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PRINCIPLE FACTS

Very well maintained 420SL with three former keepers, the latest of them doting upon this fantastic example since buying the car in 1990, when it was just four years old. Fastidious care is recorded within this R107's substantial history file, with servicing mostly carried out by Mercedes-Benz technicians.

A wealth of options ensure that this SL asks little more from its driver than a modern equivalent. Comfortable, rapid and exquisitely beautiful, it's little wonder its long-term keeper couldn't help using it. Thankfully, that use has come with remarkable attention to on-going maintenance, with recent SLSHOP preparation work bringing that care bang up to date.

OVERVIEW & EQUIPMENT

Specified from the factory with desirable options including a limited-slip differential and cruise control, the car's first owner should be commended. That same initial keeper also ticked the boxes for under shields, a rear seat, headlamp wash/ wipe, a fire extinguisher and an outside temperature indicator. That's on top of the already standard 420SL toys like electric windows and mirror, heated rear screen and ABS.

CONDITION SYNOPSIS

Paint and panels remain pin straight and gleaming, with the same said of the chrome. The soft top is original, so shows a little age, but remains remarkably presentable. The seats are a more recent addition than the hood, their immaculate order remains impressive. Wood and plastic retain a near-new hue with the carpets following suit. It's all still tidy and classy inside this R107. There's an aftermarket Pioneer CD player in the dash, but that's easily remedied these days with all manner of clever retro systems sporting modern internals.

The engine bay looks like that fitted to a car with a quarter of the miles. Plastics, hoses and fluid reservoirs all seem to be in exemplary order. There are a few factory stickers too, showing great originality.

HISTORY FILE

One of this car's key strengths is its comprehensive history folder. There's everything in here from its delivery and PDI at Normand Park Lane (Mayfair) to its unbroken care within the Mercedes-Benz dealer network from 1996 to 2021 (M-B Truro). Early care was also taken care of by the manufacturer, with M-B Swindon technicians spinning the spanners until the late-1980s.

All bills from new to date, alongside past MOTs, can be perused at your leisure but the most important work is always the most recent. That's where SLSHOP stepped in, over the past few years, making sure this pampered SL presents as good as it can be.

SLSHOP SUMMARY

We're proud to have put the finishing touches on what was already an exceptional example of a 420SL. Its mileage shows it's been enjoyed and yet the invoices highlight a level of care that's way above and beyond even what the factory recommended. If condition is the key, this one unlocks the door to motoring nirvana.