Highlights

Extremely low mileage example
Excellent original condition
Kept in the same ownership for nearly 20 years

The Appeal

The slab-sided, classically styled Benz that came to embody filthy richness during its seemingly endless and unchallenged sales streak. SL’s are known for their impeccable bodywork and tank-like build quality, to this day even the unmolested examples remain to have excellent panel gaps and doors that close with a solid thunk - they don’t build them like they used to, and it’s a shame that they don’t.

This example is reportedly in entirely original condition and shows an incredibly low mileage on the dash, which has all the appropriate paperwork to back up that it is indeed genuine. Kept in the same ownership for nearly 20 years, it has been stowed away in a dry garage and sparingly used on the special occasion to let it breathe and stretch its legs. When we say sparingly, we mean it, with just under 3,400 miles covered since an MOT certificate dated 2005.

The History and Paperwork

Originally registered on the 1st of November 1988, declared brand new upon first registration
Original Mercedes-Benz owners manual present
Original Mercedes-Benz workshop directory for Europe present
Paperwork from 2005 showing a Tracker monitor system at an expense of £1,046.50 which included a £325 lifetime subscription
Old MOT certificates present showing the milage throughout the years
Most recent MOT carried out in 2019, showing a pass with a minor advisory for exhaust leakage
Other MOT’s through 2006-2013 show a good string of clean passes with no advisories present
Agreed Value Certificate from Heritage Classic Car Insurance stating a value of £17,000 in 2012
Kept lovingly in the same ownership for nearly 20 years, ensuring the preservation of the Benz, with only 3 keepers prior
New MOT valid until October 2024

The Interior

Original Medium Grey (Mittelgrau - 178) leather upholstery, remaining in stunning condition throughout
Both front seats are very well presented with very minimal signs of use across the leather, with good stitching lines and damage-free piping around the edges
Rear seats appear in almost unused condition, although this isn’t uncommon as they’re lacking one largely important feature… Leg room!
Original steering wheel in place and well preserved with only minor signs of use with no damage to be reported
Gauge cluster remains completely functional and free from any fading across the numerals, with no warning lights present upon startup
Centre console appears in good condition with the original Blaupunkt radio in place which we’re told remains functional, with the surrounding wooden veneer trim in good condition with some gentle fading to the upper portions
Surrounding switchgear all remains functional with some minor signs of use
Wooden veneer trim around the gear shifter appears in excellent condition with no delamination or fading to be reported, with good switchgear for the windows and hazards
Floor carpets are in good shape with some signs of wear on the driver side mat, however the transmission tunnel carpet appears almost untouched
Both front door cards are very well kept with just a small nick in the lower corner of the passenger side, and well maintained brightwork trim
Headlining in both the convertible top and the hardtop are excellent with no damage to report

The Exterior

Blue-Black Metallic paint (199) in good condition for its age, just some minor age related blemishes as to be expected
Bodywork appears very straight with only a minor dent reported
Brightwork appears very well kept with no blemishes which have been reported, and the front bumper rubber trim just has some minor imperfections
Front headlamps appear in good condition with clear lenses and no signs of any water ingress
Paintwork along both sides of the vehicle is in good shape, with no corrosion noticed on any of the wheel arches
All four wheels are in admirable shape with no unwelcome scuffs or scrapes on any of the faces
Mercedes-Benz mud flaps present on all four corners
Rear lights in good shape, no damage to be reported here
Rear paintwork and bodywork all looks to be in good order
Rear bumper shows lovely brightwork with good rubber trim
Original badge designations present
Soft top in lovely shape with no rips or tears in the fabric, good stitching lines and no water ingress
Hardtop present and in great condition with good brightwork trim and no damage to any of the windows

The Mechanics

3.0-litre inline-six cylinder petrol engine, reportedly in good mechanical health with no unwelcome rattles or vibrations at idle or when in use, and produces a lovely purr from the exhaust
Automatic transmission remains in good condition with no unusual characteristics and smooth gear changes allowing for an opulent and undisturbed journey
Suspension is as comfortable as you would expect from any Benz, while retaining excellent road feedback and handling ability in the twisty roads
Brake are reported to be in good health, although with any vehicle that has had little use over the years it would be advisable to give them a looking over before any long journeys
Underside of the vehicle all appears to be very well preserved with none of the usual signs of corrosion present on any of the sills or subframes
Radiator fitted back in 2003 at the expense of a heavily discounted £160
Good MOT history showing loving ownership when it comes to mechanical care of the vehicle

Summary

The R107 is a rapidly appreciating classic, the boxy body shape has aged like fine wine snatching the hearts of car collectors across the globe, and rightly so. Like its older brothers, the R107 is an important piece of Mercedes history, and one that is becoming much more commonplace in modern collections when presented in admirable conditions. Restored examples are easy to find, but original specimens with low miles are proper needle in a haystack material.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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