1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL

As one of the early versions of the long-lived R107 – first registered 25 June 1973 – this 350SL is powered by the entry-level V8 engine (M116). Though, fear not, there’s nothing particularly pedestrian about this 3.5-litre eight-cylinder’s 201bhp, which enables the classy cruiser to top 130mph.

Coming from long-term ownership – the vendor having purchased the car in 2003 – this SL has only had three keepers to date, the second of which apparently stored the car and never used it. The vendor reports that during the majority of his ownership, the car’s been dry stored and, for a time, kept in a humidity-controlled environment.

The vendor also reports that the car was professionally restored by Tim Walker Restorations, Aylesbury and has been used very sparingly since the mid-2000s. The lack of use and recent ill health are cited as the reasons for sale. The vendor is also keen to point out that this SL, “Drives like a dream, changes gear beautifully… The bulkhead has been inspected and was all ok.”

According to the VIN plate this SL was supplied new in Icon Gold Metallic (419), though the current hue appears to be either Light Beige (181) or – more likely – Light Ivory (623). It’s a convincing change as the whole shell seems to have been painted to a high standard; door shuts, under the bonnet areas included. All the nooks and crannies that would normally give away a less thorough blow over seem to have been thoroughly coated, with the hubcaps also getting shot in body colour. The history seems to indicate this colour change was carried out around 2006.

Considering it was painted nearly 20 years ago, the finish is still holding up well, with a uniform and very smart appearance. However, there are a few imperfections worth pointing out. A small patch of bubbling can be found around the lower corner of the petrol filler and another even smaller blob just above the nearside tail lamp. 

The car is currently sat on a matching set of Falken tyres, with plenty of tread, but are now overdue replacement as all show a 2005 date stamp. 

Trim looks generally very good, aside from the usual wear you'd expect, though we did spot a blemish on the nearside rear bumper. As expected for a 51-year-old classic, that’s seen an older restoration, some patina has begun to establish itself again, which gives this 350SL a lovely lived-in feel. The hubcaps show light dents and scratches around their perimeters (centres still look good) and some surface rust is beginning to tarnish the rear panel (boot release plinth and above the bumper). The hood, however, still looks very good, although the hardtop’s missing in action.

If there’s a trademark automotive hue of the 1970s then most would likely agree its brown. The particular shade in this excellent example seems to be the Mahogany (163) M-B Tex, with cloth centre inserts. That’s great news as it’s not only one of the more attractive contrasting trim colours on plain white cars, but it’s also one of the most hard wearing.

Optional (and rare) rear seats are a nice addition if you happen to have little ones and although leather is nice, it really doesn’t stand the test of time (or children) anywhere near as well as this manmade Mercedes-Benz vinyl. Having said that, the trim in this cabin isn’t perfect, but it’s certainly holding up well, with a little fraying to the top of the driver’s seat the most obvious sign of wear.

Less overt are the sun visors that have ballooned a little and the small tear to the rear trim around the soft-top stowage latch. If we’re being really picky, the aftermarket Sony CD player is a little conspicuous but, we think you’ll agree, these are trifling issues at most. The overwhelming impression made by this cabin is that of being very tidy and highly presentable. Exactly what you want in your convertible, which will likely spend months of the year with soft top stowed, exposing the interior for eager on lookers to admire.

He can’t say for sure, but the vendor thinks the brakes on this SL have been upgraded, as they seem to perform with a lot more vigour than is usual for an early 1970s SL. These cars were fed fuel by a Bosch D-Jetronic injection system, which means (somewhat unbelievably) there’s an ECU fitted to this car. The setup was superseded with the more robust and reliable mechanical K-Jetronic setup, which makes this D-Jet car a relative rarity. It also means that the system is more easily improved by an overhaul and ‘remap’, which this car has apparently received, via a former head of the Mercedes-Benz Owners’ Club 350SL Register, improving driveability as a result.

The under-bonnet area of this Benz looks tidy and well maintained, though a few components are probably due a refresh, mainly the rusty pulleys, airbox and radiator. Minor cosmetics aside, the ‘bay looks dry and leak-free. We didn’t get to drive this SL, but the vendor reports the following: “Runs stops and goes well, likely very few of this age with mileage this low. Original engine and chassis numbers. Always dry stored and covered, prior de-humidified storage. Viewings welcome, no problem.”

Always a UK car, this SL was, according to the vendor, subjected to a circa-£50k restoration between 2003-2007. Having bought his dream car, with no intention of ever selling it, the vendor then completed his private pilot’s licence, and all his subsequent time and effort went into flying, with the car unfortunately largely sidelined.

This 350SL comes with an extremely detailed history, especially from the 1990s onwards. Early documentation consists of the owner’s manual and service book, the latter showing stamps to 1981. There are, however, loads more invoices going back to the 1990s with regular trips to Rivervale Mercedes-Benz in Brighton listed. There are also MoT certificates for the same period and a smattering of M-B dealership bills. 

What’s far more pertinent are the myriad receipts from Tim Walker Restorations in the early- to mid-2000s, as these seem to amount to tens of thousands of pounds spent on substantial restoration work. There are far too many to list here in their entirety, so we’ll let you peruse them at your leisure, but probably the most significant structural invoice is as follows… 

January 2004; rotten floor sections, nearside chassis member (under passenger seat), nearside rear wheel arch, nearside front footwell and various other places were repaired with fabricated panels and plates (£6011.64). Several other large invoices can be seen for restoration work to the hood mechanism, interior, running gear and final assembly. More up to date is a bill from October 2018 charting the removal and cleaning of the fuel injectors by NJT Mechanics in Dorset (£499.15).

As the vendor has already pointed out, there’s hardly a glut of early SLs with 50k mileages out there. This one seems to be legitimate too, as its second owner simply stored the car without driving it, with a covering letter in the history that apparently confirms as much.

Restoration work seems to have been substantial and carried out to a high standard by a known specialist, with a paper trail once again charting everything. The car’s condition might have settled a little into its patina phase, but for many that merely enhances the appeal of this old gem of a car. Even if that’s not enough for you, few classics out there come with the inherent appeal of a V8 SL.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the seller in Bournemouth; we are open weekdays 10am-4pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.