1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107) |

OPEN TO OFFERS

1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107)

This auction has now closed. Click “I’M INTERESTED” below to enquire about this vehicle or to get notified when we consign a similar one.

Mileage~83,734 on clock
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine3.0-litre
LocationSawbridgeworth

AUCTION CLOSED

1988 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (R107)

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

A timeless tourer, with the benefits of usability and mechanical durability.

The R107 Mercedes-Benz appeal goes beyond the practicality, glamour and open-topped two-seater appeal; its 18-year production run straddled 3 decades, defying fads, fashions and trends. A symbol of wealth and taste, the SL maintained its position as Mercedes’ default tourer, appealing to those who valued safety, luxury and comfort.

As a result, the majority were sold as automatic and more often than not, with a detachable hardtop, which converted the car into a coupe, offering the benefits of a reassuringly solid all-weather protection. The SL evolved into the 1980s, gaining ABS braking, a galvanised body, and in 1985, the installation of the new single-overhead-cam fuel-injected 3.0-litre straight-six.

This automatic 1988 300 SL in 'Signal Red', with beige fabric upholstery, comes with the desirable rear seat option and body-coloured hardtop. It also comes with a file of invoices dating back to 1997, covering a regular servicing schedule and maintenance. Also included is ~£13,000 worth of SL Shop invoices pertaining to a 2014-2016 body and mechanical renovation. It comes with a further ~£3,500 worth of spending over the past two years and was last serviced in September 2024.

Sold with a complete owners' wallet, three keys and has an MOT to April 2026, this is a great opportunity to own a solid late-model 300 SL in arguably the most suited colour.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting John the owner, and having visited and photographed the 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.

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

This SL drives really nicely; it feels solid and smooth.

John specialises in quality sports and classic cars, specifically selling well-kept, low-mileage examples. Having handled several R107s in the past and owned a few himself, he was impressed by this well-maintained example documenting thousands of pounds worth of spending over the last ~10 years, including the #1 SL specialist; the SLSHOP.

John recently obtained this car from the previous owner, who had intended to take the car with them to Portugal. Over ~£3,500 was spent preparing the car for its next adventure, but upon discovering the costs of export, they made the difficult decision to sell the car to John.

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

John

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Solid and straight, the classic lines are enhanced by the positive finish of the paint.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15-inch alloy wheels are smartly presented and show evidence of care.

The Mercedes is fitted with a full set of Michelin Primacy tyres showing a spec of 205/65 and are dated coded from 2022. They are in good shape with plenty of life in them.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the Mercedes and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

The exterior presents positively, and the car is free of any discernible corrosion or dents. The panels are flush to the body, and the shut lines are consistent. All doors open and close without issues, although the bonnet springs are a little weak.

The underside of the car is solid; there are a few spots where the car's age is evident, where the inhibitor is wearing thin on the sill lips and bottom of the wheel wells, but nothing that will need immediate attention. The chassis rails, wheel wells, boot floor and engine bay all look in good shape.

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 'Signal Red' paint has a pleasing gloss and an even colour consistency. There is slight swirling from certain angles in the sunshine, but overall, it is well above the expectations of a car of this age.

The shoulder lines of the car - mainly the tops of the doors, and areas around the nearside lower A-pillar show mild orange peeling and there are a few minor marks elsewhere, but nothing that exposes the top coat.

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 and seals are tidy, with no issues noted on the lights and lenses.

Some of the chrome is in line with the age of the car, showing light marks and more pronounced wear on the boot lid finisher, but nothing that distracts.

The passenger door trim is slightly uneven, but the rest of the body trim is well-mounted. The bumpers look good and flush with the body, with a minor scuff noted on the rear offside corner of the rubber trim.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Well cared for - there's very little to pick faults with in the interior of the car.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in great shape, with no notable blemishes or wear.

The carpets and mats are clean and dry.

The boot trim and carpet all suggest considerate use.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent condition, with very little in terms of wear.

The facia and centre console presented positively with decent veneer and padding. Even the handbrake housing is in good order. The dials, switches and controls look good and all are said to function.

A Blaupunkt DAB radio was fitted in 2015.

The door cards, interior trim and both the soft top and hard top headlining are tidy.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

There are a few light marks on the steering wheel rim, but otherwise it is in good condition.

The gear lever presents well.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Its legendary reputation for usability is confirmed by the positive records of maintenance.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fired up without any issues and idles smoothly with no unwanted knocks or wobbles. The dashboard warning lights remain off, with no excessive exhaust fumes noted. The car was leak-free during our visit and started up immediately when the engine was warm.

The engine is cleanly presented, with plenty of evidence to support its impressive maintenance and servicing provenance.

The automatic gearbox operated smoothly on the day, showing no issues in selecting ratios or in motion.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension is absorbent, soaking up the road imperfections without any thuds or knocks.

The ride is comfortable and reassuring around the gentle bends.

The car brakes confidently, with no negative feel from the pedal or wheels. Free of squeals or unwanted noises, the steering wheel shows no signs of pulling or wobbles.

The Drive

Luxurious with solid engineering, the R107 benefited from Mercedes' constant development. While the exterior was outwardly similar to the 1971 original, the thoughtful future-proof design meant its positive qualities still shone into the late 1980s. This can be mainly attributed to the new 3.0-litre fuel-injected engine that enhanced the already considerable appeal of the car.

