Estimated Price: £30,000 - £35,000
Introduced in 1971 as the successor to the much-loved W113 'Pagoda', the R107 SL would go on to become one of Mercedes-Benz's most successful and enduring models, remaining in production for an extraordinary 18 years. Combining understated elegance with outstanding build quality, impressive refinement and effortless long-distance touring ability, the R107 perfectly embodied the engineering philosophy for which Stuttgart's finest had become renowned. The V8-powered 450 SL was particularly desirable, its smooth and powerful 4.5-litre engine providing the relaxed performance ideally suited to this sophisticated grand tourer.
First registered on 1st August 1976, this particular example, TAW 772R, was acquired by our vendor in August 2019 for £25,000, having been identified as a largely original and unrestored car. Finished in its factory-specified Pastel Blue (922) with a Blue MB-Tex interior (102), it retains its matching factory hardtop and is accompanied by its original handbooks, maintenance booklet, factory data cards and two keys. The original specification also included tinted glass, headlamp wash/wipe and a number of other factory options appropriate to its UK-market designation.
Perhaps one of the most reassuring aspects of this 450SL is its documented history. The original maintenance booklet contains 11 entries, beginning with the pre-delivery inspection in June 1976 and continuing through to September 1999 at 53,094 miles. These are complemented by an extensive collection of historic MOT certificates dating from 1988 to 2019, recording the gradual progression of the mileage from 37,861 to 53,800 miles. With the odometer now indicating just 54,000 miles, the accompanying documentation provides an unusually comprehensive picture of the car's relatively modest use over the decades.
Since acquiring the Mercedes, our vendor has undertaken a programme of careful refurbishment and mechanical recommissioning, with particular emphasis on preserving its originality wherever practical. Mechanical attention has included the braking system and servo, suspension and bushes, subframe, cooling system, belts, electrical equipment, heating and lighting systems, together with the refurbishment of the fuel plenum chamber.
Considerable attention has also been devoted to the bodywork and those areas known to require particular care on the R107. The drainage channels, bulkhead, plenum chamber, sills, structural sections, subframe and boot floor have all been inspected and attended to as necessary, alongside work to the paintwork, engine bay and brightwork. The original interior, including its carpets and dashboard, has been carefully preserved, whilst the soft top and its operating mechanism have also received attention. Our vendor has also confirmed that the Mercedes will be presented for auction with a fresh 12-month MOT, despite its age-related exemption from mandatory testing.
The R107 has long enjoyed a loyal following, and it is not difficult to understand why. Few classics offer quite the same combination of timeless styling, V8 refinement, superb engineering and genuine everyday usability. With its delightful period colour scheme, matching hardtop, remarkably low indicated mileage and substantial supporting documentation, this 450SL represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a particularly elegant example of one of Mercedes-Benz's most enduring designs.
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