RESERVE LOWERED – 1989 Mercedes Benz 300 SL (R107) |

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RESERVE LOWERED – 1989 Mercedes Benz 300 SL (R107)

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Mileage~75,169
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine3.0-litre
LocationKingston-upon-Thames

AUCTION CLOSED

RESERVE LOWERED – 1989 Mercedes Benz 300 SL (R107)

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

Refined, reliable, and iconic: the ultimate everyday classic roadster.

The R107 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL serves as a perfect bridge between eras, combining the legendary ‘hewn-from-granite’ build quality of classic Mercedes-Benz engineering with a driving experience and engine performance that feel remarkably modern and effortless. Originally released in 1971, it leans heavily into being a charismatic and elegant cruiser, rather than an outright sports car: it offers a superb balance of reliability, handling, and daily usability.

Following a comprehensive overhaul in 1985, the R107 was provided with the M103 3.0-litre straight-six engine and a refined 4-speed automatic transmission. This revision also introduced upgraded suspension and braking systems, a modernised interior, and the crucial addition of galvanised body panels for improved corrosion resistance. Widely regarded as the most sought-after model in the lineup, the 300 SL remains highly desirable to this day. Combined with an ergonomically designed cabin and exceptional parts availability, it stands as the definitive choice for the practical enthusiast.

Presented in a striking Blue-Black Metallic finish over a Grey MB-Tex interior, this 1989 300 SL represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of these classics from long-term-ownership. Held by its current keeper for just under 26 years, the vehicle is accompanied by an extensive history file documenting over £22,000 in expenditure: this includes a comprehensive 2023, £5,000 front bulkhead restoration and a legacy of meticulous maintenance.

Fresh from a service performed just 100 miles ago, the car features a highly desirable specification, including an electro-hydraulic soft top, rear passenger seat, and its original colour-matched factory hardtop. This R107 is supplied with two keys, the original owner’s manual wallet, and a MOT from late 2024.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Kambiz and Simin the owners, 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

It drives very smoothly: we've spent a small fortune over the last four years making sure the car drives as well as possible.

Acquired by Kambiz in 2000, this R107 has been meticulously maintained for a quarter of a century, supported by an extensive history file. During our visit, Simin conducted the test drive on his behalf. Comparing the experience to her own modern SLK, she notes that the R107 is notably smoother and delivers a far more evocative and tactile connection to the road.

After twenty six years of dedicated ownership and consistent upkeep, the car has been unused in recent years as family priorities shifted. However, Kambiz has recently invested in significant mechanical re-commissioning to ensure the driving experience remains as sharp as the day they first acquired it. It is now offered for sale due to this lack of use, ready for its next chapter. Simin will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Kambiz and Simin

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Boasting a sharp appearance and robust structure, this SL is a testament to years of dedicated care.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” alloys would benefit from a refurb: the damage appears to be paint peel and age-related wear, rather than kerb damage.

The front of the car has 2022 Accelera tyres, and the rears have Kormoran tyres, date-coded from 2011. They are showing a spec of 205/65 and appear to be in good shape, with even wear.

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 exterior presents well with no notable panel damage, a decent panel flow, and visually even shut lines. The doors open and close with ease, though the bonnet may need a minor adjustment to close fully flush. The offside sill and rear valance have seen recent welding.

The underside is solid. We noted that the front of the chassis rails shows signs of age, but the floor pan, boot floor, engine bay and suspension mounts appear clean. The bulkhead was repaired by a specialist in 2023. The lowest section of the offside rear wheel well and near side sill lips show mild corrosion.

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 blue-black metallic paint finish has consistent coverage, with a positive lustre. The bonnet and boot show mild signs of topcoat imperfections. The paint has a few minor surface marks and scratches, which are consistent with storage rather than road wear. We also noted a few small spots of lacquer loss, but the car displayed well.

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 the windscreen showing minor signs of lamination damage on the passenger-side bottom corner. The seals are in good shape. The lights and lenses are in good condition.

