1987 Mercedes-Benz 300SL (R107)

A beautifully maintained late-model R107, this 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL has remained within the same family for almost all of its life. Finished in a timeless silver, the paintwork presents to a very good standard and suits the elegant shape of the R107 perfectly. The colour appears consistent across the panels, with an attractive gloss and no obvious mismatched areas noted during our visit. Restoration work was carried out in 2014, and the quality of the exterior presentation remains evident today. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint. The bodywork presents very well and reflects the care the Mercedes has received throughout Peter’s ownership. The panel gaps and shut lines appear even throughout, with the bonnet, doors, and boot aligning nicely. The car’s straight profile and clean body lines are particularly noticeable when viewed from the side. We did note a very small area of corrosion on the driver’s-side frame. This is barely noticeable but has been highlighted for transparency and photographed for buyers to assess. The removable hardtop is included with the car. It presents well overall, although there are a few small marks and minor dents visible upon closer inspection. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves. The dashboard retains the clean, functional layout associated with the R107, combining clear VDO instrumentation with attractive wood veneer across the centre console. The instruments are clearly presented, and the odometer indicated approximately 103,886 miles during our visit. The dashboard and surrounding trim remain in good overall condition, with only light age-related wear visible. A more modern head unit is currently fitted. Importantly, the original head unit is also included with the sale, allowing the next owner to return the audio system to its original appearance if desired. The 300SL is ideally suited to relaxed, open-top journeys, combining smooth straight-six power with a comfortable ride and reassuring road manners. Out on the road, the engine delivered its power smoothly, with the automatic gearbox complementing the refined nature of the car. The steering, suspension, and brakes all performed without concern, and we noticed no unwanted noises during the journey. Whether enjoyed with the roof removed on a warm summer day or with the hardtop fitted for longer journeys, the R107 remains an elegant and highly usable classic. The generous chrome detailing is an important part of the R107’s appearance and presents well across the bumpers, grille, window surrounds, and exterior trim. The light units, lenses, and badging also appear smart, with the prominent Mercedes-Benz grille and three-pointed star creating an unmistakable front end. The glass appears clear, while the removable hardtop gives the next owner the option of enclosed motoring during the colder months. Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself. The later-style 15-hole Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels suit the car perfectly, and help the car retain its correct period appearance. All four wheels present well overall, with only light age-related marks visible upon closer inspection. The tyres also appear in good visual condition, although we always recommend reviewing the detailed photographs and checking their age before regular use. Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old. The seats combine blue checked fabric centres with coordinated dark-blue bolsters, and present extremely well for their age. They retain their shape nicely and create a comfortable, inviting place to spend time. We noted a small mark on the driver’s seat, but this does little to detract from the excellent overall presentation. The matching door cards, rear trim and blue carpeting continue the colour scheme throughout the cabin and all appear to have been carefully preserved. Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself. The 3.0-litre M103 straight-six engine is paired with an automatic gearbox, a combination well suited to the relaxed and refined character of the SL. Peter reports that the engine runs very well, delivering its power smoothly without any known issues. The automatic gearbox also operates as it should, moving through the gears cleanly and comfortably. The engine bay has an honest and largely original appearance. The car has been serviced every year throughout Peter’s ownership, helping to keep it mechanically reliable and ready to enjoy. Please watch the mechanical and on-the-road videos to see the Mercedes starting, running and driving, along with a closer look around the engine bay and underside. A modern head unit is currently fitted, while the original unit is included with the sale. No significant electrical concerns were raised by Peter during our visit. Peter purchased the Mercedes from his father-in-law in 2001, although the car had already been connected to the family for many years beforehand. As a result, it has effectively remained within the same extended family for almost all of its life. Throughout Peter’s ownership, this 300SL has been serviced every year and maintained with the intention of preserving its condition and reliability. Restoration work was also undertaken in 2014, helping produce the smart exterior presentation seen today. The original head unit accompanies the car, along with its removable hardtop. Any supporting invoices, servicing records and restoration documentation are shown within the paperwork gallery for buyers to review. After more than two decades of ownership, Peter is only selling because the Mercedes is no longer getting the use it deserves. This represents a lovely opportunity to acquire an elegant, late-model R107 with a particularly strong family connection and a clear history of regular care. We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check. We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming. If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. Peter reports no known issues with the suspension, steering, or braking systems. During the drive, there were no unwanted knocks or noises from the suspension, while the steering felt composed and the brakes brought the car to a stop confidently. Overall, the Mercedes felt settled and comfortable on the road, performing as a well-maintained R107 should. The Mercedes-Benz steering wheel presents well and remains in keeping with the rest of the cabin. The automatic gear selector is housed within the wood-trimmed centre console and feels appropriately solid and straightforward to operate. Together, the steering wheel and selector contribute to the relaxed grand-touring character of the 300SL.