1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

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Mileage~65,413 calculated
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine3.0-litre
LocationColchester

AUCTION CLOSED

1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Dom Ginn

Professional Consigner

Sit back, relax and enjoy cruising in luxury just like you were back in 1988.

Debuting in 1971, the R107-generation Mercedes-Benz SL was engineered as the pinnacle of luxury, safety, and grand touring versatility. Leveraging the brand's reputation for bomb-proof build quality and engineering finesse, the SL was designed as a high-end personal luxury icon, with a particular focus on the American market.

Its elegant design offers dual-purpose versatility thanks to the inclusion of both a soft-top and a hard-top. Benefiting from eighteen years of continuous refinement, the post-1985 SLs retained the classic elegance of the original while integrating contemporary advancements such as ABS, galvanised bodywork, advanced fuel injection, and improved passive safety. This blend of robust engineering and understated style created an iconic piece of Mercedes-Benz history - one whose prestigious original ownership continues to reinforce the car's ironclad reputation today.

Coming to market after just over a year with our vendor, this beautifully presented 1988 300 SL is finished in the desirable 'Ascot Grey', has a blue fabric roof and leather interior, it also comes with a hardtop, and, with just ~65,413 miles covered and a current MOT valid until 21.05.2027, it’s ready to jump in and enjoy.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Mark 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

Owning an SL several years ago, Mark has taken a trip down memory lane with this lovely 1988 300 SL.

Mark has enjoyed the Mercedes for the past year, during which he's enjoyed regular cruises over to Wales.

Since he purchased the 300 SL, he has carried out some minor jobs that needed attention, such as replacing suspension parts, fitting new tyres, discs, and pads, to ensure it is as good as it should be.

Mark will be happy to answer any questions in the comment section below.

Mark

Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Finished in Ascot Grey with a Royal Blue hood and interior, the colour combination has to be one of the classiest combinations for an SL, don’t you think?

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original 15-inch, 15-hole flat-face wheels, these are finished in silver and are in excellent condition, with no damage or corrosion noted on the faces.

A matching set of Uniroyal RainExpert 5 tyres are fitted, which have only covered ~1,000 miles.

Please take the time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

Looking around the SL, the panels appear to align with equal gaps and no dings or dents were spotted. There are a couple of small blisters, but these are very minor.

Looking through the paperwork, there were some repairs carried out to improve the rear arches. Mark also told us he has checked the bulkheads himself with an endoscope and all are in great condition, with no wet floors.

We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to review all media files to assess the car’s condition for yourself.

Paint

Finished in 'Ascot Grey', the paintwork presents very well with a nice finish.

There may be the odd age-related chip, but these are minimal.

The images are taken from a range of angles to show the car as you would see it in person, so please take the time to fully assess the high-resolution photos and videos before forming your own opinion of the paintwork.

Glass and Trim

All of the windows appear to be in good condition with no noticeable scratches apart from some minor age-related marks. The seals also appear to be in good condition.

A blue fabric roof is fitted, which is in excellent condition. The headlights and rear lights are all in good order, with no splits or cracks to the lenses. A hardtop also comes with the car, the paintwork and glass are in good condition.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Luxurious blue leather on comfortable seats; it’s easy to see why SLs tick all the boxes to be a fantastic cruiser.

Seats and Carpets

The blue leather seats are in excellent condition for their age, with minimal signs of use. The carpets throughout are also in excellent condition with no real signs of wear.

Inside, the boot is clean and tidy, and the spare wheel is in place.

Dashboard

Looking across the blue dashboard, this is free from damage or age-related cracks. The wooden fascia, which runs down to the gear lever, is in excellent condition with no splits or crazing to the lacquered finish.

The instruments are working correctly, and the odometer shows ~52,940 miles. This was replaced in 1994 by Mercedes-Benz, when the car had covered ~12,473 miles, so it has actually covered ~65,413 miles.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Mark has added more luxury with a wood/leather steering wheel at a cost of £1,000.

The gear knob is in good order with no signs of excessive use.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

3.0-litre inline-six – the perfect powerhouse, offering great performance and good economy.

Engine and Gearbox

The 3.0-litre fires up nicely, settles to a smooth idle, and runs with no issues. Mark replaced the weeping rocker gasket and took a photo showing how clean the rockers were. This can be seen in the paperwork section. It has also recently received a full service, including gearbox and differential oils.

The automatic gearbox changes smoothly and the 3.0-litre pulls well.

Mark tells us that when the gearbox is warm, if you put it into reverse quickly, it can sometimes jerk a little.

Suspension and Brakes

On the road, the 300 SL handles as you would expect from a classic Mercedes. No knocks or bangs were heard coming from either corner, and the ride was smooth.

