Highlights

One of the last pre-facelift R107s
4.5-litre V8 and premium specification
Matching factory hard top included
Bodywork solid with no dents

The Appeal

With its feline appearance, unburstable mechanicals and celebrity associations, the Mercedes-Benz R107 range was an object lesson in coupe design. It stood out in showrooms in the 1970s and 80s at a time when Mercedes was more widely associated with rugged saloon and estate models, and it has subsequently become one of the era’s most desirable classics.

This car’s Signal Red paintwork gleams in the sunlight and is in good condition throughout only with a few areas showing its age. Light marks are visible on the optional alloy wheels, though they’re otherwise in very good order.

This example is one of the last pre-facelift cars, built in South Africa in 1979. First registered in the UK in May 2004. Purchased from Car & Classic earlier this year, it's now looking for a new home.

The vendor says:

"I bought this six months ago on this site for a driving adventure in Europe and am now forced to sell after moving abroad for a relationship instead of gently restoring it as intended.

I wanted this car badly. In a world where most people are content to drive around in cars with the chutzpah of a kitchen appliance, this panzerwagon has character and a soul. Its age also means you can drive the 4.5L through London with impunity without worrying about ULEZ charges or even an MOT.

It has a timeless styling from the 70’s and little foibles that make it loveable like the cant of the suspension when you rev the v8, the ‘thunk’ of the doors when you close them and that timeless silhouette which makes it instantly recognisable."

The History and Paperwork

Registered in 1979 but not UK registered until 2004
Purchased from Car & Classic in 2025
Vendor hasn't driven it since the event it was purchased for, and now lives abroad
Speedometer believed to have been replaced
Currently indicates 125,540 miles
MOT and tax-exempt, with last MOT in 2015
Original manufacturer plaques under bonnet

The Condition

The car is from South Africa so relatively corrosion free for an R107 of this era
Supplied with factory hard top but no removal tools
There is a small ding just behind the fuel cap - please see photos
No structural issues reported on the car
Optional ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys and matching spare
Some minor scratches on the Mexican hat alloys, but only at close inspection
Two new tyres
Retrimmed ruched cream leather seats and door cards
Dials and switchgear reportedly fully functional
No radio currently fitted, as the vendor preferred the sound of that sonorous V8

The vendor adds:
"I looked at a few cars before buying this one and eventually chose it because it hailed from South Africa, whose arid climate prevented the corrosion these cars are infamous for. There aren’t many left in such robust condition."

The Mechanics

4.5-litre 225bhp V8 engine
Four-speed automatic gearbox
Engine bay in good order

The vendor adds: "The engine starts on the button but faltered when I last drove it. I suspect it's the resistance cap. I’d change it myself but I’m not in the country. When the buyer collects, I’d prefer the buyer bring a trailer instead of risking the drive home."

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.