The R107 superseded the much-loved W113 model which included the esteemed “Pagoda” roofed model.  These were big boots to fill as that car had done very well especially in North America, a key market for the company. The Mercedes board need not have worried as, in reality, it did much better still than the W113. A total of a mere 49,000 of the earlier car sold worldwide, which was dwarfed by a final figure of over 300,000 for the R107.

The R107 enjoyed a long production life with only the G-Series being produced for longer by Mercedes Benz. During that time numerous iterations and variants were introduced. The 350SL model, seen here, was available from launch in 1971 and was produced until 1980, the year of this car. For this reason, and for its winning blend of performance and economy from its tuneful V8, many consider the 350SL to represent somewhat of a sweet spot in the many faceted R107 range.

A UK supplied car first registered in April 1980, the last model year for the 350SL, used and enjoyed by 9 owners between then and 2002. The current owner acquired the car in 2002 at around 97,000 miles. Since then, the owner has averaged only around 300 miles a year.

Over £30,000 has reportedly been spent on the car during its current ownership, this extends to both bodywork, interior and mechanical systems. The paperwork includes the current V5 in the name of the owner

A highly original interior finished in a period avocado hue, the seats appear to be in a good, used condition, free from obvious rips or tears. The black woollen carpets are in great condition having been completely replaced in 2013. The door cards are finished in a combination of avocado leather and the signature Mercedes sports check fabric. The dashboard is finished in a combination of black, avocado, and dark wood veneer.

The condition appears good and the big R107 gauges and original wheel are all present, a more contemporary JVC CD head unit is fitted. Behind the seats is a useful, carpeted luggage shelf. This, combined with the generous boot, makes the R107 a practical tourer, that boot is fully carpeted and home to the spare wheel, first aid kit and tool set. The soft top headlining exhibits some marks but appears complete, fully affixed and unripped. Our photographic package does show some minor areas of trim that may require attention. These do not detract from the appeal of the cabin, however, and are likely to be easily remedied

Finished in the appealing and less common Thistle Green (881) colourway. The bodywork and paintwork have received much attention during the current ownership.

In 2013 it underwent a full body restoration at a reported cost of around £10,000, this included new door panels, new sills, and a full underside restoration, new bumpers were fitted at this point and all body rubbers have been replaced, both wing mirrors were also replaced at this juncture.

A new cashmere soft top was also fitted during this thorough recommissioning. The car was professionally resprayed two years ago at a reported cost of approximately £3,000, the car is fitted with the period-correct “Mexican Hat” 14-inch Mercedes Benz alloys, these appear to be in a good used condition all round. The wheels are shod with Pirelli radial type tyres in a 205/70 configuration, the tyres were fitted around 2 years and under 1,000 miles ago at a cost of £1,200.

Given this, the exterior of the car presents very well indeed, inevitably there are a few age-related blemishes that have been captured by our photographer for your review. A matching hard top is included as are a number of genuine exterior spare parts

The 350SL is fitted with the well proven 3,499cc V8 petrol engine with K-Jetronic fuel injection, this was originally rated at a shade under 200bhp and endowed the car with a 130mph plus top speed, power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox

This example has been well attended to mechanically during its current ownership, mechanical work undertaken includes the following:

The R107 was the only Mercedes Benz roadster for the entirety of its production so became uniquely emblematic for owners who admired the exemplary engineering values of the brand at that time. The car was the perfect answer for those who were keen enjoy something more sporty and less conservative than the company’s saloons of the period.

This is a fine example of this iconic model. A subtle colourway, good original condition and a “wanted for nothing” maintenance history definitely makes this a car for the discerning SL enthusiast and a great value proposition for the potential investor.

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.*