Description
1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL - Exceptional Original Condition
Overview
First registered in August 1988, this 300SL in the desirable and popular colour combination of signal red bodywork over a black check cloth interior, and was supplied by International Cars of Chesterfield. The previous keeper purchased the car from Gerard Mann, Birmingham in 1992 for his wife having only covered 11000 miles. The car was serviced most of its life by Gerard Mann with the exception of the last but one recorded service by Patrick Solihull Limited at 36991 in March 1997 and 42183 miles in May 1998. The car was then dry stored until 2023.
The present owner purchased the car from the previous owner in 2023 and had the car fully mechanically recommissioned using genuine Mercedes OEM parts and new Continental tyres to maintain the cars originality and condition at considerable cost.
The car was bought for its original and exceptional condition having only been used for 10 years of its life and hence its rare low mileage. The car presents extremely well and still has some parts labels on components underneath the car from new. The car has no previous welding or rust anywhere underneath the car, this can be evidenced by its originality with no present rust inhibitors or waxoyl type products used anywhere. All Mercedes SL cars manufactured from 1987 onwards had galvanised bodies which help minimise future corrosion and costly repairs.
Exterior
The paintwork itself is in wonderful condition, having evidently benefitting from being garaged since new, in order to preserve its condition. There are some minute stone chips, usage marks and general ‘patina ’commensurate with a vehicle of this age and mileage, but certainly nothing that would stand out unless you’re specifically looking! The rubber trims on both the front and rear bumper have no scuffs and scratches.
Elsewhere, the chrome on this lovely R107 is in good order, and the soft top and frame looks like new, clearly having very little use.
Interior
Inside, the black check cloth interior still looks remarkably fresh to this day, which is a strong indicator of having lived a cherished life.
Both seats show no signs of wear-and-tear such as minor creases and imperfections, whilst there are no signs of any rips, tears or damage to the covers.
Similarly, the carpets and floor mats are in an equally excellent condition, as is the rear load area behind the seats, where you’ll also find the OE first-aid kit remaining in-situ.
Looking at the dashboard, there are no signs of any cracks or sun damage, whilst even high-traffic areas such as the steering wheel, shifter, door sill covers and door cards remain very presentable and are testament to the level of care lavished upon this exceptional SL .
Up above, the inside of both the folding soft-top and removable hard-top are in great shape, and present as new.
All systems are functioning as they should be.
Mechanical
Underneath the bonnet of the SL sits a 3. 0-litre, single-overhead-cam naturally-aspirated inline-six, which has covered a mere 45894 miles in its lifetime.
The engine block, bay and ancillaries all look immaculate and clean.
All brake and hydraulic components were replaced with new genuine Mercedes OEM parts together with the fuel pump and battery when the car was re-commissioned.
The most recent MOT examination took place on 20 February 2025, resulting in a pass at 44937 miles with no advisories.
History
Included with the sale of the vehicle is, the current MOT certificate, a brace of older MOT certificates to validate the low mileage, and two keys, service books and owner hand books.
Summary
The car starts and runs on the button, with zero faults and is ready to be enjoyed and driven to the South of France!
It’s rare to find a car in this exceptional original condition. Any inspection welcomed. The first to see will buy.
