Highlights

Early 5litre V8 500SL from start of production
Smart Manganese Brown metallic with matching hard top
ULEZ, tax and MOT exempt
Just released from marque specialist’s private collection
See it featured here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW8IjBWsH90
A video of the vendor talking about this car can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_3SZjiU-YD0

The Appeal

The R107 arrived in 1971 almost perfectly formed, a compelling blend of superb engineering, crisp styling and effortless GT performance. Yet that didn’t stop Mercedes-Benz from continuously improving it and 10 years into its long life there came the 500SL.

The 5litre M117 V8 first found its home in the SLC coupe, but where it really excelled was in the convertible SL. Equipping the R107 drop top with more power made the car even more appealing Stateside.

This smart Manganese Brown 500SL started its life in Germany before being imported to the UK a couple of years ago by a renowned marque specialist, who has owned it ever since. One of the first 500SLs off the line it offers the buyer a fantastic colour combination plus the prospect of ULEZ compliance and tax and MOT free motoring for years to come.

The History and Paperwork

Recognised by the DVLA as a 1981 car
VIN records confirm the car was built on 26th January 1981 and supplied new to the German market
First UK registered on 1st November 2021 by the current owner
A 1981 Mercedes-Benz 500SL with a desirable early production run number
The vehicle has a complete service history
The vehicle currently holds an active MOT valid to 15th November 2023 with no advisories
Has covered few miles since the last MOT test
Full vehicle file with records is available

The Interior

The interior is in good condition, presenting minimal signs of wear
Beige-coloured leather is well kept with few visible marks
Later classic-style Continental audio system
Air conditioning
Switchgear presents well with no visible damage or marks
Good veneers, and the trim on the centre console appears to have been refurbished
Electric windows with twin door mirrors

The Exterior

The bodywork is in excellent condition, a testament to the care given by the owners
The paintwork is equally impressive in rare Manganese Brown metallic
Matching factory hard top
‘Mexican hat’ alloy wheels with stylish whitewall tyres

The Mechanics

M117 5litre V8 Mercedes-Benz engine generating 245bhp
4spd automatic gearbox
The mechanical condition is said by the vendor to be excellent
The service records of the vehicle attest to its regular maintenance, reinforcing mechanical reliability

Summary

If one word sums up the R107 it is surely ‘effortless,’ a vibe that the V8-powered 500SL firmly leans into. Well specified examples are therefore particularly sought after by enthusiasts.

This is such a car, its Manganese Brown and beige leather colour scheme offering a stylish alternative to some of the more common R107 colours. With great provenance and the enticing carrots of ULEZ compliance and tax free motoring, this is a particularly tempting example.

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:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ This vehicle is subject to third-party financing. The seller will clear all financing debts and associated costs on sale.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft.

✓ Whilst ****Car & Classic check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and so you are strongly advised to obtain a full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.