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PRINCIPLE FACTS

An icon of the 1980s in all the best ways, the 500SL was, and remains, one of the most desirable Mercedes-Benz models ever manufactured, with very good reason too. Its performance and presence are rarely equalled with good ones rightly commanding a premium.

'Good one' this 500SL most certainly is, having covered just 48k miles in its 35 years; most of those traversing the nation's capital. The car has spent many years within the M25 and yet doesn't carry the usual battle scars so many urban machines have to abide. Good options, great condition and plenty of history make this 500SL a discerning choice.

OVERVIEW & EQUIPMENT

Any V8-powered SL is a pleasure to pilot, though some options make this 500 even more useable and pleasant. This car boasts both air-conditioning and cruise control, the former thoroughly checked over for leaks in 2012. The rear spoiler adds a little sporting spice to the R107's understated lines, plus also clues-up those behind you that you've something potent under your right foot.

The underside of this SL is a pleasure to behold, as everything looks in great order. We also suspect the lower rear suspension arms have seen the inside of a powder coater's oven. While we were in this region, we likewise noticed new-looking bushes, which explains how wonderfully together this car feels during a spirited drive.

It's great to see period audio retained in this classic SL, Blaupunkt Montreal in this instance, with an oh-so-1990s cassette headphone jack adapter.

CONDITION SYNOPSIS

The top of this SL shows the same care and attention as its clearly doted upon underside. Its Smoke Silver paintwork still gleaming with a lustrous finish that exudes quality. The black soft-top is free from rips or stains and the panel gaps all look as Teutonic and tight as one would expect. The leather interior is near unmarked and remains supple, only a very slight tear to the top of the driver's door card shows any wear at all.

HISTORY FILE

Supplied by Alan Day Mercedes-Benz Watford Rd, London and serviced there from new in '88 to 2001 this 500SL boasts an envious and well-documented invoice history. Care switched briefly to M-B Dorchester before specialists take over from 2006, with moving to Cornwall.

Returning to London in 2014, care passed to Hexagon Modern Classics, who presumably sold the car, as it still carries its plates. The final stamped service in the book is shown as having been carried out by Hexagon in 2018, but the car has been taken up to date by ourselves and is good to go.

There was maintenance work carried out in 2015 to replace the engine's rocker cover gaskets and replace a power steering hose and fluid. The car was also given an 'A' service and a full check over by Wright-Tech UK at the same time, with the bill for all that coming to £683. 21.

SLSHOP SUMMARY

The 500SL is a performance icon and a stand out model in the R107 line-up. This machine has had all the right car lavished upon it over the years, and sits within that sweet spot of low mileage without long dormant periods. The options make it that bit more useable and comfortable, leaving you free to enjoy the aural delights of that big V8.