Model history:

With the SL of the R 107 series from Mercedes-Benz, luxury finally entered the SL class. The sporty gullwing and agile Pagoda had become a comfortable sports car. With its upholstered dashboard, steering wheel with impact cup or fuel tank mounted in the crash-safe area above the rear axle, the new SL offered modern safety features. In addition, low-soiling side windows and taillights provided a safety plus. At that time, customers could choose between a wide variety of six- and eight-cylinder models in various power ratings. The 500 SL, for example, initially produced 240 hp when it was launched in 1980, then 231 hp from 1981 onwards, and from 1985 onwards the 5.0-liter V8 finally provided 245 hp, as well as 223 hp with a catalytic converter.

General information about the vehicle:

The Mercedes-Benz 500 SL of the 107 series offered for auction in this auction is a model dating from 1986, which serves as an excellent basis for a restoration. The roadster was delivered to Japan - from there it was also imported to Germany and according to the seller, 3 vehicle owners are known to the Mercedes-Benz. A checkbook is not available, whether the so-called matching numbers are given, the seller can not say. Currently, this 500 SL has no German registration and also no TÜV, however, it is already duty paid - in addition, the current owner states that this roadster is ready to drive.

Exterior color/paint/body:

An R 107 already shows much more angular in terms of shapes compared to its predecessor and also more businesslike in terms of lines. According to information provided by the seller, this Mercedes-Benz Roadster wears the paint color blue - repainting can not be ruled out. On the exterior - as can be seen on the detailed pictures in the photo series - there are various traces of use and damage as well as traces of the time of this meanwhile more than 35 years old SL of the 107 series. Apparently, according to the current owner, a repair of a damage on the front left has already taken place - but this is not visible at the moment. All add-on parts are in complete condition on the exterior and the Mercedes-Benz 500 SL shows, as far as can be seen, in original condition. However, the roof would have to be renewed.

Exterior rims/brakes/chassis:

Original Mercedes-Benz "Gullideckel" aluminum rims in silver wear Toyo brand tires, which the seller attributes a condition of 30-50%. A condition assessment of 70-90% attests the current owner of the Roadster to the brakes. Chassis-wise, the seller is not aware of any inconsistencies such as gross defects.

Interior:

Gray leather seats are found in the interior of the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL: the door panels, parts of the center console and the footwell carpet are also in gray. Wood applications in the interior provide color accents, while the four-spoke airbag steering wheel and the automatic selector lever are classically black. In addition to power steering, central locking, power windows and heated seats, this roadster's equipment also includes: air conditioning, ABS, cruise control and a contemporary cassette radio. Further worth mentioning is that an accompanying hardtop is included with the vehicle. To get an accurate picture of the interior's condition, we recommend taking a closer look at the many photos and also the videos of the 500 SL.

Running performance:

Three round instruments are in the immediate field of vision of the driver and inform him about important driving data. A mileage of 129,860 can be read on the speedometer in the center. All gauges in the instrument cluster are said to be fully functional, according to the current owner.

Engine:

With rich torque, the 5.0-liter V8 engine of this Mercedes-Benz roadster comes up: 241 hp are brought to the road via the rear axle by means of a 4-speed automatic. The 500 SL underwent a last service in March 2023.

Underbody:

According to the seller, no particular inconsistencies can be taken from the underbody except for light flash rust. Many fans of the brand describe the R 107 as a "roadster like a castle". This Mercedes-Benz 500 SL offered here serves as an optimal restoration object, which by its solid construction is an apparently very good basis and where it is also worthwhile in terms of market value to help this roadster to new splendor.