1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

This attractive example of the R107 is a 3-litre iteration of the 300SL hailing from 1987. This SL is a UK specified and supplied example, having been first registered in March 1987, exactly two years before the end of R107 production. This 300SL was specified in the perfect late ‘80’s livery of Anthracite Grey (172) over the signature Mercedes checked fabric upholstery in Karo Grey (072).  Just three previous registered keepers are documented by the DVLA before the SL was acquired by current keeper, David, in November 2022.

The SL has hardly turned a wheel since then, it seems. When David acquired the Mercedes it was recoding a slither under 132,000 miles. On the day of our shoot it stood at 132,404. Given that lack of use and the absence of a current MoT (the last one was advisory free and lapsed in May 2025), this 300SL is being offered for recommissioning and without reserve. Whilst a number of niggly issues were noted and reported they seem to be fairly minor in nature. Our consignment team also confirm that the SL starts, runs and seems to drive without obvious issue.

The R107’s design was a swansong for Mercedes-Benz legend, Friedrich Geiger, an employee who had joined Mercedes-Benz before World War II, and would go on to design the “other” 300SL – the iconic Gullwing. The R107 today remains an architype of restrained elegance and sophistication wrought with overt Teutonic precision. A masterclass without doubt. To best showcase its charms the R107 was offered in no less than 110 different hues during its long model life. Our car’s Anthracite remains a sophisticated and enduringly popular hue and works so well with Geiger’s last design hoorah.

Our car’s body and paintwork seem to present well for its age. The panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical, and a good shine emanates from those durable panels. All the R107 signature cues are present including the fluted panels along the flanks, the oversized and ribbed rear lights and the “pagoda-esque” matching hardtop. Our photographic package reveals that the retractable soft top is finished in a deep blue fabric which contrasts pleasingly with the paintwork. The hood appears to be excellent condition, appears tightly fitting and complete with a clear and uncracked rear window set.

There are, inevitably, some imperfections noted by our team. These include some scratches to the hardtop as well as a couple of noticeable dents. Some paint chips are noted in places, as well as some pitting to the brightwork. Some minor bubbling is noted around the wheel arches and some of the rubber trim is marked and nicked.

This R107 forgoes the earlier Sportline or so called “Mexican Hat” light alloy wheels in favour of the flush "Gullideckel" (manhole cover) examples. On our car they are the correct 7J x 15-inch examples and seem to be in an excellent overall condition with new looking centre caps. These familiar alloys are shod with a mixed set of 205/65 radial type tyres.

If you are like us the signature “Karo” (German for checks) cloth upholstery in grey represents a welcome alternative to MB-Tex and, perhaps, is more charming than leather. The cabin’s overall condition seems impressive, too, given the SL’s age and mileage. Even the usually vulnerable driver’s seat looks in a decent fettle. This example is notable for featuring the optional, and rarely specified, rear seats. Whilst very much token seats, this seems a popular and desirable inclusion for the R107 purist.

The dash is topped with black trimmed, deformable safety foam, which is in good original condition and the large, four-spoke Mercedes-Benz steering wheel presents equally well. A thin panel of dark wood veneer dissects the dash from side to side. The large, clear instrument binnacle houses a central white on black VDO speedometer, tachometer, and a multi-function dial. The dark veneer extends into the centre console, and our car is fitted with a more contemporary Sony CD / radio head unit. The grey carpets look well preserved as does the hood inner lining and the hardtop’s headlining, although the latter is a little stained in places. The well-shaped boot is fully carpeted and provides underfloor storage for the full-sized alloy spare wheel and tools.

The noted interior niggles include inoperative windows (currently resting in the down position), an inoperative electric passenger side door mirror, and indicators…….that don’t. The driver’s side sun visor retaining clip has also snapped.

This 300SL features the well-proven 2,962cc M103 straight six-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. This M103 features Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection, a single overhead camshaft and two valve per cylinder configuration. Originally rated at 187bhp and 180 Ib-ft of torque, the M103 engine gave the SL a good turn of speed, when required, topping out at around 130mph. This mechanical combination is a prized one for its combination of reliability, reasonable economy and a decent level of performance.

The engine bay exhibits the original Mercedes-Benz data plates, detailing the various specification codes, the VIN and the permitted vehicle weights. It appears to be in a nice overall condition under here and highly original looking. The under bonnet insulation is a sight to behold. The inner panels look straight, clean and free from corrosion. The underside of the car appears in keeping with its age and mileage with plenty of textured, possibly original, underseal in evidence. Some new looking flexible brake hoses are noted as is a rusty rear silencer which looks due for replacement.

There is not too much to report here. The current V5 Registration Document is present in the name of the owner. Our own vehicle report is present and details the car’s mileage progression and MoT history. The SL is currently without an MoT but its previous advisory free item was passed at 132,295 miles – little more than 100 miles ago. A Haynes Service and Repair manual completes the accompanying ephemera. 

With the values of nicely presented W113 Pagodas now eye-wateringly high, the R107 seems to be benefitting from a halo effect as a result. Perhaps they will never quite reach the heights of the earlier cars being originally over six-times more ubiquitous, but they represent a significantly more useable proposition in 2025. The R107 still represents an object lesson in practical sports car design and will inevitably endure as a result.

This example seems to sit in that Goldilocks zone between a major, and potentially expensive, project and a pristine, and potentially expensive, garage queen. It presents in a charming livery with its hard top and some desirable features such as the blue hood and the rear seats. The known issues appear to be of a relatively trifling nature making this an exciting proposition for those willing and enable to expend some love and attention in the right places. Offered with no reserve and complete with its dateless registration number.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £12,000 - £17,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays 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’.