Country Classic Cars - Vehicle Details

The model R107 earnt its place in history by becoming a star of the small screen whilst becoming the transport choice of the discreetly famous until 1989. Eighteen years of production saw the R107 feature heavily at the ‘Southfork Ranch’ where it seemed everyone drove the SL. Husband and wife team of Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers either escaped from or caught up with ‘baddies’ in their R107 450SL in the series Hart to Hart. The TV companies enjoyed the V8 engine models, a variant that has been pursued by enthusiasts and collectors ever since. This 500SL is a later chassis and therefore benefits from a galvanised bulkhead and four speed automatic transmission. Registered October 1988 to its first custodian in Richmond, Surrey and has enjoyed a further 4 owners over 35 years.

This Mercedes is being offered on behalf of the current owner and at Country Classic Cars we find its best to present a ‘warts and all’ detailed write up of any classic we are requested to sell. This helps to avoid ‘buyer’s remorse’ especially for those purchasing from abroad or interested parties travelling distances to view. Finished in Smoke Silver Metallic the shell enjoys a bright finish with arrow straight lines and correct panel gaps, but a keen eye will note the o/s door trim strip insecure at one end; this will be corrected prior to sale. In a certain light a tiny dent (which has not broken the paint) can be noticed on the n/s front wing also a small section of rubber is missing on the top edge of both door shuts. The rubber boot spoiler has suffered minor paint cracks on one edge and a stone chip has resulted in a small paint blemish to the o/s front wing/wheel arch edge and we noted the wiper rubber is split to the n/s headlight. N/s rear bumper blade has a small rust hole, these can be re-chromed, or replacements are available negating the need for a new bumper; images and video footage are available for all the body blemishes. The factory alloys are in clean original condition but would benefit from refurbishing which offer the chance to replace tyres which are 60% worn.

The cabin has survived largely unaltered from when it left the showroom, carpets protected by factory over mats that are showing some age but having done their job. Dash and door panel trims are excellent whilst the veneer enjoys undamaged lacquer; no doubt an afternoon with interior cleaner would refresh and enhance this space further. Unfortunately, something has been spilt on a small section of carpet that resides on top of the rear passenger/jump seat area alongside the factory first aid box. A modern Pioneer DAB/CD audio unit has been fitted. The manual soft top offers minimal age, also a superb factory hardtop with stand is included in the sale.

The service history is comprehensive with the original booklet containing 16 main dealer stamps until 2004 at 58969 miles. Invoices and MOT certificates cover a later period also. In the year 2000 and at 64985 miles a complete new-replacement engine and gearbox were fitted under a comprehensive RAC warranty; these have travelled a further 50k miles since. The current owner took the reigns in 2014 and paperwork confirms a ball joint plus rear discs and a caliper were replaced before Country Classic Cars began looking after this SL in 2018. Some in-depth restoration and fabrication work was required to the underside and with our expertise knowledge of the marque this was carried out followed by replacement weather seals in 2020; the car also enjoyed a full service and has travelled just 2k miles since.

Oil pressure remains attached to the gauge’s maximum ‘3’ digit as the M117 V8 motor bursts into life and once it has settled in a steady tickover. Powerful assisted steering allows for one handed 3 point turns whilst the four-speed auto box slips seamlessly between ratios. Obviously, the performance is impressive but so are the brakes which bring all the fun swiftly to a halt. Few automobiles offer the pleasure and comfort Mercedes SL’s possess on the move, top lowered on a summers day they are a tough package to fault but we did note an issue with the cruise control on our test drive. Mechanically this ‘500’ drives very well, which is to be expected and whilst our technicians found plenty to praise, they did pick up on a small leak from the heater matrix. Our report has been considered by the current owner and we believe the price reflects the improvements that are necessary plus those that are more cosmetic.

For additional information please message with your email address for detailed images or a short walk-round video; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only as our cars are kept in secure storage although currently, we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.