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PRIVATE Sale

1987 Mercedes-Benz 420 SL (R107)

This vehicle is now available as a private sale - you can make an offer by the Buy It Now button below.

Buy It Now

£18,000

  • Mileage~93,000
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine4.2L
  • LocationAshford

FOR SALE

1987 Mercedes-Benz 420 SL (R107)

Now available for sale

Introduction

Alan Stuart
Professional Consigner

After nearly four decades of being on the road this beautiful SL is just as good today as it was during the 80s.

Mercedes-Benz have produced the 'Sport Leicht' aka 'SL' since 1954. The R107 generation first introduced in 1971, and world-renowned for its performance, styling, and reliability. The 4.2L V8 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 its 17 years of production, the R107 was made available to a very wide audience with eight different engine variants.

Between 1985-1989 the more powerful ~215BHP 90° V8 engine powered the 420SL, this particular model with the 4.2L engine is one of the rarest R107s, just ~2,148 produced. The engine enjoyed the introduction of Bosch’s KE-Jetronic fuel injection system, varying 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, making the 420 SL able to put out a decent MPG with en economical driving style.

This example comes to market from 4 years ownership, and has previously been cosmetically restored by 4-star classics. It presents in very good condition as a UK RHD, 6 former keepers recorded, and comes with the hard-top. In current ownership, the suspension has been renewed and upgraded, and the car comes to market with a valid MOT. In "Arctic White" over a navy leather interior, it's a striking example of the marques flagship roadster.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Jag the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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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

Thousands have been spent on the preservation of this V8 R107, I love the classic looks and colour combo on this one.

Jag has owned this SL for ~4 years, he's always admired the R107 shape from an early age, as tells us another reason for this purchase was the rarity (~2,148 produced) and sweet spot the 420 SL finds itself in. Finished in Arctic White (147) over navy interior, this example really stood out to him.

In his ownership, Jag has had the springs and shocks renewed with Eibach springs and Bilstein gas shock absorbers, he's also spent time fixing a few interior items like the fuel gauge and wing mirrors. Jag admits he's not using the car enough to justify ownership and due to using his other classics more often has decided to bring this lovely example to auction with us. He'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

Jag
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Gleaming with Hollywood elegance, the classic SL shape is timeless and a firm favourite amongst enthusiasts.

Wheels and Tyres

This being a 1987 car, it is fitted with the 15" facelift alloys, these present in good condition all around. We noticed a very minor mark on the offside rear alloy.

The car is fitted with Dunlop SP Sport 200 all round. The tyres appear in used condition, dated 2001 with slight cracking to the side walls, nothing too serious with the car passing a recent MOT. View the images to see the details.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this 420 SL looks in great condition, with all the panel gaps around the car look to align well. This being a later facelift model, the cars featured galvanised bodywork, helping to preserve the cars over time. During our visit we didn't spot any obvious dinks down the flanks of the car, everything looking crisp and sharp. Both the doors, boot, and bonnet open and close with ease, and door shuts/sills which are typically problem areas all looked clean and visually free of issue.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in a "Arctic White", the car was resprayed, along with new front wings being fitted and a full service at the cost of ~£4,500 in 2010 by 4-Star classics, the paint appeared in great condition on our visit, good lustre to the paint, it's a striking choice.

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 hi-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 on this example looks good and in line with the mileage and ownership, we didn't notice any major 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. Along the chrome trim we did notice small signs of pitting in areas, view the image gallery to see the detail.

The convertible hood has very small wear to the nearside plastic window from folding as pictured.

Interior

Furnished with high-quality coloured leather, still clean, elegant and comforting ~35 years later.

Seats and Carpets

Comfortable SL navy leather seats are fitted in the front of this roadster. We did notice some very light wear to driver's bolster as you would expect with age, but this is quite minor and the interior has stood the test of time well.

Dashboard

Fitted with the classic Mercedes-Benz black dashboard, this had no signs of any major damage or scuffs and appeared highly original. The top of the dash is trimmed with matching blue plastic, with this car having likely been garaged its whole life does not suffer and warping or cracks in the top of the dash.

No warning lights were displayed when we started the car and the odometer showed a reading of 93,012 on our visit. In the current ownership, Jag has completed some work to get the fuel gauge working, and the timing clock too, some small items that weren't working when he purchased ~4 years ago.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original Mercedes steering wheel and gear selector are presented in great condition and show very few signs of use.

Take a look at the photos and videos for a closer view of the cabin.

Mechanics

The dashing good looks with the desirable V8 under the hood, the perfect blend of power and style.

