Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1983 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL
Warranted under 20, 000 miles from new
Estimate
£35, 000 - £45, 000
Registration No: A226 SYX
Chassis No: 1070462A001964
MOT: Exempt
Warranted under 20, 000 miles from new
Current ownership since 2007 with one previous owner
Highly original including having the tool kit, jack, and first aid
Offered with a history file including the original sales invoice and a full Mercedes bookpack.
The Mercedes R107-series SL was launched in 1971 to replace the long-lived W113 'Pagoda' SL that first appeared in 1963. Though dispensing with Mercedes' usual model identification, it was based on the suspension of the W114 Saloon and ran until 1989 with more than 237, 000 examples built, being the longest single series ever produced by Mercedes-Benz except for the G-Wagen. The Bruno Sacco-designed car was bigger, heavier and softer-riding than its predecessor, but can still handle and won the plaudits from distinguished motoring writers including LJK Setright. The 245bhp 500 SL made from 1980 had an all-alloy fuel-injected V8 and was made for Europe only and with 60mph available in 7. 4 secs the top speed was 140mph, faster even than the US, Japan and Australian 560 SL. Plenty of R107s (and SLCs) come to market, but 500SLs are still a rarity, with only 11, 812 built.
Purchased new from Normand (Mayfair) Ltd Mercedes-Benz agents by the first lady owner (albeit registered to her husband) on the 2nd November 1983, the 500 SL was finished from the factory in Astral Silver paintwork and was specified with the optional extras of (Grey) leather interior upholstery, anti-lock braking system and air-conditioning. Retained by the first lady owner until 2007 (albeit accounting for two registered owners due to a divorce requiring the change of owners on the logbook), when purchased by the vendor it was as a gift for his wife in 2007. Covering minimal mileage in either ownership, the 500 SL is now offered with a warranted under 20, 000 miles from new. Highly original, the Mercedes boasts its original tool kit, jack, spare wheel, first aid kit, Mercedes cushion and the body-coloured hardtop with stand.
Well maintained throughout the current ownership, the SL has benefitted from an air-conditioning re-gas in 2016 by Mercedes-Benz specialist Nick Webster; a new wiring loom by Mercedes-Benz Macclesfield in 2018 costing £2, 650; some £4, 250 expense at Trevor Farrington, with cosmetic improvement and new exhaust back box; and rear brake calipers, pads and brake hoses costing c.£1, 000 with Nick Webster last year. Last serviced at 16, 593 miles, the SL is accompanied by a history file that contains the original Mercedes wallet, including the stamped service book and owner’s handbook. Also included in the documentation is the original sales invoice, extensive MOTs back to its first in 1987, a collection of invoices and the V5C Registration Document. With such low mileage and ownership, this highly collectable example boasting a good history file, is surely one to consider!
