Lot details Registration No: CDT689T Chassis No: 10704322013896 Mot Expiry: Feb 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, coil springs and anti-roll bar at the front and semi-trailing arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar 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. Over its 17 year reign, the R107 range was powered by no less than eight different engines - two sizes of straight-six unit and six versions of Mercedes-Benz's silky smooth 90-degree V8. The 350SL option was available from 1971 to 1980. It produced some 200bhp at 5800 rpm and 211lbft of torque at 4000 rpm. This was sufficient to endow the model with swift, effortless acceleration and a top speed of a whisker over 130 mph.
The right-hand drive 350SL being sold left the production line in 1978 and is finished in Red with a Black interior. The vendor informs us that 'CDT 689T' comes complete with 17 previous MOTs to back up the indicated mileage of 127,250. He regards the bodywork and paintwork as "good, apart from a minor imperfection around the rear wheelarch/door and rust spot on the hardtop"; the engine and transmission as "good, apart from a slight leak from the rear axle"; and the interior trim as "good aside of imperfections to the head restraints, handbrake cover, and small hole in the passenger seat". The Mercedes is MOT'd into February 2012.
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