1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107) |

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1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£17,000

Mileage~103,889 on clock
Transmission4-speed automatic
Engine3.0-litre
LocationKeston, Bromley

SOLD

1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

This is the ultimate classic cruiser: built to comfortably cover distances while making a grand, stylish entrance.

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. Benefitting from eighteen years of continuous refinement, the post-1985 SLs retained the classic elegance of the original while integrating contemporary advancements such as ABS, galvanized 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.

This smartly presented automatic 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is finished in Metallic Diamond Blue with a bespoke two-tone leather interior trim, comes with £2,000 worth of recent suspension renewal and comes with its original hard top. It has a good service record, service booklet, a selection of handbooks and has two keys. Sold with an MOT to June 2026, it will be eligible for road tax and MOT exemption in August 2026.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Lee 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 was drawn to the timeless design and understated elegance of the 300 SL.

Lee tells us, "The car has that perfect blend of classic Mercedes-Benz engineering and everyday usability, with clean lines and a presence that never feels dated. I also loved the reputation these cars have for solid build quality and longevity - it felt like investing in something truly enduring rather than just, well, buying a car".

Lee went on to say, "I’ve loved owning and driving this car, but I feel it’s time for a new adventure with another classic. It deserves to be enjoyed and appreciated, and I’d rather see it go to someone who will continue to cherish it as much as I have".

Lee will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Lee

Vehicle Owner

Lee saved £3,060* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Presented in elegant Diamond Blue Metallic, this example has clearly been cherished throughout its life.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” alloys are presentable, with mild marks but no scuffs or road wear.

The front of the car is fitted with undated Federal tyres and 2016 Davanti to the rear - these are 205/65 spec and show legal tread, although the front pair show signs of age.

Please take 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

The underside looks solid, with some signs of age noted on both rear sections of the sill lips. The floorpan, boot floor, wheel wells, hood well and engine bay look positive.

The exterior presents positively, with flush-fitting panels and even shut lines. There are a handful of minor corrosion spots just emerging on the nose of the car and nearside front wing, but they are by no means a distraction.

All doors open and close without issue.

The boot lock barrel is missing, but still opens.

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 Metallic Diamond Blue has a decent shine and a good consistency. The boot lid has a few surface streaks and scratches. The offside door and rear wing show minor flatness, but appear to be ideal candidates for a detailer to resolve.

All four wheel arch lips have paint dab touch-ups; they’re not unsightly. There are a couple of chips and surface blemishes on the top of the offside rear wing where it meets the boot lid, but the car is generally free of road wear.

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 is in good shape with decent seals, and all of the lights and lenses are in good condition.

The trim is well-mounted, with signs of age noted on the boot-lid trim chrome.

The front grill has a few minor dings, and the passenger side door finisher has tarnished.

The body trim and windscreen embellishment look good.

The bumpers are well-mounted to the car, although the front chrome shows minor surface wear.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Inside, the bespoke two-tone leather trim adds an energetic aesthetic.

Seats and Carpets

The seats have been refurbished with light blue leather inserts.

They are all in great condition and retain a positive firmness.

The carpets are clean, laid with aftermarket mats - all free of dampness.

Dashboard

The cabin is in good order, suggesting careful ownership. There are no significant issues with the facia veneer, switches or controls. There are a couple of padding fractures near the binnacle. All of the controls are said to function, except for the clock.

The rest of the trim is in good shape, the door cards are upholstered in leather, mirroring the design of the seats, and the headlining is in good condition. The boot carpet suggests light use, with some signs of wear and loose trim observed.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is tidy with minor marks on the rim.

The gear lever is in good condition.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

This robust example serves as a testament to the 300 SL’s legendary reputation for engineering finesse.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up without any hesitation, free of wobbles or misfires. It idles evenly, with no unwanted exhaust smoke. The dashboard engine warning lights remained off, but the ABS warning light did stay on.

Lee has informed us that he believes it's a sensor issue, due to being intermittent in nature, and will try to book the car with his mechanic for further investigation - however, for now, please take this into consideration unless updated in the comments below.

The engine has decent ancillaries - some of the rubber and hoses show signs of age but the car remained leak-free during our visit.

The 4-speed automatic gearbox operated without any reported faults, functioning with brisk shifts and immediate engagement. Lee demonstrated a positive kickdown when accelerating briskly.

Suspension and Brakes

The front suspension components show mild signs of age but have been subject to work, including new springs and front arms. The ride was smooth and free of any knocks or unwanted noises.

The car brakes confidently, with no unwanted wobbles or squeals.

Lee is happy with the way the car stops - as mentioned, he also stated that the ABS dashboard warning light has recently come on after a period of intermittent flashes.

The Drive

To keep the R107 relevant during its 18 years of production, Mercedes-Benz focused on a program of continuous mechanical evolution. A turning point arrived in 1984 with the M103 unit, which utilised Bosch CIS-E fuel injection to optimise performance and efficiency. Long favoured by enthusiasts for the 300 SL, this engine represents a perfect intersection of old-school reliability and sophisticated, silk-smooth operation.

Lee took us for a glorious drive in the spring sunshine, demonstrating the car's smooth and balanced driving experience. Coming up to temperature quickly, the robust straight-six pulled smoothly, free of splutters or lag. The drive is a soothing experience, and the suspension was free of negative feedback. We heard a minor cabin rattle from the rear, but nothing unwanted from the wheels. Nimble, with an excellent turning circle, there was no pulling from the steering wheel; it is free of significant play or wobbles.

