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Curated Auction

1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107)

At a Glance

Desirable Face-Lift | ~11 Year Ownership | Restoration 2016 | Matching Hard-Top | Rear Seats

  • Mileage~124,500
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine3.0L
  • LocationFerndown

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more


Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£1,000
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

Sleek, elegant, and expertly engineered, the 300 SL (R107) carries forward Mercedes-Benz’s proud tradition of excellence.

Mercedes-Benz have a reputation for comfortable grand touring cars, which was well established prior to the R107 SL that made its first appearance in 1972. The brand's virtues were strengthened by the SL's ingrained quality, ease of use and mechanical hardiness. All this has made it into one of the easiest classic tourers to own today. Robust engineering and durable materials go a long way into making the SL a safe choice for those who like to travel in style without the uncompromising nature of other open-top classics of the era. From 1985 the more efficient 300SL replaced the 280SL - the engine was not only larger but also more powerful with more torque, it also enjoyed the introduction of Bosch’s KE-Jetronic fuel injection system. The KE-Jetronic system varied from the earlier, all mechanical system by the introduction of a more modern engine management "computer", which controlled idle speed, fuel rate, and air/fuel mixture.

Coming to auction from ~11 years ownership, this car has always been kept garaged in that time, is presented in the popular “Signal Red” over 80s period half check cloth upholstery, comes with the matching hard-top and also has the rear seat option too. The car has seen regular maintenance in the current ownership, including important body restoration which included bulkhead and subframe restoration in 2016.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Don the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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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.

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

Driving the car is a pure joy, you feel rather privileged and are envied by other motorists!

Donald has owned this 300 SL since 2014, making it a cherished classic for the past ~11 years. Having previously owned MGCs and Healey 3000s over the years, he decided the SL would be an ideal option for comfortable classic cruising on weekend getaways with his wife. He tells us "The typical grunt and groan British sports cars of the 50’s and 60’s can loose their appeal, am I allowed to say that!"

Please take a moment to review the history and accompanying paperwork, which reflects the significant time and investment that has gone into maintaining and improving this car over the years. The reason for sale "To be painfully honest, after 10 + years of ownership I am reluctantly selling the car due to my wife’s declining health and her growing need for mobility assistance when we do go out. After 30 odd years, Classic cars for me, will now become just a rather fond memory." Don is more than happy to answer any questions about the car you may have — feel free to leave a comment below.

Don
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

With Hollywood elegance, the 300 SL offers timeless good looks made for the silver screen.

Wheels and Tyres

These 15” flat-face "Dustbin Lid" R107 wheels look great, finished in silver. Each wheel is in very good condition, these being the standard face-lift wheels.

All four tyres are Dunlop Sport BluResponse, dated 2020, and appear to have plenty of tread remaining. Please refer to the exterior photographs and videos for a detailed tour of each wheel.

image

Bodywork

The bodywork of this R107 is in great condition, with all panel gaps around the car appearing to align very well. During our visit, we didn’t spot any obvious dings or dents. The car underwent an engine out body restoration in 2016 with the front subframe which was beginning to suffer from rust, a rather common problem on these along with the bulkhead issues, all rectified as detailed in the invoices. As the car stands today, we did notice a very small area of corrosion under the paint at the end of the bonnet and at the base of both front screen pillars.

More detailed observations are provided in our high-resolution images and videos. Please take the time to review all media files to assess the car’s condition for yourself.

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Paint

Finished in "Signal Red", the paint shows even coverage and consistent colour across each panel, and presents well for its age and mileage.

Once again, we’ve captured high-resolution images and videos of the car so you can assess the condition for yourself.

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Glass and Trim

The glass on this 300 SL looks great and is in keeping with the mileage. During our visit, we noted one small crack on the offside. Don reports that it has never been mentioned on any MOTs. We did not notice any major chips, cracks, or discolouration. The window seals also appear to be in good condition and align well with the overall presentation of the car.

The bumpers, door handles, and window surrounds are all in good condition. Donald rarely drives the car with the top up, preferring to enjoy it in dry weather, but as seen in the exterior photos, the convertible top is in excellent condition with no rips or tears, and the car comes with a matching hard-top as pictured.

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Interior

The cloth check seats remain tidy, elegant, and comfortable ~38 years later.

Seats and Carpets

The part check design seats have held their shape well over the years as pictured, nothing of note to call out here.

The same can be said for the door cards and carpets, which are in similarly great condition. For a closer look at the cabin, please refer to the extensive photo and video media provided.

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Dashboard

The dashboard is finished in black and presents three main Mercedes-Benz dials in front of the driver.

It shows no major damage or scuffs, and the top of the dash looks good too. No warning lights were displayed during our visit, and the odometer showed a reading of ~124,621 miles at the time.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A traditional Mercedes steering wheel is fitted. Both it and the original automatic gearstick remain in good condition. For a closer look, refer to the image gallery.

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Mechanics

We think the 300SL is the perfect blend of power and usability for a convertible classic.

