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Closed Auction- Unsold

1979 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL (R107)

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  • Mileage~102,000
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine3.5L
  • LocationHastings

AUCTION CLOSED

1979 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL (R107)

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Introduction

Alan Stuart
Professional Consigner

The timeless R107 is renowned for it's elegant lines and bulletproof V8 combo - it's easy to see why it's such a favourite amongst classic car fans.

Mercedes-Benz has produced the 'Sport Leicht' aka 'SL' since 1954. This is the third generation first introduced in 1971, world-renowned for its performance, styling, and reliability. The 3.5L engine is mated to a four-speed auto, enclosed in a two-door monocoque shell with independent suspension, coil springs and anti-roll bars at the front and rear. The steering was power-assisted featuring the Daimler-Benz re-circulating ball system. Over 17 years of production, the R107 was made available to a very wide audience with eight different engine variants.

This example is coming to market from ~9 years ownership and is finished in the ever-popular "Signal Red" coachwork over cream leather interior. This example has been fitted with the later facelift wheels to give it a more modern appearance. It comes with the hard-top, and has had regular expenditure on the body and a mechanics over time, and is being sold a drivers example.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Natalie 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've loved owning this car, it's such a joy to drive as it just oozes power from the V8.

Natalie purchased this example around ~9 years ago, whereby the car required a little work. Each year since her ownership she has addressed major areas around the car. In 2019 it had repairs to the offside rear quarter panel and roof carried out along with work to the rear arches.

This SL 350 was MOT'd last November although it is now exempt, Natalie wanted to make sure this SL was in safe, roadworthy condition. The car is also sold with its full-size spare wheel, and hard top as pictured. With some lifestyle changes during the pandemic, Natalie is using the car much less and feels it would benefit from a new home away from the sea. She will be happy to answer any of your questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

Natalie
Vehicle Owner

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Exterior

Finished in its classic and desirable Signal Red, these R107s have a timeless look to them, firm favourites in the classic scene.

Wheels and Tyres

This R107 is equipped with the more modern 15” facelift wheels, which are all wrapped in a mix of premium rubber - Kumho Solus KH17 (2013) / Arrow speed AS-HP01 (2020) / Michelin Energy Saver (2014) / Continental (2003).

The wheels appear in good condition, with some very slight signs of curb marks in places. The tyres tell a similar story, although the older tyres show some very slight cracking around the tyre wall. Take a look at the photos and videos for a closer view.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this 350 SL looks in good condition, with all the panel gaps around the car looking to align well. However, when getting really close to some areas we noticed some signs of corrosion. Areas such as the back of the boot and the hard-top show visible signs, along with a typical area above the headlight on the nearside.

The car has had welding work over time as detailed in the history and paperwork gallery, areas such as the sills and bulkhead receiving attention in the past. It's a great usable classic and with some TLC could be taken to another level. We have taken hi-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in the ever so popular "Signal Red" (code 568H), the paint appears in line with the age and mileage of the car. On this example it is certainly beautiful from afar, but on closer inspection you'll see there is indeed room for improvement. The paint is flat in some areas, and the car has been painted in over time so you might notice slight differences in shades.

One particular area to note is the scuttle area at the bottom of the windscreen, this hasn't been refreshed when work on the bulkhead was actioned. Again, please take time to review all the images and videos showing the paint from different angles and reflections, to assess the condition for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this example looks good, we didn't notice any chips, cracks, or discolouration on our visit. The window seals look good too and in line with the rest of the condition of the car.

The chrome bumpers, grille, door, boot handles, and window surrounds all look in good condition with small areas of pitting beginning to show. The car had a new roof fitted in the summer of 2014 as detailed in the invoices. Natalie informs us it is in working condition, but unfortunately we weren't able to remove the hard-top on the day to document the condition.

Interior

Refined '70s luxury, with high Mercedes build quality, manufactured to last the age of time.

Seats and Carpets

These Mercedes-Benz seats were really built to last. The cream interior looks great against the contrast of the bright red paintwork - a timeless colour selection.

