The third-generation models of the long-running R107 SL series (that is, those cars built from 1985 onwards) are particularly desirable to Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts. These are the ones with the final-run upgrades including the subtle chin spoiler, revised suspension with a thicker anti-roll bar, additional body strengthening, and internally reprofiled wings to accommodate bigger wheels and tyres. And crucially, in the case of this model, there was the fresh M103 engine: the 3.0-litre straight-six that created a new model variant – the 300 SL – to replace the outgoing 280 SL. With 187bhp on tap it’s a roadster with more than enough get-up-and-go and, of course, it offers all of those features so vital to the R107 experience: solid build quality, impressive levels of equipment, a smooth ride, and impeccable reliability and usability. The sweet spot in the range? The 300 SL very well might be.

And this example is a highly impressive one. Since 2020 it’s been treated to a comprehensive recommissioning by The SL Shop, as well as full repaint, new carpets, retrimmed seats and, most recently, a tasteful set of wheels in the style of the original 15” rims, but these are actually 8x16”. There’s around £40,000 worth of receipts in the file, and the condition of the car really speaks for itself: beautiful to behold inside and outside (and, indeed, underneath and under the bonnet). A thoroughly lovely car to drive, too – it rides smoothly, pulls keenly, stops and starts happily, and does everything it should. Interestingly, this car was sold by Chelsea Cars of Wandsworth in 2023 for £35,000 and has only covered around just a few hundred miles since. With an impeccable spec and reassuring history, this is surely one of the best 300 SLs out there.
 

 

The gentle tone of the Magnolia leather acts as a sublime complement to the Smoke Silver exterior; this is a very well-specced R107, and thanks to the low mileage and careful curation the interior is extremely fresh. The front seats are supple, supportive, and free from wear, having been professionally retrimmed. The dash is in good condition, with all the vents swivelling freely and gauges working correctly. The wood trim is tidy with no signs of sun fade. An aftermarket Alpine radio-cassette head unit is fitted. The steering wheel isn’t excessively worn, and the electric windows raise and lower as they should.
 
The bodywork is all in very solid condition, with nice even panel gaps and no visible evidence of corrosion – testament to the extensive restoration works and quality repaint. The doors and boot close with a pleasing thunk. The light lenses and window glass are all in good condition, and all of the proper brightwork is here, each piece in neat condition with no tarnishing or corrosion. The wheels are elegant new rims in the style of the originals, but are in fact wider at 8”, and an inch larger in diameter, allowing the fitment of 215/60 R16 Michelin tyres for improved roadholding.

The soft-top hood is in good condition with no holes (we suspect it hasn’t been used much, the windows show some patina from having been stored folded) and it raises, secures and lowers with ease. The colour-coded hard-top is also included, and this too is in very good order with good glass and a tidy headlining. On the whole, this is evidently a car that hasn’t suffered abuse or damage and has generally been doted upon – the bumper corners are free from scuffs, the chassis is all straight, it all speaks of a quality SL with good bones and a beauty that’s more than skin-deep.
 

R107s are famously dependable and robust if properly maintained, and that’s very much the case here – having always been serviced correctly and looked after by specialists, the result today is an SL that starts on the first twist of the key and runs supremely smoothly.

The 300 SL came equipped with a 3.0-litre straight-six, offering up a handy 187bhp, mated to a 4-speed auto with switchable ‘economy’ mode, and this is all in excellent working order; the motor’s torque-rich for urban wafting, and amusingly eager when you hit the country lanes.

Throughout the chassis we find evidence of maintenance in line with that of the drivetrain; the brakes and suspension are all in fine fettle with no rattles, leaks, undue noises or other areas of concern. It’s a sweet little runner, with all the ‘go’ to match the ‘show’. And with a full service history to back it up, this is a usable classic that offers real peace of mind.
 

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