The third generation 350SL (or ‘Sport lightweight’) was launched in 1971 and featured the 3.5-litre V8 engine mated to a reliable three-speed automatic transmission along with all-round independent suspension and a strong monocoque body.
This popular sports-cruiser was and still is a class-act and has been the roadster of choice for the rich and famous over the years including Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus, who owned a 350SL.
Invoices for cosmetic and mechanical parts since 2016
This particular 350SL was first registered on the 23rd February 1979. Early history has been lost now but we do know that the previous owner purchased it in August 2016 for his wife.
Being a car bodyshop specialist, he treated the car to a respray in it’s original red and attended to a few mechanical requirements. He has now passed it on to the seller due to it’s recent lack of use.
The V5 (in the previous owners name) accompanies this Mercedes along with the last ‘Pass’ MOT which was in July 2019 at 154,355 miles. Just three ‘Monitor’ advisory items were noted - ‘rear brake pipe corroded’, ‘slight corrosion to underside’ and ‘rear tyres cracked and deteriorated’.
The car tax runs until the 1st April 2023 and there are a few invoices from 2016 for cosmetic parts bought from Mercedes-Benz of Poole and mechanical components from a variety of suppliers. ruaQp8FJLV6e4CZdIJ9QZwmkThic1yeiQP0IrqLV.jpeg258.8 KB
THE INTERIOR
Re-trimmed seats and carpeting
All electrics said to function correctly
Room for some improvement
This classic and simple Mercedes interior is in reasonable condition.
The cream seats, rear luggage area and carpeting have been re-trimmed by the previous owner but the door cards could be improved upon and the drivers side plastic sill trim has become brittle and damaged.
The wood trim is fine and may have been re-varnished around the gear selector
The gauges, switchgear and steering wheel are presentable and the seller assures us that all the electrical equipment operates as it should, including the electric windows (if a little slow). A Sony CD/radio with MP3 is wired to a couple of aftermarket speakers.
Despite a light shower during the photoshoot, we can report (with the aid of a chamois!) that the fresh bright red paintwork on this beautifully styled bodywork appears to be free of any obvious dings or scratches.
The wheel arches and sills look fine although the unseen lower edge of the doors are a bit rusty.
Up front, American market quad headlights feature along with a rather befitting and stylish spoiler. There are one or two cracks to the headlights and plastic surrounds but the front fog lights and rear lights look spot on.
The often ‘wobbly’ rubber trim on the bumpers and side trims is pretty good with just the odd nick here and there (see photos). All the chrome parts and optional hard-top trim is nice and shiny. The glass and mirrors are also look good.
The black mohair hood would benefit from a clean and the rear windows have become ‘milky’, but it should keep out the rain!.
The Mercedes optional 14” ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels are presentable and appear to be free from damage.
The robust 3,499cc engine offers reliability and performance.
The all alloy V8 produces around 200bhp with an estimated top speed of 124mph and is linked to a three-speed auto-box.
Reportedly, the previous owner changed the oil and filters in 2021 and fitted new rear brake callipers and discs, new front shock absorbers and a new battery. Some mechanical components have surface rust as does the underside of the car - possibly consummate with a lack of use since 2016.
This particular power plant starts easily and ticks over nicely with no obvious rattles or excessive smoke. The seller assures us that the oil pressure sits around 45psi and the water temperature should be around 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stunning in red, the extremely nice bodywork makes this particular Mercedes 350SL very appealing and is bound to be admired on the open road.
With great parts and maintenance support and a little continued TLC, this stylish roadster should be a delight to own.
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