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Mercedes 500 SL

Mileage: 73,639 Top Speed: 134 Year: 1987 0 - 60: 7.4 MOT Expiry: June 2014 BHP: 240 Tax Expiry: 12 Months Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic Exterior Colour: Smoke Silver Engine Capacity: 4973cc Interior Colour: Cream checked cloth Engine Configuration: V8

Mercedes 500 SL | £18,995

Mileage: 73,639

Model History

The R107 chassis replaced the now highly sought after W113 SL chassis or 'pagoda' in 1972. The R107 was produced in two variants the SL and SLC, the SL being a 2 seater convertible roadster with a soft top and removable hard top.

The SLs defined personal luxury cars for almost 2 decades (1971-1989) and were powered by eight different engines in that time.

 

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1980, an uprated version of the 107 series roadster and coupe was presented; the equipment of the interior including the steering wheel had been brought up to the standard of the S-Class sedans and the same happened with the technology. The former 3-speed automatic transmission was replaced by a 4-speed version and the light-alloy engines of the S-Class were built into the 107 series models in slightly modified form. With this update to the 107 model the new Type 500 SL was released with its 5.0-liter V8-engine, which had been carried over from the 450 SLC and replaced the 450 SL. There were hardly any external differences to the predecessor; all three SL types now had an aluminium bonnet and the 500 SL also had an aluminium boot lid with a black plastic rear spoiler.

Built at a time when engineers ruled at Mercedes rather than the accountants the R107 chassis was built to a standard rather than a price. It was built for 18 years for a very good reason and one that will become more and more appreciated as time goes on.

Equipment

Air-conditioning, Alarm/Immobiliser, Factory hardtop, Electric windows, Power steering, Alpine CD player, Central locking, Anti-lock brakes, Electric mirror, First aid kit, tool kit, Spare wheel. 

Exterior

The smoke silver paint makes for a very stylish and sophisticated combination with all the sparkling chrome and the cream interior. The paint finish is excellent with very few chips and the depth of shine is fantastic. All of the chrome is in first rate order and free from any pitting or damage. The plastic trim is clean and free from any discolouration or scrapes and the original Mercedes mud flaps are still in place. Both hard top and soft are both in excellent condition. 

Interior

The interior in this particular SL really is very good and almost like new. The checked fabric on the seat centres can often fade and wear thin but this is not the case on this example, the bolsters are  free from wear and the rest of the plastic trim is undamaged. The wood is in fine order and the carpets are perfect and still protected with the original Mercedes over mats. An Alpine CD player is the only later edition and comes with a handy iPod lead in the glove box. The boot area is also very clean and the spare wheel and tools are neatly stowed under the boot carpet. This car is fitted with factory air conditioning, a rare option that is still working well and blowing ice cold air.

Engine & Transmission

Clearly from the history you can see that this SL has been very well maintained and it's in first rate mechanical condition with the last service being carried out in July last year. The engine bay is very tidy and free from any structural corrosion to the inner wings and chassis rails. The 500SL delivers plenty of performance in that silky smooth fashion that only a Mercedes V8 can, and the auto box glides effortlessly through the gears. 

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The alloy wheels have just been professionally refurbished and are shod in a nearly new set of Dunlop SP Sport tyres. All of the brakes show minimal wear and pull the car up confidently in a straight line, they have also just benefited from a fluid change. 

History File

The car comes complete with a detailed service history all stamped in the original book. There are a total of 17 main dealer and specialist stamps with the last being done in July 2012 at 70,889 miles. There is a large file of invoices to back up these stamps that also details the exact work carried out. All the old MOT's have also been kept to further verify the low mileage and the car still has its original owners manuals, guides and 2 spare sets of keys.