The phrase ‘go big or go home’ has been motivating humans from time immemorial. And rather brilliantly, when it comes to the R107 500 SL, you’re able to go big while going home, thus ticking both boxes at once. The bigness doesn’t refer to the overall dimensions, of course – as with every R107 that rolled off the production lines between 1971-89, this model is charmingly diminutive in stature – but instead the running gear that’s shoehorned within. Because while there were a great many drivetrain options offered over the years, there’s no point messing about is there? If you want to go big with an R107, you get a 500: it comes packed with a full-fat 5.0-litre V8, which is more than enough to keep you entertained. 

This doesn’t turn it into a hellraising sports car, naturally – the point of the SL has always been to combine ample power with a cosseting ride and a well-appointed interior, to create a thoroughly pleasant sports-GT/roadster for pleasurable day-to-day motoring and, equally, engaging entertainment on high days and holidays. It’s at once an urban runabout and a long-legged tourer… and the five-point-oh ensures that the ‘ample’ is rather a lot more ample than lesser models in the range: 237bhp equated to 140mph and 0-60mph in around seven-and-a-half seconds, so it’s got the potential to be a bit of a tearaway if you so desire. But most of all, the model represents those timeless SL values very neatly: class, style, dependability. With an edge.

R107s are eminently usable, that’s what makes them so desirable these days – they aren’t classics that need to be wrapped in cotton wool and treated with kid gloves; if well maintained, they can be used just like modern cars, without fear of troublesome maladies or histrionics. This 500 SL is a strong example of an R107 with a life well-lived; it’s always been used as intended, properly looked after, and kept in fairly regular use. That’s not to say it’s leggy – its mileage of 116,000 actually equates to a little under 2800 miles a year throughout its forty-two year life, so it’s not as if it’s been an everyday commuter. No, this is a car that’s just been kept going through the years and enjoyed by owners who know how to look after it. This inherent honesty is what makes it an attractive proposition today, and the paperwork very much backs this up. It’s also important to note that, as a historic vehicle, this car is ULEZ compliant, and tax/MOT exempt – although for the sake of belt-and-braces, it has just received a fresh MOT as well as a service.

Finished in tasteful Blue-Black Metallic (which appears grey in this light, it’s a shade that shapeshifts depending on the daylight), the bodywork presents well and acts as a pleasing counterpoint to the lighter grey interior. The 500 SL was the only model in the range to receive the chunky boot spoiler, and the car’s also fitted with 15” alloy wheels – these have been treated to a new set of centre caps, and wear matching Michelin tyres with good tread. The panel gaps are even throughout, the light lenses and window glass are all in decent condition, and all of the correct trim and brightwork is in place.
 
 The underside of the car received some substantial welding repairs in 2022, with a bill of £9658 to prove, and the fact that it’s just sailed through an MOT with no advisories is testament to its solidity. The soft-top hood is complete, and raises, secures and lowers freely; the car also comes with its original factory hard-top, which has good window glass and a tidy headlining.
 The front seats tilt correctly to allow access to the factory-option rear seats, which are in good condition and fitted with three-point seatbelts. The dash has a few cracks on the top but is generally in good order, with all the gauges working and the eyeball vents swivelling freely. The wood trim and switchgear shows a little patina of usage but it’s all complete. The car is fitted with an aftermarket Sony CD head unit and Pioneer speakers. Inside the boot it’s all dry and neat, and the matching spare wheel is present beneath the carpet.
 

We can see from the history that this car has always been serviced regularly and maintained with the appropriate parts and products. It is reportedly a good and reliable runner; indeed, our test drive was very enjoyable indeed, with the V8 firing on the first twist of the key and settling into an even idle. The motor pulls keenly through the gears, the gearbox shifting smoothly, and there are no evident issues when it comes to suspension or steering, the car riding pleasantly and pulling itself up straight and true. It’s also worth noting that this SL has the rare option of cruise control. On the whole, a pleasant and comfortable cruiser that runs like an SL should.

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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions. 

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