1982 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL R107

Highlights

• In current ownership for approximately 36 years
• Substantial history file with service records, MOT certificates, and invoices
• Recently recommissioned by a specialist and passed an MOT (voluntarily) in August 2026
• Private registration plate included in the sale
• Matching hard top included

The Appeal

Mercedes-Benz is well-known for offering a large range of engines across its models, with the 500 SL sitting atop the celebrated R107 SL range that ran from 1971 to 1989. With its 5.0-litre V8 and effortless grand touring character, the 500 SL remains one of the most sought-after variants in the line-up.

This 1982 example has been in the current owner's hands since August 1990, some 36 years of ownership. Service history is recorded in the Mercedes book up to 1990, and from that point onwards the car's life is documented through regular MOT certificates and invoices for work carried out. After a period of SORN storage from 2017, a specialist recommissioned the car in August 2026, and it passed its MOT. The vendor describes it as enjoyable to drive and surprisingly nimble on country roads.

Key Information

• Mileage: 120,000 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT valid until August 2027
• Technical specs: 5.0-litre petrol, four-speed automatic
• Paperwork: service history recorded in Mercedes book to 1990, regular MOT certificates and invoices from 1990 to 2023

Service history:
08/26 – Mid Beds Vehicle Restoration (MBVR Ltd)

• Collected vehicle from Wrestlingworth for workshop repairs

06/23 – Mid Beds Vehicle Restoration (MBVR Ltd)

• Completed engine diagnostic check to investigate misfire
• Replaced fuel filter, spark plugs, distributor cap, and rotor arm
• Conducted local road test

05/19 – 131,730 miles – VNR Autocare Ltd

• Engine oil and filter change completed
• Replaced battery and completed MOT test

05/18 – VNR Autocare Ltd

• MOT test completed

10/17 – A & R Pound

• Retrimmed driver's seat panel and handbrake cover

10/17 – D.C.T. Trim Repair

• Cleaned and recoloured leather seats

03/17 – 117,686 miles – H. A. Lock Motor Engineer

• Tested for engine vibration: removed gearbox support cover, removed exhaust mounting bracket from gearbox, and refitted components
• Replaced power steering hose and fluid
• Repositioned rear silencer and fitted two new rear exhaust rings
• Fitted replacement fuel tank sender unit and adjusted fuel mixture

08/16 – H. A. Lock Motor Engineer

• Removed, dismantled, cleaned, and overhauled automatic gearbox
• Adjusted K1 and K2 clutch clearances, replaced clutch friction plates, gaskets, seals, and gearbox filter
• Refitted gearbox, set operating pressures, and road tested vehicle
• Removed, repaired, and reinstalled radio
• Diagnosed ABS fault, replaced rear ABS sensor, and completed MOT test

10/15 – Mid Beds Vehicle Restoration (MBVR Ltd)

• Recovered vehicle from Henlow
• Inspected and freed off stuck throttle linkage, replaced linkage buffers and bushings

11/15 – 118,552 miles – Mercedes-Benz of Bedford

• Completed Visual Health Check
• Investigated fuel pump noise and fitted new fuel pipe, fuel tank strainer, bracket, and rubber mountings

06/15 – Mid Beds Vehicle Restoration (MBVR Ltd)

• Removed all four brake calipers for external overhaul/reconditioning
• Refitted reconditioned calipers, bled brake system, and road tested vehicle

05/15 – Past Parts Limited

• Rebuilt and tested brake calipers

04/15 – 117,866 miles – Mercedes-Benz of Bedford

• Fitted new fuel pump and sealing rings

01/15 – Mercedes-Benz of Bedford

• Replaced over-tightened fuel pump

10/14 – Mid Beds Vehicle Restoration (MBVR Ltd)

• Replaced front brake discs, brake pads, fuel pump, fuel filters, fuel hoses, banjo bolt, sealing rings, and headlight wiper blades
• Replaced engine oil, oil filter, distributor cap, rotor arm, spark plugs, and fuel dump valve
• Zinc-plated 20 wheel nuts

09/14 – Saxon Gate Motorist Centre Ltd

• Supplied and fitted five Falken 205/70R14 95H tyres, including wheel balancing

08/14 – 102,115 miles – Mid Beds Vehicle Restoration (MBVR Ltd)

• Transported vehicle to workshop, performed initial MOT inspection, and assessed engine starting/running fault

04/03 – 117,477 miles – Derrick Wells Mercedes-Benz Specialist

• Fitted body washers behind headlights to rectify adjustment height
• Freed off binding front brake calipers and pads
• Replaced both front brake hoses, center drag link, and second-hand headlight switch
• Carried out MOT test

08/99 – 115,572 miles – Derrick Wells Mercedes-Benz Specialist

• Freed off sticking throttle linkage and fitted two replacement bushings
• Replaced N/S/F headlight bulb

02/98 – Owupland Fastfit Ltd

• Completed MOT test

02/98 – Schilward Motors Ltd

• Completed 12,000-mile service

09/94 – 92,149 miles – Maldon Auto Services / Schilward Motors Ltd

• Completed full annual service inspection
• Fitted four new 205/60/15 tyres, four new valves, and balanced wheels

06/91 – 89,513 miles – Buzby's Garage / Unicorn Garage Ltd

• Replaced brake master cylinder, renewed brake fluid, bled brakes, and carried out MOT repairs

05/91 – Special Vehicle Services Ltd

• Supplied and fitted Navy Blue convertible soft top hood

The Detail

• Extensive work carried out by Mid Bedfordshire Vehicle Restoration (MBVR) in early 2015
• SORN from 2017 and stored under a cover in a garage until August 2026
• Recommissioned by MBVR in August 2026 and passed an MOT with just one advisory
• The vendor reports overall good condition with small dents and very little known corrosion
• All instrumentation reported to work correctly
• Leather seats reported to be in good order with no major cracks
• Engine starts and runs correctly, per the vendor
• Hard top included; soft top shown to be in smart, presentable order

BEFORE YOU BUY

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