• Offered from The Carrera Collection
• Exceptionally rare, factory-coded test chassis; sold new in Switzerland
• Finished in its factory-correct Champagne Metallic over Palomino leather with dark brown soft-top
• Specified with heated seats, headlamp wipers, ABS, cruise control, Becker Mexico Cassette radio with Kurier stereo, automatic antenna, and rear seat
• Acquired by the consignor in December 2012

Conceived to be the world’s finest open two-seater, Mercedes-Benz’s third-generation (chassis code R107) rendition of their world-beating SL model line was released in 1971. A replacement for the W113 SL “Pagoda”, which had been introduced in 1963, the new model brought forth a clean, forward-looking style, cutting-edge safety features, and the famous Teutonic over-engineering for which the brand’s products of this vintage are exceptionally well regarded.

More than anything else, the newest SL showcased the model line’s increasing focus on luxurious travel and grand touring capabilities, which were seen as core factors to the company’s continuing sales strategy in the United States. It was also fiercely expensive but, such was its excellence, this glamorous drop-top enjoyed an astounding 18-year production run. Three decades after the end of its production run, the R107-generation super-leicht remains a reference example for build quality and stylish sophistication.

Entering the 1980 model year, the R107 was on the crest of entering its second decade of production, though this product maturity certainly didn’t affect sales; if anything, it may have improved them. Starring roles in countless music videos, as well as hit TV series Dallas and Magnum P.I., also helped to cement the car’s relevance in American pop culture.

Yet, given the model’s aging specifications, Mercedes-Benz released a comprehensive suite of much-appreciated updates for the SL that included multiple new configurations of available powertrains and transmissions. The most exhilarating of these was the flagship 500 SL, equipped with a 5.0-litre, fuel-injected V-8 engine producing 241 brake horsepower and four-speed automatic gearbox. With development roots, aluminium body panels, engine block, and mechanical specifications tying it firmly to the preceding 450 SLC 5.0 homologation special, the 1981 500 SL offered true sports roadster performance that allowed it to keep pace with the contemporaneous Ferrari 308 and Chevrolet Corvette.

This 1981 500 SL offered from The Carrera Collection is an interesting and exceptionally rare factory test chassis that was initially withheld by the factory before being sold new in Switzerland. Contact with the Mercedes-Benz Archives does not record the precise use of the car, though it was completed in early February 1981 and not apparently sold to its first Swiss owner until September.

Finished in the striking shade of Champagne Metallic over Palomino leather with dark brown soft-top, the car was fitted with a thorough suite of optional specifications including heated seats, headlamp wipers, ABS, cruise control, Becker Mexico Cassette radio with Kurier stereo, automatic antenna, and rather uncommon rear seat.

Having remained in Switzerland since the ownership of its first custodian, this exceptional 500 SL was acquired by The Carrera Collection in 2012 and under their careful watch it has been enjoyed for nearly 6,500 kilometres of open-top fun. An iconic Mercedes-Benz, this is sure to pique the interest of marque enthusiasts and sports car collectors alike.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/cc23.