Engine and Gearbox

A tidy and clean engine bay on this car, likely owing to the engine out restoration in 2016. The cold start presented no issues on the day, the car firing up and the exhaust looking good too.

Out on the road, the automatic gearbox transferred the power to the rear wheels without issue too. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, being driven around town, and to get a closer look underneath.

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Suspension and Brakes

From the 1986 model year onwards, the 300 SL benefitted from upgraded suspension and brakes.

Don confirms that both function exactly as they should. The car stops evenly and cleanly, as shown in the ‘On The Road’ video.

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The Drive

Sophisticated, smooth, and refined best describe the driving experience of the R107 300 SL. It’s a car that loves to be driven and admired — now looking for its next enthusiast owner.

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Electrics and Other

We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but Don reports that, to his knowledge, all of the electrics are functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car. The stereo is a more modern item as pictured, replaced by a former keeper.

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History and Paperwork

This desirable late facelift R107, finished in sought-after Signal Red with rear seats, is a UK car coming to market after ~11 year ownership, with all important bulkhead work actioned in 2016.

The car is presented in highly original condition. Please review the history and paperwork media for MOT records, servicing, and parts that this 300 SL has received throughout its life. The car has a valid MOT until 07/05/2026.

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, 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.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
08.05.2025 MOT 124,566
15.08.2023 MOT 124,119
15.08.2023 Service 124,119
11.08.2022 MOT 123,643
11.08.2022 Service 123,642
10.08.2021 MOT 123,133
10.08.2021 Service 123,133
11.08.2020 MOT 122,523
11.08.2020 Service 122,523
13.08.2019 Service 122,175
13.08.2019 MOT 122,175
07.08.2018 MOT 121,117
07.08.2018 Service 121,117
11.08.2017 MOT 120,041
11.08.2017 Service 120,041
17.08.2016 MOT 118,816
17.08.2016 Service 118,816
16.05.2015 MOT 117,583
15.05.2015 Service 117,583
04.06.2014 Service 116,087
29.05.2014 MOT 115,946
29.05.2013 MOT 115,763
01.06.2012 MOT 115,527
26.02.2011 MOT 115,473
06.03.2010 MOT 115,248
02.03.2010 Service 115,240
09.10.2007 MOT 115,051
08.11.2006 Service 114,272
18.10.2006 MOT 111,153
20.09.2005 MOT 111,143
19.11.2004 Service 107,408
17.03.2004 Service 102,564
19.11.2002 Service 97,700
13.11.2001 Service 92,006
20.11.2000 Service 87,619
25.11.1999 Service 84,599
18.11.1998 Service 78,879
10.11.1997 Service 73,695
08.11.1996 Service 67,092
06.11.1995 Service 61,623
07.11.1994 Service 54,061
17.05.1994 Service 48,909
05.06.1993 Service 41,788
02.05.1992 Service 34,665
05.04.1990 Service 23,574
13.07.1989 Service 23,008
17.01.1989 Service 39,523
11.07.1988 Service 12,401
14.03.1988 Service 6,833
15.12.1987 Service (MD) -
Key Details
  • Model 300 SL (R107)
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Reg. Date 01.08.1987
  • CC 2,962
  • Mileage 124,500
  • History Present
  • Colour Signal Red
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Half Check Cloth
  • Chassis # WDB1070412A068884
  • Engine # 10398222005809
  • Last Service 07.05.2025
  • MOT Yes. Exp - 07.05.2026
  • MOT Exempt No
  • Road Tax Exempt No
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 7
  • Tyre Tread Good
  • Tyre Brand Dunlop
  • Tyre Age 2020
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~11 years
  • Key Feature Spec, body restoration and ownership
  • Auction ID 2898


    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £1,000
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    Market View

    Low mileage examples can get upwards of 2x the price, the price of more average cars is very much dictated on condition and works actioned.

    We’re sure you have a good idea of the value of this vehicle by studying our thorough listing, however, you may be interested to see a selection of recent sales of the same and / or similar models.

    1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107)

    Auction House Historics

    Sale Date 23 Nov 24

    Sold Price £19,448

    1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107)

    Auction House Brightwells

    Sale Date 02 Apr 25

    Sold Price £24,667

    1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107)

    Auction House Classic Car Auctions (CCA)

    Sale Date 01 Jun 25

    Sold Price £32,083

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a 300 SL like this is TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Ferndown, Dorset

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price a seller is willing to accept for their vehicle. We work closely with sellers to set realistic reserves that reflect current market values — we don’t take on vehicles with inflated or unrealistic expectations.

    If the reserve isn’t met when the auction ends, we’ll work with the highest bidder to try and agree a deal with the seller.

    Whether the reserve has been met may / may not be disclosed during the auction — just like a traditional auction house. Bidders usually find out if they’ve won only when the auction ends.

    As a guide:
    – If you’re able to place a second bid, the reserve hasn’t been met.
    – If you attempt to outbid yourself and the system blocks it, then the reserve has been met.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.