1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Refined drivers from Dallas to Darlington who wanted a brisk convertible sports car that offered reliability adored the Mercedes R107 range. Accustomed to the histrionics of the Italian offerings and the lack of a proper convertible by Porsche, customers flocked to the well equipped SL range. With engine variants and trim levels to suit all tastes, the factory hard top was perfect for the vagaries of British weather. The Mercedes R107 SL is now a well and truly established member of the classic car club, but it also remains one of the most usable modern classics money can buy.

A major facelift in 1985 tidied up the SL's looks and kept it in the running against newer and more aerodynamic rivals, such as the Porsche 928 and Jaguar XJS. Mercedes also took the chance to replace the 280SL with the 300SL, which boasted a 188bhp six-cylinder engine. Between 1985 and 1989 the well regarded, and less thirsty, 300SL was found to have superior handling compared to the weightier V8 engined variants of its stable mates. The 300SL was the pinnacle of Mercedes engineering until the model was superseded in 1989.

This very special 300SL was supplied to the previous vendor by the well regarded marque specialist, The SL Shop. Finished in Smoke Silver the coachwork is free of rust and has the gleam that only a well maintained car offers. Offered with a new dark brown canvas roof fitted by the SL Shop and a bodywork matching factory hard top. The beige half leather with check cloth is unmarked and the walnut dashboard is in good order. With a comprehensive history file, the above average mileage of 102,000 is off set by the superb condition, it presents like a new car. The vendor informs us that the car handles London traffic beautifully, with a good turn of foot for long stretches. Supplied with an MoT until May 2015 and freshly serviced, this 300SL offers a refined driving experience and German reliability at near half the price of a lower mileage example.