The quality and integrity of this SL really needs to be seen to be believed. With just 15,600 miles on the clock from new, an all-original specification, and presented in glorious condition throughout, this is a rare find among the oeuvre of R107 Mercs.

The evergreen R107-generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL is something which has been consistently popular for decades, and in 2023 we’re seeing a particular swell in interest in the model you see here, the 300 SL. Many variants of six-cylinder and V8 models were offered across the R107 range, with the numerical badge on the boot being the key identifier from outside; what we’re looking at in the case of the 300 is the 3.0-litre straight-six, offering up a handy 187bhp and 188lb.ft. This is a late-model car, with the 300 having replaced the 280 SL in the model line-up from 1985 onward; these later cars have galvanised bodies for improved longevity, while continuing the impeccable and effervescent style of their 1970s forebears. So we’re looking at an SL that’s solid, reliable, frugal, beautifully equipped, and super smooth.

And there’s more to this 300 SL than simply an impressively small set of numbers on the milometer. The seller originally bought the car for his mother back in 1990 from Sunningdale Carriage Company; she used it very sparingly until she stopped driving in 1999, and thereafter it was only taken out once a year for its MOT.

In 2011 it was SORN’ed, and it remained off the road until 2022 when it received a thorough recommissioning; it’s had over £15,000 spent on it with revered marque specialist The SL Shop as part of a comprehensive overhaul. This included a full mechanical recommissioning, replacement of the braking system, a thorough service and refresh, wheel refurbishment and new tyres, plus all manner of new seals and adjustments. The result is an incredibly fresh and super-low-mileage 300 SL that’s ready to enjoy right away. You’re unlikely to find another one quite like this…

The interior is in lovely condition, as you’d expect on such a low-mileage example. What’s crucial to note with this SL is that the seats are still wearing the original MB-Tex material, and it’s in very good condition. This material is no longer readily available, and SL restorations generally have to use either leather or vinyl instead. The SL Shop have the right connections, of course, so they were able to source a little MB-Tex to retrim the rear seat back. The carpets are in good order throughout, as are the doorcards.

The dash is in great condition with no cracks in the top or any obvious marks or wear; the dials work correctly, and the wood trim is in good order with no sun damage or delamination. The car is fitted with a period Blaupunkt radio-cassette.

Inside the boot it’s all neat and tidy with the correct carpet fitted; the original jack is mounted in its cubbyhole to the right along with a tool roll, and under the floor we find a matching spare 15-hole alloy wheel fitted with a Michelin tyre.

It’s particularly rare to find an R107 SL that still has its original factory soft-top, let alone one that’s in such good condition. Aftermarket hoods often employ slightly different grades of canvas and window plastic, and as such don’t always happily slot into the stowage cubby, but there’s no such issue with this factory-fit roof – and its Polyglas panes are clear with no yellowing or milkiness. The hard-top is equally good, with no evident signs of corrosion, a good headlining, and fresh new seals.

Arctic White is a lesser-spotted paint shade for the R107, and it looks terrific doesn’t it? The crisp colour does a lot to contemporise those classic lines, and the car received a lot of admiring glances and comments during our photoshoot. The paintwork is in very good order throughout, and just get a load of those sublime shutlines!
The light lenses are all complete and free from damage (even the often-vulnerable front spotlights), and all of the correct badges and chrome trim are present and correct.

The bumpers are straight with no corner scuffs. The car is fitted with its original 15-hole alloy wheels, which have recently been refurbished and fitted with new Michelin tyres.

The 300 SL is a very smooth and cosseting thing to drive, the eager torquiness of the straight-six perfectly allied to the slick-shifting automatic transmission and the softly-sprung suspension. This example starts easily, idles evenly, pulls strongly through the gears, and registers all the appropriate temperatures and pressures on the dials. The gearbox is smooth and shifts correctly, and there’s no undue noise from the transmission.

The steering is as precise as it should be, the car rides very well, and the brakes pull it up straight and true. All of this is attributable to the huge amount of money that’s been spent with The SL Shop to ensure that everything’s tip-top and as it should be. It feels like a well sorted SL that could happily be pressed into regular service if required.

This SL is just as good to drive as it is to look at – so, as you can imagine, it’s a lovely machine indeed to find oneself behind the wheel of. The condition is highly pleasing throughout, and mechanically-speaking it’s willing, eager and ready to go. With an all-original spec and that oh-so desirable Arctic White paint, this is one R107 you really don’t want slipping through your fingers.

 After all, it’s very uncommon for such a low-mileage example to come to market, let alone one that’s received so much care from the right specialists. Bid now and bid well, because we’re anticipating a lot of interest in this spectacular example…


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.*