Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

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Looking more handsome with every passing year, the W107 series Mercedes-Benz SL was built at a time when the Stuttgart firm still had a reputation for building the best engineered cars in the world.

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.

The SL came in a wide range of engine sizes using both straight-six and V8 engines, but one of the best was undoubtedly the 3-litre six that appeared in 1985. Employing a new KE Jetronic fuel injection system linked to a modern engine management computer, it not only achieved better fuel economy than the 280 it replaced but more power as well. 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 economical but also handled better thanks to improved weight distribution.

First registered in March 1987, this 300SL has had just three owners from new and has been in the current lady ownership since 1997. Showing some 148,100 miles on the clock, it has clearly been well looked after with no fewer than 19 service stamps to May 2005 at 114,367 miles (giving an average service interval of only 6,000 miles) and we are told that it has been regularly serviced since then although there are no stamps or bills to substantiate this.

Looking most eye-catching in mid-blue metallic with a smart grey leather interior, it also has the rarely seen sports front seats with raised side bolsters to keep you snugly in place when pressing on. It comes with hard and soft tops, both in good condition. In storage for the last three years (hence the reason for sale), it is said to drive very well and is due to be recommissioned and issued with a fresh MOT in time for the auction, and will be driven some 40 miles to get here.

With few owners and in good order throughout (barring a few minor blemishes to the rear bumper chrome and the bodywork here and there) this is a most attractive example of what many consider to be the best model in the W107 range. The fortunate new owner is sure to attract many admiring looks while out and about in the coming summer months.