Highlights
- A useable example of the perennially popular V8 R107 in LHD North American trim
- In 5.6L form this represents the biggest engine fitted to the R107
- Complete with much maintenance documentation from its earlier life
The Appeal
The R107 superseded the much-loved W113 model known as the esteemed “Pagoda” roofed model. Despite that, the R107 proved hugely successful and went on to sell over six times as many units as its loved predecessor. This was especially true in North American markets that couldn’t get enough of the R107. Ultimately, nearly 70% of R107 production ended up in North America.
The 560SL model, seen here, was primarily targeted towards North American markets, with the extra capacity designed to overcome the power lost thanks to restrictive emissions equipment. The car has clearly been regularly used and well-loved, presents in a popular colourway and has benefitted from diligent earlier maintenance.
The History and Paperwork
- This R107 was manufactured in June 1986
- It was immediately destined for the domestic Canadian market
- Whilst in Canada the SL seems to have been diligently maintained
- The car appears to have been imported to the UK in around 2016
- The V5 details its first registration in the UK in August 2016
- The car’s first UK MOT is documented in April 2016
- Since its import the car has covered around 500 kms only
- During that time, it has been in the ownership of a single keeper
- The car comes with plenty of provenance providing paperwork
- This includes the V5 registration document
- The original book pack is present including owner’s manual and service book
- The service book exhibits stamps up to around the mid 1990’s
- A letter from Mercedes Benz UK is included confirming the car’s background
- Numerous invoices are included detailing work undertaken
- These mainly date from the Canadian period
- Many of these document significant expenditure on the SL
- Some earlier MOTs are present
- The car was last MOT’d in November 2021 at 329,028 kms
- This was an advisory free MOT which expired in November 2022
The Interior
- A highly original interior finished in a “medium red” hue (277)
- The seats appear to be in a good, used condition, free from obvious rips or tears
- These are arranged into vertical box pleats in perforated material
- A split is noted in the stitching of the driver’s headrest
- The seats are additionally electrically heated
- Behind the seats is a useful, carpeted luggage shelf
- The complementary coloured carpets appear to be in good condition
- These are protected with Mercedes Benz branded carpet mats
- The door cards are finished in the same medium red MB Tex material
- The dashboard is finished in a combination of black, medium red, and dark wood veneer
- The condition appears good and the big VDO white on black gauges are all present
- A more contemporary Alpine head unit is fitted
- The boot is fully carpeted and home to the spare wheel, first aid kit and tool set
- The soft top headlining exhibits some marks but appears complete, fully affixed and unripped
The Exterior
- Finished in the appealing and popular Smoke Silver metallic paintwork (702)
- The bodywork and paintwork are in decent condition for the car’s age
- Some bubbling of the paintwork is noted, suggesting minor some deterioration
- This seems to be limited to areas around the wheel arches
- The car’s North American specification is most obvious here
- The quad headlamps, “5-mph” bumpers and boot mounted stop lamp being examples
- The SL is fitted with the signature 15-inch “manhole cover” alloy wheels
- These appear to be in great shape overall with no kerb rash noted
- The wheels are shod with Michelin radial type tyres in a 205/65 configuration
- The SL’s black fabric hood appears to be in an excellent condition
- The fabric is clean and undamaged with no splits noted
- The Plexiglass rear windows are clear and un-cracked
- The boot lock will require some attention as currently doesn’t secure the boot
The Mechanics
- The 560SL is fitted with the well proven 5,549cc V8 petrol engine with K-Jetronic fuel injection
- This was originally rated at around 227bhp and 287 Ib-ft of torque
- Power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox
- This endowed the 560SL with a 140mph plus top speed
- This example has been well attended to mechanically
- Over CA$17,000 are documented as having been spent between 2006 and 2015
- The under-bonnet presentation looks very original
- All the standard data plates appear to be present
- The under-bonnet insulation appears to be missing
- This area would benefit from a further clean and detailing
- The underside of the car looks in a generally good condition
- No leaks or major deformations are noted
Summary
The R107 was the only Mercedes Benz roadster for the entirety of its production so became uniquely emblematic for owners who admired the exemplary engineering values of the brand at that time. The car was the perfect answer for those who were keen enjoy something more sporty and less conservative than the company’s saloons of the period. That was especially true of the biggest engine 560SL model which benefitted from ample torque and power for every circumstance.
This is an interesting example of the breed having spent most of its life in Canada before arriving in the UK in 2016. The mileage immediately looks high as is recorded in kilometres. However, converting the distance to miles that represents a mere 5,500 miles a year on average – about half the UK average. With a few outstanding areas tidied up, this represents a great opportunity to own the range topping model of the iconic R107 range.
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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