1986 Mercedes Benz 300 SL |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1986 Mercedes Benz 300 SL

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Mileage~79,871 on clock
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine3.0-litre
LocationEast Molesey

AUCTION CLOSED

1986 Mercedes Benz 300 SL

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Consigner and Editor

A timeless triumph of engineering and style, the SL represents the golden era of Mercedes.

Since the final one rolled off the production line in 1989, there has been a consistent demand for the R107 Mercedes SL thanks to its many endearing qualities. Engineered to a high standard, the SL was allowed to mature with considerable improvements over its 18-year production run. These qualities - designed to appeal to people who value their sturdy build, safety, cruising ability, and comfort - continue to make them popular among people who want the feel of an iconic automobile with potential for daily use.

The hard top option made the car a coupe, giving it the best of both worlds. This made it unique in the market when it was originally produced when its main consumers were looking for driving refinement. With features such as ABS and crumple zones built into its solid structure, the SL not only influenced the modern open-top sports car but also became a symbol of safety with style.

This is a stunning example of the revamped 300 SL, benefitting from a galvanised body, new engine, improved suspension, lower profile tyres and a front chin spoiler. Coming to market after nine years with our vendor, over two spells, it is finished in an attractive Metallic Thistle Green finish, it comes with its original hardtop, stand and aftermarket hoist. Furnished with an almost unblemished beige cloth interior, this automatic example also comes with an impressive history of servicing and maintenance.

Sold with two keys and its original emergency key, full owner's wallet, data card and an MOT to March 2025 - so if you're serious about a 300 SL, then it really does deserve a closer look.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Chris 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

I sold the car in 2021 but regretted that decision, so I bought her back four weeks later!

Chris originally bought the car in 2015 after seeking one through various classic car specialists and chose this one after appreciating how well looked after it was.

Chris initially kept the car for six years, keeping on top of the maintenance and cosmetics. A health scare forced the sale of the SL in 2021, but fortunately, he was given the all-clear soon afterwards. As he saw the car being driven away, he instantly regretted selling it and decided to buy it back just four weeks later.

In total, Chris has owned the car for 9 years, covering around 5,000 miles during that time. A relocation now forces the sale, as he fears that he’ll be adding more mileage to the car.

Chris will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Chris

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Beautifully preserved, this car has to be considered one of the nicest mid-80s SLs we've come across.

Wheels and Tyres

The alloys are cleanly presented, displaying the occasional minor marks on the rims.

The matching Avon tyres are just over 10 years old and all have good even tread.

We noticed a little a little sidewall distortion on the offside front tyre.

Bodywork

The car's exterior is free of any panel damage or signs of age. The panel fit is flush with excellent shut lines. All doors open and close easily. The owner has renewed both passenger door seals which maintains the car's reassuring door action.

The same positive story applies to the car's underside; it looks reassuringly solid - the engine bay and boot floor also appear to be solid. The hood well is decent with no water ingress.

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

Paint

The pleasant Metallic Thistle Green finish has a decent lustre, catching the sunlight with minimal haze or swirls.

There are a handful of minor surface marks - some on the hood lid being the most obvious marks, as to be expected on a car with a removable hardtop but overall there’s very little to distract.

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 high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass and its seals are in great shape, with no signs of significant age. The light and lenses are all free of damage.

The chrome trim has lasted well and the bumpers are in excellent order having seen their steel mounts replaced in 2019. The nearside front corner rubber trim and offside rear corner rubber trim show scuff damage but that appears to be the extent of the exterior damage.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Exceptionally preserved, there's very little to fault with the interior.

Seats and Carpets

The beige interior reflects the careful ownership profiles over the years, and there’s very little wear noted on the cloth upholstery seats.

The carpets and aftermarket 300 SL motif mats are also in good shape, with no signs of dampness. The boot trim and carpet are similarly clean, with no signs of heavy use.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent condition, and free of scuffs or fractures. The facia veneer is cleanly presented and displays no signs of lamination wear. The dials and switches are well above the expectations of a car of this age, all are said to function as they should.

