1985 MERCEDES-BENZ (R107) 500 SL

KEY FACTS

• A smart example of the modern classic roadster, which has spent much of its life in the dry climate of Bahrain, and has been professionally stored since its arrival in the UK three years ago.
• Under the bonnet is the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, which produces 241bhp and drives the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.
• Delivered new to Bahrain in 1985, this left-hand drive 500 SL car was acquired by the seller 19 years ago, but was imported to the UK more recently in 2018.
• While the odometer currently displays 16,609km, the gauge has previously been replaced, and the car’s total mileage is believed to be 84,898km.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This 500 SL is believed to have left the factory in Pajett Red, but it was evidently changed to Nautic Blue while in Bahrain. This is complemented by a beige MB-Tex interior, punctuated by burr walnut veneered trim.
• Equipment includes electric windows, electric door mirrors and a period-correct Becker Europa radio/cassette player.
• It rides on a set of 15-inch, eight-hole alloy wheels.
• The car will be accompanied by its original handbook and documentation of its maintenance from 2002-2005, as well as its original odometer.

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage, and neither has it required any repairs due to corrosion. Fully resprayed in 2017, the Nautic Blue paintwork is in generally good condition, with some minor marks on the lower front bumper and small marks and scratches on the rear panel, caused by a rubbing hardtop.
• The exterior trim presents well; however the black plastic strips on the bumpers and the car’s flanks appear to have degraded somewhat, and the rubber door and roof seals have perished and will need to be replaced in due course.
• The black convertible hood is very smart, and fits snugly over the frame below, with no noticeable scuffs, rips or tears. The original hard top with a storage stand are also with the car.
• Inside, the cabin is in fair to good order, with some signs of its age and the car’s life under the hot Bahrain sun. The carpets have some fading, there is a split in the top of the dashboard, and cracking on the gear selector knob.
• There are tears in the vinyl on the driver’s door card and the passenger door pocket, and some of the fuse cover’s clips are missing.
• The car’s electric aerial is not functioning, but there are no other known electrical faults.
• This 500 SL’s last MOT test was conducted on 29 September 2020, resulting in a first-time pass with advisories noting a fluid leak from the oil cooler area, wear in the nearside front lower suspension arm bush, and slight play in the steering box.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This SL’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in 2018 by Thruxton Classic Restorations, who checked and replaced the car’s fluids.
• Prior to this, Mercedes-Benz main dealer Al Haddad serviced the car in May 2005 at 81,149km, changing the engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, front brake pads and brake fluid, and carried out a minor service including a spark plug change in October 2004 at 78,290km.
• The power steering system was overhauled in February 2003 at 71,624km.

SUMMARY

This Mercedes-Benz 500 SL is a chic classic cruiser, which is presented in straight and solid condition having spent most of its life in the hot, dry climate of Bahrain. While some of its interior trim and rubber seals would benefit from replacement, this should be a straightforward task given the R107’s popularity and plentiful spares supply. It is ready to be driven and enjoyed, with its 5.0-litre V8 and automatic gearbox sure to make effortless progress on the open road.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.