Description
A beautifully preserved car with low mileage, detailed history, and in excellent condition inside and out that really makes people stop and take notice. My 1988 Mercedes-Benz 420SL, the rarest of series production models probably in its most sort after state outside of the SL500. The R107 420SL is a great combination, reliable V8 engine and stunning body style, top down, hard or soft top up, this is now a true classic that can and must be enjoyed regularly. My 1988-registered 420SL, driven for just 64, 000 miles. Not only well maintained but also equally well-documented and shown in a feature in the Mercedes Owners Magazine in October 2018 the car comes with its original paperwork like manuals, previous invoices, MoT certificates, and service history.
It had its first service/ inspection at Swinford motors at 1186 miles in September 1988. The latest service, according to the service records, was carried out in 2020 at 63, 432 miles, at Howard Wise Cars in Essex, while the majority of its early maintenance appears to have been done in the west midlands. Then the SL Centre and Roger Edwards Classic Mercedes.
It has been MOT’d every year and the last MoT was in June 2024.
The invoices show a high level of upkeep including replacing all five new tyres (Dunlop). Among its major repair works are an extensive check and overhaul in 2014, attention to the exhaust manifold and replacement of both fuel pumps and various bushes carried out at the SL Centre.
Having covered only 64k miles in more than three and a half decades, (2200 miles in the last 6 years I have owned it) my R107's overall condition is reflective of that in stunning condition inside and out. According to the supplied documents and MoT data, it has been sparingly used since the late nineties and has been dry stored for the 6 years I have owned it and have been told it was the same for the majority of its life. I have only ever driven it in the summer dry months being SWORN for the winter, It hasn’t seen the rain in many years.
The Signal Red paint is in a nearly spot-free condition and there's no damage to the bodywork, the flat-face wheels are in good condition. The interior is in just as good condition and doesn't give away its age, because the wear has been strictly limited. The fresh-looking dashboard is complemented by good-looking seats, clean door cards, etc. The door scuff covers are also very clean, the dashboard and centre consul are in superb condition. There is no sign of rust at all and the original soft top is very clean having had the plastic windows replaced 6 years ago. The hard top and stand is supplied with the car and is in great shape matching the rest of the car. In addition the car still has its original full set of tools, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and blaupunkt stereo (although replaced by a more modern DAB unit in the car) it has a full-sized spare wheel with a new tyre and looks like it has never been used.
As said by many people the R107 is a timeless car it has all the makings of a classic but without compromising on the ease of use. Later cars, more refined and definitely with a more modern appearance, are even better in terms of usability. The 420SL is rarer than other models, but it's not just rarity that sets my car apart, its the excellent exterior, very clean interior, low mileage, service history. It’s not concourse but a fantastic looking car that drives beautifully.
