Description
October 1971 Mercedes-Benz R107 350SL Auto
Just 78K Miles - Excellent History - Very Early Example
One of The First Five UK Supplied R107 SL's
Stunning 050 Weiss (White) with Black Leather Interior - a Real Head-Turner
Tax, MOT, All ULEZ & CAZ Exempt - Basically drive for free!
THE CAR
Date of Registration: 1st October 1971 (one of the first five UK supplied R107 SL's)
VRM: MEP 949K
MOT Expiry: Exempt
Mileage: 78, 500 Miles
Service History: Large File of Invoices and Documents + Old MOT Certificates
Official Club Valuation Certificate (14/ 03/ 2020) for £25, 000
Keys: Two Keys
Previous Keepers on V5: 7 (in 55 Years - 1st Owner 30 Years)
Road Tax Cost: Free (Historic Vehicle)
HPI Status: 100% Clear (report included)
FEATURES
Electric Windows
Electric Aerial
Power Steering
Front Fog Lights
Rear Fog Light
Hard & Soft Tops
Hard Top Stand
Original First Aid Kit
Either Steel Wheels & Trims or Newly Refurbished Mexican Hat (Baroque) Alloys with New Tyres
Pioneer Radio Cassette
SUMMARY
My car since May 2024, which I bought from a fellow Mercedes Club member who'd owned it since 2018, and who'd regularly attended many car shows with it. Registered over half a century ago on 1st October 1971, she's one of the first five UK supplied R107's SL's, so is one of the earliest known and made just after the W113 Pagoda ceased production earlier that year. It's also quite a simple car, with less things to go wrong. When new back in 1971, it cost more than a Ferrari Dino 246 and and was over twice as expensive as a Jaguar E-Type! In today's money, allowing for inflation, it would have set you back the equivalent of around £76, 000! When launched the R107 was light years ahead of anything else on the market and even 55 years on, it still drives remarkably well; see Harry's Garage YouTube video review of his own 1971 350SL.
Even though this is mine, I have to say she's just gorgeous, and I could just spend hours looking at her, I can only describe the pure, timeless lines of the R107 as automotive art at it's very best. She certainly turns heads everywhere we go; in fact, I'll never tire of watching how people do a double take when they see her. Last summer I took my son to hisend of year school prom in this car, we arrived, top down, among several hired Ferrari’s, Lamborghini's and stretched Hummers, and this car stole the show, the official photographer made an instant beeline towards it when we arrived; it just shows you can buy flash, but you can’t buy class! It certainly earned some serious respect, that’s for sure, and dare I say it, it even made me look a bit cool too! Even on the way there and back (it was a warm evening) people sitting outside pubs, bars and cafes were waving and giving the thumbs up, as were other drivers; she certainly attracts attention, but in a positive way.
It must be remembered though this graceful old lady is approaching 55 years old so like me who was only four when this car first rolled out of the showroom, isn't perfect; that said she’s worn much better than I have in that time! More importantly there's no corrosion or rust which is the main concern with an R107 of any vintage, in fact the bodywork both on top and underneath is in exceptional order, and as far as I know and can see, it’s never been welded, so is original. The all important bulkhead and plenum area is in superb order too. The soft top was replaced in the 2010's, so is in excellent condition, with a clear, undamaged rear window. Mechanically she’s in superb order, the engine is exceptionally strong with textbook oil pressure both warm and cold, whilst the gearbox changes smoothly, its hard to believe its over half a century old. She comes with lots of history and documentation, including several valuations over the years, the last being an official Mercedes Club R107 valuation from 14/ 03/ 2020 for £25, 000 (see photos) which will give you a clue to the condition; its probably appreciated more in the last five years too. At the end of the day this is a very good example of a very early, 55 year old R107 SL; if she was a pristine example she'd be £40K plus, equally a basket case R107 will still set you back £10-15K. Thinking about it, this is the perfect classic car as its not too good to use like a concours car would be, equally its a well sorted, incredibly beautiful example that won't be a liability like a lesser car would be.
I’m quite, actually very conflicted about selling this car, on the one hand it’s an honour and pleasure to own a piece of automotive history like this, and when I take her out, I return resolute I’m not selling as it just makes you smile and provides a feel good factor few cars can match, however in reality I won’t use it much and it’s a shame for it just to sit in the garage most of the time gathering dust, so I guess if the right buyer comes along, I'll probably reluctantly let her go.
MTSV
Established in 2005, unlike some, I don’t just simply go out, buy any old car, give it a good clean, then advertise it for more than the purchase price, disregarding any issues the car may have in the hope the new buyer won’t notice…I just couldn’t do that. The cars I source are carefully selected and I work very hard so that when my cars leave me, I have the satisfaction of knowing they are as good as they possibly can be within the constraints I have. As such I have many repeat customers and new customers that have been recommended via word of mouth…the ultimate accolade for anyone in business. To read more, see my website. I've been doing this for over 20 years now, and seen many changes in that time.
Any other questions, please feel free to contact me. I'm a firstly and foremostly a true car enthusiast of many, many years, and a Mercedes Club Member, so it's a pleasure to meet and speak to like-minded people.
Finally, I'm situated in Keighley, West Yorkshire (Postal Code Area BD21) which is approximately 11 miles from Skipton, and 20 miles West of Leeds.
All major debit/ credit cards accepted.
