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1986 Mercedes Benz 300 SL

At a Glance

Superb Presentation | Hardtop and Hoist | Excellent Service Records | Several Long Term Owners

  • Mileage~79,871
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine3.0L
  • LocationEast Molesey

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CURRENT BID£1,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Consigner and Editor

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

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.

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.

Video #2

Meet the owner

I sold the car in 2021 but regretted that decision, so I bought her back 4 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. He 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 4 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

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EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

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. We didn't spot any weaknesses regarding the floor pan, chassis rails, wheel wells, suspension mounts or the bulkhead. 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
Video #2

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
Video #2

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 test drive. The steering was direct, with no pulling upon braking. Used as an occasion 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 assured us that everything was working as expected, to his knowledge.

The hardtop is in excellent condtion 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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Video #2

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
  • ModelMercedes Benz 300 SL
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date01-05-1986
  • CC2962
  • Mileage~79,871
  • HistoryYes
  • ColourThistle Green Metallic
  • Interior ColourBiege
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #WBD1070412A046552
  • Engine #10398222001875
  • Last Service17-05-2018
  • MOT06-03-2025
  • 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 FeatureExcellent condition with hard top and hoist
  • Vehicle RegistrationC42 AOR
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body Type2-door Convertible
  • Auction ID2230
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

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Vehicle Location

East Molesey

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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Mercedes like this is £178 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2024.

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    Vehicle Location

    East Molesey

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