The engine noise is nicely suppressed in the cabin, and it runs smoothly and free of undulations and hesitancy. The only noises inside the car appeared to come from the interior trim. The ride is comfortable, cruising at ~40mph, its soft suspension providing a planted feel.

John is satisfied with the car's steering, describing a crisp, precise feel and free of vibrations or play. Braking without drama, the car cornered smoothly with no unwanted noises heard from the wheels. The oil pressure remained stable during the drive, and there were no issues with the engine temperature, reflecting John's existing experience with the car.

Electrics and Other

We didn't test all the electrics during our visit but John tells that everything is in working order.

The hardtop is in good shape, with no notable damage. It fits flushly on the car, with no issues with the release mechanism. The hood well is solid and free of any water collection. The soft top is decent, free of canvas damage and without damage or fogging on the rear screen.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

The binder of invoices dates back to 1997 and shows an excess of ~£20,000 in spending since then.

Originally registered by a Mercedes main dealer, Macclesfield Garages, in August 1988 - the car has 14 service stamps and an additional 3 services since then. The car underwent an extensive body and mechanical renovation between 2014 and 2016, with much of the work carried out by the SLSHOP, which totalled over ~£13,000.

More recent spending for parts at the SLSHOP totalling ~£1,100 and with additional work to the steering, brakes, welding/cosmetics, radiator repair and a new fuel pump, adding another ~£3,500 over the last two years.

Older invoices go back to 1997 - it also comes with most of its older MOT certificates going back to 1994.

It was last serviced in September 2024 and comes with its full owner's wallet, three keys and has an MOT valid until April 2026.

---------------------------------------------

From Trade Classics:

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.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time - we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win - just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
30-04-2025	MOT	83,223
28-03-2025	Radiator Recore	82,873
18-09-2024	Independent Service	82,873
22-06-2024	Fuel Pump + Rear Brake Rebuild + Coolant Check	82,720
22-06-2024	MOT	82,720
30-11-2020	MOT	82,499
20-12-2019	MOT	82,385
12-06-2019	Alternator
16-03-2019	MOT	82,165
07-03-2018	MOT	81,954
15-03-2017	MOT	81,243
26-02-2016	MOT	80,370
23-02-2015	MOT	79,983
05-12-2014	Specialist Service	79,808
04-03-2014	MOT	79,524
29-01-2013	MOT	78,407
24-02-2012	Independent Service & MOT	77,355
17-12-2010	Independent Service	76,533
17-12-2010	MOT	76,533
16-10-2009	MOT	75,688
12-09-2007	MOT	75,648
17-07-2006	MOT	68,849
21-07-2005	Independent Service	59,883
21-07-2005	MOT	59,883
01-07-2004	Indepedent Service	48,421
30-06-2004	MOT	48,421
28-07-2003	MOT	46,682
28-07-2003	Independent Service	46,679
29-07-2002	MOT	45,554
17-08-2001	MOT	44,470
15-12-2000	Mercedes Service	43,941
24-11-1999	MOT	42,873
23-11-1999	Mercedes Service	42,872
17-08-1998	MOT	41,585
01-06-1998	Mercedes Service	41,029
24-09-1997	Mercedes Service	34,053
02-08-1997	MOT	33,281
07-02-1997	Mercedes Service	31,342
30-07-1996	MOT	31,130
07-08-1995	MOT	30,459
04-08-1994	MOT	28,666
08-03-1994	Independent Service	27,036
03-08-1993	MOT	25,527
16-04-1992	Independent Service	21,329
15-08-1990	Specialist Service	13,070
09-02-1989	Mercedes Service	6,119
21-09-1988	Mercedes Service	1,468
27-07-1988	Pre-Delivery Inspection

VIEW ALL

Key Details

Model300 SL (R107)
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date01-08-1988
CC2962
Mileage~83,734 on clock
ColourSignal Red
Interior ColourBiege
Interior TrimCloth
Chassis #WDB1070412A090120
Engine #10398222008458
Last Service18-09-2024
RestoredPartially in 2014
MOTYes Exp. 29-04-2026
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers8
Tyre BrandMichelin
Tyre Age2022
# of Keys2+
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypeTrade
Key Feature~£5K spent since 2024
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2 door Convertible
Auction ID3156

VIEW ALL

All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Sawbridgeworth

Delivery Calculator

Auction Closed

Let us know if you're interested

This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

I'M INTERESTED

Ask Questions

Seller : JohnHa

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

6 Comments

jeffboyd20

10 months ago

Hi John,
Can you tell me if there is any rust on the bulkheads or sills please?

Thanks
Jeff

chromelondon

10 months ago

Hello John. Is there any bubbling on the paintwork at all that needs correcting? Any issues with cold or warm start?
Rgds
Mike

JohnHa

Seller

chromelondon

10 months ago

Hi Mike – Absolutely no issues with either cold or warm starting and no bubbling to the paintwork that I can see.
Regards
John

stu1

10 months ago

Hi, John, would it possible to view the car next week ?

JohnHa

Seller

stu1

10 months ago

Hi, No problem with a viewing, either Wednesday or Thursday of next week. Let me know. Thanks John

ColinB

Admin

stu1

10 months ago

Hi Stu,

We can help arrange a viewing for you, if you could send an email to [email protected] first, we just need to do a few checks.

Thanks,
Colin.

MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

Vehicle Location

Sawbridgeworth

Delivery Calculator

Thank You

Form Submitted

Your request has been submitted successfully and we'll keep you updated.