• No expense spared

• First purchased by Bob Monkhouse

• Superb condition throughout

In 1971, R107 was introduced with new design language and safety features that spread to the subsequent Mercedes-Benz models. For the first time, the V8 engines were fitted to the SL-Class. In 1982 the fuel injection system was changed to the more fuel efficient Bosch system. Additionally this model came with the new galvanised chassis.

With the production from 1971 to 1989, R107 was one of few longest-produced vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. R107 received a very minor update in 1972 with new rubber-edged wing mirrors and slight improvements in engine power due to better management.

With build quality to rival any other manufacturer at the time, Mercedes really did build cars to last and still look good too, while maintaining a sporty edge.

This particular 500Sl has a fantastic history, starting with its first owner, Comedian and TV Host Bob Monkhouse. The car was optioned by himself from factory with Air Conditioning, passenger wing mirror, headlamp wash and wipe system and the optional MB tex upholstery. It also has wax oil inside the sills to preserve its lifespan.

The car was purchased from Mrs Monkhouse in 2004 by its current owner who has driven it not much more than 10,000 miles, although it has had trips to Europe. 

We were told by the owner that until their ownership the soft-top had never been used and still contained the original protective tissue paper from factory!

Along with this car comes a comprehensive collection of paperwork....AND artwork, doodled on by Bob Monkhouse himself!

Many of the Mercedes booklets have drawings, sketches and quips written by the man himself!

That aside, the history is exceptional, lots of old tax discs, MOT certificates, photographs and more.

The service history is extensive up until 1998. The customer assured us that yearly services and tune-ups have always been carried out along with, where possible, all maintenance performed by specialists with Mercedes parts and this is quite clear by the overall condition of the vehicle.

This year during covid lockdown, the car was subjected to a thorough inspection and received new cam chain and tensioners, new radiator, new hydraulic tappets and thorough tune up all at a cost of over £5000.

The car also has a new MOT with no advisories, so peace of mind for the new owner.

Brown MB tex, brown dash, wooden inserts and heat formed door cards....very of its time and really looks no more than a few years old. It really is in great condition!

The upholstery is tight and supple, the carpets a rich colour and plush and the overall wear of the materials is minimal. Clearly well cared for and maintained both by its initial owner and the current.

The dials are clean and clear. The headlining is tight and smooth and even the vanity mirror lights work. This is testament to quality workmanship and careful owners.

The car is coated in Mercedes famously thick champagne coloured paint and is truly in superb condition. You would be hard pushed to fault it. 

The owner told us there has been two small paint rectifications carried out on the car due to very minor mishaps but if they were not pointed out you would be hard pushed to find them they have been finished beautifully.

The car sits on classy original wheels that are in superb nick and all the brightwork and black plastics that adorn the car are also in fabulous condition.

Honestly the car speaks for itself in that it runs and drives like new. The owner assured us that the car was going in for another Tune-up as he didn’t feel it was running 100% but that shows how well this car is looked after. The engine bay is in nice original condition, nothing over polished or showy. 

Underneath was clean and tidy, clearly not taken out in the rain too often! The doors and other entrances closed and opened with mechanical precision and a satisfactory click like no other.

If someone told you this was a Mercedes heritage car, you’d believe it. Not only that it has Celebrity status and a real classy, regal appeal. Driving through Scotland, no problem....South of France? Even better. This car belongs anywhere and will do it all in comfort. 

The current owner even recorded it at 33mpg! So more than capable to keep up with modern cars....and not just in a straight line.