Highlights
- Matching numbers
- Two owners and 95,000km from new
- Superb original condition
The Appeal
With rising values, Mercedes’ R107 SL is a popular target for restoration but what we have here is a very rare beast - a completely original, unrestored example in great condition. It was sourced by the owner from the first owner, a private seller in Japan who said that the car had never seen rain. It had covered just 95,000km and hadn’t been used since 2011. Upon receiving the car in Belgium in 2017, the current owner removed the hard top to find that it was the first time that it had been off the car!
Now that the time has come to reduce his collection, this is your chance to acquire a totally original and lightly used example of Mercedes’ highly sought after roadster. While the paint is showing some signs of the warm climate, it’s been left totally untouched and this is a true survivor car with an immaculate interior and soft top. And with no visible signs of corrosion, the first owner’s claim that it hasn’t been out in the wet stands up. Bid now to secure an SL that is surely like no other.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered new in Japan 31 January 1984
- Ordered with the following options:
- 440 Cruise control
- 498 Japan version
- 504 Right exterior mirror electrically adjustable
- 570 Folding armrest front
- 581 Automatic climate control
- 583 Electric window regulator, double
- 592 Heat insulated green glass all round, heated rear window, bane filter
- 613 Lighting Unit - asymmetrical left hand traffic
- 640 Alloy wheels
- 744 Top fabric dark blue (5010)
- 804 1984 Model year
- Driven 95,000km by the first owner
- Hard top never removed in this period
- Stored 2011-2017
- Imported to Belgium 2017
- Fully recommissioned with all new brakes and brake lines, fuel tank removed and cleaned, fuel pump and filter replaced, new spark plugs, leads and distributor cap
- Part of private collection, dry stored
- Seller now reducing collection
The Interior
- Stoff karo blau (checked blue cloth)
- Immaculate condition
- Spare wheel and tools unused
To step into the cabin of this car is to be transported back in time for everything is completely original and still in almost as-new condition. There is no wear to speak of on any of the upholstery or trim, the wood trim is unmarked and the carpets all still look fresh.
A tribute to Mercedes’ build quality in this era is that everything works in here, including the automatic climate control. Back in the boot, which is just as tidy as the cabin, under the floor is the original spare wheel which is unused and all the original tools.
For those that prize originality, this is up there with the best as it’s never been messed with and is in fabulous condition.
The Exterior
- Classic White paintwork
- Chrome frame hard top with no dents or damage
- Original paintwork
- Wheels in excellent condition
Finished in hot climate-friendly white, the car presents very well in all configurations: with the hard top on, soft top up or top down. This is helped by alloy wheels which are all excellent and they all wear tyres with good tread. Up close, some cracking in the paintwork is apparent which is presumed to be from the warm weather in Japan but given that it’s never been touched, the owner decided to keep it original.
The hard top is worthy of a mention as, having been kept on the car, it’s avoided the sort of damage that many others have suffered. And with the soft top never having been out, that’s also in great condition. The only sign of usage is a couple of dents to the rubber on the rear bumper but you’ll be too busy admiring the condition of the chrome to notice.
Underneath pays testament to the first owner’s claim that the car has only been used in the dry; there’s no visible signs of corrosion. In all, it’s a real survivor car.
The Mechanics
- 3.8 litre V8
- Automatic gearbox
- New brakes all round
Under the bonnet, the engine bay is clean but appropriately-patined. Now recommissioned, the engine starts first time and the seller reports that the car drives almost like new with strong acceleration, effective brakes and a smooth gear change. There are no leaks or smoke and the soundtrack is that of a smooth V8. It’s ready to be enjoyed, although we suspect that the next owner may choose to maintain its originality and not to use it. Either way, it would be a fine car to own.
Summary
A matching numbers example of the much sought after R107 version of Mercedes’ SL which is in quite remarkable original condition.
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