The carpets would benefit from a refurbishment in areas and the rest of the interior of the car would benefit from light detail throughout. Please view the images and videos for a closer look at the seats, carpets, door cards, and headlining.

Dashboard

A classic Mercedes affair with its very so 70s wood veneer which separates the dashboard from the centre console.

Overall this dashboard looks in good condition throughout. Fitted with the unmistakably of the era dials, they supply the driver with all the information needed. Natalie reports that the gauges and dials are working correctly and true as you would expect.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The classic four-spoke Mercedes-Benz steering wheel with automatic gear stick will be a familiar sight to anyone who’s driven an R107 before. Both present in fair condition in line with the cars age and mileage.

Mechanics

The mighty 3.5L V8 offers the perfect blend of power and ecomony - making for a great usable classic in 2022.

Engine and Gearbox

The 3.5L V8 delivers all the power you'll ever need to the back wheels. It makes long-distance journeys a joy, a perfect set-up for cruising in. The engine features Bosch K-Jetronic and gives the driver ~192BHP to tap into with a 0-60 speed of 8.7 seconds.

Natalie assures us that the engine and gearbox are in good original condition and both run smoothly. A major service that included timing chain and tensioner replacement was actioned in 2015. We captured the 350 SL starting from cold in the mechanical videos which confirms this. Natalie reports always giving the car the mechanical attention it requires.

Suspension and Brakes

Natalie confirms brakes and suspension work exactly as they should. The car stops evenly and cleanly as can be seen in the 'On The Road' video, and offers a comforting ride with no unusual knocks or noises coming from the suspension.

The Drive

V8 power, dashing good looks, and a luxurious cabin create a very enjoyable experience within this 350SL. Natalie has loved driving this example around London and the coast on sunny weekends. She mentions it's a joy to drive and a real conversation starter wherever she parks it up.

Electrics and Other

Natalie reports that all the electrics are working well and as expected to her knowledge. It’s been fitted with a JVC aftermarket radio.

History and Paperwork

Lots of provenance and maintenance over the past 20 years, this example is a car that's ready to be used and improved upon over time by a new owner.

This 350 SL R107 has been in the hands of Natalie for the past ~9 years, whereby she has attended to cosmetic bodywork areas and any mechanical maintenance needed that has come up over time. A major service was actioned in 2015 when the timing chain and tensioner was replaced, and the car has had welding work on areas such as sills and bulkhead actioned over time too. Although exempt the car has an in-date MOT and a great amount of service history - with the mileage documented by the service book and invoices.

Natalie will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

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. This is an auction on behalf of a trade seller and normal auction rules apply, i.e. there is no warranty, no return policy and bids are binding with more info in our terms and conditions.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
27.10.2021 MOT 102,673
11.11.2020 MOT 96,405
30.04.2019 MOT 93,995
16.05.2018 MOT 92,466
08.05.2017 MOT 91,126
06.05.2016 MOT 89,520
08.05.2015 MOT 87,337
08.08.2014 Service 84,332
01.07.2014 MOT 83,548
04.03.2011 MOT 83,435
02.11.2009 MOT 83,288
04.11.2008 MOT 82,796
10.10.2007 MOT 81,747
16.03.2006 MOT 80,705
07.02.2005 Service 80,056
27.11.1996 Service 56,685
04.02.1994 Service 44,096
17.05.1992 Service 41,491
19.12.1990 Service 41,116
17.04.1989 Service 30,611
14.07.1987 Service 25,911
17.09.1985 Service 21,401
17.09.1983 Service 13,717
22.10.1980 Service 4,649
29.10.1979 Service 507
Key Details
  • Model350 SL R107
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date27.09.1979
  • CC3,499
  • Mileage~102,000
  • HistoryGood
  • ColourRed
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimMB-Tex
  • Chassis #10704322014644
  • Engine #11698422004210
  • MOTYes. Exp - 15.11.2022
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~9 years
  • Key FeatureSolid base
  • Auction ID380955






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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Ask Questions
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RoyFrankland
Member
RoyFrankland

Hi, is there any chance of getting some photos of the soft top both up and down please? It is, after all, a convertible. Thanks so much, Roy

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