The R107-series of Mercedes-Benz’s celebrated SL line famously ran for an extraordinarily long time, with a huge variety of specs offered over its many years. The car you’re looking at here represents the genesis of the breed – an early 350 SL. The model was launched in 1971, and this particular car was made in 1977. The fact of being a 350 makes it particularly interesting; this was a European configuration (in the USA, for example, launch models were all 450 SLs, whereas the version powered by the 3.5-litre V8 was available here from the very start). This, then, is a car with all the early hallmarks – in addition to the engine, Series One cars are identifiable by the absence of the chin spoiler among other detail changes. It’s also worth noting, of course, that these early cars are tax exempt, MOT exempt and ULEZ charge exempt.

This car, built in 1977, was first UK-registered in 1981. It’s been owned for some time by a university professor (with a very fastidious approach to book-keeping, as the impressive history file shows) who kept the car in regular but gentle use, the MOT history showing its mileage increasing by around 1000-1500 miles a year for quite some time. Finished in the ever-so desirable black-on-black spec complete with factory hard-top, it’s a compelling formula. There are a few jobs to be carried out in order to get it tip-top, the first of which ought to be a proper professional tuning of the K-Jetronic system, along with some cosmetics and bodywork. But what you’re really looking at here is a whole load of potential.

The cabin of this SL is tidy and complete, and is in largely original specification throughout. The seats present well with no tears or damage, and just a little wear to the bolsters. The carpets are good, and the dash is mostly neat with the most notable blemish being evidence of something having been stuck on above the air vents. There’s some visible wear to the sides of the steering column, and the fusebox cover in the footwell is missing.

The steering wheel is a small-diameter item in polished wood, and the car has been fitted with an aftermarket stereo system with removable facia. It’s also fitted with an aftermarket alarm system, controlled by a separate modern key. Inside the boot we find the correct carpets, original-spec jack, and spare ‘Mexican hat’ alloy wheel.

You’ll surely agree that black is an excellent colour choice for an R107. The dramatic hue suits the lines so well, perfectly bejewelled with just the right amount of chrome trim. A timeless image.

The bodywork is complemented by the factory hard-top, which is in decent order with a tidy headlining. All of the light lenses are complete and the window glass is free from damage.

The car wears a tasteful set of ‘Mexican hat’ alloy wheels, which are well presented and shod in a matching set of Falken tyres with good tread. The soft-top, we suspect, hasn’t been used very much; it's in good condition aside from a small separation of the stitching on one side at the rear. It’s quite mildewy from having been tucked away in its cubbyhole for so long, but should be easy to clean up, and it raises and lowers freely and latches correctly.

There are a few areas of surface corrosion to be aware of, most notably on the offside sill, offside windscreen pillar, around the rear number plate area, and on the lower edge of the front and rear wings on both sides. It’s also likely, judging by the fitment of the rear bumper and offside taillight, that there may have been a minor impact on that corner. However, all of these things are simply items to add to a to-do list beneath the over-arching headline that this is a desirable model in a desirable specification.

It is, on paper, a robust and trustworthy mechanical package, the 350 SL featuring the revered M116 3.5-litre engine mated to a three-speed torque-converter auto. A handy 197bhp and 211lb.ft are on offer from this muscular engine when it’s in fine fettle, delivered with smoothness through the silky-shifting ’box. This particular engine will take a little tickle from a specialist to get it singing from that hymn-sheet; it’s most likely that the K-Jetronic system needs tuning in order to get the car running sweetly. 

At present it’s a running and driving entity that fires up fine from cold, and we did take it on a successful test-drive around south London – however, the idle is a little rough, acceleration is reluctant, and it’s not a fan of hot starting. Nevertheless, being the tough M116 motor – which is a sought-after and respected unit – hopefully this should be simple to remedy, as it’s a characterful V8 that’s well worth saving.

The R107 SL has enjoyed an enduring appeal across the generations, and they’re still remarkably popular today. This makes sense when you consider the complete package: it’s got all the touchpoints of a bona fide classic car, but the quality of the construction and engineering is such that you really can use them every day.

The SL we have here needs a few bits and bobs, but that is what’s going to make it such a good buy: saving the money in the purchase price and diverting funds to fix these niggles will leave the buyer with an early R107 in a very pleasing colour scheme with the unusual 350 engine – and the year-on-year and daily running costs will be lower than later SLs, given that it’s tax exempt, MOT exempt and, crucially, ULEZ exempt. 

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.