It's worth noting that the hand brake housing is in excellent condition, with the rest of the cabin trim, headlining and door cards in great shape.

This car is fitted with the optional cruise control and retains its original Blaupunkt FM/Tape player.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in good condition, showing very little signs of use.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Mechanically dependable, this SL drives confidently with panache.

Engine and Gearbox

It starts up immediately with no engine wobbles or hesitancy. All ignition warning lights remained off, as the car idled smoothly. A little of the usual cold engine condensation from the exhaust was noted and it remained smoke-free during our visit. There were no signs of fluid seepage on the ground.

The engine presentation is positive - the ancillaries and hoses are tidy, and the usual wear and tear items such as the bonnet insulation and engine plastics look good.

The automatic gearbox was demonstrated to work well selecting ratios without delay, with no slippage and a positive kick down.

Suspension and Brakes

The ride was free of knocks while we took the car out, dealing with speed ramps and ruts without wobbles or unwanted clunks.

It brakes reassuringly, the calipers and front pads have been replaced during Chris’ ownership - they stop the car without squeals or judders.

The Drive

The SL has an enviable reputation as a car that has traversed the decades, as a respectable, chic and effortless cruiser. Compact by modern standards, it also has a demeanour that lends it to tackle modern road conditions confidently. Chris mentioned its responsive steering, smooth braking and relaxed driving style as the main reasons he became a fan of the SL.

At urban speeds the body felt remarkably taut and free of creaks and knocks, handling with no negative feedback. The engine pulled well without hesitancy and sounded tight throughout our drive. The steering was direct, with no pulling upon braking.

Used as an occasional car, Chris has been satisfied with its reliability and hasn’t reported any issues with oil pressure or engine temperature.

Electrics and Other

We didn't test all the electrics during our visit but Chris told us the radio and electric aerial was working but he was unsure if the cassette works, he assured us that everything else was working as expected, to his knowledge.

The hardtop is in excellent condition inside and out, with no significant damage to the paint or trim. It mounts and is removed from the body without any problems. The car also comes with a bespoke body dust cover. Chris will provide a hardtop hoist, stand and dust cover for the hardtop as part of the sale.

The canvas soft top is original and is in excellent condition and provides a snug fit when raised. There is a minor fracture on the nearside rear quarter section of the perspex. Otherwise, all of the screens are free of damage or age.

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History and Paperwork

Serviced 20 times since 1986, the car has also seen regular maintenance by specialists.

Originally supplied by Mercedes main dealer Portfield Garage of Chichester in April 1986, it was purchased by a lady owner who kept the car for ~18 years. During that time it was serviced stamped 14 times by the main dealer and specialists. Its next owner was a doctor who continued its regime of servicing, confirmed by another 5 stamps in its service booklet. There is a further invoice for servicing in 2018.

Invoices from the last 10 years include a new front cover gasket, new weather strips for the doors, battery, new front calipers, power steering hose, trim and bumper mounts. Invoices going back to 2004 are mainly for mechanical and servicing maintenance. The last service was carried out around 3,000 miles ago.

It comes with its full owner's pack, including its user manual, service book, Blaupunkt manuals, original warranty registration card and data card. Also supplied are a selection of old MOT certificates going back to 1999, two keys and its original emergency key. It has an MOT to March 2025, by which time it will be just a year away from MOT and Road Tax exemption.