The chrome trim is well-mounted, and some brightwork shows a mild sheen of age. The bumpers are flush to the body, and the chrome is decent with mild signs of age on the rubber trim - but they're free from damage. We observed a small amount of corrosion on the underside of the front nearside bumper.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

While the cabin is smartly presented, a few minor cosmetic flaws remain: addressing these small details would easily bring the interior up to a perfect standard.

Seats and Carpets

The MB Tex fabric seats are generally in good shape, except for wear on the driver's seat.

The carpets and mats are in decent condition, with mild signs of age. All are damp-free.

Kambiz has an extra set of carpets.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in good shape, with no notable cracks or wear. The facia looks smart, with just a few light marks noted on the centre console veneer and on the side padding. The controls are tidy, and all are said to work as they should.

The trim is smart with decent door cards and a presentable headlining. The boot is dry, suggesting careful use.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The walnut and leather steering wheel shows minor fractures. The gear lever is in good shape.

Kambiz told us he changed the original steering wheel to wooden and leather one, he has kept the original, he also changed the gear knob to match the steering wheel.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Meticulously maintained with significant recent mechanical work, the car requires a once-over to ensure it’s perfectly ready for the road.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up without any issues, and it sounds even and idles smoothly with no unwanted noises.

Upon cold start, the coolant warning light was illuminated, indicating a potential sensor issue, circuit fault, or low fluid levels. However, the water pump was replaced in late 2022 (with only 300 miles covered since), and a full service was performed just 100 miles ago.

The engine bay presents well, featuring healthy hoses and ancillaries. Following a significant mechanical overhaul in 2023, the car received further fuel-injection calibration and servicing in 2024. During our inspection, we observed no fluid leaks, and the exhaust remained clear once the initial startup condensation dissipated.

The automatic gearbox operates smoothly, with no delay or slackness. Simin told us that she felt positive using it, demonstrating a crisp transition as we built up speed.

Suspension and Brakes

The ride was even and smooth, with no unwanted noises heard from the wheels. The car absorbs the road imperfections without any thuds or squeaks.

The car brakes positively, with no diving or unwanted road feedback. There were no judders or knocks.

The Drive

The R107 models were significantly elevated by the introduction of 1980s-era powerplants, which offered a blend of refinement, reliability, and fuel efficiency. At the centre of this transformation is the M103 3.0-litre straight-six, a naturally balanced engine celebrated for its silky-smooth power delivery. Thanks to its advanced fuel injection and bulletproof reputation, this engine has established the 300 SL as the gold standard for enthusiasts seeking the most drivable R107.

As expected for a car that has seen considerable attention paid to its engine, said engine performed faultlessly during our visit. The the power built up with linear and smooth progression, and displayed no hesitancy or hiccups. We were treated to a 20-minute drive, speed restricted to 40mph, but it felt like the car could easily cruise at higher speeds as it became smoother with each passing mile.

The steering was direct and free of any negative feedback, with no unwanted noises. The car felt balanced on the road, gently cornering with no mechanical creaks, travelling along the roads smoothly with no unexpected noises. At a lower speed, there were no unwanted diff noises.

As mentioned, the coolant light stayed on, but there was no engine overheating during our trip. Simin stated that there have been no issues with the oil pressure.

Electrics and Other

While we didn't test all the electrics, Simin told us everything was in working order as far as she was aware.

Kambiz told us he changed the original radio cassette player to the same brand, Blaupunkt, new radio, CD player he has kept the original though.

The soft top was replaced in 1999 and has survived well, with some minor wear and little rear screen fade. The soft top was converted using an electro-hydraulic conversion, which was demonstrated to function without any issues.

The hardtop is in good condition and said to fit on the car with no issues. It comes with its stand. Kambiz fitted a wind deflector too.

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History and Paperwork

Boasting over £22,000 in maintenance, work carried out includes the critical and expensive bulkhead restoration.

Originally supplied in March 1989 by the authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer HL Gorner Ltd of Wigan, this R107 was first owned by a physician who retained it until 1995. Following a period of ownership by a Liverpool-based business and a brief stint in Northern Ireland, it was acquired by Kambiz in 2000.

