1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Automatic (R107)

Background:

The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL range debuted in 1971 and was built until 1989, a life of 18 years, which makes it the second longest-lived of all Mercedes models, after the G-Wagon. Few cars are as emblematic of the marque, offering as it does a combination of comfortable cruising and rock-solid build quality and reliability.

With more than 300,000 built, the SL is one of the world’s most successful convertibles, despite its price point. With over 204,000 of those cars being sold in the US alone, it was also a huge profit-centre for Mercedes.

The SL was a strict two-seat convertible/roadster which came with a standard soft top and optional hardtop for winter use. With engines ranging from 2.8-litre straight-sixes to 5.6-litre V8s (all fuel-injected), there was an SL for all tastes and almost all came with automatic transmissions, fitting its positioning as a comfortable boulavardier, rather than an outright sportscar.

Quick enough, comfortable, quietly stylish and with impeccable build standards, the SL could easily be regarded as the model that defines Mercedes for so many and its popularity remains as strong as ever.

The car:

This SL features the 3-litre fuel-injected M103 straight-six, producing 190PS (187bhp) and 250Nm, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission for ultimate cruising comfort.

The recorded mileage of 131,000 shows that it has been enjoyed as its maker intended, yet it has still averaged a gentle 3,750 or so miles for each of its 35 years, so it has hardly been thrashed, rather, it has been extremely well cared-for and wants for nothing.

A facelift model, it features a rust-free galvanised body. The distinctive alloys have been refreshed and fitted with new tyres in the past few years and the car was treated to a new roof from specialists, The SL Shop, in 2018. The original hardtop is also included in the sale.

The car has been freshly serviced and comes with the sort of history file you’d hope to find with a car that has had so much time, effort and money lavished on it.

Summary:

Come rain or shine, this elegant and understated SL will always put a smile on your face and will become a treasured member of the family.

NB - 444 KN Registration is not included in the sale of the car.

Location: Yorkshire

Seller: Private

Photography: Professional