Of all the classic cars to really come to prominence in recent times, the Mercedes-Benz ‘R107’ must be the most astonishing.
Introduced in 1972, the classic R107 SL was a symbol of wealth and good taste and one of the most aspirational cars money could buy, with handsome styling courtesy of stalwart Mercedes-Benz designer Joseph Gallitzendörfer. Its quality, comfort, sturdiness and reliability helped it enjoy an 18-year sales run.
It also had a very advanced roof system for its era, whereby the retractable soft top could be folded down and stored under a tonneau cover and the hardtop fitted on top for use over winter, which in many ways made the SL one of the first-ever coupé-cabriolets.
This lovely example has been freshly imported from South Africa but has already been registered for it's new owner.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Imported to the UK in March 2023
Tax and MOT exempt
UK registered
Less than 103,000 miles recorded
THE INTERIOR
Blue MB-Tex upholstery
Crack-free dashboard
Becker radio-cassette
Well presented
Air conditioning - a rare option then
As R107 interiors go, this one is superb, with none of the usual cracks on the dashboard nor any fading to the trim, veneers or warped door cards. It’s superb, especially considering it has spent most of its life in South African sun.
The seats are trimmed in Mercedes-Benz’s patented MB-Tex leather-style trim with matching door cards, the fascia picked out in matching vinyl with black inlays and a Becker radio-cassette player.
The tonneau cover and hood stowage area are excellent, with no rust to be seen in the rear deck, and all of the controls and switches work as they should.
THE EXTERIOR
Stunning Diamond Blue Metallic
Appears flawless underneath and never welded
“Mexican” hat alloys
Superb hood and factory hard top
The car looks superb in its original Diamond Blue with its distinctive “Mexican Hat” alloy wheels.
It’s fantastically solid, too, or certainly appears to be with no evidence of the sills, arches or floor areas having been welded. It has also been undersealed prior to coming to the UK to ensure it is prepared for the damper climate.
The soft-top has barely been used and is a tight fit, with a transparent rear window and no rips or damage, while the factory hardtop is in excellent condition with no rust in the lower frame and a superb paint finish.
Otherwise there are a couple of very small marks to the body – namely a tiny paint on the rear deck and a small amount of damage to the offside rear lamp cluster. It’s entirely legal still, but a new owner may wish to replace it to make it perfect.
THE MECHANICS
3.5-litre V8
Three-speed auto transmission
Starts and runs well
The 3,499cc V8 engine starts well, holds a steady temperature and shows good oil pressure. A short test drive showed no cause for concern anywhere else, with strong brakes, good steering and no untoward noises or play in the suspension.
It has only just arrived in the UK and will have a full mechanical check-over and inspection before it goes to its new owner.
SUMMARY
Whether it’s the purity and cleanliness of the original or the yuppified excess of the 1980s models, R107s are extremely popular cars at the moment and interest is high – not least because their ‘Pagoda’ predecessors are becoming prohibitively expensive.
This one has stacks of appeal. First, it’s a pure, unruined, original SL that hasn’t been restored. It’s exactly as they were in the 1970s and it’s all the better for it. It’s also a timelessly classic colour scheme that represents the R107 at its best.
Second, it’s in really sound order, no doubt helped by spending several years in a dry and warm climate. It’s in very smart condition, has a good roof and hardtop and looks amazing. There’s a lot to like.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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