Description

1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SL (R107)

Three owners from new, the current since 2004; sensible mileage; good service history; retro-fit electric hood with recent new soft top; looks great in black; driven over 200 miles to the sale 

Looking more handsome with every passing year, the R107 series Mercedes-Benz SL was built at a time when the Stuttgart firm still had a reputation for building the best engineered cars in the world.

To this day, no car door closes with a more reassuring ‘thunk’ than a Mercedes SL, and everything about the car contrives to make even granite feel a bit flimsy. Fast, comfortable and discreetly understated, the SL has a matchless ability to munch up the miles for year after year without ever seeming to falter. No wonder it stayed in production fundamentally unaltered from 1971 until 1989 – the longest production run of any Mercedes to date.
The cars came in a wide range of engine sizes using both straight-six and V8 engines, but one of the best was undoubtedly the 3-litre six that appeared in 1985. Employing a new KE Jetronic fuel injection system linked to a modern engine management computer, it not only achieved better fuel economy than the 280 it replaced but more power as well. The official figures were 185bhp and 188lb/ft of torque, sufficient to propel the car to 60mph in just 9.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 130mph. Almost as quick as the larger V8 models, it was not only more economical but also handled better thanks to improved weight distribution.
First registered in January 1989, this late model 300SL benefits from all the improvements that were made to the W107 series over its long life. Fairly early in its life it was also fitted with an electrically-operated soft top by Auto Tops UK which still functions as it should. It has had just three owners from new, our vendor buying it from Mercedes specialist Peter Crawley in 2004 when it had covered 44,500 miles. It has now covered just under 107,000 miles with a good service history comprising 16 stamps in the book up to 44,320 miles in 2003 with many invoices to show subsequent upkeep.
Its most recent work was carried out by the SL Shop in November 2020 at 106,378 miles when it received new spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor arm and ignition leads. In 2018 it was fitted with a new hood and seals which cost £1,384 and in 2010 at 92,783 miles it had new front brake discs and pads.
There are 18 old MOTs on file, the current MOT running until 20^th September 2021 with just one advisory for a minor oil leak. All the original handbooks are present in the original wallet and a guide to operating the Auto Tops electric hood is also present. Other equipment includes tinted windows, central locking, grey leather sports seats, electric windows, heated door mirrors, halogen headlamps, ABS brakes and a Sony radio/CD.
Driven over 200 miles to the sale, it looks very striking in black and has been starting promptly and running nicely as we have moved it around on site.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com