Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

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Some cars just get better looking with age and the W107 Series Mercedes-Benz SL is definitely among them.

Overshadowed for a long time by its graceful ‘Pagoda’ predecessor, it is now becoming better appreciated for what it is – a beautifully built sports roadster that is as dependable as an oak tree. To this day, no car door closes with a more reassuring ‘thunk’ than a Mercedes SL, and everything about the car contrives to make even granite feel a bit flimsy.

Fast, comfortable and discreetly understated, the SL has a matchless ability to munch up the miles for year after year without ever seeming to falter. No wonder it stayed in production fundamentally unaltered from 1971 until 1989 – the longest production run of any Mercedes car to date.

Launched in 1985 and remaining in production until 1989, the 300SL is often considered to be the pick of the SL range, falling mid-way between the 2.8-litre and 5-litre V8 models. It was powered by a creamy-smooth 3-litre straight six that employed a new KE Jetronic fuel injection system linked to a modern engine management computer that not only achieved better fuel economy than the 280 it replaced but more power as well. It also had an improved 4-speed gearbox.

The official figures were 185bhp and 188lb/ft of torque, sufficient to propel the car to 60mph in just 9.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 130mph. Almost as quick as the larger V8 models, it was not only more frugal but also handled better thanks to improved weight distribution.

This sharp-looking Smoke Silver example has had just three owners from new, the last since 2001. It has covered some 124,500 miles with an excellent early service history comprising 20 MB main dealer stamps up to 2000, subsequent maintenance being carried out by an independent garage who have not stamped the book.

Supplied new via the Alan Day dealership of London in October 1986, it is said to remain in very good condition throughout and has the attractive ‘flat-face’ alloys that suit this model so well. Supplied with both hard and soft tops, it is said to drive very well and is due to have a fresh MOT in time for the sale.

Altogether a smart, three-owner example of what many consider to be the best model in the W107 range at a very reasonable guide price.