1987 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

The R107 turned 50 last year, so it's imperative that as going back in time may not be humanly possible, one experiences a good example now to fully appreciate the car. But what if you find a great example which has been sparingly used by its three previous keepers, kept in near-perfect shape by the current owner, and still has its original accessories and unopened tool kit and first-aid box? If that tickles your fancy, the car listed here deserves a look.

The 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a delight for those who value detailed history: it comes with two folders full of receipts, MoT certificates, etc. The vendor says that it's 'totally original and in excellent condition. The needles on the speedometer dials haven't even faded, due to the fact that it's been garaged all its life'. It has full-service history, and both the hard top and soft top are original and included too. 'A truly excellent original example that needs nothing apart from a new owner who will love and cherish this iconic classic car.'

The final update for the R107 included new wheels and a redesigned front air dam, among other things. This does make the later cars appear more modern but not fussy. The overall design, even after three decades, is most definitely pleasing with the right amount of 'slab sided' elements, giving the SL a distinct appearance — especially in comparison to the models that followed. It had design cues carried over from other Mercedes cars, but there was enough to set it apart: ribbed tail lights (which would be used in other Mercedes-Benz cars in the future), the moulding/rubbing strip that runs across the body, etc.

The Champagne Beige example here is in its original, nearly spotless condition. The vendor mentions that it even has the original windscreen and wipers. There's a small scratch on the boot but as far as blemishes go, that's largely it. The vendor attributes this thoroughly likeable state of the car to the fact that it was always garaged. All the chrome bits, as can be verified from the detailed photo gallery below, are pretty spectacular, too. The removable hard top looks pristine whereas the soft top does have some wrinkling.

No matter how long you admire the R107 from the outside, its cabin is still the place to be. On the later cars, the steering is leather-wrapped and it complements the wooden veneer of the centre console. There was more class than outright sportiness, reiterating the SL's purpose of being a luxurious GT rather than a track-day hero. The whole interior is put together in a fashion typical of Mercedes-Benz: high-quality materials that often last long.

And a testament to all that is the 1987 example here. Straight out of the showroom, it mightn't be, but it sure is the kind of car you'd want to see more of. The way its interior looks three and a half decades later is, without doubt, worth applause. There are some use-related marks but none that detracts from the aforementioned. Everything seems spick and span, including the door cards and the soft top's roof lining. The boot looks untouched and houses a full-sized spare wheel, too. Also, the vendor mentions that the original first-aid kit is unopened and is included with the car.

Mercedes-Benz made major improvements to their new SL to ensure it didn't lose any confidence at high speeds. There was also a clear emphasis on safety, which then enabled the R107 to offer great rollover protection. The front and rear had crumple zones, which further made the car safer than its predecessors. The rear-wheel-drive car was offered with straight-six or V8 engines, with models like the 300 SL brought out towards the end of the car's life cycle. The 300 SL got the M103 straight-six, which made nearly 190 bhp and delivered adequate performance without fuss.

With just over 40,000 or so miles done, one can expect the engine to replicate its original performance in this SL, too, for years to come. The vendor mentions that the car was recently treated to a full service and that it has no rust or mechanical issues. The condition of the clean exterior and interior is repeated under the body, too, with no damage whatsoever; there are only minute signs of early surface rust. The tyres are as good as new, adds the vendor.

Registered in November 1987, the 300 SL has three former keepers (excluding the vendor) and it's done 41,633 miles. It comes with a full service history, with the latest service conducted earlier this month at 41,523 miles. Accompanying that are previous MoT certificates; the current one is valid till April this year and as expected, it was cleared without any advisory. It hasn't failed any of the recent MoT tests, either.

It's had two plate changes in the past. The paperwork also includes previous tax discs, the owner's manual, and invoices for the repairs and replacements done to the car. In terms of mileage, according to the DVLA data, the car has been driven for about five thousand miles in the last decade and a half.

Structurally solid and with a well-built interior, cars like the R107 do tend to live long. These are generally unfazed by modern challenges because they are pretty timeless. Fairly modern from behind the wheel, the SL is not much of a hassle to own, as long as you've got a good example. This one seems like one such car, which has been meticulously maintained to retain originality. And that shows not only on the outside but also inside the beautiful cabin.

The Panzerwagen might have not won many beauty pageants when it was new, but many car lovers will agree that it is one of the ageless cars designs by the brand. Mercedes-Benz did sell more of the 107s than the preceding Pagoda and these can still be seen being driven around quite often. It not just makes for a great sight, but also a reminder that the enthusiasts and collectors who use their R107s regularly have no issues in keeping up with modern metal. At an estimated £40,000 - £50,000, the 300 SL is bound to offer loads of style and pace in a package that may seem to have been stored in a time capsule for the new owner.

Viewing is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, and as stated this car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.