1973 Mercedes-Benz 350SL

Finished in an unusually attractive period yellow, ‘OW 194’ has been known to the seller since it was new; despite showing four previous keepers on the V5 Registration Certificate, the reality is that a friend’s father was the only previous owner, albeit registering it in various business names over the years.

It’s been in the seller’s care for the past decade, during which he’s added around 4,500 miles using it gently on “high days and holidays” around Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall.

Running well, what few cosmetic jobs it requires could be easily postponed, allowing you to enjoy the rest of the summer in considerable style.

The programme of maintenance over the years, a rolling restoration as it were, has kept the SL looking sharp, even in its 55th year with excellent shutlines and very good panel alignment. something the swagelines and full-length rubber impact trims would highlight were that not the case. 

Of course, the metalwork only acts as a canvas for that delightfully of-the-period subtle yellow paintwork, which has a good shine and works well with the SL’s classic lines.

This example also comes with the highly desirable hardtop, which might be a two-person job to fit but thus equipped the SL is capable of facing even the harshest winter conditions. 

This one is in good shape too with no obvious damage and a good sheen to the paintwork. The headlining is clean and free of both droops and damage, and the rear window appears to still have the supplying dealer’s sticker in it, even if it is starting to delaminate. 

And if fitting a hardtop sounds too much like hard work then the fabric roof seals every bit as well and is nearly as well insulated. This one’s black fabric also works very well against the coachwork, and it stows neatly behind a body-coloured cover to give a clean profile.

As is invariably the case with R107 roofs, it still furls and unfurls smoothly and latches securely. This example is also in fine fettle with only the odd loose seam and slightly opaque plastic windows. It also has a good tan headlining and frame. 

The chromework shows only minor tarnishing, pitting, and fine scratches, most notably to the rear bumper, and the lamp lenses are free of chips, cracks, and other damage, including the clever wraparound rear lamps and the matching Bosch headlamps. 

The 14-inch wheels are fitted with very good chrome-and-painted hubcaps, a design flourish we simply don’t see enough of on modern cars. They’re also fitted with a matching set of 205/70R14 Pirelli P400 Super Touring tyres. All have good tread but as they are all more than 20 years old now they should really be changed.

Despite the programme of ongoing body repairs there is still work to do: the bonnet has some dents and is starting to rust around the badge and edges; the nearside front wing is chipped and the paint has faded in places; the passenger door has a scratch near the handle; the nearside rear wing has a dent plus rust around the wheelarch; the boot lid has four high spots; the offside rear wing has a rusty wheelarch plus a chip; the driver’s door has a dent under the mirror plus chips to its trailing edge; the offside front wing has a dent, some faded paint, evidence of previous repairs, and a rust bubble near the headlamp and the inside the wheelarch; and the hardtop has traces of rust along its front edge and the sealing rubber has perished.

Being finished in a fetching combination of MB-Tex vinyl and a houndstooth fabric, the cabin is every bit as period-elegant as the coachwork.

And it too is in a good condition with the damage to the base of the driver’s seat, the offside carpet, and the trim around the handbrake being the only evidence of its half-century of providing distinguished transport for discerning drivers.

Everything else has worn well: The dashboard is free of the cracks and splits we sometimes see on cars that have been left out in the sun; the seat foam and springs are still resilient; the MB-Tex trim is largely free of cracks and splits; and the lettering on the switches and controls is still legible.

The headunit is a Clarion CD-radio.

The boot contains a full-size spare steel wheel fitted with an old Dunlop SP Sport Super D6 tyre. The rubber boot mat has seen better days but is still serviceable, so that could be left as it is, unlike the tyre.

As for other stuff you might like to sort out when money and motivation coincide, the sunvisors are baggy, the driver’s armrest isn’t bolted in position, the passenger seat is missing its hinge cover, the brake pedal rubber and the driver’s door pocket are worn, and the handbrake lever is a bit rusty.

The front floorpans were repaired in July 2026, and the opportunity was taken to also tidy up the driver’s door, the fuel filler flap, and the offside front corner.

Previous welding work had been carried out in August 2023, during which the front dampers and the offside track rod end were also replaced. Invoice on file also record earlier welding in April 2011 and August 2006.

Other notable and recent work includes having the front brake calipers overhauled in May 2025 and replacing the auxiliary air valve, air slide, and a breather hose in January 2022 and November 2021.

There are also many more invoices on file for earlier servicing and maintenance, including many from Mercedes-Benz main agents.

As you can see, the V8 engine burst smoothly into life and idles with good oil pressure. Tickling the throttle is all it takes to build this to the maximum on the dial, and further revving is accomplished with a suitably fruity exhaust note. 

The most recent service was at 81,830 miles during which Blandford Heights Garage also sorted out the brakes and the ignition system. While this was only a couple of thousand miles ago, it was done in March 2021, so it would be prudent to treat the SL to a full service on the grounds of time elapsed.

The engine bay is nicely presented and probably clean enough for 95% of you – and given the remaining 5% will be the sort of folk that enjoy detailing their cars, the fact there is a small amount of cleaning to be done could even be seen as a bonus! 

What is less of a bonus is the small amount of rust at the nearside rear of the engine bay, which will need attention.

The underside is well-protected by underseal, including the recently repaired areas. There is minimal surface rust on the fasteners and steel suspension and steering components.

We note a slight list to starboard though, which would repay investigation. 

But, the SL’s MoT certificate, which is valid until July 2027, was issued with just the one advisory, for a ball joint – and putting that right is hardly going to break either the bank or your back, is it?

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and it comes with two sets of keys.

The history file that accompanies the SL includes a latter from Mercedes-Benz UK confirming it was built in 1972, MoT certificates dating back to 1998, invoices dating back to 1995, bumf from the Mercedes-Benz Owners’ Association, a Haynes workshop manual, a copy of the SL Shop’s Journal that has a photo of the car inside, many invoices, and a couple of period photographs.

The 350SL is a classic sportscar that’s reliable and robust enough to be able to use as a daily driver yet still elegant and powerful enough to thrill you every time you slip behind that iconic steering wheel.

Almost unkillable, the R107 remains surprisingly affordable despite its myriad charms; even this one, with its known history and detailed record of maintenance, will probably struggle to get past £20,000 and the virtual hammer may even fall as low as £15,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.