Highlights
- Well maintained V8-engined R107
- Popular Thistle Green with matching hard top
- Recent remedial work to bodywork
- Thick history file
- Factory fitted rear seat
The Appeal
Mercedes-Benz introduced the third generation SL in 1971. Superb engineering, great performance, styling, and reliability made the R107 one of Mercedes-Benz’ best-selling models at the time, selling over 230, 000 units worldwide.
It is easy to see why. This example features a 3. 8L 201bhp engine mated to a durable four-speed automatic gearbox. Beneath the two-door monocoque lies independent suspension, coil springs and anti-roll bars at the front and rear.
The result? Press the throttle and the car utters a throaty growl and pounces forward with surprising punch. At lower speeds, it growls along city streets (it's ULEZ-exempt) but is most at home cruising along the motorway – you would be hard-pressed to find a smoother high-speed cruiser.
Finished in popular Thistle Green metallic - there is a matching hard top - and with recent improvements to the bodywork, this well maintained example comes equipped with a long MOT attesting to its quality.
The History and Paperwork
- First UK registered on 6th March 1981
- MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
- However it helpfully has a MOT test valid to 16th October 2024 with no advisories
- Few miles covered since that test
- MOT history for last 10 years is very good with few advisories
- Speedometer replaced in 1991 and vendor states that true mileage is around 76,000 miles
- History file is extensive and includes old MOTs to verify mileage
Notable recent invoices:
- Invoice from the SL Shop on 19th September 2023 for £326.09
- Invoice from Miles Classics dated 23rd May 2023 for bodywork repairs totalling £2,880
- Further invoice from same garage dated 5th July 2022 for new water pump
- Additional invoices for parts from SL Shop in August 2023
- Screen wash repairs dated 17th October 2023
- Fixed hard and soft top mechanism, with new operating handle (2023)
- Replacement door and boot lift switches (2023)
- Installation of remote central locking (2023)
- Installation of a tracker and immobiliser (in a discreet manner) (2023)
- Inspection of the timing chain (2023)
- Serviced windscreen washer pump (2023)
The Condition
- Thistle Green metallic paintwork with recent bodywork repairs
- Matching factory hard top in good condition
- Factory correct brown fabric roof with clear screens and no visible creasing
- Optional ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels (spares included) are well kept with no noticeable corrosion or kerbing. Maxxis tyres appear to be recently fitted with plenty of tread showing
- Underside is well presented showing underseal and with no issues to report
- Well kept interior with little signs of wear across dashboard, seats and veneers
- Interior condition reflects the sense of a low mileage car
- Veneers in particular are in good condition with no cracking on the console
- Period correct Blaupunkt Toronto radio cassette player
- Factory fitted two-tone checked cloth seats well kept with good cushions
- Optional and very popular rear seat fitted
- Fittings across doors and rear cabin area well presented and complete
- Boot area well kept with bronze carpet showing no stains
- Factory fitted four spoke wheel and gear knob show only very light wear
- Some corrosion is visible on the boot lid but otherwise bodywork presents well
Finished in eye-catching “Thistle Green” (881H), we are told that the car is a joy to drive with either the colour-matched hard-top on or off, or with the complementary soft top, which is in good condition.
The well-kept interior has a very comfortable feel. The softly-sprung checked cloth seats and plush carpets and mats are clean and in excellent condition, as are the steering wheel and gear selector. The dashboard is in impressive condition, with no cracking or other visible damage. All switches and dials are present and all bar one or two are in good working order.
The Mechanics
- 3,818cc Mercedes-Benz V8 engine developing 201bhp
- 4spd automatic gearbox
- Thick history file attesting to careful owners
- Recent new water pump and screen wash repairs
The car starts first time and is a reliable companion. The ride is as one would expect from an SL of this vintage – equal parts luxurious and sporty, floating over bumps in the road as if they weren’t there. The suspension itself has no issues, and a spare set of suspension uprights comes with the car. Similarly, the brakes have no difficulty stopping the car quickly and reliably, and without any grinding or squealing.
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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