1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107)
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Highlights
- Outstanding, original example in showroom condition
- 48,000 miles from new
- Immaculate hard-top and new soft-top
The Appeal
Launched in 1971, the R107 survived in the Mercedes line-up until 1989 and the longer it stayed in the range, the more popular it became. Combining glamorous looks, practicality and reliability with the thrills of top-down motoring, it’s perhaps no surprise that the model survived in the Mercedes range for as long as it did.
G158 XMO was first registered in October 1989, marking it out as one of the last of the line. It’s rare to find an R107 on a ‘G’ registration plate.
This is an outstandingly original example that is in such fantastic condition throughout, it is almost impossible to fault. This must be one of the very best examples on the road!
This is an outstandingly original example that is in such fantastic condition throughout, it is almost impossible to fault. This must be one of the very best examples on the road!
The History and Paperwork
- Comprehensive service history
- Only 2,000 miles in last ten years
- MoT valid until November 2022
- Full VDI check in May 2022
- Historic invoices
- Original owner’s manual, service book, radio manual
The vendor acquired the car from the previous owner on the Isle of Wight. The vendor understands that the car has been securely stored and rarely used over the last ten years, which accounts for its amazing condition. The service record and MoT history support this assertion.
An invoice in the history file records a full service and major overhaul in October 2021, at which time the car was cleaned and wax-oiled underneath, the exhaust was replaced with an OEM stainless-steel one and the alloy wheels were completely refurbished.
The car comes with two keys and two remote fobs.
The Interior
- Amazingly clean and original interior
- Unmarked leather seats
- Superb walnut dash
- Excellent door panels
- New hand-made overmats
- Original toolkit, first-aid kit, warning triangle
The interior of the car looks pretty much as it must have done when new. The front seats have hardly any evidence of wear, and it’s easy to believe that the rear seats have never been used. The vendor has recently sourced replacement overmats; these were hand-made in Germany and feature the ‘ribbed’ look of those that would have graced the car when new.
The door panels are in first-class condition and the dashboard and centre-console look superb. The vendor has fitted a new walnut panel to the centre-console around the gear lever, to bring it in line with the rest of this cars outstanding interior. The car also features an outside-temperature gauge in the centre of the dash.
In the boot, the carpet lining has a couple of very minor marks, but is in excellent condition. There’s an original tool-roll, complete with tools, and an original first-aid kit whose contents appear never to have been disturbed. Under the carpet lining and a plastic cover is the spare wheel, which also appears never to have been used.
The Exterior
- Look superb from every angle
- Fabulous Arctic White paintwork
- Refurbished wheels
- Hard-top in fantastic condition
- Superb soft-top
- New Pirelli tyres all round
This car is a real head-turner, with its classic lines and fabulous Arctic White paintwork. There’s not a blemish to be seen. The hard-top is in immaculate condition, with no marks on the paint or on the roof lining.
The soft-top is new, having been recently replaced by the vendor, and raises and lowers readily. It’s worth noting that the compartment into which the soft-top folds down is lovely and tidy, as these are a renowned rust-spot.
Those refurbished alloy wheels – including the spare – all look fantastic, and there are new Pirelli tyres all round.
The lights, badges and brightwork all look superb. The windscreen wipers have recently been replaced by the vendor.
The Mechanics
- 2962cc engine
- 4-speed auto gearbox
- Starts easily and runs beautifully
- Clean and tidy engine bay
- New OEM stainless-steel exhaust in Oct 2021
- Immaculate underneath
As you’d expect of a car with this history, it starts and runs beautifully. Gear changes from the auto ‘box are smooth and quiet. The car pulls away as it should, and even on our limited test-drive it was a pleasure to drive.
With that comprehensive service history, limited mileage and recent invoices, a new owner should be confident that the car has many miles of trouble-free motoring to come.
The radio has been completely refurbished with a new ‘old stock’ facia, and its automatic aerial, work as they should, and the electric windows raise and lower on the button.
Open the bonnet, and the appearance and condition of everything is superb. This is a car that has been well cared-for. Similarly, underneath is clean and well-ordered; the exhaust looks as though it was fitted yesterday, and that recent wax-oil is very much in evidence.
Summary
The R107 is a genuine modern classic. With its timeless looks, for open-top motoring in style and comfort, there’s very little to match it. Numerous appearances in 1980s US TV dramas (Dallas, Hart to Hart, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Rockford Files) undoubtedly helped to secure the model’s iconic status and desirability, and good examples are increasingly hard to find.
If you are looking for the very best 300SL on the market, this is almost certainly the one. If you’re in any doubt, look closely at the pictures: the vendor challenged us to find fault with the car, and we couldn’t. Both inside and out, it’s in fabulous condition; it’s difficult to believe that the car is 33 years old. It looks and drives like a new car.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1989
- Make Mercedes
- Model SL 300 Auto
- Colour White
- Odometer 48,133 Miles
- Engine size 2962
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Reading
- Location Berkshire
- Country United Kingdom
22
bids
- ce•••• £38,250 04/07/22
- Ro•••• £38,000 04/07/22
- Ro•••• £37,750 04/07/22
- ce•••• £37,500 04/07/22
- Ro•••• £37,250 04/07/22
- ce•••• £37,000 04/07/22
- Ro•••• £36,500 04/07/22
- ce•••• £36,000 04/07/22
- Ro•••• £35,500 04/07/22
- Bl•••• £35,000 04/07/22
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