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, 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 of 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 bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
07-03-2024	MOT	79,632
02-03-2023	MOT	79,205
03-03-2022	MOT	78,845
03-03-2021	MOT	78,410
03-03-2020	MOT	77,801
24-01-2019	MOT	77,539
18-10-2017	MOT	76,262
17-05-2018	Specialist Service	76,871
12-10-2016	MOT	75,665
29-09-2015	MOT	74,890
05-09-2014	MOT	73,724
06-06-2013	MOT	71,264
06-06-2013	Specialist Service	71,264
11-06-2012	MOT	70,833
16-06-2011	MOT	69,974
15-06-2010	MOT	69,225
05-05-2009	MOT	68,690
12-05-2008	MOT	67,189
14-05-2008	Specialist Service	67,189
01-05-2007	MOT	66,249
01-05-2007	Specialist Service	66,249
13-05-2006	MOT	65,072
13-05-2006	Specialist Service	65,072
20-05-2005	MOT	62,439
20-05-2005	Mercedes Service	62,439
31-05-2005	MOT	60,940
31-05-2004	MOT	60,940
26-05-2004	Mercedes Service	60,908
02-06-2003	MOT	60,003
30-12-2002	Mercedes Service	59,419
08-06-2002	MOT	58,525
08-06-2001	MOT	58,003
02-06-2000	MOT	56,822
27-04-1999	MOT	54,583
22-12-1998	Mercedes Service	53,882
15-07-1997	Specialist Service	48,358
02-05-1996	Specialist Service	42,933
17-02-1995	Specialist Service	37,714
14-09-1993	Specialist Service	30,745
26-03-1992	Specialist Service	24,121
05-08-1991	Specialist Service	21,457
22-08-1990	Specialist Service	17,971
09-03-1989	Specialist Service	11,727
30-03-1988	Specialist Service	7,829
23-12-1986	Mercedes Service	4,562
10-06-1986	Mercedes Service	1,318
09-04-1986	Pre-Delivery Inspection

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Key Details

Model300 SL
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date01-05-1986
CC2962
Mileage~79,871 on clock
HistoryYes
ColourThistle Green Metallic
Interior ColourBiege
Interior TrimCloth
Chassis #WBD1070412A046552
Engine #10398222001875
Last Service17-05-2018
MOTYes Exp. 06-03-2025
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers5, Chris is owner 4 and 6
Tyre BrandAvon
Tyre Age2013
# of Keys3
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned9 years, over two spells
Key FeatureCondition / History
Vehicle RegistrationC42 AOR
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2-door Convertible
Auction ID2230

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

East Molesey

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Seller : ChrisPe

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8 Comments

pankjethwa

11 days ago

Can i pls view the car on Thursday?

ColinB

Admin

pankjethwa

10 days ago

Hi,

We can help arrange a viewing for you, if you could send an email to hello@tradeclassics.com first, as we need to do a couple of checks first.

Thanks,
Colin.

chromelondon

11 days ago

Hi Chris, the text says the soft top is original but it seems to be black in the video? the car left the factory with a dark brown hood according to a vin check. Please advise.

ChrisPe

Seller

chromelondon

11 days ago

I can assure you the soft top is what I would describe as ‘chocolate brown’ I don’t know why it should look so dark in the video.

TristanR

20 days ago

Hi Chris, have you an SL Shop condition report by chance as I can see one of their stickers in the engine bay and can you comment specifically on the usual worry spots, bulkhead area, floor pans and sills please? Many thanks

ChrisPe

Seller

TristanR

19 days ago

Hi, I dont have an SL condition report and after contacting the SL shop recently regarding the sticker in the engine compartment I was told they were unable to give any information regarding work carried out on the car to anyone other than the invoice payee.
The bulkhead area looks as clean as the rest of the car and the drainage holes are all clear and working as they should. The floor pan is dry and rust free in the car and the garage who looks after the car informs me the underside is well sealed. The sills, again are clean and well sealed.

Leedo

22 days ago

Hi when would be a good time/day to view the car, I live in York so would be coming by train so where is a convenient station to meet up?
Thanks David Leedham

ColinB

Admin

Leedo

22 days ago

Hi David,

We can help arrange a viewing for you, if you could send an email to hello@tradeclassics.com we just need to do a couple of checks first.

Thanks,
Colin.

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Vehicle Location

East Molesey

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