The perennially popular R107-generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL is that most desirable of entities: a well-built, well-equipped and reliable classic car that you really can use every day. And in 2025 we’re seeing a particular growth in interest in the variant you see here, the 300 SL.

Many versions of six-cylinder and V8 models were offered across the R107 range, and in this instance it’s a 3.0-litre straight-six that’s wafting the SL down the road, 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, lavishly equipped, and super smooth.

This example is particularly attractive for a number of key reasons. It’s a final-model-year car, and this colourway is regarded as one of the most sought-after, the deep Midnight Blue paint with its tastefully contrasting interior. The factory options are strong too, this car being equipped with heated seats and cruise control. With a robust history file to back it up and a fresh MOT, this is a supremely desirable SL that’s ready to enjoy.

 

Midnight Blue is one of the favourite colours of dyed-in-the-wool R107 aficionados, and you can see why – it suits those classic lines so well. Panel fit is good throughout the car, the light lenses are all complete and free from damage (even the often-vulnerable front spotlights), and all of the chrome trim is present and correct. The bumpers are straight, as are the rubstrips, and the car is fitted with its original-spec 15-hole alloy wheels.

The factory hard-top is in great condition – a quality colour match, no evident corrosion, good glass and a tidy headlining. The soft-top raises, latches and lowers, and is tight and secure when fitted; the frame mechanism could benefit from some light attention to perfect the folding/unfolding action.

The seats have been reconnolised, and they tilt forward correctly to allow access to the factory-option rear seats, which have lap belts. There is some wear and patination to the front seat bases, a common symptom with heated seats, but they’re still plumply stuffed and comfortable. The dash is in good condition with no cracking or sun damage to the dashtop, and the wood trim is in good condition with no excessive lacquer peel.

The dials all work as they should, the electric windows raise and lower correctly, the doorcards are good, and the carpets are tidy and complete having been replaced last year. A modern Alpine CD/radio head unit is fitted, and the centre air vent in the dash has been replaced with a useful engine temperature gauge. (Fun fact – the centre vent isn’t actually a vent anyway, it’s just an aperture that looks like a vent, so this is a smart upgrade!)

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 warning triangle, and there’s a matching spare wheel.
 

The 300 SL is a pleasantly 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 on the first turn of the key, settles readily into an even idle, 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. It feels like a dependable and honest SL that could happily be pressed into regular service.
 

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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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

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