Universally acknowledged as one of the most enduring classic roadsters in automotive history, the R107 needs little introduction. Timeless looks, incredible build quality and a rewarding all-weather driving experience add to the extraordinary investment appeal. One of the few genuine classics that can be used every day; it is still much sought after, particularly the later facelifted 300SL, with its rust-proofed body and legendary 3-litre straight six. The silky smooth engine boasts plenty of power but is more frugal than the heavier V8 power plants and it quickly became the sweet spot in the range. The one to have.
This wonderful example is one of these more desirable, later facelifted cars, having been registered in 1987, only two years before production ended. Condition and colourway is everything with these convertibles and thanks to it’s low mileage and fastidious storage conditions, this wonderful SL ascends to an immaculate standard. Finished in the perfect hue for its shape, dark metallic blue over a blue sport check interior finished with a blue hood; an elegant and understated colour, it has hints of deep navy blue in shadow, sparkles in sunlight and darkens to a rich near black in the evening light. This vehicle is in simply exceptional condition, a real head turner and very photogenic as our images clearly show.
Owner’s manual, tax discs, historic MOTs and service book
CD Rom/invoices showing bulkhead restoration by the SL Shop
Boxfile with huge amount of invoices
When the vendor acquired the car he understood that it had been dry-stored since having its bulkhead restored by the Sl Shop a few years back, the fabulous, unmolested condition of the car, both inside and out, would certainly back up that assertion. The service history is very good, showing that the car has been used sparingly, yet still well maintained, when required.
The vendor has now ensured the car has been brought back to a remarkable standard, with the last invoice showing an expenditure of over £4.900. Reassuringly the MOT is valid well into 2026.
Delivered new by Colindale Ltd, Mercedes-Benz main dealers in London, the car carries the supplying dealer plates and window sticker. The original leather folder contains all the manuals including service book and assorted invoices, add to this the first aid kit, hazard warning triangle even the spare wheel information card is present as well as the factory Michelin tyre; proof, if any were needed, of the car’s good ownership provenance. A reassuring history set like this only adds to the car’s desirability and long term investment potential.
The 1986-1989 R107 300SL is an essential classic on many an enthusiast’s bucket list, it’s a dream roadster to have owned at least once in your lifetime. For top-down motoring in style and comfort, there’s little to match it. Its looks are timeless and values continue to be rock solid, especially as unmolested, cared for examples, in the most desirable colour schemes, are now so hard to find. Condition is everything and there’s very little to fault on this one – If you’ve always wanted an exceptional 300SL to invest in, enjoy and drive - this is the one to buy.
No hint of corrosion or any damage to bodywork at all
Amazing time warp interior
Period Blaupunkt radio fitted from new
New factory correct ribbed carpet overmats
Toolkit, first-aid kit, warning triangle
Excellent spare wheel and factory Michelin tyre
As with the interior, the car’s exterior looks spot on, straight bodywork and flush shut lines all round. Finished in a dark navy blue - one of the most evocative colours for the R107 which suits its lines perfectly - the external presentation of this car is immaculate, particularly for a car that is over 40 years old, with no dents or scuffs that we can discern. To sweeten the deal, the car comes complete with its hard top, factory colour matched with a light headlining and looks to be in excellent condition. This colourway elevates this special roadster from more mundane hues and arguably makes it even more desirable.
The good news continues across the chrome-work, which is very brightly presented, and the headlight lenses, which appear to be clean and fracture-free. Rather than carry out small repairs to the existing hood the vendor has had a brand new OEM mohair soft top professionally fitted to factory standards. The alloy wheels are immaculate, having just been professionally refurbished. These are complemented by matching premium tyres all round.
Underneath, the car appears to have benefited from being undersealed and is clean and proper - we can't discern any signs of corrosion or reason for concern.
Nestling into its sumptuous dark blue seats, this R107 feels like a time warp. From the lovely wood trims to the colour-matched door cards, the evocative interior of this car feels like it could have just left the showroom: there are virtually no giveaways of the car’s age, a testament to a lifetime of careful, diligent ownership.
It's clear from first glance that this has been the pride and joy of every driver to sit in its opulent cabin. The seats are in fabulous condition, proudly sporting one of the R107's most popular colour combinations. If we are being super picky we noticed some tiny cracks to the original handbrake cover in the rear, very common in these cars. Behind the front seats reveals a generous extra carpeted space, for luggage or gold clubs, which is in good order. A glance under the carpeting in the front and rear reveals a clean and rust-free floor pan. The factory-correct colour-coded ribbed carpet mats were ordered from Germany and are new. The original and very stylish wood veneer on the dash gives a feeling of opulence to the cabin, all of the dials and switches appearing clean and easy to read.
As far as we can ascertain in our time with the car all the generous internal options are working as expected - the electric windows, the heater etc... to complete the authentic time warp experience, the car even boasts its original, working 1987 Blaupunkt stereo complete with electric aerial.
The boot is in excellent order with a brand new OEM carpet set fitted - there is an original first-aid kit, apparently unused, along with the original warning triangle, jack, wheel brace and spare wheel with factory Michelin tyre. The factory tool roll in red cloth and tools are also present in excellent order. Ultimately, this really is an utterly superb example of the 300SL.
Having only just been given a full service, the car starts on the first turn of the key, gear changes are smooth and quiet, and the engine sounds lovely. The vendor assures us that it drives as well as it looks. During the 4-hour photo shoot, the car started on the button and was moved to and fro with no issues at all. With its low mileage and recent works, in addition to the R107’s reputation for longevity and reliability, the car should offer many more years of trouble-free motoring.
Open the bonnet and, again, it’s difficult to believe the car’s age and mileage. The engine looks amazing, and aside from a more modern battery, everything looks much as it must have done when new.image.png3.94 MB
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..