1986 Mercedes-Benz R107 420SL

Highlights

First owned by Lord Alan Sugar
A mere 25,000 warranted miles from new
Full service history and thick history file
Subsequently owned only by one family until today
Advisory-free and current MOT
Desirable Nautical Blue with matching hard top
One of the best examples we have seen in a long time
210bhp 4.2litre V8 car

The Appeal

The comfort and sheer usability of the R107 explains its enduring popularity amongst enthusiasts. Those qualities also make very low mileage examples like this one both a rare and surprising find.

The appeal starts with the 25,000 miles from new. Add in the potent 4.2litre M116 V8 and stylish Nautical Blue paintwork and hard top and you have a very good example of these much-loved cars. As you would expect from that mileage - and the sight of the thick history file - it is in very good condition.

R107s of this specification and quality a rare sights at auction. We are sure this car will appeal to the most discerning SL collectors.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 13th May 1986
Purchased new and first registered to Lord Alan Sugar
Two family owners from new - 3 previous keepers recorded on the V5
Thick history file of old invoices and MOTs dating back to car’s early days
Previous V5s and vehicle sales invoices
One of these V5s bears ‘Alan Sugars’ name
V5C in vendor’s name
Mercedes-Benz factory specification sheet
Handbooks, service book and radio owners manual
2 keys
Stamped service book which confirms mileage
Most recently serviced by local garage in November 2023
Previously showing 24,512 miles in August 2005 on service indicating storage inbetween
Machine polish and paint correction in December 2023
Battery replaced in August 2023
Retains exact factory specification including blue roof, rear seats and hard top
MOT to 25th September 2024 with no advisories and 25,271 miles showing on test
Now displaying 25,583 miles

Service History:

PDI 09-05-1986 Reliance Motors Chingford
783 miles 28-07-1986 Reliance Motors Chingford
3,511 miles 17-06-1987 Reliance Motors Chingford
5,005 miles 13-01-1988 Reliance Motors Chingford
7,847 miles 20-04-1989 Morris House Cardiff (pre delivery service for Mr Chung)
12,550 miles 14-02-1990 Andrew MacDonald Mercedes Specialist Monmouth
17,373 miles 19-03-1993 Andrew MacDonald Mercedes Specialist Monmouth
17,448 miles 20-07-1999 Andrew MacDonald Mercedes Specialist Monmouth
24,512 miles 26-08-2005 Howard Williams Mercedes Specialist Birmingham
25,271 miles 28-11-2023 Mechanix Motor Engineers Crickhowell
25-09-2024 passed MOT with no advisories at 25,271 miles

This car was first registered to Lord Sugar from new (see documentation attached). It was then owned by the Chung family in Monmouthshire, South Wales who reserved it for special occasions. They kept it clean and in full working order and stored permanently in a dry garage. The keeper changed to another family member years later making the vehicle 3 former keepers.

The vehicle has been returned to its original plate of: C31NWC. LOI 88 has been retained by the seller. Please see attached copies of original log books for each family owner, all showing the same address.

The Condition

Smartly finished in popular Nautical Blue metallic (929O) with matching hard top
Dark blue factory-correct roof (5010) in good order with clear rear screen
Exterior surfaces in very good order with recent machine polish and paint correction
Hard top well kept with tidy exterior finishes and well kept headlining
Fitted with desirable ‘Gullideckel’ 15in alloy wheels showing on light edge marks
Michelin MVX tyres fitted all round including matching Gullideckel alloy spare
Underside very tidy with no advisories on recent MOT
Fitted with optional rear spoiler
Blue fabric checked cloth interior (072) well kept with very little wear visible
Factory correct interior with smart dark wood veneers in good order
Leather factory four spoke steering wheel
Interior fittings including dials and switchgear are very well kept
Blaupunkt Boston stereo fitted
Dark blue carpets and overmats match exterior and tidy through cabin and boot
Factory fitted rear seat with seatbelts fitted
Original first aid kit, fire extinguisher and two roof handles present
All 5 alloy wheels still look brand new

After 14 years in production the R107 received a light facelift and a shift to galvanised bodies. For those reasons these later cars are particularly popular with enthusiasts. This Nautical Blue car shows why. The paintwork complements the handsome lines and is in good order, helped by that very low mileage and a recent machine polish and paint correction process.

Inside the story is the same, the checked fabric seats presenting - 38 years after this car left the factory - in great order with barely any visible wear. The same applies to the blue fabric roof and matching body-colour hard top.

The Mechanics

Reported to drive beautifully
4,196cc M116 V8 engine delivering 210bhp
4spd automatic gearbox
Tidy engine bay with quality BEHR radiator fitted
Full service history with a big invoice (almost £2,000) dated November 2023
Car has covered very few miles since the last service

While the six cylinder 300SL grabbed the majority of sales when the facelift car went on sale, a select band of buyers stuck with the more potent - and gutsy - V8, which was available in various outputs including the 4.2litres of this car. It equips this most relaxing of long distance cruisers with a healthy 210bhp.

A thick history file and detailed service records verify the very low mileage of this car. It comes to market following a recent MOT and service, since which it has covered few miles. For those looking for a little extra performance over the 300SL and, of course, a V8 soundtrack then this well presented 420SL looks very tempting.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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