Description
A top-class convertible in excellent condition, restored to the highest standards and equipped with the famous 3. 5 V8 MERCEDES BENZ engine… A European version that has received a superb restoration and meticulous care from its 3 owners! The 1972 350 SL Cabriolet is a pivotal model that embodies the launch of the R107 generation, one of the most celebrated and enduring lineages in the history of the German manufacturer… Unveiled in April 1971, it succeeds the legendary "Pagoda" SL generation. The year 1972 marks its first full year of commercialisation and its major introduction to the global market! At the turn of the 1970s, the American market, crucial for Mercedes-Benz, significantly tightened its safety standards. American authorities even threatened to outright ban convertibles if they failed to provide sufficient occupant protection in the event of a rollover. It was under this constraint that the ultra-robust and legendary structure of the R107 was born. It notably incorporates heavily reinforced windscreen pillars and a fuel tank relocated above the rear axle to guard against impacts. Furthermore, whilst previous generations were content with six-cylinder engines, the 350 SL breaks with tradition by introducing exclusively V8 powertrains at its launch. In Europe, it is powered by a 3. 5-litre V8 engine (3, 499 cc) equipped with Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection. It develops 200 bhp at 5, 800 rpm, allowing the convertible to exceed 200 km/ h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/ h in 8. 8 seconds… The 350 SL embodies a philosophy of luxurious, comfortable and robust convertible motoring. The 1972 model year displays the pure original lines, characterised by slim chrome bumpers fitted flush to the bodywork (for reference, American models from subsequent years would be equipped with prominent bumpers that would add visual bulk to its silhouette). A true star of the affluent neighbourhoods (and film sets), it symbolises the social success of the era. Its design is so ahead of its time that Mercedes-Benz would maintain R107 production for 18 years… Today, the 1972 350 SL is sought after by collectors. Our outstanding European example in GREY BLUE 906 colour was delivered new in Germany and was first registered on 06/ 08/ 1971. It is a 1972 model. Its first German owner took it to the United States after a few years of use in Germany (MERCEDES service booklet available) following a professional relocation there. Our current owner (only the 3rd, therefore) acquired it in February 2023 from its 2nd American owner, who oversaw its restoration across the Atlantic. The vehicle underwent a comprehensive restoration over 3 years by JDS Repair in Pennsylvania during this American sojourn, with meticulous oversight and archived documentation included in the file: notably the bodyshell completely stripped, professional restoration of certain metalwork elements to the highest standards and, at the request of its owner at the time, a change to a new MERCEDES Blue 906 colour (standard colour from 1971 to 1979), applied throughout with factory-quality finish, strictly identical to the original! Also noteworthy is the 2022 replacement of the brake discs, pads, callipers and hoses. Since its purchase in early 2023, our vendor (who is a passionate enthusiast) has lavished the greatest care on this MERCEDES gem: all additional work carried out on the car has been undertaken by himself and by recognised professionals, knowledgeable in classic mechanics and using high-quality parts. It has covered fewer than 4, 000 kilometres in 3 years. The work undertaken is extensive and of high quality: Notable amongst this is the meticulous glass-bead blasting of the lower floor pan sections, applying primer and then epoxy-type anti-corrosion protection to ensure lasting security, numerous weatherseals and body seals, filters and fluids, alternator belt, front and rear dampers, spark plugs and a new electronic ignition kit, fuel hoses, various miscellaneous parts and seals, adjustment and complete wheel alignment by a specialist, the genuine leather upholstery of the interior and its surroundings completely refurbished notably with new original German parts (SJS) scrupulously respecting the manufacturer's original specification, all interior carpets and boot carpeting, … and of course routine servicing, oil changes, filters and consumables. All of this is naturally documented in the vehicle file with invoices available! It should be noted that our convertible is equipped with its folding soft top in excellent condition…