Engine and Gearbox

Please watch the "On the Road" video to see the car being started from cold, then run when up to temperature. On our short trip out, the car went through the gears with ease.

Jag mentioned to us that with this being the 420 SL, it's actually surprising the MPG that can be achieved when drive carefully, yet you can still get that classic V8 experience with a more forceful push of the accelerator.

Suspension and Brakes

The cars suspension has been renewed and fitted with Eibach springs and Bilstein gas shock absorbers in the current ownership as pictured. The suspension has been lowered slightly so the wheels fill the arches that little bit more than the higher standard set-up.

Jag reports regular maintenance on this example has been carried out throughout his ownership.

The Drive

The Mercedes V8 offers plently of poke for a convertible, with attractive styling, you'll have the attention of everyone.

Watch the mechanical video to see the car start from cold and get the V8 up to temperature along some local roads.

Electrics and Other

Most of the electrical fittings are said to be fully functional. Jag is unsure if the 10-change CD player is functional. As mentioned Jag has repaired some interior items including; fuel gauge, interior clock and passenger side electric remote mirror.

We did notice a small patch of surface corrosion in the boot near the spare tyre. Please take a look at the images and videos for a detailed tour of this car's exterior and interior.

History and Paperwork

A desirable V8 R107 SL finished in period correct Acrtic White over navy leather interior, this UK car has a great amount of genuine main dealer history dating back to production.

This car is coming out of 4 years of ownership with Jag. Take a look at the media to see all the history included in the sale of the car, including the extensive work carried out from 2010 by 4-Star classics. If you're in the market for a previously restored V8 SL, with a great deal of main dealer history, then this is the example for you.

Jag will be more than happy to answer any questions you 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.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
02.11.2022 MOT 93,018
09.11.2021 MOT 92,701
07.11.2020 MOT 92,674
28.11.2019 MOT 92,646
01.09.2019 Service 92,687
28.11.2018 MOT 92,311
15.07.2015 MOT 92,256
22.07.2014 MOT 92,078
02.07.2013 MOT 91,508
25.05.2012 MOT 91,084
12.04.2011 MOT 88,412
16.07.2010 MOT 87,364
28.08.2009 MOT 86,015
05.06.2008 MOT 86,007
15.09.2006 MOT 83,850
03.01.2006 Service 77,193
15.09.2005 MOT 74,411
02.11.2004 Service (MD) 66,446
16.09.2004 Service 65,666
30.10.2003 MOT 65,030
03.09.2003 Service 64,714
11.10.2002 MOT 64,284
15.11.2001 Service 62,739
12.10.2001 MOT 62,401
19.06.2001 Service 61,783
03.10.2000 MOT + Service 60,028
14.04.2000 Service 53,342
29.10.1999 Service 50,287
19.10.1999 MOT 50,170
28.05.1999 Servce 48,112
23.10.1998 Service 44,723
29.04.1998 MOT 44,268
17.03.1997 Service (MD) 40,998
11.04.1996 Service (MD) 37,648
26.05.1994 Service 29,841
10.12.1991 Service (MD) 20,039
05.09.1990 Service (MD) 15,403
09.05.1989 Service (MD) 10,401
08.03.1988 Service (MD) 6,827
15.06.1987 Service (MD) 1,169
Key Details
  • Model420 SL (R107)
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date15.05.1987
  • CC4,196
  • Mileage~93,000
  • HistoryPresent
  • ColourAcrtic White
  • Interior ColourBlue
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #WDB1070472A066209
  • Engine #11696422001387
  • RestoredYes.
  • MOTYes. Exp - 27.11.2023
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers6
  • Tyre BrandDunlop
  • Tyre Age2001
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~4 years
  • Key FeatureHistory and condition
  • Auction ID545875




Ask Questions

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

Hi
Is the hardtop original or a replacement?




Market View

The market is hot for these collector cars right now - prices seem to be on the rise with some great results at auction.

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.

There aren't many reference points in the market for this car because of the rarity of the 420 SL, however, we think the following sales are worth taking a look at - we’ll leave it up to you to judge its condition and where it stacks up against them.

1988 Mercedes-Benz 420 SL (R107)

Auction House Collecting Cars

Sale Date 02 May 22

Sold Price 26,500

1987 Mercedes-Benz 420 SL (R107)

Auction House Silverstone Auctions

Sale Date 01 Aug 21

Sold Price 45,000

Insurance Quote


Average annual insurance premium for a Mercedes like this is 207 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 Winter 2023.

Delivery Calculator


Vehicle Location

Ashford

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