1975 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL 'SportLine Zero' Electric Convertible (R107)

The story begins when SCC 107K arrived at SLSHOP ready for retirement, minus its engine and with a faulty gearbox, and seemed an ideal candidate to be rebuilt as an electrically-powered classic Mercedes, a project that was already under consideration by the innovative team at the SLSHOP. The car was then completely stripped and rebuilt with the utmost attention to detail, with every aspect of the change carefully planned to retain the handling characteristics of the standard version. Unlike a conventionally designed car, with the substantial weight of the engine and gearbox positioned in the middle at the front, the team were comparatively free to position the heavy components where they wanted to and, using corner-weight scales during construction, it was possible to position the batteries and heavy electrical components so the weight was reasonably divided between all four quarters of the SL. Consequently, a dynamic balance was achieved resulting in the safe predictable handling for which the R107 was renowned.

The electrics and running gear are discretely hidden, and there are no clues to the car's transformation other than the OAT gauge which now displays battery charge capacity, the non-standard gear selector and a charging plug beneath the fuel flap. Mounted front and rear are 53kWh of Tesla batteries, powering a 150bhp 213lb/ft electric motor, more than enough for an SL, and offering a range of 150 miles. Acceleration is dialled down at low speeds to closely match that of the petrol-engined version, the 0-60 time is on a par with that of the original, and performance can be adjusted to suit the owner. Make no mistake, this is a quick and capable car, boasting superior SportLine suspension and brakes. Writing in The Daily Telegraph in April 2020, Quentin Wilson was one of the first motoring journalists to drive the SportLine Zero: 'This electric SL can really shift... the sheer ingenuity of engineering this old Merc to drive so well on battery power eclipsed my nostalgia for its traditional powerplant... I was repeatedly struck at how captivating it felt. What's also quickly apparent is how natural it all feels, like the SL should have always been powered like this.'

The Sportline has been owned by our vendor, a well-known private Collector, for a while and whilst in his care, has been professionally valeted every month, accruing less than 500 miles since his purchase. A modern take on a classic look, this electric SL is both a showstopper and Concours d'Elegance winner, a fascinating combination of modern technology and old-fashioned craftsmanship. It's supplied with its V5C and is UK-registered as an Electric Vehicle. For city-centre driving, it can be charged from an EV point or three-pin plug from a domestic supply and, encouragingly, it’s worth noting that the SLSHOP and Electric Classic Cars are able to offer ongoing maintenance support for the new owner of this fabulous creation. Come along and have a glimpse of the future.