Highlights

• Great running and driving example
• A modest 92,973 miles from new 
• Comprehensive overhaul and respray in 2012 
• Long-term present ownership since 2012
• Garaged and well-maintained by both main dealers and marque specialists
• MOT valid until June 2025, with no advisories in the last decade
• Comes with matching hard top which is in perfect condition

The Appeal

For some it was the Lamborghini Countach, others the 911 Turbo, but for our vendor, it was the Mercedes-Benz SL that earned a place on his teenage bedroom wall. These supremely stylish roadsters were the epitome of chic during the '70s and '80s, especially here in Britain where our homegrown offerings from Dagenham and Longbridge paled in comparison.

R107 anoraks will know that this late 300 SL is the one to have. It's the largest of the straight-sixes offered during the model's eighteen-year lifespan, and it also boasts a galvanised body shell - something Mercedes-Benz didn't do prior to 1985.

The vendor acquired this 1988 example in 2012. It had evidently been well-cared for in the past, with well-documented service records and evidence to suggest it had spent much of its life dry stored. However, the SL had sustained some minor panel damage to one of the front wings which was duly repaired during current ownership before the car was completely resprayed from silver to Nautic Blue - an excellent choice that complements the grey leather upholstery very well. A mechanical refresh was carried out at the same time, as was an interior retrim and a round of rust-proofing treatment to ensure the car's preservation for years to come.

Since then, we're informed that the SL has benefitted from basic routine maintenance and the MOT history shows it has covered exceedingly few miles as part of the vendor's collection. As the photographs show, it remains in superb overall condition and present very well throughout in readiness for its next custodian.

History and Paperwork

• Registered in 1988 - desirable galvanised chassis example
• Purchased by the current owner in 2012
• MOT valid until June 2025
• The car has been reasonably cared for by both main dealers and specialists up to current ownership
• Covered less than 1,000 miles while in current ownership, requiring only basic maintenance
• Plenty of invoices for work undertaken
• Original service book not available, but there was an intention to repopulate a duplicate service book

The Condition

• Offered in very smart overall condition
• The paint and chrome finishes are bright and glossy all-round, with few imperfections visible and nothing especially noteworthy
• The vendor points out a slight defect to the passenger door which might be from an old repair prior to repainting - this is not noticeable unless examined very closely
• The bodywork looks to very very straight following the 2012 professional repairs
• Both doors fit very well, as does the folding soft top
• The vendor shows us that the underside is in very good condition having been undersealed, wax-protected and dry stored
• Inside of the sill cavities were WayOyl treated for maximum protection
• The leather upholstery is in good condition having been re-trimmed
• The carpets were replaced and are in great condition
• We can't see any notable deterioration to the walnut veneers
• The vendor notes some wear to the handbrake gaiter - a common R107 foible
• All of the cabin electrics are in good working order

The Mechanics

• 3.0-litre M103 straight-six
• Four-speed automatic gearbox
• The vendor reports that the SL remains faithful to its factory mechanical specifications
• Radiator renewed a few years ago to enhance water flow
• All mechanical parts, brakes, automatic gearbox oil, and filter were refreshed in 2012, so drives like new
• Fluid services presently performed at two-year intervals
• The vendor comments that the SL delivers "a solid drive with a lovely engine sound, positive steering, and sharp brakes"
• No MOT fails or advisories since September 2013

BEFORE YOU BUY