The brakes work as they should, bringing the SL to a stop in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal, and, you’ll be pleased to hear, the brake pads were replaced ~500 miles ago.

The Drive

Looking for a relaxed, refined driving experience rather than an outright sports car? The 300 SL ticks all the boxes… effortless cruising with the roof up or down, powered by the wonderful 3.0-litre inline-six engine, which performs well. Inside, it is comfortable and luxurious for its age in true Mercedes-Benz style.

Electrics and Other

All of the switchgear is working as it should and looks in good order, with no excessive signs of age on the buttons.

Adding a modern touch is a replacement Blaupunkt head unit.

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History and Paperwork

A nice collection of invoices, MOT certificates and service stamps helps verify the low mileage.

There are several invoices for work carried out over the years, along with a service history printout and the relevant stamps in the original service book. The odometer was changed in 1994 by Mercedes-Benz with the clock at 12,473 so the actual milage is ~65,413 (52,940 + 12,473).

The SL underwent an MOT test on 8th May and, as mentioned, was serviced ~500 miles ago.

If you’re in the market for an SL, there are generally a few to choose from, however, they can be prone to corrosion and often have high mileage which makes this the perfect car. Modest mileage and what looks to be a nice, solid example that presents extremely well.

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

Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
08.05.2026	MOT	52,903
25.04.2025	MOT	50,934
22.05.2024	MOT	50,629
16.05.2023	MOT	50,616
18.03.2021	MOT	50,418
10.04.2019	MOT	48,624
18.04.2018	MOT	47,624
21.03.2017	MOT	46,875
21.03.2017	Service	46,874
27.04.2016	Service	45,382
09.03.2016	MOT	43,710
27.03.2015	Service	42,507
26.03.2015	MOT	42,507
03.03.2014	MOT	41,388
15.03.2013	MOT	41,330
09.11.2011	MOT	41,086
17.112010	MOT	40,104
30.11.2009	MOT	37,133
25.09.2009	Service	36,536
03.12.2008	MOT	33,930
21.11.2007	MOT	30,643
25.06.2007	Service	29,274
29.11.2006	MOT	28,184
08.11.2005	MOT	25,406
20.05.2003	Service	22,154
26.11.2001	Service	21,316
16.07.1999	Service	17,781
01.04.1998	Service	13,301
13.11.1996	Service	8,318
21.12.1995	Service	4,752
10.08.1995	MOT	4,204
12.04.1995	Service	2,503
22.08.1994	MOT	419
20.07.1994	Odometer changed by Mercedes-Benz	12,473 on old clock
31.08.1993	MOT	12,181
21.08.1993	Service	12,165
28.08.1992	MOT	10,802
05.06.1992	Service	10,077
03.09.1991	MOT	8,301

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Key Details

Year1988
Finance Available?Yew - contact us
Model300 SL
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date01.08.1988
CC2962
Mileage~52,940 on clock (~65,413 calculated)
ColourAscot Grey
Interior ColourRoyal Blue
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WDB1070412A089108
Engine #10398222008365
Last Service~500 miles ago
MOTYes Exp: 21.05.2027
MOT ExemptNext Year
Road Tax ExemptNext Year
HPi ClearYes - all clear
Former Keepers10
Tyre BrandUniroyal
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~1 year, 1 month
Key FeatureCondition
Vehicle RegistrationF452 LPJ
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeConvertible
Auction ID3750

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All Images

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Vehicle Location

Colchester

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Auction Closed

Let us know if you're interested

This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

I'M INTERESTED

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Seller : Virgil

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8 Comments

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

2 months ago

*** RESERVE LOWERED *** I’ve just spoken to Mark and he’s lowered the reserve on the car. Good luck, Adam – TC

Ollyboy

1 month ago

To what, today reserve

Ollyboy

2 months ago

Also how many owners has it had

Virgil

Seller

Ollyboy

2 months ago

I think it’s 9 from memory. I’m away at the moment but can check when I get back.
Regards
Mark

Ollyboy

2 months ago

Brilliant many thanks, thats what I was hoping

Ollyboy

2 months ago

Hi Mark love the car there is no mention of the hard top do you have one?

Virgil

Seller

Ollyboy

2 months ago

Hi Ollyboy. Yes it does have a matching hardtop. The hardtop at the time of the photo’s being taken was in storage. It is now on the car. Comes with stand and cover. I will take a few images and send them to Trade Classics during the next few days.
Regards
Mark

ColinB

Admin

Ollyboy

2 months ago

Hi,

Mark has sent over a few photos of the hardtop on the car, you can see them here:

https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/mercedes/1988-mercedes-benz-300sl/#gallery4-63

Thanks,
Colin.

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Vehicle Location

Colchester

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