As beautifully built as it is to look at, the Mercedes-Benz R107 SL represents the German company’s finest hour. It harks from an era when the brand’s cars were massively over-engineered and restrained in their elegance.
R107s have survived in big numbers thanks to their inherent longevity and substantial appeal. This one is arguably the best of the bunch, as it’s the economical model powered by Mercedes’s indestructible straight-six – lively enough to still be a lot of fun, but with reasonable fuel consumption.
It has recently been subject to a full restoration and respray in its original Signal Red and is presented in stunning condition, with an equally impressive interior. image00034.jpeg185.51 KB
The interior is superb, as befits a car that has been restored to a high standard.
There are none of the often-seen cracks on the dashboard nor any fading to the veneers or warped door cards. It’s in fine order. It also has rear seat belts fitted, should you wish to carry small passengers on the shelf-style rear seat area – it’s not a 2+2, but the area can be used for occasional seating if required.
The car was specified with leather upholstery and air conditioning when new. The seats are in great condition and the air con works as intended, while the electric windows are also in good order. The car comes with its original tools, first aid kit and roof ‘fork’ for fitting and removing the factory hardtop.
It has a modern USB radio and all of the switchgear and controls work as they should. image00011.jpeg110.45 KB
THE EXTERIOR
Signal Red
Soft-top in good order, factory hardtop also excellent
All structural repairs completed during restoration
Excellent paint finish
Finished in bold Signal Red, the Benz is in lovely condition and has a rich, deep shine.
It’s in superb order overall, with no signs of any visible corrosion nor are there any dents or damage to the bodywork, while extensive restoration work was carried out recently to ensure it is structurally sound throughout.
The underside is reported by the vendor to be ‘structurally excellent’, the soft-top roof is also in great condition and goes up and down as it should, with no signs of rust or water ingress into the rear deck panel. The factory hardtop is also superb.
It sits smartly on Mercedes-Benz ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels with very good Firestone tyres, and has smart factory accessory front fog lamps.image00042.jpeg179.2 KB
THE MECHANICS
2.8-litre straight-six
Three-speed auto transmission
Well-maintained
Said to drive without fault
It may be the baby of the R107 SL range, but the 2.8-litre six is also one of the smoothest and most reliable engines of its era, with a decent turn of power and a reputation for going on and on. The 86,000 miles covered by this one are a drop in the ocean for such a car.
The auto transmission, brakes, steering and suspension all seem to be in good health and the vendor says that the car is excellent to drive, with no known or apparent faults.
The car has recently been fully serviced and comes with a complete new exhaust system.image00130.jpeg839.57 KB
SUMMARY
This is a fabulous example of a restored R107 in great overall condition, with a genuine low mileage and a history of careful maintenance. It’s a truly lovely car, immaculately presented and finished in one of the boldest and most vibrant colours for an SL of its era. It’s in need of nothing and is ready to be shown or enjoyed.
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