1986 Mercedes-Benz R107 420 SL Ex-Lord Sugar – Auction Car of the Week

Cast your mind back to 1986. Money flows like Champagne and Caviar is spread like butter upon the choicest blinis in the upper echelons of the business world, echelons where magnates like electronics mogul Alan Sugar exist. Having already made more money than all of us put together, ever, Lord Sugar, as he is now known after being made a member of the House of Lords following his achievements in business, can have any car he wants, from Ferraris and Astons to Lambos and limousines, but the steed old Al decided to call his own back in the mid ’80s was this beautiful 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 SL.

And it’s a fine choice, too. Nobody can truthfully put their hand up and say: “nah, bit rubbish that Mr Sugar”, at least not without hearing that now famous catchphrase before being escorted from the building. Built to replace the famous W113 Pagoda, the R107 generation (the genesis model SL made its debut all the way back in ’52) would go on to become the best selling SL model of all time and today represents a fine addition to any classic collection whilst still being eminently usable as a daily. Launched in 1971 the R107 was typically Mercedes-Benz in that it was well put together to the point of being over-engineered. It looked good too, with the designers paying homage to Paul Bracq’s W113, maintaining as they did, a sleek and understated aesthetic.

With a huge choice of engines the R107 SL was available with everything from a 2.8-litre in-line six-cylinder to a whopping 5.6-litre V8. Lord Sugar would opt for the third largest capacity V8: the 4.2, and with it the ability to effortlessly cruise between important business meetings in London and five star resorts on the French Riviera. This was before those pesky ULEZ charges don’t forget.

He made a shrewd choice with this SL and not just because of the smooth, 210bhp V8 mated to a deliciously buttery automatic gearbox. You see, from ’86 onwards Mercedes galvanised the bodywork meaning these later cars were far more resistant to rust, as evidenced by this example which is corrosion free. Adding to the car’s appeal is a recent machine polish and paint correction meaning the Nautical Blue Metallic bodywork is on point and the car also comes with both its matching hard top and dark blue factory-correct soft top. Tidy.

Step inside the cabin and you’ll notice that the interior very much dances to the same tune as the exterior. The period checked fabric seats are almost immaculate and everything belies the car’s 38 years, with the exception of the original Blaupunkt stereo, but we can’t fault the originality displayed here and it’s great to see.

Not only is it a stunning example but it has also been fastidiously maintained. Boasting a comprehensive history file and 11 service stamps from its pre-delivery inspection in May 1986, all the way up to the latest check over at 25,271 miles at the tail end of last year, including an advisory free MOT to 25th September 2024, it’s clear to anyone that the car has led a cherished life, wanting for nothing. And yes, you read that right, it’s not a typo. This car has travelled the grand total of 25,271 miles which, if you didn’t know, is peanuts as far as these old Mercs go.

All of that then makes this particular SL a rather tasty proposition and these later, post-’86 cars are generally more desirable amongst collectors and enthusiasts alike. It’s truly a wonderful example and one befitting a Lord so if you fancy yourself as a bit of an entrepreneur, or you simply want an excellent R107 SL then we doubt you’ll get a better chance than this. Oh, and we also have a handy buyer’s guide too should you want to double check anything. We’re nice like that.