Highlights
• Rare Chestnut (Marron 459) colour scheme
• Original condition inside and out
• Thorough history file
The Appeal
When the R107 was launched as the successor to the W113 Pagoda SL in 1971, few – including Mercedes themselves – would have suspected that the new model would last until 1989.
Yet the longer the car stayed in the range, the more popular it became.
Production peaked in its 15th year and in total more than 237,000 were made, with 156,000 of those sold into the US market. The 300SL replaced the previous 280SL model in September 1985.
Yet the longer the car stayed in the range, the more popular it became.
Production peaked in its 15th year and in total more than 237,000 were made, with 156,000 of those sold into the US market. The 300SL replaced the previous 280SL model in September 1985.
Post-1985 (third-generation) R107s are particularly sought-after, featuring the late-run upgrades: improved suspension and added body strengthening, plus the chin spoiler.
In essence, though, the R107 shape remained largely the same from its introduction in 1971 until the end of production in 1989.
In essence, though, the R107 shape remained largely the same from its introduction in 1971 until the end of production in 1989.
Combining glamorous looks, practicality and reliability with the thrills of top-down motoring, it’s perhaps no surprise that the R107 survived in the Mercedes line-up for as long as it did.
D 542 YHK has clearly been looked after and preserved in original condition, and offers a new owner the chance to enjoy a desirable, comfortable and stylish 2-seater.
The History and Paperwork
• MoT valid until June 2023
• Comprehensive service history
• Full VDI check
D 542 YHK was first registered in October 1986.
The vehicle comes with a myriad of receipts, invoices and the original book pack including aforementioned service book and owners manual.
This car has obviously had no expense spared in its upkeep. The service book is fully stamped with both Main Dealer and specialist service records.
The vehicle comes with a myriad of receipts, invoices and the original book pack including aforementioned service book and owners manual.
This car has obviously had no expense spared in its upkeep. The service book is fully stamped with both Main Dealer and specialist service records.
The Interior
• Smart fabric seats
• Original dashboard and centre console
• Factory-fitted air conditioning
• Original radio
The car’s interior is in mostly original condition throughout, and has stood the test of time remarkably well.
The vendor has recently had the driver’s seat refurbished but everything else is largely untouched. The seat fabric is in excellent condition, and while the car has no ‘+2’ seats fitted there are seat belts (an expensive add-on) on the rear bench.
The vendor has recently had the driver’s seat refurbished but everything else is largely untouched. The seat fabric is in excellent condition, and while the car has no ‘+2’ seats fitted there are seat belts (an expensive add-on) on the rear bench.
The door panels look extremely good, with no marks, stains or tears.
The carpets have been protected by overmats, but there is a hole worn below the accelerator pedal on the driver’s side, and there is some discoloration in the passenger footwell.
The dials, dashboard and centre-console are all in excellent condition given their age, and it’s notable that the walnut veneer has no signs of cracks or damage.
The dials, dashboard and centre-console are all in excellent condition given their age, and it’s notable that the walnut veneer has no signs of cracks or damage.
In the boot, the carpet again shows some staining but has few signs of wear, while there is an unused first-aid kit in its original packaging, and the warning triangle, jack and (apparently unused) spare wheel are all present and correct. The spare wheel has a Michelin tyre that looks brand new.
The Exterior
• Outstanding hard top
• Original brown soft-top
• Rare colour scheme
The R107’s lines have held up well; it’s still an attractive car that belies its age.
The car's very rare paintwork, Marron Braun (chestnut), is very much in fashion since it is so evocative of the eighties. In combination with the colour matched soft top and hardtop this really is a special looking car.
It really comes alive in sunshine, and it’s certainly distinctive, given how many of these cars are white, or metallic light blue.
The car's very rare paintwork, Marron Braun (chestnut), is very much in fashion since it is so evocative of the eighties. In combination with the colour matched soft top and hardtop this really is a special looking car.
It really comes alive in sunshine, and it’s certainly distinctive, given how many of these cars are white, or metallic light blue.
The car’s bodywork is generally very good, but there are some small rust bubbles on the bootlid, and slight evidence of rust along the hood cover’s back edge.
The soft-top is original and has had a repair done on the nearside (see pictures). It appears to be weather-proof and folds readily into its compartment once you establish the correct sequence of folds.
The hard-top is fantastic and appears to have been very little used – look at the roof lining!
The hard-top is fantastic and appears to have been very little used – look at the roof lining!
All four alloy wheels look good, although a couple of them have some minor damage to the finish. The tyres are generally good, although that on the nearside rear will need replacing before long.
The 300 SL badge on the boot has some patina, but otherwise the brightwork is all very good.
The Mechanics
• 2962cc engine
• Starts and runs well
• Reassuring service history
• New MoT certificate
SL engines have a reputation for robustness and reliability, so even though this one has a few miles on the clock that comprehensive service history means it should offer many more miles of trouble-free motoring.
The car starts readily, it pulls away as it should, gear changes are smooth and quiet and there’s nothing to suggest any issues.
The car starts readily, it pulls away as it should, gear changes are smooth and quiet and there’s nothing to suggest any issues.
Under the bonnet, there are few signs of the car’s age and mileage, and it’s clear that the car has been carefully maintained.
Similarly, as far one can see under the car, everything is in good order and there are no leaks or corrosion.
Similarly, as far one can see under the car, everything is in good order and there are no leaks or corrosion.
Summary
The R107 has a reputation as a safe, robust and reliable luxury two-seater; it’s a car that was built to high standards.
The post-1985 300SL is regarded as the best car to have, with cruising ability and excellent refinement as well as reasonable fuel economy.
The post-1985 300SL is regarded as the best car to have, with cruising ability and excellent refinement as well as reasonable fuel economy.
D 542 YHK has clearly been owned by careful owners who have loved the car; its very original condition suggests it’s been garaged for most, if not all, of its life, and that service book inspires confidence.
For top-down motoring in the summer sunshine, this has to be a wise choice.
For top-down motoring in the summer sunshine, this has to be a wise choice.
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