1980 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL |

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1980 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL

Sold Price

£6,784

Mileage~128,306
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine3.5L
LocationLambourn

SOLD

1980 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

Timeless, beautiful and a quality act, the R107 is a popular classic for many a reason.

As a well established open-top tourer, the R107 SL Mercedes-Benz range is often considered a safe choice for the classic car owner seeking the classic car experience but also demanding the built quality and durability of a more modern design. As one of the last 350 SL, this 1980 car is a pre-facelift version and offers much of the original design features from when the car was first seen in 1972 but benefited from steel quality improvements and progressive development.

Taken on by the owner who bought the car from a lady driver in the mid-'90s, it served him well as an all-rounder that was more than capable of exceeding its expectations. It has seen a good level of maintenance and care but was laid up in dry storage around 10 years ago. Now presented as a project, it still presents well, has a solid base, a very good interior and runs under its own steam. The R107, famously, has excellent parts availability with plenty of specialists on hand - a sure sign of a car in demand.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Steve 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

We've loved its grand-touring abilities, this particular era have aged so gracefully.

Used as an evening/occasional car, it was driven on a regular basis and the practicality of the additional rear seats, usable boot, comfort and the touring abilities of the flexible V8 engine made it an easy car to live with.

Steve took on another classic car in the early 2010s, which meant the 350 SL days were limited but he decided to put the car into storage. Steve is now faced with a project he doesn't need, the general condition suggests that there is plenty of life left in this example and given the popularity of the R107, a worthwhile investment for the new buyer. He'll be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Steve

Vehicle Owner

Steve saved £1,080* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The subtle styling sparkles in this rare colour, with the early SL hubcaps in matching paint, it's a classic look.

Wheels and Tyres

Chrome colour-coded wheel trims are in good condition on this example. Two of the hubcaps show signs of curbing to the outer edges as pictured. The Fulda (Goodyear) tyres are over 20 years old but appear to be in reasonably good condition with legal tread.

Bodywork

Overall, the body is presentable with signs of external corrosion noted on the top of the front end of the off-side front wing, both rear wings have advanced signs of corrosion, although the car comes with a pair of replacement rear arches. Other minor blemishes can be seen on the base of the hardtop, lower sections and the rear panel under the lights.

The owner has suggested that the back end would need the most attention, which is offset by the generally solid condition of the front half of the car - a casual observation of the subframe and bulkhead look ok. The doors open and close with minimal effort and the panel flow and gaps are good, with the drivers door being a slightly uneven fit.

We invite you to study the external media pack in more detail to further assess the bodywork's condition.

Paint

The Inca Red paintwork is striking and suits the lines well. The car has seen fresh paint in places at some point but retains a decent shine. The lacquer is generally good, with the rear off-side wing being the main issue of peeling. There are a handful of minor door edge chips but the front of the car is free from significant damage. The car is remarkably dent-free too.

Please have a look at the photos and a video to see paint in more detail.

Glass and Trim

The glass is good, with no significant damage, other than the hardtop glass suggesting laminate damage.

The trim is correct and complete for the model, with the chrome in decent order, although the underside of the front bumper will need attention.

The rubber strips and door/glass rubbers are in line with the condition of the car and have not perished.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer look.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The interior condition has resisted the ageing process very well indeed, thanks in part to the car retaining its hard top and storage over the years.

Seats and Carpets

The seats have worn well and do not show excessive wear or rips and retain reasonably good firmness. The car comes with the desirable rear seat option.

The door cards present well, with some signs of age in places. The carpets and mats are good and dry, with typical signs of age but are complete and presentable. The boot carpet is complete, although the mild dampness on the left-hand side will warrant investigation.

Dashboard

The overall presentation of the facia is good, with no damage to the veneer or the top of the dashboard.

The dials and controls show minor age-related wear, with the instrument binnacle looking in line with the rest of the interior. The handbrake housing shows the usual cracking.

The hardtop headlining is rip free but suggests a possible but minor damp issue.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear stick are above the average for a car of this age, with no significant damage noted.

Take a look at the extensive photos and videos for a closer look at the cabin space of this 350 SL.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The V8 engine still sounds lusty and eager, a perfect soundtrack for a summers day when the roof is down.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts up immediately, with a little smoke observed. No significant rumbling or tapping was noted.

The engine ran well but its recent lack of use would warrant at least a service and a check-over. The gear change was said to be slick and operates well.

Suspension and Brakes

No obstructions were observed while the car was moved around, the brakes did not grind nor lock up.

Their condition suggests that they have seen plenty of maintenance in the past, but due to its lack of use the car will need a level of mechanical checks.

The Drive

Steve has told us that the car was used regularly for over 15 years and ran well, averaging a maximum of around 4K miles a year but hasn't seen the roads since 2012 and realistically has to be considered a rolling restoration.

Electrics and Other

The car has not seen the open road for almost 10 years, so its electrical reliability cannot be vouched for but has seen the installation of a new battery fairly recently.

The soft-top roof has deteriorated in the last few years and therefore Steve recommends it will need a replacement.

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History and Paperwork

Well maintained and looked after, this car deserves to see the open road again, this UK RHD example is being auctioned as a rolling restoration.

Bought from a lady owner in 1996 who lived in the Dorset area, the car had seen regular use right up to 2013. The 350 SL had seen regular upkeep, servicing and maintenance up to this point, with external and mechanical demands being met either via the Mercedes-Benz main dealer or specialists. The car has been kept in secure and dry storage since then and therefore has not been used since but starts up and drives under its owner power.

We've actioned checks on; Seller ID, V5, HPi.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
10-02-2012	MOT	128,304
16-06-2011	MOT	128,303
31-10-2008	MOT	128,290
12-10-2007	MOT	126,281
18-09-2006	MOT	123,692
09-09-2005	MOT	122,384
02-09-2004	MOT	121,433
04-09-2003	MOT	118,684
04-09-2002	MOT	114,084
29-09-2001	MOT	110,476
18-10-2000	MOT	108,058
13-03-2000	Service	105,434
21-10-1999	MOT	104,951
03-10-1998	MOT	103,084
09-10-1997	MOT	101,575
18-09-1996	MOT	99,196

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Key Details

Model350 SL
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date1980
CC3,499
Mileage124,306
HistorySome
ColourInca Red
Interior ColourBiege
Interior TrimCloth
Chassis #10704322014914
Engine #11698422004618
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - clear
Former Keepers8
Tyre BrandFulda (Goodyear)
Tyre Age2001
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned25 years
Key FeatureAn original spec R107 SL

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Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : Steve D Sale Date 20.09.2021

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

Guest

Gordon

Hi Steve, what does the car require to pass MOT?

Guest

Stephen Dyer

I’m not sure what the cut off date is, best check on DVLA. website. Steve.

Guest

MR S J DYER

Definitely some bodywork welding back end, go through brakes.

Member

mart2340_1

Hi Steve, does the car drive, would I be ok to drive it a short distance on trade plates ?

Thanks

Guest

MR S J DYER

Because has not been driven on the road for a number of years, although it does start runs, around the estate, I would like trust driving on the road any time.

Guest

MR S J DYER

Because has not been driven on the road for a number of years, although it does start runs, around the estate, I would not like trust driving on the road any time.

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Vehicle Location

Lambourn, Berkshire

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