Highlights
- Hard top included and in perfect condition
- Damage and rust free example
- Desirable matching numbers
The Appeal
Without a doubt, one of the ultimate open-top cars to ever emerge from the 70’s and 80’s, and that title remains with it in the present day. Originally launched in 1971, the R107 encompassed all of Benz’s traditional values, and more, oozing with elegance and power appeasing to those with deep pockets and a taste for the finer things in life.
These lusted after German V8 powered barges are always a safe bet, the driving experience reminds you that you’re in the presence of something rather special, with that V8 remaining unstressed as it ferries you around effortlessly, and in absolute style. The R107 SL500 is a tough car to beat in any category.
The History and Paperwork
- Manufactured in 1984
- First registered in 1985
- Sold to the United States in 1992
- Remained in the US until 2020 where it now resides in Italy
- ASI registered with CRS and ready for registration
- Certification of historicity
- Complete dealer service history with the vehicle
- No current MOT due to the vehicle being unregistered
- Recently restored bodywork and mechanically overhauled
- Retrimmed interior
The Interior
- Recently retrimmed
- Beige leather
- Headlining in fantastic shape
- Soft top immaculate
- Brightwork in fantastic condition throughout
- Carpets present and well maintained
- Wooden veneer dash panels all beautifully kept
- Leather door cards with great brightwork
- Gauges and controls all functional
- Electric front windows
Undeniably stunning, opening the door to step into this SL really does remind you that you’re getting into one of the best cars the German marque had to offer at the time, leather is abundant, the carpets are plush and the wooden veneer adds a beautiful touch to the experience.
The front seats present themselves wonderfully thanks to a recent retrimming which has been done, there are no rips or tears throughout and the brightwork supports all appear to be in great condition. The centre armrest is the very same, showing pretty much no signs of use and finished in the same leather as the seats. Sitting in the comfortable and supportive driver seat, you’re presented with the large OEM steering wheel which is in lovely shape with seemingly no damage, and the beautiful gauge cluster sits just behind showing no unwelcoming warning lights.
The dashboard has a lovely wooden veneer strip running from one side to the other which is well kept and ties in with the centre console perfectly, where the control switches for the air conditioning unit rest as well as the electrical window switches just behind the gear selector.
Moving down to the floor, the carpets present themselves wonderfully and remain bright and clean with seemingly no holes or tears throughout.
Overall the interior of this SL is absolutely stunning and has to be seen to be truly appreciated, the fit and finish is second to none and it just radiates opulence like any classic Mercedes should. This is a drop top done right.
The Exterior
- Barolo red paintwork
- Recently restored and repainted bodywork
- Paintwork in fantastic condition throughout
- No welding has been done on any panel, all original
- Brightwork in fantastic condition
- Panel gaps of factory fitment
- All body panels free from dents or damage
- Original wheels all free from damage
- Soft top in beautiful condition
- Hard top absolutely perfect inside and out
One word… Stunning. Finished in a very flattering Barolo Red paintwork which has been recently redone thanks to a bodywork restoration, it probably looks better now than it did back in 1985!
Starting at the front of the vehicle, straight from the off we can see that this car is in absolutely outstanding form. Paintwork is in impeccable condition and the chrome brightwork is fantastic. Headlights remain untouched from any damage and retain wonderful clarity, the same can be said about the indicator lenses and the lower front fog lights. Top notch!
Moving around to the side of the open top coupe, the body lines all flow perfectly from panel to panel with factory fitment panel gaps and straight and true bodywork, and the spoiler to the rear of the car just finishes it off perfectly! Brightwork that runs along the top of the doors, down the sides and across the centre of the car all appears to be in fantastic shape, as does the rubber mouldings which accompany the centre pieces. The wheels are all in very lovely shape, showing no signs of any damage on any wheel, just a little bit of brown staining on the area surrounding the tyre valve which is very easily overlooked considering the overall condition.
To the rear of the car, we get a better view of the sporty little spoiler attached to the boot lid which we think finishes the car off wonderfully, a subtle hint that you’re in the presence of something with gusto and bundles of power. The tail lights back here are wonderfully presented with no cracks or damage and retain great clarity and colour, and all function as they should. Badging also remains present here with great brightwork, ensuring everyone will know that this isn’t just any R107… it’s the proper 500!
The exterior of this car is a sight to behold, with stunning paintwork from nose to tail and no little detail goes unnoticed here - the brightwork laced throughout the body is masterfully done and in our books is one of the best looking Mercedes of the era!
The Mechanics
- 4973cc V8 engine
- Rear wheel-drive configuration
- Automatic transmission
- Complete dealer service history
- Mechanically recommissioned
- Tyres require changing as they’re old, however this will be done before delivery of the vehicle
Mechanically sorted is the easiest way to put it - this car drives absolutely perfectly thanks to a recent mechanical recommissioning of the vehicle which included the replacement of a number of components, including; front brake calipers, brake pipes, front and rear brake pads, front right and left heads, steering rods, front hub bearings, A/C pipes, power steering pump, front shock absorbers and an automatic transmission service with oil and filter. Easy to understand then, that this 500 will surely impress you on the road.
Fitted with a massive 5.0L V8 engine and producing a whopping 241bhp (180kW), this car is no slouch when you want it to get moving, and thanks to the mountains of low down torque you’ll never feel the engine is under any stress or being over worked on normal drives. The big V8 handles anything you can throw at it like a champ, and sounds magnificent too while doing so!
The owner states that thanks to the recent recommissioning of the car, it is an absolute pleasure to drive, engine power is strong and linear, the gearbox is smooth and crisp, and the brakes are powerful and don’t pull the car to any side. The driving experience of these big coupes is something that must be encountered - a perfect balance of power and elegance.
Summary
A well sorted 500SL is certainly a hard find, especially one with an original hard top in such beautiful condition and in such wonderful specifications as this one.
This is a true collectors vehicle in appropriate condition, a proper head turner that will get any conversation flowing. Don’t miss out on this, you’ll be kicking yourself if you do.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
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