Mercedes 300SL

History

Introduced in 1986, the 300SL used the 2,962cc straight-six from the new generation 300E Saloon. This modern engine gave similar performance to the earlier 350/380 V8s but offered better economy and made the car handle better due to its reduced weight. For these reasons the 300SL is now perhaps the most sought after of the W107 range with good cars going up in value in recent years.

This 1986 300SL looks particularly fetching in light metallic blue with a cream leather interior. It has covered 144,000 miles with a huge service history to show regular maintenance. With one owner from 1990 to 2007, the car has clearly been well looked after including a body refurbishment in 2005, photos of which are on a CD in the history file. It also had a new mohair hood fitted in the same year and a full overhaul of the braking system.

Complete with cruise control, power steering and brakes, hard and soft tops, two sets of keys and an alarm immobiliser, everything is said to work as it should except the clock. With an MOT until September 2008 and taxed until March, it is said to drive beautifully with a smooth engine and gearbox and excellent handling.