A legendary fixture in the classic car world, the R107 is one of the most ubiquitous classics in the world of top-down motoring. It's an appeal that endures to this day, proudly sporting glamorous looks and a build quality that continues to impress. Launched in 1971, the R107 became a pop culture icon, and by 1989 had appeared in Dallas, Hart to Hart, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Rockford Files and many other TV fixtures.

The iconic SL is a much sought-after all-weather classic, particularly the later facelifted 300SL, with its legendary 3 litre straight six, introduced from 1986 until production end in 1989. The refined engine is powerful but more frugal than the V8s and it became the sweet spot in the range.

This exceptional example is one of these more desirable late cars having been registered in1988, thanks to it’s very low mileage, good storage conditions and no expense spared maintenance, this highly original SL ascends close to showroom order.

Beautifully presented in the coveted colour way of ‘Strawberries and Cream’. This vehicle is in simply stunning condition and must be one of the best R107 roadsters available on the market today.
 

 

The vendor acquired the car from the estate of a deceased previous owner, and understands that it has been dry-stored throughout its life. The fabulous condition of the car, both inside and out, would certainly back up that assertion.

The service history is meticulous and shows that the car has been used sparingly, yet still main dealer maintained every year, covering less than 5,000 miles in the last twenty years. Sadly once the previous keeper passed away the car was no longer driven and kept garaged. Since then the vendor has ensured the car has been brought back to a remarkable standard, with the last invoice showing an expenditure of £4,400. 

Delivered new by Charles Sydney, Mercedes-Benz main dealers, in Bradford, the SL still carries the supplying dealer plates, tax disc holder and window sticker.  The original leather folder contains all the manuals, including that for the radio, as well as all the original stamped service book with all important data card, every single tax disc, every historic MOT certificate, even the instruction card for the cruise control is present!.

Even the original salesman’s business card is stapled to the first page of the service book, proof, if any were needed, of the car’s remarkable originality. A reassuring history and paperwork file like this only adds to the car’s desirability and long-term investment potential.

Nestling into its cream leather seating, this R107 feels like travelling back in time. From the subtle wood trims to the cream door cards, the astonishing interior of this car feels like it could have just left the showroom: there are virtually no giveaways of the car’s age, a testament to a lifetime of careful, diligent ownership. It's clear from first glance that this has been the pride and joy of every driver to sit in its opulent cabin.
 
The factory leather seats are in fabulous condition, having just been refurbished both front and back, proudly sporting one of the R107's most popular colour combinations. The ‘+2’ seats in the rear look unused.. Folding down the rear seats reveals a generous extra space for luggage, which is in good order.

The carpets across the board are in extremely good condition, with no marks or discolouration, and a glance underneath those in the front reveals a clean and rust-free floorpan. The vendor has just fitted new ribbed overmats, made to OE quality from Germany, ensuring a factory fresh feel in the cabin.
 
The stylish wood veneer on the dash looks as new, with no cracks, splits or marks to the lacquer that we can discern, with all of the dials and switches appearing clean and easy to read. Every one of the generous internal options are working as expected - the electric windows, the vanity lights on the sun visors... to complete the authentic timewarp experience, the car even boasts its factory-fitted original Blaupunkt complete with its manual and code. 

The boot is in excellent order with good, clean carpets - there is an original first-aid kit, apparently unused, along with the original warning triangle, jack, wheel brace and spare wheel. The tool-roll and tools are also present in excellent order.
 
 Ultimately this is an utterly superb example of the R107.

Sharp lines and a timeless character are fixtures of the R107's popularity, and as an ambassador for the model, this car is exceptional.

As with the interior, the car’s exterior looks as though it has just been driven out of the showroom. Finished in Signal Red - one of the most popular colours for the R107 - the external presentation of this car is immaculate, with no dents, scratches or scuffs that we can discern. To sweeten the deal, the car comes complete with its hard top, which looks to be as good as new - it even features the original, unfaded dealership sticker on the rear window and supplying dealer number plates.
 
This continues across the chromework, which is very brightly presented, and the headlight lenses, which appear to be clean and fracture-free. The vendor has even replaced the foglight lenses with new ones to retain the showroom fresh exterior of the car. The soft-top is also in outstanding condition, with all the windows replaced with new panels.

The alloy wheels are also virtually ‘as new’ having just been refurbished and there have been brand new tyres all around. 
 
Underneath, the car appears to have benefited from being kept clean and dry - we can't discern any signs of corrosion or reason for concern.

 

 
Having only just been given a full service, the car starts on first turn of the key, gear changes are smooth and quiet, and the engine sounds lovely. The vendor assures us that it drives as well as it looks. With its very low mileage and that comprehensive paperwork history, in addition to the R107’s reputation for longevity and reliability, the car should offer many more years of trouble-free motoring. Reassuringly, brand new brake discs and pads have just been fitted to compliment the brand new tyres.

Open the bonnet and, again, it’s difficult to believe the car’s age and mileage. A new radiator has been installed, the stainless steel exhaust section is new, a new electric fuel pump fitted and even the sound proofing on the bonnet is new. The engine looks amazing, and aside from a modern battery everything looks much as it must have done when new.

 

 
The R107 is a bona fide modern classic. For top-down motoring in style and comfort, there’s little to match it. Its looks are timeless and values continue to increase, especially as really good low mileage examples, in the right colour schemes, are now so hard to find.

There’s virtually nothing to fault on this one – The vendor believes it’s probably the best of its kind in the country, and it’s hard to argue with the claim. If you’ve always wanted a 300SL, this is the one to buy. 

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. 

✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.