1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107)

A timeless Mercedes-Benz roadster, combining elegant 1980s styling, smooth six-cylinder performance, and refined open-top motoring.

Paint

Finished in a lovely shade of Arctic White (code 147), the paintwork presents well overall, with even colour and coverage across the panels.

There are, however, some areas that would benefit from attention, including slight paint wear to the trim above the front fog light, a deep scratch on the O/S/R arch, paint wear above the O/S/R brake light, and a small area of flaking paint and rust on the N/S door.

Once again, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the paintwork for yourselves.

Bodywork

The bodywork appears to be in great overall condition, with the panel gaps appearing visually consistent around the car.

There are some minor age-related imperfections, including light bubbling above the O/S/F headlight and a dent above the O/S/R brake light.

On 16 April 2025, the Mercedes was involved in an accident which resulted in repair work totalling ~£6,800. Arvind reports that the incident occurred at low speed in stop-start traffic, resulting in damage to the front of the car. The work included repairs and replacement parts for the bonnet, front bumpers, grille, radiator grille cover, front re-inforcers, star emblem, various trim pieces, and protection rails, alongside paintwork.

We've provided more detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos. Please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Dashboard

The dashboard in this Mercedes 300SL shows no major damage or scuffs during our visit.

The odometer displayed 49,143 miles at the time of consignment.

The drive

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL offers a different take on the traditional sports car, prioritising smooth performance, comfort, and relaxed open-top motoring.

Its straight-six engine and four-speed automatic gearbox make it well suited to longer journeys, while the R107’s classic proportions and distinctive styling ensure it remains an appealing car to take out for a drive.

With its elegant design and refined character, the 300 SL captures the appeal of Mercedes-Benz grand touring from the late 1980s.

Please have a look at the ‘On The Road’ video where Arvind takes us for a short drive.

Glass and trim

The glass is in good condition for the car’s age, during our visit we didn’t notice any obvious cracks or discolouration.

The window seals appear good and consistent with the overall condition of the car.

The door handles and window surrounds also present well, as do the convertible roof and detachable hardtop. This latter was specified from the factory in matching Arctic White.

Wheels and tyres

The facelift 15” flat-face "Dustbin Lid" R107 wheels look great, finished in silver. Each wheel is in good condition, though on close inspection we did notice some very minor curb marks.

The wheels are fitted with Michelin Energy Saver tyres all round, dated 2012. They appear to be in good visual condition, with a good amount of remaining tread and no visible cracking on the outside sidewalls.

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.

Seats and carpets

The cream leather seats with cloth inserts - option 075 - Cloth Creme Beige - have retained their shape well over the years.

The door cards and carpets present in a similar manner; the interior is in consistent, lovely condition throughout.

For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

Engine and gearbox

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, offering smooth power delivery and refined performance that suits the R107’s grand touring character. Paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox, the drivetrain is designed to deliver relaxed, effortless motoring, whether cruising through town or covering longer distances.

Arvind reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well - take a look at the mechanical video to see a verified cold start, a video of the car driving around, and a closer look underneath the car.

Electrics and other

Arvind reports that everything is functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car, except for the aerial which is broken.

History and paperwork

Take a look at this history and paperwork media to see the previous MOT reports, extensive servicing, and parts this 300 SL has received over its life.

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.

Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay.

Suspension and brakes

The R107 was engineered to provide a comfortable and composed driving experience, combining independent suspension with a well-balanced chassis suited to relaxed touring. Its traditional rear-wheel-drive layout and power-assisted braking system complement the car’s character, offering a reassuring feel on the road while retaining the solid engineering expected of a Mercedes-Benz from this era.

We cover the underside of the Mercedes-Benz in our “Mechanical” gallery section. Head over to our video section, where we’ve documented our visit in more detail for you to view for yourself.

Steering wheel gear stick

The four spoke Mercedes black leather steering wheel is in great condition.

The automatic gear selector also looked to be in good shape; both are consistent with the condition of the rest of the car.

For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.