Lot details Registration No: B385WNG Chassis No: 1070462A021163 Mot Expiry: Sept 2011
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, 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, this was 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.
The vendor describes `B385 WNG' thus: "A truly lovely, beautifully maintained example of Mercedes' iconic sports tourer with original Blaupunkt radio, hardtop, 'as new' mohair soft-top, ABS and cross-spoke alloy wheels, it has full supporting history for its 70,300 miles recorded, including many invoices and receipts, handbook and manual. Sold with MOT until September 2011, tool kit, first aid kit and factory detachable wind deflector, this car offers superb all-year-round motoring".
PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been informed by the vendor that the 500 SL has "both a hardtop and 'as new' mohair soft-top".
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