* Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT D insurance loss in 2012 but has been fully restored since *
Highlights
Great running and driving example
A modest 92,973 miles from new
Comprehensive overhaul and respray in 2012
Long-term present ownership since 2012
Garaged and well-maintained by both main dealers and marque specialists
MOT valid until June 2025, with no advisories in the last decade
Comes with matching hard top which is in perfect condition
The Appeal
For some it was the Lamborghini Countach, others the 911 Turbo, but for our vendor, it was the Mercedes-Benz SL that earned a place on his teenage bedroom wall. These supremely stylish roadsters were the epitome of chic during the '70s and '80s, especially here in Britain where our homegrown offerings from Dagenham and Longbridge paled in comparison.
R107 anoraks will know that this late 300 SL is the one to have. It's the largest of the straight-sixes offered during the model's eighteen-year lifespan, and it also boasts a galvanised body shell - something Mercedes-Benz didn't do prior to 1985.
The vendor acquired this 1988 example in 2012. It had evidently been well-cared for in the past, with well-documented service records and evidence to suggest it had spent much of its life dry stored. However, the SL had sustained some minor panel damage to one of the front wings which was duly repaired during current ownership before the car was completely resprayed from silver to Nautic Blue - an excellent choice that complements the grey leather upholstery very well. A mechanical refresh was carried out at the same time, as was an interior retrim and a round of rust-proofing treatment to ensure the car's preservation for years to come.
Since then, we're informed that the SL has benefitted from basic routine maintenance and the MOT history shows it has covered exceedingly few miles as part of the vendor's collection. As the photographs show, it remains in superb overall condition and present very well throughout in readiness for its next custodian.
History and Paperwork
Registered in 1988 - desirable galvanised chassis example
Purchased by the current owner in 2012
MOT valid until June 2025
The car has been reasonably cared for by both main dealers and specialists up to current ownership
Covered less than 1,000 miles while in current ownership, requiring only basic maintenance
Plenty of invoices for work undertaken
Original service book not available, but there was an intention to repopulate a duplicate service book
The Condition
Offered in very smart overall condition
The paint and chrome finishes are bright and glossy all-round, with few imperfections visible and nothing especially noteworthy
The vendor points out a slight defect to the passenger door which might be from an old repair prior to repainting - this is not noticeable unless examined very closely
The bodywork looks to very very straight following the 2012 professional repairs
Both doors fit very well, as does the folding soft top
The vendor shows us that the underside is in very good condition having been undersealed, wax-protected and dry stored
Inside of the sill cavities were WayOyl treated for maximum protection
The leather upholstery is in good condition having been re-trimmed
The carpets were replaced and are in great condition
We can't see any notable deterioration to the walnut veneers
The vendor notes some wear to the handbrake gaiter - a common R107 foible
All of the cabin electrics are in good working order
The Mechanics
3.0-litre M103 straight-six
Four-speed automatic gearbox
The vendor reports that the SL remains faithful to its factory mechanical specifications
Radiator renewed a few years ago to enhance water flow
All mechanical parts, brakes, automatic gearbox oil, and filter were refreshed in 2012, so drives like new
Fluid services presently performed at two-year intervals
The vendor comments that the SL delivers "a solid drive with a lovely engine sound, positive steering, and sharp brakes"
No MOT fails or advisories since September 2013
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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ 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.
✓ 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.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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More about buying with us
1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL R107
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