Lot details
Registration No: T.B.A.
Chassis No: 10704622001115
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

The mighty Mercedes R107-series SL was launched in 1971 to replace the long-lived - and loved - W113-series 'Pagoda' SL that had first appeared in 1963. Though dispensing with Mercedes' usual model identification starting with W, it was based on the suspension of the W114 saloon and the model ran till 1989 with more than 237,000 examples built: with the exception of the G-Wagen, the longest single series ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. The Bruno Sacco-designed car was bigger, heavier and softer-riding than its predecessor under a more mature skin - though these cars still handle - and was designed to reflect a changing marketplace, winning early plaudits from such distinguished motoring writers as LJK Setright. Equipped with a 3.5-litre V8 at UK launch, progressively larger engines were offered, through 380 and 420 V8, later 280 and 300 'sixes' and ultimately the 4973cc, 245bhp 500SL made between 1980-'89. This model, with its all-alloy fuel-injected V8, was made for Europe only (though a few slipped into North America as grey imports) and, with 60mph available in 7.4 secs and a top speed of 140mph, was faster even than the US, Japan and Australian-market 560SL. Plenty of R107s (and its longer-wheelbase coupe variant the SLC) come to market but 500SLs are still a rarity, with only 11,812 built.

Finished in metallic silver over dark grey with black upholstery, this particular example has recently formed part of a small private collection. Riding on slightly scuffed alloy wheels and sporting a rubber boot spoiler and factory hardtop, it appears to be fairly sound albeit that there are signs of corrosion to the offside rear wheelarch and offside front wing above the indicator lens etc. Showing an unwarranted 129,373 miles to its odometer - not an excessive mileage for a R107-series SL - the two-seater is equipped with an aftermarket sports steering wheel, radio / cassette player and automatic transmission. Running and driving upon a recent inspection and exhibiting good oil pressure, this tempting 500SL is offered for sale with a service book (containing twenty-three stamps), other books / manuals and sundry paperwork.

PLEASE NOTE: This registration number currently displayed is not included in the sale. The number is currently in the process of being put on retention and the vehicle will be allocated an appropriate age-related registration.