Universally acknowledged as one of the most enduring classic roadsters in automotive history, the R107 needs little introduction. Timeless looks, incredible build quality and a rewarding all weather driving experience add to the extraordinary investment appeal. 

One of the few genuine classics that can be used every day; it is still much sought after, particularly the later facelifted 300SL, with its rust proofed body and legendary 3 litre straight six. The silky smooth engine boasts plenty of power but is more frugal than the heavier V8 power plants and it quickly became the sweet spot in the range. The one to have.

This wonderful example is one of these more desirable, later facelifted cars, having been registered in 1988, a year before production ended. Condition and colourway is everything with these convertibles and thanks to it’s low mileage as well as fastidious storage conditions, this highly original SL ascends to an immaculate standard. 

Finished in the perfect hue for its shape, Blue Black Metallic (code 199) with a contrasting Grey (code 178) interior; an elegant, understated and relatively rare colour, it has hints of deep navy blue in shadow, gunmetal in sunlight and darkens to a rich black in the evening light. This vehicle is in simply exceptional condition, a real head turner and very photogenic as our images clearly show.

When the vendor acquired the car he understood that it had been dry-stored throughout its life, the fabulous, unmolested condition of the car, both inside and out, would certainly back up that assertion. The service history is very good, showing that the car has been used sparingly, yet still dealer maintained, when required, covering less than 7,000 miles in the last ten years and averaging only 2,500 miles per year from new! 

The vendor has now ensured the car has been brought back to a remarkable standard, with the last invoice showing an expenditure of over £3,600.  Reassuringly the MOT is valid well into 2025 and was a straightforward advisory free pass.

Delivered new by Mertrux Ltd, Mercedes-Benz main dealers in Derby, the car carries the supplying dealer plates and window sticker.  The original leather folder contains all the manuals including the actual radio manual from 1988, as well as a service book and assorted invoices, add to this the first aid kit, hazard warning triangle and toolkit; proof, if any were needed, of the car’s remarkable originality. A reassuring history set like this only adds to the car’s desirability and long term investment potential.

Nestling into its sumptuous grey (178) seats, this R107 feels like a time warp. From the lovely wood trims to the colour matched door cards, the evocative interior of this car feels like it could have just left the showroom: there are virtually no giveaways of the car’s age, a testament to a lifetime of careful, diligent ownership. 

It's clear from first glance that this has been the pride and joy of every driver to sit in its opulent cabin. The seats are in fabulous condition, proudly sporting one of the R107's most popular colour combinations. If we are being super picky we noticed some tiny cracks to the original handbrake cover in the rear, very common in these cars. Behind the front seats reveals a generous extra carpeted space, for luggage or gold clubs, which is in good order.

A glance under the carpeting  in the front and rear reveals a clean and rust-free floor pan. The factory correct colour coded ribbed carpet mats were ordered from Germany and are new.  The original and very stylish wood veneer on the dash gives a feeling of opulence to the cabin, all of the dials and switches appearing clean and easy to read. 

Every one of the generous internal options are working as expected - the electric windows, the vanity lights on the sun visors. Even the clock keeps a good time.. to complete the authentic time warp experience, the car even boasts its original, working 1988 Blaupunkt stereo complete with user manual and electric aerial.

The boot is in excellent order with good, clean carpets - there is an original first-aid kit, apparently unused, along with the original warning triangle, jack, wheel brace and spare wheel with brand new never used tyre. The factory tool-roll in red cloth and tools are also present in excellent order.  Ultimately this really is an utterly superb example of the 300SL.

As with the interior, the car’s exterior looks spot on, straight bodywork and flush shut lines all round. Finished in metallic Blue Black (199) - one of the most coveted and evocative colours for the R107 - the external presentation of this car is immaculate, particularly for a car that is over 40 years old, with no dents or scuffs that we can discern. To sweeten the deal, the car comes complete with its hard top, factory colour matched with a light headlining and looks to be in excellent condition. This colourway elevates this special roadster from more mundane hues and arguably makes it even more desirable.

The good news continues across the chrome-work, which is very brightly presented, and the headlight lenses, which appear to be clean and fracture-free. Some of the rear chrome trim has a common tendency to craze over the years so those most affected most have just been professionally polished and re chromed. 

Rather than repair a chip on the windscreen the vendor went to the expense of purchasing a brand new windscreen and chrome holding clips from The SL Shop, this has been professionally fitted to factory standards. The soft-top’s material is also in very good condition condition, it is not a modern cheap vinyl copy but the Mercedes mohair original. The alloy wheels are immaculate, new bolt caps from The SL Shop set them off nicely and these are complimented by nearly new Firestone tyres at the front and Hankooks at the rear. 

Underneath, the car appears to have benefited from being under sealed and is clean and proper - we can't discern any signs of corrosion or reason for concern.

Having only just been given a full service, the car starts on first turn of the key, gear changes are smooth and quiet, and the engine sounds lovely. The vendor assures us that it drives as well as it looks, during the 4 hour photo shoot the car started on the button and was moved to and fro with no issues at all. With its low mileage and recent works, in addition to the R107’s reputation for longevity and reliability, the car should offer many more years of trouble-free motoring. 

Reassuringly, a complete stainless steel exhaust system has recently been fitted. Open the bonnet and, again, it’s difficult to believe the car’s age and mileage. The engine looks amazing, and aside from a more modern battery everything looks much as it must have done when new.

The 1986-1989 R107 300SL is an essential classic on many an enthusiast’s bucket list, it’s a dream roadster to have owned at least once in your lifetime. For top-down motoring in style and comfort, there’s little to match it. Its looks are timeless and values continue to be rock solid, especially as unmolested, cared for examples, in the most desirable colour schemes, are now so hard to find. Condition is everything and there’s very little to fault on this one –If you’ve always wanted an exceptional 300SL to invest in, enjoy and drive - this is the one to buy. 

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

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