• A sought-after midnight blue example of the sweet spot of the R107 range

• Low original mileage having been part of a private Mercedes classic car collection since 2017

• Full dealership and Mercedes Benz specialist maintenance history

The R107 superseded the much-loved W113 model which included the esteemed “Pagoda” roofed model. That car had done very well in North America, a key market, and Mercedes Benz were keen to replicate that success with the R107. In reality it did much better still with a total of a mere 49,000 of the earlier car sold worldwide, which was dwarfed by over 300,000 for the R107.

In 1985 the more efficient 300SL replaced the 280SL. The engine was not only larger but also more powerful and more torquey but also enjoyed the introduction of Bosch’s KE-Jetronic fuel injection system.  The KE Jetronic system varied from the earlier, all mechanical system by the introduction of a more modern engine management "computer", which controlled idle speed, fuel rate, and air/fuel mixture.

For these and many other reasons the post ’85 cars, especially the 300SL with its agreeable blend of power and useability, are considered the sweet-spot by many in the know

This car was originally supplied by the Lancaster dealership group in 1988. The car resided with the same family between 1996 and 2017 when the current owner acquired it. The current owner is somewhat of a Mercedes specialist with several classic models in his collection.

He spent some time looking for this car as was very keen to add a sought-after midnight blue example to his collection. It wasn’t just the colour that appealed, however, but also the low original mileage and full maintenance history.

The owner is now looking to reduce his collection by one or two cars as other commitments means that the cars just don’t get used as much as he would like them to.

There is a significant archive of paperwork available with this car, most importantly the fully stamped service book covering services every year from Mercedes Benz dealers up until 2011 and then Mercedes specialists thereafter.

This SL has an MOT certificate representing every year since new regardless of levels of use. The current MOT runs till October 2022 and there were no advisories.

The well-padded signature pleated front seats are dressed in grey sports check fabric and grey MB Tex material. Carpets are in a complimentary grey and are deep pile with no visible areas of excessive wear.

The midnight blue paintwork of this car presents very well indeed and is much sought after by those who know their R107’s. The glass all appears unchipped with no areas of delamination or fogging.

The iconic flat faced allow wheels appear free from curb-rash or damage and the Michelin tyres all exhibit plenty of tread depth. The hood is original to the car and presents in remarkably good condition which is testament to the “always garaged” history of this car. The hardtop is also the original.

Smooth, refined, sophisticated. All adjectives often used to describe a drive in the post ’85 SL300. This car is an exemplar of these qualities and thanks to specialist servicing and low mileage.

The combination of 3L straight six and 4G-Tronic automatic gearbox is believed by many to be the sweet-spot of the R107 range giving the best balance between power, economy and refinement. The owner attests to al mechanical systems on the car working as you would expect for such as well-maintained example.

The R107 was the only Mercedes Benz roadster for the entirety of its production so became uniquely emblematic of owners who admired the engineering kudos of the brand but were keen enjoy something more sporty and less conservative of the company’s saloons of the period.

This is a fascinating example of this iconic model. A rare colourway, pristine original condition and a high level of provenance and maintenance history makes this definitely a car for the discerning SL enthusiast.