1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL 'SportLine Zero' Electric Convertible
Registration no. SCC 107K
Chassis no. 107043 22 011980

Known as 'SportLine Zero', this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL has been converted to fully electric propulsion by marque specialists SLSHOP. The car has been fully rebuilt from the ground upwards and cost nearly £200,000 to develop. SLSHOP and Electric Classic Cars are able to offer ongoing maintenance support for the new owner of this unique creation.

The SL arrived at SLSHOP ready for retirement, minus its engine and with a faulty gearbox. The car was then completely stripped and rebuilt with the utmost attention to detail, while every aspect carefully planned to retain the handling characteristics of the standard version. To this end the SL is balanced by an even front/rear split of batteries, which are contained in the boot and engine bay. It also weighs approximately the same as a standard Type R107 SL. The electrics and running gear are discretely hidden, and there are no clues to the car's transformation other than the dials, non-standard gear selector, and charging plug beneath the fuel flap.

Unlike a petrol or diesel engine, the electric motor is quick to come to life, requiring no warming up; once the key is in the 'ignition', the SL is ready to be enjoyed. Mounted front and rear are 53kWh of Tesla batteries, powering a 150hp 213lb/ft electric motor. This is more than enough power for an SL and offers a range of 150 miles. Acceleration is dialled down at low speeds to closely match that of the petrol-engined version. The 0-60 sprint time is on a par with that of the original, and performance can be adjusted to suit the owner. Make no mistake, this is a quick and capable car, boasting superior SportLine suspension and brakes.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph in April 2020, Quentin Wilson was one of the first motoring journalists to drive the SportLine Zero: "This electric SL can really shift... the sheer ingenuity of engineering this old Merc to drive so well on battery power eclipsed my nostalgia for its traditional powerplant... I was repeatedly struck at how captivating it felt. "What's also quickly apparent is how natural it all feels, like the SL should have always been powered like this."

A modern take on a classic look, this electric SL is both a showstopper and concours winner: a fascinating combination of modern technology and old-fashioned craftsmanship. It is registered as an Electric Vehicle for city-centre driving and can be charged from an EV point or three-pin plug from a domestic supply.