*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT D insurance loss in 11/2008 ***
Highlights
- Impressive history file with service documentation going back to the late 90’s
- Low mileage example
- Respray approximately 3 years ago, still in fabulous condition
- Soft top absolutely immaculate
- Cherished plate is NOT included in sale
The Appeal
The 280SL was a tough act to follow, but the R107 done a tremendous job of filling its older siblings boots - sure, it gained a bit of weight and lost some of its curves, but it excelled in terms of opulence, exuded class and elegance, and it got a hefty amount of power to back it all up too.
This particular example had a little bit of a bump in 1999 and was a categorised insurance write off due to the (at the time) very low value of the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired however it sat for a large sum of years pretty much untouched due to having mechanical issues. Then along came the current owners to save this pretty Benz and bring it back to life.
Mechanics were completely sorted, returning that retired V8 into a roaring piece of automotive clockwork. In the last 3 years, the car has been treated to a complete respray in the original factory colour, Diamond Blue Metallic, due to some scrapes and scratches from storage.
Mechanics were completely sorted, returning that retired V8 into a roaring piece of automotive clockwork. In the last 3 years, the car has been treated to a complete respray in the original factory colour, Diamond Blue Metallic, due to some scrapes and scratches from storage.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered on the 3rd of June 1988
- LaserLine alarm user guide is present with the vehicle
- Complete service history dating all the way back to 1988 after the vehicles registration
- Original owners manual, sales booklet, and service booklet is present
- Plethora of MOT certificates and service invoices
- Small accident in 1999 deemed the vehicle an insurance write off
- Car was professionally repaired and sat in storage for a number of years due to mechanical issues the owner at the time didn’t want to fix
- During storage, the hard top was left in place, resulting in the soft top remaining in outstanding condition
- The current owner purchased the car roughly 5 years ago
- All of the mechanical issues were sorted, returning the vehicle to reliable road-going condition
- Due to some light damage during storage, the car was treated to a complete respray in the original Diamond Blue Metallic roughly three years ago
- Very little use over the years has seen some of these storage marks return leaving some blemishes on the paintwork
The Interior
- Completely original interior
- Beige leather upholstery in lovely condition
- Some areas of gentle patina
- Wooden veneer panels all look in good shape, some signs of age in areas
- Rear ‘+2’ style seats appear in great shape with very little use over the years
- Leather door cards in great condition from top to bottom
- Interior brightwork appears to be nicely maintained
- Some mounting holes have been drilled into the passenger side of the centre console
- Original radio removed and fitted with an aftermarket JCV head unit
- Blaupunkt blue magic sound system
- Gauge cluster is fully operational and has no unwelcome warning lights
- All centre console controls remain functional and intact
- Carpets present with some light signs of use
- Some light damage behind the manual hand brake
- Boot carpets in fantastic condition
- Boot floor remains solid with only a very gentle sign of rust at the drain hole
The Exterior
- Original Diamond Blue Metallic, resprayed circa three years ago
- Hard top repainted at the time of respray
- Soft top remains in fantastic shape due to the years of being covered up in storage
- Body panels all appear to be very straight and true with accurate panel gaps
- Brightwork all seems to be well maintained and retains a great level of clarity
- Some light pitting in the brightwork under the rear Mercedes emblem
- Headlight and tail light lenses all damage free and have great clarity
- Plastic mouldings around the brightwork trims all in good shape
- All four wheels in great shape with some very minor signs of age
- Arches all seem free from any rust
- Front passenger side arch has some paintwork damage
The Mechanics
- 4.2 Litre V8 engine
- Rear wheel-drive configuration
- Automatic transmission
- Plenty of oomph with 257bhp
- All four tyres appear to have reasonable tread left on them
- Engine bay in very presentable condition
- Exceptional trail of service history leading all the way back to 1988
- Plethora of service invoices for previous mechanical work
- Underside of the vehicle appears in great condition for its age thanks to the extensive storage the car has been through over the years with only some very minor signs of surface rust
Summary
We have a soft spot for the R107. It had some pretty large boots to fill following the end of production from the W113 280SL, but we think it suits the era perfectly with its squared off edges and bold body lines. A nice example of these cars is becoming an absolute rarity these days, and it’s becoming easier and easier to appreciate them.
This would be a fine addition to any collection, or even as a luxurious Sunday driver to cruise through sunsets with the top down, listening to the heartbeat of that glorious V8 rumble.
Like any old Merc, you really can’t go wrong here.
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.*
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.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
