The Mercedes-Benz R107 Mercedes SL, made between 1972 and 1989, is one of the most coveted all-weather grand tourers ever made, thanks to that appealing combination of hard and soft tops, luxury and power, blended with the solidity and durability for which Mercedes of that era are renowned. In 1986 The 420 was the swansong for the wildly successful series, sporting a mild facelift, powerful V8 engine, upgraded gearbox and a galvanised body to ensure long-term rust protection. Three engine options were offered for the final R107 iterations with the 420 SL being by far the rarest and thus the most exclusive, almost as frugal as the much more common straight six 300 but with that silky and refined V8 engine to match the power of the heavier 500. Undoubtedly the enthusiast’s choice – the bull’s eye in the range and the one to have.
This rather special low mileage 420SL is one of those more desirable later cars having rolled off the production line a matter of weeks before production finally ceased in July 1989. Only 2,148 UK RHD examples were ever made, of which only 54 final-year production cars remain on the road, making this the rarest of all R107.
It has evidently been cherished throughout its lifetime, which is why it’s one of the very best examples we’ve seen. Condition coupled with originality is everything with R107 and this particular roadster ascends to virtually showroom condition. An example like this is ideal for
the collector, enthusiast, investor or indeed a combination of the three. If you have been searching for an exceptional SL, look no further.
Original owner’s manual, service book, radio manual
Tracker registration certificate
Original dealer number plates and window sticker
Cat 1 Alarm with remote central locking
With only 61,000 miles covered since new and just the three careful keepers, this classic roadster has the feel of something very special about it. When the vendor acquired the car, he understood that it had been dry stored throughout its life and only used on dry days, the fabulous, original condition of the car, both inside and out, would certainly back up that assertion. The service history is very good and comprehensive, proven with invoices and dealer stamps. A ‘no-expense-spared’ 27 services have been carried out over the car’s lifetime and on average it has only been driven 1,850 miles per annum. The current vendor has ensured the car has been brought back up to a remarkable standard, with the last invoice showing an expenditure of nearly £6,000.
Delivered new by Jacksons, Mercedes-Benz main dealers, the car carries the supplying dealer plates and window sticker. The original leather folder contains all the manuals, including that for the radio, as well as the original stamped service book - now add to this historic MOT certificates, original spare wheel instruction sheet, the first aid kit and toolkit. All proof, if any were needed, of the car’s impeccable originality. A reassuring history like this
only adds to the car’s desirability and long-term investment potential. There is a tracker certificate which shows this expensive device has been fitted and can be activated by subscription if wanted.
Opulent Royal Blue factory leather in outstanding condition
Original boot carpet shows no signs of age
Factory rear seats appear unused
New OEM factory ribbed over mats imported from Germany
Chromelondon supplied period Blaupunkt Radio Cassette
Finished in stunning Arctic White paintwork
Dark blue Convertible roof in excellent condition
Colour-coded hardtop in excellent order
Wonderful chrome and brightwork
It is not often one comes across a 35-year-old interior which looks, we would say, no more than a few years old. This car really has been looked after extremely well and it shows in its condition. The leather of the seats, finished in stunning Royal Blue, looks as supple as it must have been when new. The factory rear seats look to have never been used and the vendor has gone to the expense of retrimming the rear sidewalls to remove unsightly speaker holes. After all, originality is essential in these iconic roadsters. The fitted carpets are all extremely clean and the dash presents as it should with no sun cracking. This is proof of excellent storage conditions. Brand new factory-correct ribbed over mats have been sourced from Germany to complete the interior. The doors and centre console are superb.
The luxurious walnut of the centre console retains a beautifully deep shine and it’s condition, like that of the whole interior, is hard to fault. All instruments and electrics work as they should including the vanity mirrors, outside temperature gauge and clock. The vendor has an invoice showing the supply and fitment of a new old stock 1989 Blaupunkt Radio Cassette and manuals as well as a new electric aerial. Attention to detail like this is very important with R107. After condition, originality is key. Even the boot, which could be forgiven for being slightly more used, is much like new. The carpet is in very good condition and is said to be still soft to the touch. The factory fire extinguisher, Mercedes-Benz-branded hood release bars, red cloth tool roll, first aid kit, hazard warning triangle and jack brace are all present as is the original full-size alloy wheel. These cars were exclusively supplied with a Michelin spare tyre which is still there, just as it was when delivered new.
This car is finished in one of the R107’s most popular colours, Arctic White. The paintwork gleams in the sunlight. It has a crisp finish to it that shows off the elegant lines of this roadster. The shut lines are flush and the body as straight as an arrow. Virtually no blemishes of any kind are present anywhere to be seen. The vendor had the front of the bonnet professionally painted to remove a few stone chips rather than have them touched up. Again, this shows the attention to detail.
All the glass on the car is in excellent condition and the original folding soft-top, finished in factory navy blue, is in very good order. As you’d expect, the hardtop is in exactly the same excellent order as the rest of the car.
For a Mercedes-Benz that left the showroom new in 1989, 35 years ago, it presents in remarkable condition. The good news continues across the chrome work, which is very brightly presented. The headlight lenses appear to be clean and fracture-free.
The original Gullideckel alloy wheels are also in excellent condition with just one minor blemish on the face of one wheel, and the tyres all have plenty of life left in them.
Underneath, the car appears to have benefited from being under-sealed and is clean and proper - we cannot discern any signs of corrosion or reason for concern there.
One of only 2168 SL's ever made fitted with the 215bhp 4.2-litre V8
Stainless steel exhaust
Brand new MOT with no advisories
The 4.2-litre V8 is a marvel of Mercedes-Benz engineering. It is torquey and powerful, but also ever so quiet and relaxing to use. We are told that it fires up on command and, with its automatic gearbox, pulls away with absolutely no effort. This car has power steering, of course, and strong brakes. It all creates a package that enthusiasts find amongst the most agreeable of classic cars to drive.
This well-maintained example has been serviced regularly throughout its life. It has received its share of expenditure as and when necessary, which has kept it in such fine condition.
One of the few upgrades from factory specification is the prudent and wise refurbishment of the radiator, to OEM standard, and a stainless steel exhaust, which should last the car’s lifetime and avoid later expenditure.
The whole engine bay is wonderfully clean. New high-performance battery aside, it must look like it did when new. During the 3-hour photo shoot the car started on the button and was moved back and forth with no issues at all.
A recent full service and new, advisory-free, MOT are reassuring and an indicator of how good this car is mechanically. nearly £6,000 has just been invested to make the car as tip-top as possible, proving again how pampered this vehicle has been.
The R107 is a genuine modern classic combining glamour and engineering integrity like no other car. For top-down motoring in style and comfort, there’s little to match it. Its looks are timeless. Add to this compelling proposition that silky smooth V8 engine and sensational on the road presence and this 420SL really is as good as it gets.
Not only is it one of the rarest models, it is one of the best examples of this iconic roadster that we have seen recently. Condition is everything and there’s very little to fault on this one, we are talking virtually showroom levels of quality here. The vendor believes it’s probably the best example available in the market today and looking at the photographs it is hard to argue with the claim. If you’ve always wanted to treat yourself to a Mercedes-Benz roadster, value condition, originality and rarity in your investments, then look no further, you’ve found the one to buy. a845e695-d6b5-4d53-a62f-f994089f5f33.jpg771.66 KB
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