Lot details

Year: 1972
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 350SL
Registration: VBY 26L
Chassis No: 10704322007162
Engine No: 11698222005454
Mileage: 108,645
•: Historic rally car
•: FIVA papers issued in March 2004
•: Engine rebuilt circa 25,000 miles ago

The Mercedes R107 was launched in 1971 and production continued through to 1989 and is the longest single series ever produced by the firm besides the G-Class utility vehicle. The R107 replaced the W113 Pagoda SL in 1972 and was replaced by the R129 SL in 1989. The R107 had the longest run of any Mercedes chassis, built for 18 years from 1971 to 1989. Some 237,000 R107 SL's were built and about two thirds were sold in the US. The car was essentially a two-seater sports car although a small seating arrangement was available behind the front seats. Mercedes-Benz offered a number of engine choices over the years, the first cars in 1971 having the 350 engine, a V8 3.5 litre unit fitted. By 1973 a larger 4.5 litre V8 was available, constructed primarily for the U.S. market. The SL Roadster has since become the epitome of what a luxury roadster should look like and is as popular today as when first launched.

Originally registered on 5th September 1972, this is no ordinary R107. The vendor is a keen motoring enthusiast and purchased the car to do historic rallying. A previous owner purchased the car in 2003 and set about converting this 350SL to rally specification. A FIVA Identity Card was applied for and issued in March 2004, noting that the engine was rebuilt in 2003 (approximately 25,000 miles ago), the suspension has heavy duty springs and competition brake pads have been fitted. Fitted with Sparco seats, this Mercedes-Benz with its long-legged 3.5 litre V8 seems like an ideal car to go rallying in. Solid, sturdy, reliable are all words that come to mind when contemplating a R107. Supplied with a V5C registration document and an interesting history folder, this Mercedes-Benz 350SL is sure to put a smile on your face. It offers oodles of fun at a relatively modest outlay. Consigned by Stewart Banks.

Guide £9,000-£12,000