Mercedes-Benz 350SL (R107)

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When the fabulous W107 Series Mercedes SL Roadster was launched way back in 1971 it initially came with only one engine option, the tried and trusted 3.5-litre V8 that was already to be found in the big S Class saloons and coupes.

Widely regarded as one of the best engines that Mercedes ever made, it was an immensely tough and reliable unit that produced 200bhp and 211lb/ft of torque and could clock up huge mileages with minimal maintenance. It remained an option right up until 1980 when it was finally replaced by a slightly larger 3.8-litre unit. Bigger and smaller engines were also available over time but the 3.5 was always the engine that the car was designed for and gave it a top speed of 132mph – perfectly adequate by most standards.

First registered in March 1978, this 350SL has had seven owners to date and has covered 90,000 miles with a good service history comprising 14 stamps in the book, the last at 88,416 miles in March 2011 shortly after which it was acquired by our vendor. He used the car lightly for the next three years, having it serviced again at 89,615 miles in March 2013 when new front brake discs and pads were also fitted, before parking it up in 2014.

Earlier this year it was brought out of storage and submitted for an MOT which it failed on a dozen counts, none of them too serious and all readily viewable if you key the registration number into the MOT history check website. The Achilles heel of the 107 Series is rot in the bulkhead which is very costly to repair, and while this car will need some localised underbody repairs, we are told that the bulkhead appears remarkably solid, having been examined after removing the heater fan to gain access.

Still in running order, it comes with both hard and soft tops, the original handbooks, 14 old MOTs, sundry invoices and is being offered here at no reserve as a straightforward restoration project.