By the time 1988 rolled around, the R107-generation Mercedes-Benz SL had been in production for an impressive seventeen years, which says everything that needs to be said about its ongoing popularity. The buying public simply couldn’t get enough. This is a model which enjoyed an impressively broad range of engine options and trim levels over its lengthy lifespan, and this is a popularity which endures today: if properly looked after, these cars are essentially near-indestructible and they offer a beguiling proposition on the classic car market – bona fide desirable classics which can genuinely be used every day. With a supremely judged design that’s aged extremely well, coupled with strong and dependable mechanicals, these are cars which mix reliability with pleasure and style in a heady and alluring formula.

Many variants of six-cylinder and V8 models were offered, with the numerical badge on the boot being the key identifier from outside. What we’re looking at here is a 300 SL, signifying that it sports the 3.0-litre straight-six, offering up a handy 187bhp and 188lb.ft. This is a late-model car, with the 300 having replaced the 280 SL in the model line-up from 1985 onward; these later cars have galvanised bodies for improved longevity, while continuing the impeccable and effervescent style of their 1970s forebears. So we’re looking at an SL that’s solid, reliable, frugal, beautifully equipped, and super smooth.

The ultimate R107? There’s a strong argument for it… and with this particular one, the paperwork’s right there to back up how well it’s been looked after: in 2020, around £15,000 was spent with renowned marque specialists The SL Shop to ensure that it’s mechanically and aesthetically on-point, with a further c£10k having been spent there in 2015. Look through the file and you’ll see that everything’s in order – and then look around the car, and you’ll find that it’s all been carried out impeccably. It’s a beautiful example that’s very pleasing to drive.

The R107 interior is very well appointed, with everything present and correct and no missing or damaged trim. The dash has no cracks, the wood trim has no lacquer peel, it all speaks of a car which has been cared for. The interior upholstery and carpets present very well, with the seats tilting correctly as they ought. The steering wheel’s rim is solid and not peeling, all the switchgear is in place, and everything appears to work as it should.

The only non-standard deviation is a more modern Kenwood head unit, with a remote control and a wired-in controller hidden in the glovebox. The inside of the boot is free from water ingress, and the matching spare alloy wheel is in place. The car benefits from power steering and electric windows, with everything doing what it should.

Finished in desirable Diamond Blue, the body is in very good condition throughout with no obvious signs of corrosion, dents, scratches or scrapes – it’s clearly a car that’s been looked after, and appears impressively straight and solid underneath as well. The former owner has carried out investigations to check the bulkhead (a known issue with these cars), and we can see from the history file how much attention has been paid to nipping corrosion in the bud and letting in fresh metal, whether it be aesthetic or structural.

The light lenses and window glass are complete and tidy, with the electric windows lowering and raising correctly, and all of the right chrome trim and badging is in place. The alloy wheels are in tidy condition, and wear a matching set of quality Michelin tyres. The car comes with a colour-matched hard-top, which is easy to attach and detach and has a decent headlining. The soft-top is also very good (having been replaced in 2020), with nice clear windows and no marks, rips or holes, and it’s equally easy to raise, affix and lower.

Given the sweet nature of the interior and exterior, you’d hope that the mechanicals would be equally peachy – and, of course, they are. The creamy-smooth 3.0-litre straight-six is the archetypal torque-rich cruiser, and it starts first time, idles properly, and pulls strongly through the revs. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and there’s nothing to worry about with the suspension, brakes or steering.

It all works as it should, and again it’s worth poring over the extensive documentation to see just why this is: simply, it’s a car that has been very properly looked after and has had a lot of money spent on it. Thanks to its history of being cherished and pampered, it’s in magnificent fettle today. You could use it sparingly for shows, or you could press it into daily use, it’d be perfectly appropriate and willing either way.

The key to the R107 SL’s enduring appeal is that it looks, sounds, feels and smells like a proper thoroughbred classic car (which, of course, it is), but it can readily be used like a modern car. A well looked-after SL will always start on the first turn of the key, be equally happily trundling around town as taking in epic cross-continent jaunts, won’t throw a hissy-fit if it gets stuck in traffic, and will cosset its occupants in sublime comfort as well as unleashing a sporting edge when the mood demands. 

And this particular SL? It’s a fabulous example, which has been looked after in money-no-object fashion. The spec is sublime, the condition is lovely, and it’s a joy to drive. This 300 SL is eminently ready to write the next chapter of its history; there’s no to-do list for a new keeper to take on – simply jump in, throw the roof down, and bask in the glory of a decision well made.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.