• Wonderful colour scheme, in Smoke Silver over brown
• Extremely enjoyable to drive
• Robust service history
• Original hard-top and new soft-top
The Background
The story of the R107-series Mercedes SL is a truly unusual one, and something not repeated in quite the same way anywhere else in automotive history. The car went into production in April 1971, and carried on selling strongly right up until August 1989… and in all that time, not a whole lot changed.
If you remove the number plates from early and late examples and park them side-by-side, only the truly hardcore enthusiasts would be able to differentiate them. There were three distinct generations, but to the untrained eye it’s simply a classic that endured for an improbably long time.
Why so long without any significant alterations? Quite simply, because Mercedes-Benz got it right first time.
The design is beautifully judged and fabulously executed, and the mechanicals that reside beneath that sports/luxury silhouette are reassuringly rugged: borrowing the fundamental chassis architecture from the dependable W114 saloon, the engines added to the mix were sourced from upper-echelon models – the upshot was a range of premium roadsters with ineffable class and impeccable reliability.
These cars were so good, they remained a stalwart of the forecourts for eighteen solid years – almost a quarter of a million were sold, and quite a few still remain on the road today. Naturally, with so many produced, quality, integrity and provenance can wildly vary from car to car – so allow us to introduce you to a very lovely example indeed…
August 1987 was a pretty exciting month. Michael Jackson released Bad, Nico Hulkenberg was born, the BBC broadcast the final episode of Terry & June, and Dirty Dancing was a box-office smash across the world. And up in County Durham, in the little village of Trimdon Station, a proud owner took delivery of their brand-new Smoke Silver 300 SL.
The car remained in the north until the 2010s, before making its way to London via Hampshire, then down to Brighton, all of which is documented in the car’s extensive service history.
Evidently a car that’s always been cherished, it’s covered an average of under 3,000 miles a year throughout its life, and is still in beautiful and original-spec condition. Presented to market in arguably the most desirable colour scheme, this delightful 300 SL is a real treat.
This R107 comes with a substantial and comprehensive file of documentation, including all of the original books and manuals, and a service book with plenty of stamps. We also find a robust sheaf of receipts and invoices detailing the various work that’s been carried out over the years.
Most recently, there’s a receipt for £970 from late-2020, when the SL was treated to a full service, new drop-links, and new differential shaft seals. A receipt from 2018 outlines how the car received repairs to the fuel lines, brake lines and exhaust system, as well as the bulkhead being protectively wax-treated.
The other historic bills tell a tale of a car well looked-after, and the presentation of the Mercedes today verifies that it’s always been loved.
Life really does need more brown in it, and we suspect that all of the other brown things of the world are marginally less brown thanks to the existence of this marvellously autumnal interior.
Exceptional spec choice, isn’t it? Everything from the brown dash and carpets to the seat trim simply oozes elegance and panache, and the colour works sublimely juxtaposed with that exterior paint shade.
It’s all in lovely condition too; there are no cracks in the dash, no ageing or damage to the wood trim, and all of the dials and switchgear are working as they should. The original Blaupunkt Atlanta stereo is still fitted, and in working order.
The seats are very good, with no undue wear or damage, and they tilt forward correctly to allow access to a tidy rear storage shelf. The carpets are excellent, with good-quality overmats, and it’s all dry and tidy inside the boot as well, the correct matching spare wheel residing beneath the floor.
The various shades of red and black that the R107 was offered with over the years have been perennially popular, but we’d suggest that perhaps Smoke Silver is the most attractive hue of them all. Its slightly bronze-y tint and gentle sparkle really accentuates the classic lines of the SL, and acts as a sober canvas to pick out all of the shiny trim details.
The bodywork is thoroughly straight and honest here too, with even panel gaps and a quality paint finish throughout. The light lenses and window glass are all good, and every bit of the correct trim, brightwork and badging is present and correct. The car appears straight and solid underneath and the owner has carefully inspected the bulkhead to ensure that it’s free of the corrosion that can sometimes be found there on these cars.
The alloy wheels are in good condition, with just a very minor bit of kerbing to the rims here and there, and they wear quality matching Dunlop tyres with plenty of tread.
The original hard-top is present, and it’s in great condition inside and out; it affixes and detaches with ease, and the paint match to the body is good. The soft-top has been replaced, and you’ll be pleased to note that this is in a delightful shade of chocolate brown to complement the interior – it also appears to be very recent with no signs of use.
Overall, a beautifully presented R107 with an excellent and desirable colour scheme.
The 300 SL’s drivetrain is a paragon of smoothness, and this example is keen proof of that.
We can see from the paperwork how regularly and correctly it’s always been maintained, and this fastidiousness bears fruit today: the 300 SL starts easily on the first turn of the key, settling into a steady idle. It pulls strongly through the revs, and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly and cleanly.
Everything has been looked after so there are no issues to report with the steering, brakes or suspension; indeed, it’s a truly lovely thing to drive. Comfortable, cosseting, eager and entertaining, with no squeaks or rattles, no unexpected noises, it simply wafts along with all the characterful pleasantness that an SL should.
This SL is just as good to drive as it is to look at – so, as you can imagine, it’s a lovely machine indeed to find oneself behind the wheel of.
Everything does exactly as it should, and it would be equally easy to imagine yourself pottering to the shops, carving up some back-roads in search of a country pub, or wafting down to the Riviera.
The condition of this 300 SL is superb throughout, and mechanically-speaking it’s just as you’d want it to be. With an all-original spec and a richly textured history to verify its correctness, this is one R107 you really don’t want slipping through your fingers.
Bid now and bid well, because we’re anticipating a lot of interest in this one!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
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