Description
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Principal Facts
If you are looking for the pinnacle of R107 as intended by Mercedes-Benz, there's no doubt that the 500SL is going to pique your interest. The M117 V8 engine in the then-latest (and most powerful) guise gave the R107 a fair bit more performance than before. And while not the rarest model, the 500SL wasn't the most common, either. Today, its collectable status is backed by the unending appeal of a V8 cruiser that remains impossible to mimic.
Presented here is a 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500SL, a well-kept example whose exellent condition comes courtesy of an extensive restoration carried out earlier in its life. Exceptionally low mileage for its age, this SL comes with a well-documented history. This includes the original documentation, service booklet, previous invoices, and even photographic evidence of the restoration process. The car has five former keepers and the odometer reads just over 58, 000 miles. Complementing the Geiger styling are the period-correct Bundt wheels, which not only elevate the car's appearance but also show that one can never go wrong with simplicity.
Condition Synopsis
As can be seen in the photo gallery here, this 1982 R107 500SL looks remarkably smart with clean bodywork, shining blue paint, and a wear-free interior. The seller confirms that the SL underwent thorough restoration about a decade ago, which was carried out by its previous owner, who was a Mercedes-Benz mechanic. The accompanying paperwork includes receipts for about £27, 000 along with a photo album documenting the process.
The paint appears to be free from any large defects, the panels are consistent and well-aligned, and even the chrome and rubber bits don't have any signs of ageing. The absolutely minimal use has ensured the healthy condition, which is more evident on the inside. The seats look good, the dashboard has no damage (neither on the top half nor on the veneer), and rounding it off nicely are the pristine door cards and the Becker radio. The steering wheel appears to have aged gracefully, the boot — like the rest of the cabin — is all clean, and there's a spare wheel included with the car. Also included with this SL is a matching hard top, which appears to be in good shape both inside and out, the same can be said of the convertible soft top. The latter has no tears or marks, either. Lastly, the sight of the V8 engine is enjoyable, for the engine bay is presented well, too.
History File
According to the official data, this R107 500SL was first registered in June 1982 and it has five former keepers — as listed on the V5C. The previous keeper (the aforementioned Mercedes-Benz mechanic) was responsible for bringing the car to this shape. The restoration is said to have begun in 2007 and it ended four years later, circa 2011.
The service record of the car shows its first inspection was at 600 miles in 1982 and by the time the car got to the last page of the original Mercedes service book, supplied when first purchased, it had done just over 50, 000 miles in the year 1995. Its odometer currently reads 58, 102 miles, and as can also be verified from its MoT history, it hasn't done any considerable mileage in the last 10 years.
SLSHOP Summary
One can't deny that the R107 SL offers unbeatable value and a great balance between classic appeal and fairly potent firepower. The V8 engine mightn't be the only talking point about the R107 but it definitely plays a prominent role in bestowing the car with a healthy dose of character. A 500SL turns it up to eleven. And with 0-60 mph claimed to be possible in under 8 seconds or so, it's not going to feel slow next to modern metal, either. This example benefits from an overall likeable condition and a really low mileage, offering a chance to relish the Germanic gem without worrying about restoring it.
