy 187bhp, mated to a 4-speed auto with switchable ‘economy’ mode, and this is all in excellent working order; the motor’s torque-rich for urban wafting, and amusingly eager when you hit the country lanes. Throughout the chassis we find evidence of maintenance in line with that of the drivetrain; the brakes and suspension are all in fine fettle with no rattles, leaks, undue noises or other areas of concern. It’s a sweet little runner, with all the ‘go’ to match the ‘show’. More important than anything else, being produced post 1986, this 300 SL is referred to as the 'top of the range' of all R107s. The most noteworthy items are that it came equipped with ABS and a galvanised chassis.
We see a lot of R107 SLs in our line of work, testament to their enduring popularity and the strong aftermarket of specialists set up to care for them. And this particular example really does stand out among its peers as being especially desirable. The factory spec was very well chosen back in 1989, with the grey leather working so well aesthetically with the black paint. And it’s clearly lived such a charmed life since – low owners, low mileage, superb history, this truly is a sweet and splendid little Mercedes. It’s had the money spent in the right places, and has the potential to fulfil its next owner’s desires whether they’re seeing it as a reliable daily-driver or an appreciating collectible. There are a fair few SLs on the market, but this one ought to be very, very high up on your wishlist. Everything about it is just so right.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
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