The car is backed by an extensive history file, documenting over £22,000 in expenditure. This includes a major mechanical and structural overhaul in 2023 to address engine maintenance, welding, heater repairs, and the critical bulkhead repairs, followed by fuel injection calibration and further welding in 2024. Nearly £16,000 of these receipts date from the last four years alone.

The service record is equally impressive, showing 14 stamps alongside numerous invoices for genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. Accompanying the car is the original owner’s wallet with handbooks, a vast collection of invoices dating back to the late 1990s, and a complete set of keys, including spare controls for the roof operation. Having been serviced in 2024, the car last passed an MOT in November 2024 with no advisories.

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
14-11-2024	MOT	75,120
28-02-2024	Independent Mercedes Service	75,083
21-11-2023	Independent Mercedes Service	75,047
17-11-2023	MOT	75,048
21-11-2022	MOT	74,870
25-11-2022	Independent Mercedes Service
20-10-2017	MOT	74,819
16-08-2016	MOT	74,801
29-04-2010	MOT	73,349
11-04-2008	MOT	72,181
27-03-2007	MOT	71,841
27-10-2005	MOT	71,559
15-02-2005	MOT	71,528
14-11-2003	MOT	71,313
19-09-2002	MOT	70,389
28-07-2001	MOT	69,718
14-09-2000	MOT	68,422
24-07-2000	Mercedes Service	68,023
05-10-1999	MOT	67,049
23-07-1999	Mercedes Service	66,088
06-10-1998	MOT	64,006
27-02-1998	Mercedes Service	60,069
02-10-1997	Mercedes Service	58,840
07-10-1997	MOT	58,749
07-10-1996	MOT	53,390
12-12-1995	Independent Mercedes Service	49,216
06-10-1995	MOT	46,818
21-03-1995	Mercedes Service	46,791
01-03-1994	Mercedes Service	37,109
15-06-1993	Mercedes Service	31,011
17-07-1992	Mercedes Service	23,072
12-11-1991	Mercedes Service	18,098
06-03-1991	Mercedes Service	12,392
08-09-1989	Mercedes Service	6,145
22-02-1989	Mercedes Service	591

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Key Details

Year1989
Model300SL (R107)
Transmission4-Speed Automatic
Reg. Date15-03-1989
CC2962
Mileage~75,169
HistorySince 1999
ColourBlue-Black
Interior ColourGrey
Interior TrimMB Tex
Chassis #WDB1070412A097760
Engine #10398222009774
Last Service28-02-2024
RestoredNew Bulkhead in 2023
MOT14-11-2024
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes - all clear
Former Keepers4
Tyre BrandAccelera/Kormoran
Tyre Age2022/2011
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~25 years, 7 months
Key FeatureBulkhead renovation and 16K spending since 2022
Vehicle RegistrationF218 NVU
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2 door Convertible
Auction ID3583

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Vehicle Location

Kingston-upon-Thames

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Auction Closed

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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

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Seller : KambizF

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10 Comments

KambizF

Seller

12 days ago

Perfect working order, all MOT are available.

bellhelmet

12 days ago

May I ask is the speedo and rev counter working
Cheers Larry

barraldo1

15 days ago

Hello
Unfortunately I will not be able to view today
Many thanks

barraldo1

15 days ago

Thanks look forward to meeting you and the car

barraldo1

15 days ago

Hello what time is good for you
Are you able to forward your address and contact number please
Am coming from down A3?
Barry

KambizF

Seller

15 days ago

Ok what time

barraldo1

15 days ago

Can do tomorrow Saturday kindly advise thsnks

barraldo1

16 days ago

Can I view your car I am 10 minutes away from Kingston kindly advise

KambizF

Seller

barraldo1

16 days ago

When would you like to

ColinB

Admin

barraldo1

16 days ago

Hi,

If you could send an email to [email protected] first, we just need to do some checks.

Thanks,
Colin.

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Vehicle Location

Kingston-upon-Thames

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