1986 Mercedes-Benz 300SL (R107)
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Highlights
- Comprehensive folder of paperwork, including original purchase invoice
- Incredibly original example
- Superb condition inside and out
The Appeal
Still as popular as it was in period, Mercedes-Benz’ R107 is a genuine modern classic; it’s reliable, practical, stylish, superbly engineered and fun to drive.
The R107 shape remained largely the same from its introduction in 1971 until the end of production in 1989, testament to its popularity with buyers, and the 300 SL iteration has long been regarded as the model to have. Post-1985 (third-generation) R107s are particularly sought-after, featuring the late-run upgrades: improved suspension and added body strengthening, plus the chin spoiler. This example is in extremely good condition both inside and out, has a sound hard-top, and an extremely comprehensive folder of paperwork.
The History and Paperwork
- Original purchase invoice
- Original folder with owner’s manual and service book
- Full service history, Mercedes dealers and specialists
- MoT valid until April 2024
- Invoice for £2,372 from April 2023 for service etc photo below
- Full VDI check
- Lots of historic invoices
- Past MoT certificates
- Past tax discs
- Two sets of keys
The car comes with a thick folder of paperwork, including the original sales invoice from 1986, when it was sold new by Mercedes dealer Bradshaw Webb in Chelsea. There are lots of historic invoices, past tax discs and and past MoTs from throughout the car’s lifetime.
The original leather folder contains all the manuals, the service record book with 26 stamps and details of servicing carried out at Mercedes main-dealers and specialists all the way from new.
The Interior
- Factory-fit air conditioning
- New walnut centre console
- Very clean and largely original interior
- Fire extinguisher mounted in passenger footwell
- Superb door cards
- Fabric seats in excellent order
- Clean carpets
- Blaupunkt stereo
- ‘+2’ folding rear seats
- Clean boot liner
- Spare wheel
- Original tool roll, jack, warning triangle
- Unused first aid kit
The car’s interior is in remarkably good condition and belies its age and mileage. The fabric-and-leather front seats have no damage and few signs of wear; the rear +2 seats are almost as good, although there is one small hole in the fabric on the offside one. The rear seat-backs fold down to create a more usable luggage space.
The door cards – trimmed in leather and fabric that matches the seats – are both superb.
The carpets are in very good condition, with no visible wear and no stains.
The dials and switchgear are all clean and unmarked, and everything appears to work as it should (including the air-conditioning).
In the boot is a carpet liner, with no stains or marks, plus an original tool roll and tools, an original first-aid kit (which looks to be unused) and an original jack and warning triangle. There’s a spare wheel in a compartment under the boot floor, which looks to be unused.
The Exterior
- Fabulous Arctic White paintwork
- Machine waxed, April 2023
- Excellent hood, cleaned and repaired April 2023
- All four wheels refurbished April 2023
- Hard-top in fantastic condition
- Great badges and brightwork
- New stainless-steel wipers, April 2023
- Headlamps and tail-lights unmarked
The paintwork – recently machine-waxed – has come up superbly. There are virtually no blemishes visible and the car sparkled in the late-spring sunshine on the day of our photoshoot. All four wheels have been refurbished and look as-new.
The hood has been cleaned and is in very good condition, bar one minor repair and some misting of the rear screen.
The hard-top appears to have had very little use, although the rear screen has some delamination visible in the bottom corner on the offside.
The badges are brightwork are mostly very good, with only some slight patination on the boot handle.
The Mechanics
- 2962cc engine
- 4-speed auto ‘box
- Factory-fit air-conditioning
- New water pump, thermostat and housing, April 2023
- New bonnet insulation, April 2023
- New rear brake lines, April 2023
- Smart engine bay
- Clean and tidy underneath
- Starts and runs beautifully
The car starts on first turn of the key, idles beautifully, and gearchanges are smooth and quiet.
The vendor us assures that it drives as well as it looks and, with the R107’s reputation for mechanical reliability (plus that all-important paperwork) the car should offer many more years of trouble-free motoring.
Summary
The R107 is a modern classic for good reason; built to high standards and easy to drive, it combines stylish looks with reliability. The thick folder of paperwork here shows that the car has been well looked-after by successive owners, and it really is impressive for its age and mileage. With a recent thorough recommission, this smart roadster has much to recommend it.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1986
- Make Mercedes
- Model 300SL (R107)
- Colour Arctic White
- Odometer 105,613 Miles
- Engine size 2962
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Reading
- Location Berkshire
- Country United Kingdom
32
bids
- MI•••• £22,000 06/06/23
- PE•••• £21,750 06/06/23
- MI•••• £21,500 06/06/23
- Ga•••• £21,250 06/06/23
- MI•••• £21,000 06/06/23
- MI•••• £20,750 06/06/23
- Ga•••• £20,500 06/06/23
- MI•••• £20,250 06/06/23
- Ma•••• £20,000 06/06/23
- Ma•••• £19,750 05/06/23
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