1989 | Mercedes-Benz 500 SL

A very special R107 indeed. This final year 500SL has covered just 20,732 miles from new, backed up by a full service history, and is in incredible condition throughout.

Finished in Signal Red with contrasting black leather trim, a black fabric hood and body-coloured hard top. Options include outside temperature gauge, rear seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, heated seats, headlamp wash/wipe and illuminated vanity mirrors. Its specification has recently been augmented by the addition of a Blaupunkt Bremen SQR radio, combining period-perfect looks with modern functionality including Bluetooth, music-streaming and hands-free.

Ordered new by a Mr Warren of Guildford from Mercedes-Benz of Cyprus to full UK specification. He would have enjoyed a significant discount on the then UK list price. Shipped to the UK shortly after delivery, it only remained with Mr Warren for a short time, and just 259 miles before being sold to a Mr Wild of Harrogate who would keep SL over ten years until his passing. During his tenure, Wild covered around 11,000 miles and maintained a detailed log of mileage, servicing and expenditure, which accompanies the service history to this day.

After briefly going into Wild’s wife’s name to enable a probate sale, the SL was sold to a Mr Fell, who kept the SL for 13 years, increasing the mileage from just over 13k to around 16.5k miles. He continued Wild’s log of mileage and servicing.

Ownership then passed to a Dr Seifert of Hampshire before the current owner added it to his collection in 2017, at the time with 17,300 miles, which today has increased to 20,732 miles.

The European 500 was the most powerful engine available in the facelifted R107 range, including the US 560SL. It gives the SL delightfully long legs and an effortless manner when gathering speed.

Despite being replaced by the R129 SL in 1989, the R107 was still selling very well as it had established itself as a classic within its own production life, and there are not many cars that can boast that.

This example is truly one for the connoisseur. Its condition is exceptional and retains that freshness of new that is only found on very low mileage cars.

It is no surprise that it drives as well as it looks, with a refinement that is the preserve of exceptional examples.

The service history is equally impressive. Despite only 20k miles being recorded there are 21 stamps in the service book. In fact a replacement service book has been obtained as the original is full. In addition there is a raft of paperwork, including the aforementioned log of Wild and Fell, along with supporting service/repair bills and previous MoTs. A better service history could not be wished for.

This SL offers the lot, with top class condition, perfect provenance, a great spec and the 500 engine.