Mercedes-Benz 350SL (R107)

THE MODEL

• Over fifty years ago, in April 1971, Mercedes-Benz initiated a new chapter in the fascinating history of the SL sports car: the 350 SL was the brand’s first SL with a V8 engine and the first model in the R107 model series to bear the “R” abbreviation for “roadster” for the first time:
  
• The completely new development, as an open two-seater with a fully retractable fabric top and removable hardtop, was a self-confident, sporty but luxurious vehicle and combined both performance and ride comfort perfectly.
• The R107 was produced from 1971 to 1989, during which time it was kept up to date with regular facelifts and new engines. With the exception of the G-Class, no other Mercedes-Benz has been produced for longer.
• Technically speaking, the R107 350SL had little to do with its direct predecessor, the W113 “Pagoda” SL. Instead, the designers forged much closer links to the brand’s current passenger car range of the time.
• The 147 kW (200 hp) V8 engine with a displacement of 3,499cc was a carry-over from the premium-class Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 of the W111 model series (coupé and cabriolet) and the W108/109 model series (saloon).
• The technical innovations found in the open sports car included the enhanced safety body development with an independent frame-floor unit made of sheets of different thicknesses to provide defined crumple behaviour, the fuel tank installed above the rear axle to protect it in the event of a collision, high-strength steels in the A-pillars and windscreen frame with its glued-in glass, as well as the interior with a new four-spoke safety steering wheel, padded surfaces and deformable elements as a contribution to passive safety.
• Production of the R107 ended in August 1989, after more than 18 years. Over that period, the Sindelfingen plant had produced a total of 237,287 cars. Today, these open two-seaters are sought-after classics: the combination of luxury and sportiness still fascinates enthusiasts to this day.

THIS CAR

• Ordered new by a Mr Eric Dunscombe – Director of the London Stock Exchange – in late 1979.
• Specified in Metallic Silver over Blue Leather Upholstery, the car was equipped with a number of factory options including a Radio with Automatic Aerial, Master Locking, Tinted Glass and a Heated Rear Screen matching Hardtop.
• What’s unusual about this car, however, is that Mr Dunscombe also opted for the very rare 4-Speed Manual transmission.
• Dunscombe collected the car directly from the factory in Stuttgart, before driving it to Switzerland, where it would remain until the car was imported back into the UK in 1990.
  • It’s important to note that despite spending the first part of its life in Switzerland, the car was both ordered and delivered as a full UK specification RHD vehicle.
• Having clocked up over 20,000 miles in the car, Dunscombe then sold the car in 1990 to it’s next owner, Mr Dance, via Merlin Motors of Seaford.
• Interestingly, further correspondence between previous owners of the car indicates that after enjoying it for a number of years, Mr Dance decided to leave the car to a man who purchased his house in Kent, a Mr Townend, simply because he no longer had a use for it!
• The car would change hands a number of times over the next 15, always remaining in the Sussex/Surrey area, and being regularly maintained local specialists and mechanics.
• In more recent years, the car has been meticulously maintained, revived and upgraded by The SL Shop, with extensive invoices on file.
• What’s more, the previous owner commissioned The SL Shop to prepare the car for light touring/rallying, and despite these modifications now having been removed from the car, they will be included in the sale and can be easily refitted:
  • Brantz International Rally Timer
  • Full Seat Harnesses
  • Cibie Driving Spotlights
• R107s have been growing in popularity for some time now, with people really starting to recognise their elegant lines and appreciate their fantastic build quality. But finding a good one that won’t immediately require an awful lot of remedial work can be difficult…
• That’s why we think this car is such a great opportunity for someone. Not only is it a rare UK spec RHD factory manual with low mileage and an exceptional history file, it’s had all the important work done to it and is truly ready to go.

Want total peace of mind? We’ve partnered with WarrantyWise – the UK’s leading used car warranty specialist – to provide complete cover for this 1979 Mercedes-Benz 350SL (R107)*:

*Single Claim Limit £5,000 | Unlimited Claims | Max Labour Rate £100ph | T&Cs