1975 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL (R107) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1975 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL (R107)

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Mileage~91,659
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine3.5L
LocationLyndhurst

AUCTION CLOSED

1975 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL (R107)

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

A continental tourer with space and refinement, beautiful, and a quality act, the R107 is a popular classic for many a reason.

Taking over as the flagship coupe model in the 1970s Mercedes lineup, the R107 models were initially offered with two different engine options, with the 350SL models offering V8 power without the significant loss of power over its bigger brother. Aimed at the luxury-orientated market for the sport-touring car buyer, the well-specified and lavish Mercedes philosophy proved to be a constant and dependable presence throughout the next two decades of production. Often praised for their durability and ease of ownership, in recent years the R107 has become something of a safe bet for those who prefer to own an open-top luxury classic car, without the issues associated with older cars.

This solid and well-maintained example of a 1975 Mercedes 350 SL has a decent body of paperwork which stretches back to the 1980s helping to confirm that the car has been in the hands of several careful owners. It has not even covered ~1,500 miles in the last 30 years having been kept in storage for much of that time. It comes with its factory hardtop and a good condition soft top, as well as a pleasing presentation and a tidy interior.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting John the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

It's a well-engineered and sturdily screwed-together car, you've got to hand it to Mercedes-Benz.

John has a loyal interest in SLs having owned several generations of the model, with this car being acquired after a period of storage. Initially used by his wife, the car has not seen much use despite its positive mechanical attention over the years.

It's now time for a new custodian to really enjoy the car and put it through its paces. John will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

John

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Finished in the ever popular Signal Red, the elegant lines still look sensational today.

Wheels and Tyres

The alloys are in decent shape, the older "Mexican Hat" style that came with this generation as standard. They have minor signs of age but are free from any significant damage.

The tyres are mixed brands and are around over 20 years old with signs of age noted on the sidewalls but retain a decent tread. View the image gallery to see the wheels up close.

Bodywork

Overall the car displays well, with no issues with the panel placement, all fitting flush with decent panel gaps. Structurally, there is a build-up of age noted in the front corners engine bay, with the chassis rails appearing to be solid. The inner wings and floor pan have seen a liberal amount of undersealing applied to them for protection in the current ownership, but appear to be solid.

The lower section of the exterior of the car such as the front valance, off-side door and rear lower arches shows signs of age. There are smaller prescribed areas of the body that also reveal a few bubbles in a typical area of the offside top of the wing, the area around the bonnet emblem and the lower nearside rear wing. A minor dent was spotted on the nearside top of the boot lid. The hard top is in good shape, with minor signs of age observed on the underside. The hood and boot well appear to be dry and solid.

Please take the time to look through the hi-resolution images we have taken for a more detailed look at the exterior, for you to get a feel for the condition.

Paint

Finished in a popular Mercedes-Benz colourway of "Signal Red" (568H) over black interior, it's a lovely example. The paint finish is generally well applied, with its colour coverage appearing to be a decent match with only the boot finish catching the light in a slightly different hue.

There is one area of flat application, just on the off-side top portion of the rear wing but overall the car has a decent lustre. There are a few chips in places, but overall the car has been spared of any road damage.

The images taken are from various angles and reflections to show you the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves and for you to make your own minds up on the condition.

Glass and Trim

The glass is fundamentally sound, with no significant signs in terms of damage. The trim has lasted well, with the brightwork in good shape, just the off-side rear section of the bumper showing signs of age.

Some of the trim seals around the side glass have perished in places, but overall the trim placement is level with no additional issues with the positioning of the bumpers. The lights and lenses are in good shape.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The sensibly designed and well kept cabin, makes it an ideal classic to use and still pleasant in modern driving conditions.

Seats and Carpets

The black MB-Tex seats are in good shape, with no rips or wear noted to them, some detailing could help make them look a more solid black we think.

The carpets are tidy with decent mats which all appear to be dry. The headlining of both the hardtop and soft top is in good shape, with no issues noted on the door cards.

Dashboard

The dashboard has lasted well, with no significant signs of age and no cracks or wear. Some of the trim has aged in places, but the core elements such as the binnacle, switches and centre console are in good shape.

All of the instruments are legible, with no reported issues with their functions. The car is fitted with a non-functioning 80's period car phone and a Kenwood cassette player connected to front foot well and rear-mounted speakers.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in good shape with minimal wear, reflecting the age of the car well. They are finished in a matching black to the seats and rest of the interior, a smart cabin.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The 350 SL offers a decent turn of speed when pushed, and that classic V8 soundtrack.

Engine and Gearbox

The car has seen a healthy amount of work over the years, with the engine starting up and idling with no issues. The warning lights remained off and the exhaust remained smoke-free throughout the time.

No rumbling or knocks were heard. The gearbox is said to be in good shape, with no reports of malfunctions and able to select drive with ease. Watch the video to see and hear the car starting and running.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension has seen a fair amount of attention when the car was active, and as a result, there are no reported issues with noise or the ride when the car is on the move. The brakes appear to be in good physical condition, with no trouble reported regarding their operation.

The Drive

One of the many appeals of the SL is the way that the car rides, offering a durable and dependable experience for those who also appreciate the lazy power of the V8 engine. The SL has built up a reputation for being usable in modern conditions, thanks to the engineering and mechanical durability of the well-proven design. Placing itself as an ideal weekend cruiser, the car has also been serviced and has only covered around ~300 miles since then.

Electrics and Other

As well as the solid condition and careful storage of the hardtop, the car's soft top is in good shape too with no issues in terms of wear or age. It is said to be watertight and display decent rear screens. It raises and lowers without issues.

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History and Paperwork

The car has seen extensive engine work, followed by a minimal amount of use since then, in a classic red over black colourway, this R107 makes a great candidate for a summer car.

The car comes with a good body of MOTs, invoices and evidence of regular maintenance throughout the 1980s. The engine has received a fair amount of attention too, with invoices to suggest there was extensive engine work carried out by Leeds Mercedes. Additional brake, exhaust, water pump, radiator repair and bush/shocks replacements were carried out shortly afterwards, with the floor, inner wheel, arches and sill repairs carried out by the same dealer in 1989. The mileage records suggest that its use slowed down into the 90s and has only covered around 1500 miles in the last 30 years. Latterly during this period, the car has spent time in storage for 13 years until it was recommissioned for use by the current owner in 2017.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
23-06-2017	MOT	91,550
28-06-2017	Service	91,550
04-06-2004	MOT	90,953
03-05-2000	MOT	90,865
18-03-1995	MOT	90,782
12-03-1994	MOT	90,664
15-03-1993	MOT	90,626
06-03-1992	MOT	90,251
07-03-1991	MOT	89,780
10-05-1990	Service	87,563
21-11-1989	MOT	84,547
07-09-1989	Service	83,455
30-12-1988	MOT	77,369
18-12-1987	Service	70,638
27-03-1987	Service	64,713
08-12-1986	MOT	62,818
10-07-1985	MOT	55,609
18-07-1984	MOT	46,430