Despite the warm day, the engine handled the temperature effortlessly; even when idling for extended periods, the cooling system remained perfectly stable.

Throughout his four years of ownership, Lee reports that the car has never encountered any issues with oil pressure or overheating.

Update to On-the-Road video: Lee is unable to book the car in at a garage to investigate the ABS in time.

Electrics and Other

The soft top is in excellent condition, with no outdoor elements and operates without any obstructions. The rear screen has a few folds, but is clear and free of marks.

Lee also has a hard top for the car.

A JVC 12 Disc CD Changer unit is fitted in the boot.

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History and Paperwork

Regularly serviced, this example has also seen £2,000 worth of suspension work in 2024.

The car was registered by Mercedes-Benz main dealer GF Evans & Sons of Gwynedd in August 1986. Thought to have remained local for most of its life, the car was previously held by a business and a private female owner before being placed into storage; it was subsequently acquired by Lee in 2022.

The car has 18 service stamps in its service handbook, all but one were from the main dealer up to 79,859 miles. There is a £2,000 invoice for suspension work in 2024, and a receipt for the fitting of a water pump in 2017. The car also comes with a batch of MOT certificates, two keys, some of the original handbooks and an MOT to June 2026. It qualifies as road tax and MOT exempt in August 2026.

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
19-06-2025	MOT	103,715
30-05-2024	MOT	103,652
19-05-2023	MOT	103,515
03-05-2022	MOT	102,275
12-11-2020	MOT	102,159
11-11-2019	MOT	101,744
12-06-2018	MOT	100,574
17-06-2017	MOT	100,244
11-05-2017	Water Pump fitted	100,198
14-06-2016	MOT	99,997
10-06-2015	MOT	98,823
29-04-2013	MOT	98,014
26-03-2012	MOT	96,777
07-04-2011	MOT	95,810
04-03-2010	MOT	94,725
15-04-2008	MOT	92,244
28-04-2006	MOT	88,909
15-10-2001	Independent Service	79,859
01-09-2000	Mercedes Service	75,169
07-03-2000	Mercedes Service	70,201
03-07-1998	Mercedes Service	60,607
22-10-1997	Mercedes Service	58,242
28-10-1996	Mercedes Service	54,343
16-10-1995	Mercedes Service	50,091
14-07-1994	Mercedes Service	45,920
24-09-1993	Mercedes Service	43,770
01-03-1993	Mercedes Service	41,774
20-01-1992	Mercedes Service	37,205
07-05-1991	Mercedes Service	32,209
17-01-1990	Mercedes Service	30,065
23-01-1990	Mercedes Service	22,602
11-05-1989	Mercedes Service	18,085
01-03-1988	Mercedes Service	12,484
27-02-1987	Mercedes Service	6,049
22-08-1986	Mercedes Service	1,026

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Key Details

Year1986
Model300SL R107
Transmission4-Speed Automatic
Reg. Date01-08-1986
CC2962
Mileage~103,889 on clock
ColourMetallic Diamond Blue
Interior ColourTwo-Tone Blue
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #WDB1070412A051823
Engine #10398222002799
Last Service15-10-2001
MOTYes Exp: 18-06-2026
MOT ExemptIn August 2026
Road Tax ExemptIn August 2026
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers6
Tyre BrandFederal/Davanti
Tyre Age20 years + /2016
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~4 Years
Key FeatureDrivers' Example
Vehicle RegistrationD377 TJC
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2-Door Convertible
Auction ID3606

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All Images

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Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : LeeR107 Sale Date 14.05.2026

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8 Comments

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

1 month ago

*** RESERVE LOWERED *** I’ve just spoken to Lee and he’s lowered his reserve on the car. It’s very competitive meaning it’s likely you’ll have to be in it to win it this evening. Don’t miss out on this one. Good luck, Adam

LeeR107

Seller

1 month ago

Full service not four service

LeeR107

Seller

1 month ago

Hi Grant
I’ve had the car for four years and it’s had a four service. There is a gap in the service record but all I can say is the car drives incredibly well in my opinion. You can also see and hear from the video that the engine idles and revs perfectly.
The ABS light was a recent surprise! As already stated the car drives really well and brakes well too. Again the video shows me breaking quite hard before approaching the roundabout – you can see from the video there is no issue with the breaking in this car. I’m not a mechanic, but I feel it’s probably just a sensor issue, as there is definitely no breaking issue on my car.
If you require any other information, please don’t hesitate to ask for any further clarification.

GrantP

1 month ago

Hi Lee,
Having recently bought one SL through TC, I’m just looking through the details of your motor. The last documented service listed on here is 25 years ago? You replied to another question that your car was fully serviced a couple of years ago – including all new spark plugs. Can you tell me when the 3 most recent series have been to your memory and do you have the invoices?

I take it that despite the ABS light on the dash, the car still drives and stops without any problems? As I’ll have to factor this into my budget, having just paid a £2500 bill today for repairs to my current SL with my local Mercedes specialist. 😉

I look forward to hearing from you.

Warmest regards,

Grant

Cola414

1 month ago

Sorry Lee,I’ve just seen the registration!

Cola414

1 month ago

Hi Lee,could I have the registration for checks please?Thank you!

LeeR107

Seller

2 months ago

Hi Mark
The car was fully serviced a couple of years ago – including all new spark plugs.

marksb

2 months ago

Hi Lee,
Has the car had a service, or at least an oil change, since 2001?

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Vehicle Location

Keston, Bromley

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