1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Owner Matthew bought the 300SL two and a half years ago as a semi-scruffy but solid runner and since then has outlaid a substantial amount of money (just under £15k, which he says ‘is faintly ridiculous’) bringing it back up to speed. Having done so, he’s now under mild orders from his other half to rationalise his collection of toys (which now includes a boat) and so it has to find a new home.

The SL has had eight owners in total, and the mileage is now reading 167,961. However both V8 and six-cylinder engines have enviable reputations for longevity, and there’s a raft of invoices from both Mercedes-Benz main dealers and independent specialists in this car’s history file to demonstrate the high level of attention it’s received. 

The air conditioning system has been fully rebuilt, so it’s ready to help the new owner keep their cool should matters turn sultry. However we all know what the British summertime can be like, so aiding and abetting this is the optional hardtop, which should it be required allows you to fit it and experience a large degree of the fixed-top ‘SLC’ experience. 

It also comes with a fairly recent MOT ticket.

When he bought it Matthew attacked the areas of bodywork that required immediate attention and that included having one of the rear wings and inner arches replaced. After the structural work was completed the SL received a full professional rust proofing treatment, with industry-leading Dinitrol being the product used (certificate included). 

A 2016 re-spray in its original Pencil Grey means that the exterior presents very well. Paintwork is even, with a lovely smooth finish and panel fit retains its period quality – both doors closing with that heavy Mercedes-Benz ‘thunk’. In addition both bumpers (chrome and rubber components) have been replaced at a cost of in excess of £1,000, as well as other pieces of chrome work, and fresh window and door rubbers fitted.

The underside appears nice and solid, although as you can see from the pictures there is a bit of rust coming through on the lower section of the offside sill, and a bit of bubbling where the front lip spoiler meets the metalwork. Given the affordable price point for this SL, we’d recommend the car’s next owner tidies up both – as well as some very minor surface rust in the boot spare wheel well – before they’re allowed to get hold.

The rear-heated screen was cracked on the hardtop and has also been replaced at a cost of £996, while Amersham-based Roger Edwards Motors fitted a new mohair soft-top hood and accompanying seals for £1585.57. The mechanism works smoothly, and it’s fully watertight when up.

All alloy wheels were refurbished, however three suffered very small scratches from securing straps during transit. They’re perfectly acceptable as is, but anyone of a fastidious nature may want have them redone or have a specialist attempt localised repairs. It’s shod with Pirelli Cinturato P1 at all four corners and all have a decently healthy amount of tread remaining.

The interior is a mixture of old and new, and again screams of Mercedes-Benz quality. Seats are rip-free with a lovely patina and the dashboard materials are holding up nicely, with no cracks in the fascia or burr walnut panels. Door cards are new items, as are all carpets, lending it a pleasantly fresh cabin ambience. This is enhanced with both soft and hard tops in place, as headlinings for both are unmarked.

Of course you’ll want neither, so the optional wind deflector is also provided for buffet-free top down motoring. Plus two rear seats look as if they’ve never been used, and carpets in the boot are also relatively fresh looking. The vendor states that all electrics function as they should, with no evidence of any gremlins. Two keys are also provided.

The original exhaust system is still in place and has taken on the appearance of a leopard fish; that means it’s a bit discoloured, rusty and blotchy in places, but most importantly is solid and isn’t blowing. However, sprucing up the exhaust manifold would bring it up to scratch and match the rest of what is a nicely detailed engine bay – further evidence of the owner’s attention to detail.

Mechanically it’s a sorted car. Matthew had the cylinder head gasket replaced and fresh timing chain and tensioners, as well as new valve stem seals and manifold studs fitted. Total cost of this was £1830 and it’s been a worthwhile investment, as it starts without any evidence of smoking or leaks under the bonnet. Best of all, it’s a very smooth and willing performer. 

The automatic gearbox shifts discreetly and new shock absorbers, as well as fresh engine mounts, see the car give an adept ride – just as Mercedes-Benz intended. It all feels very tight and together.

The car was clearly well maintained prior to the current owner’s custodianship. Delve into the invoices and you’ll see exactly that. However, it’s the recent outlay that’s of key importance as it demonstrates that money has been no object in getting the SL back on the road to tip-top fettle. 

Please visit the documents section of the ‘Gallery’ where you will find a number of old MOT certificates (dating back to 2003) and those all important invoices. There’s even more that has been carried out than discussed here, and a fine toothcomb will elicit further completed works. Included within there’s also pictorial evidence of the car’s comprehensive rustproofing treatment.

It took a while but R107 prices have certainly shifted in the last five years and low-mileage concours examples now fetch well upwards of £50k – even more for a superlative example. Like any of their ilk that mileage is of key importance to the inherent value. This SL though is one that you can drive, and enjoy, free from any such worries. 

The recent work carried out has ensured it’s ready for the summer and should provide a relatively trouble-free blast of open-air motoring. Hell, even the radio and aerial have been replaced – Cyndi Lauper or The Bangles, anyone? Our estimate for this lovely Panzer-wagon is just £18,000-to-£25,000, with the reserve set even lower - which is not a lot of pennies at all. 

As one of the most keenly priced SL’s out there, and given the amount of recent outlay, we expect this to fly off The Market’s website. High quality classic convertible motoring awaits its next owner. Get the top down, and luxuriate in mile after mile of wallowy, velvet-smooth Mercedes-Benz goodness. 

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen here at The Market HQ in Abingdon; 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’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.

BORING, but IMPORTANT: Please note that whilst we at The Market always aim to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available, we cannot claim they are perfect analyses of any of the vehicles for sale. We offer far greater opportunity for bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding than traditional auctions, and we never stop encouraging bidders to take advantage of this. We do take a good look at the vehicles delivered to our premises for sale, but this only results in our unbiased personal observations, not those of a qualified inspector or other professional, or the result of a long test drive.

Additionally, please note that most of the videos on our site have been recorded using simple cameras which often result in 'average' sound quality; in particular, engines and exhausts notes can sound a little different to how they are in reality.