By the time 1988 rolled around, the R107-generation Mercedes-Benz had been in production for an impressive seventeen years, which says everything that needs to be said about its enduring 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…
As a car buyer by trade, the current owner knows his way around an automotive purchase. Naturally such a day job sees him wheeling and dealing with all sorts of four-wheeled fare, but when he spotted this car at an auction house back in early 2010, it stopped him in his tracks. This fella immediately knew it was the car for him; he spends every day sourcing cars for other people to buy, but having hankered after the sort of SLs he saw on TV as a youth in the eighties, it was clear that the time was right to buy the dream car for himself. And so, on April 28th 2010, he made this one his own.
The previous owner had kept the car since April 1998, so this is evidently a car which wraps owners up in its charms. Furthermore, this former keeper had spared no expense in maintaining the car at Mercedes-Benz main dealers; the history was flawless and the presentation superb, so the purchase for the current owner was a no-brainer. Since then he hasn’t had to fix or fettle, it’s simply been a case of correct maintenance.
The interesting thing to note here is that, given that his day job involves driving all sorts of other cars, this chap hasn’t actually used it all that much. When he bought the 300 SL a decade ago, the mileage on the clock was 171,542. Today the dial reads 173,685. That’s right – in the last ten years it’s covered just 2,143 miles, most of those to shows and events.
So why sell, if the car’s such a cherished and pampered manifestation of his motoring dreams? Well, the sad fact is that he’s simply unable to drive it now. Owing to an unfortunate medical diagnosis this year, he’s no longer allowed behind the wheel, so sadly the time has come to let the SL go. And trust us – this is the sort of car you’ll want to hang onto, so don’t be surprised if you fall in love…
The documentation which accompanies this car is outstanding, and this was the main thing that convinced this owner to buy it in the first place. There’s a huge service history file, showing thirty-one stamps across two service books, tracing the history right back to the car’s birth.
There’s also a multitude of receipts and invoices from years of fastidious maintenance, all showing Mercedes-Benz main dealer letterheads. Everything that’s happened with this car over its lifespan is provable through the paperwork, and it’s all meticulously accounted for. The car is HPI clear, completely genuine, and has absolutely nothing to hide.
The SL’s interior really is beautifully appointed, with everything present and correct and no missing or damaged trim whatsoever. The dash has no cracks, the wood trim has no lacquer peel, it all speaks of a car which has been pampered, and stored indoors when not in use. The interior upholstery and carpets have been refurbished in its recent history, with the leather all stylishly trimmed in cream and the carpets and mats fitting perfectly and presented in A1 condition. The steering wheel’s rim is solid and not peeling, all the switchgear is in place, and everything works as it should.
The only non-standard deviation is a more modern Pioneer radio-cassette flip-front head unit, which intriguingly is finished in exactly the same wood as the centre console so it looks perfectly at home; there’s a six-CD auto-changer in the boot, and as an added bonus there’s a matching wood-finish remote control for the stereo hiding in the glovebox. The inside of the boot is in perfect condition, with the fresh new carpets covering an as-new boot floor – there’s a fire extinguisher along with the original first aid kit, and the spare wheel is a matching alloy in excellent condition. The car benefits from power steering, central locking, electric windows and mirror, heated seats and cruise control, all of which works as it should, and also boasts rear seats with belts.
We come across a fair few R107 SLs at Car & Classic, and it’s no exaggeration to say that this is one of the best we’ve seen. The exterior presentation is breathtakingly good, with the rare shade of Blue Black Metallic paint (which is actually more of a graphite grey) really sparkling in the sun. Every panel is straight, solid, perfectly aligned, and free from dents, dings, scuffs or scrapes. It’s pretty much all original, and a very solid example (later R107s were galvanised, which helps enormously), just as straight underneath as it is on top. The owner has in recent years had the sills and lower valance repainted to get their condition up to that of the rest of the car, and it now has genuine trophy-winning potential. The only minor blemish to note is that one of the rear bumper corners has started to corrode, and would benefit from repair and re-chroming – but this would be a simple task for a professional (the rear bumper separates into sections, so it’s only the end piece which would need attention). And if that’s the only concern this car raises, there really isn’t anything to worry about here. The SL is well specced, with headlight wipers, front fogs, and professionally refurbished alloy wheels which all wear good rubber. The car doesn’t come with a hard-top, but it’s worth noting that the soft-top was replaced in 2009 at a cost of over £1,100, and still looks brand new today.
Given the perfect 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 always starts first time, idles properly, and pulls strongly through the rev range. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and there’s nothing at all 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 always been very properly looked after. Thanks to its history of being cherished and pampered, it’s in magnificent fettle today. You could use it sparingly for shows like this owner has, 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 truly fabulous example, which has been cherished by its current owner for a decade. With only five former keepers since 1988, it’s evidently a machine that owners fall for and hang on to, and it’s clear to see why: the spec is sublime, the condition is outstanding, and it’s a joy to drive. This 300 SL is eminently ready to write the next chapter of its history; it wants for nothing, 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 really is one of the nicest R107s we’ve ever seen.
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.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sales 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 sellers discretion.
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RESERVE LOWERED! - 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
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