The evergreen R107-generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL is something which has been consistently popular for decades, and in 2023 we’re seeing a particular swell in interest in the model you see here, the 300 SL. 

Many variants of six-cylinder and V8 models were offered across the R107 range, with the numerical badge on the boot being the key identifier from outside; what we’re looking at in the case of the 300 is the 3.0-litre straight-six, offering up a handy 187bhp and 188lb.ft. 

This is a late-model car, with the 300 having replaced the 280 SL in the model line-up from 1985 onward; these later cars have galvanised bodies for improved longevity, while continuing the impeccable and effervescent style of their 1970s forebears. So we’re looking at an SL that’s solid, reliable, frugal, beautifully equipped, and super smooth. The ultimate R107? There’s a strong argument for it…   

 

 
 

Cloth trim is a very desirable option for an R107 SL – after all, who wants to be sticking to leather in the summer when you’ve got the hood down? And with this check cloth complemented by the stylish blue dash, it makes for a very chic cabin. 

The front seats are decent, and they tilt forward correctly to allow access to the factory-option rear seats, which have lap belts. The dash is in generally good condition with just one notable crack on the topside of the instrument binnacle, and no signs of lacquer peel or sun damage to the wood trim. The dials all work as they should, and there’s no excessive wear to the steering wheel. 

The electric windows raise and lower correctly, the doorcards are good, and the carpets are tidy and complete. A quality Blaupunkt Verona radio-cassette is fitted, and this works well – the seller might even throw in the Lionel Richie cassette that’s currently in there!  
Inside the boot it’s all neat and tidy with the correct carpet fitted; the original jack is mounted in its cubbyhole to the right along with a tool roll, and under the floor we find a matching spare 15-hole alloy wheel fitted with a Bridgestone tyre.  

 

Arctic White is a lesser-spotted paint shade for the R107, and it looks terrific doesn’t it? The crisp colour does a lot to contemporise those classic lines, and the car received a lot of admiring glances and comments during our photoshoot. The paintwork is in generally good condition throughout.

Panel fit is good throughout, and the body appears pleasingly solid; we can see from the paperwork that it’s had cavity wax injected inside the sills. The light lenses are all complete and free from damage (even the often-vulnerable front spotlights), and all of the correct badges and chrome trim are present and correct. The bumpers are straight with no corner scuffs. 

The car is fitted with its original 15-hole alloy wheels and these are all in decent condition. The soft-top raises, latches and lowers freely and easily; there are no holes, marks or tears, and the windows are nice and clear with no kinks or milkiness. 

 

The 300 SL is a very smooth and cosseting thing to drive, the eager torquiness of the straight-six perfectly allied to the slick-shifting automatic transmission and the softly-sprung suspension. 

This example starts easily, idles evenly, pulls strongly through the gears, and registers all the appropriate temperatures and pressures on the dials. The gearbox is smooth and shifts correctly, and there’s no undue noise from the transmission. 

The steering is as precise as it should be, the car rides very well, and the brakes pull it up straight and true. It feels like a well sorted SL that could happily be pressed into regular service if required. 

 

This SL is just as good to drive as it is to look at – so, as you can imagine, it’s a lovely machine indeed to find oneself behind the wheel of. Everything does what it’s meant to do, and it would be equally easy to imagine yourself pottering to the shops, carving up some back-roads in search of a country pub, or wafting down to the coast.

The condition of this 300 SL is pleasing throughout, and mechanically-speaking it’s willing, eager and ready to go. With an all-original spec and that oh-so desirable Arctic White paint, this is one R107 you really don’t want slipping through your fingers. Bid now and bid well, because we’re anticipating a lot of interest in this one! 

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.