1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

Lot details
Registration No: T.B.A.
Chassis No: WDB1070412A046598
Mot Expiry: April 2012

Mercedes have been producing an SL (Sport Leicht) model or range of models since 1954 when the landmark 300SL was unveiled. The similarly styled, but mechanically unrelated, 190 followed in 1955, completing the first generation of cars. The second generation SLs began with the 230 of 1963. It was distinguished by its lower waistline, big curved screens and a distinctive optional hardtop that earned the model its nickname of 'pagoda top'. Over its nine years of production, the second generation SL's engine grew in capacity from 2.3 litres (230SL) to 2.5 litres (250SL) and finally to 2.8 litres (280SL). The larger, third generation SL (R107) was launched in 1971, initially with just a 3.5-litre engine (350SL) mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The car featured a two-door monocoque bodyshell with independent suspension all round - double wishbone and coil springs at the front and semi-trailing arms and coil springs at the rear. The power-assisted steering was Daimler-Benz's own recirculating ball system. Braking was by discs all round - ventilated on the front. The range grew to two models when the 4.5-litre (450SL) derivative arrived the following year and to three when the 2.8-litre (280SL) appeared in mainland Europe in 1974. The latter became available in the UK from October 1980 and remained in production until 1985, when it was replaced by the 300SL. The 300SL model was powered by a 2962cc straight-six engine that produced 185bhp at 5,700rpm and 188lbft of torque at 4,400 - sufficient output to endow the open Merc with rapid acceleration and a potential top speed of 130mph.

This right-hand drive 300SL vacated the Stuttgart production line in 1986 and is Beige with a Brown leather interior and equipped with four-speed automatic gearbox. The vendor considers the car to have been "very well looked after inside and out". With "good to excellent" bodywork, paintwork and trim, and "excellent engine". It comes complete with service history from 1986, the last one being carried out at 71,589 miles in 2002. The odometer now reads 78,571 miles and the Mercedes is MOT'd into April. The R107 SLs were built to last and, properly maintained will provide good service almost indefinitely.