1986 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

The R107 arrived in 1971 and remained in production for an extraordinary 18 years, enough time to establish itself as a well-loved symbol of motoring decadence. Today, these roadsters remain usable and admired classics. The 300SL, available in Europe between 1985 and 1989, was never sold in the US. American buyers were therefore deprived of the six cylinder R107 experience, having to choose from a range of V8s instead. A shame, really. In many respects, the bulletproof 3.0 liter engine was a nice match for the chassis. The R107 was always more of a boulevard cruiser rather than a sports car anyway, so the 190 hp offered up by the creamy six cylinder unit is sufficient. With a little less weight up front, these tend to feel a little more agile than the V8-powered models. And aside from some well documented weaknesses (head gaskets, valve guides and stem seals) the M103 is a notoriously reliable motor.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300SL on eBay

Year: 1986
Model: 300SL
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 13,112 mi
Price: $62,500 Buy It Now or Best Offer

986 Mercedes Benz 300SL

This 300SL is possibly one of the finest in existence and certainly is worthy of any collection. As you may know, the 300SL is a European only model and is widely considered the most desirable and balanced w107 with its powerful, yet lightweight straight 6 engine. This particular example was ordered new, for European Delivery, by its original Minnesota owner. After touring Europe, the 300SL was shipped to Minnesota where she was only driven in fair weather. In 1994, ownership was transferred to her 2nd owner, also in Minnesota. We recently acquired and fully serviced this exceptional Mercedes SL.

Over 130 Photos and Video available upon request. Here are the finer points:

Euro VIN WDB1070411A044527

Only 13,112 Miles

Recent Full Fluid and Filter Service by Mercedes Specialist
All systems function properly. A/C compressor replaced with correct unit and original saved for originality purposes.
In an effort to preserve originality, we replaced but saved the original spark plugs and air filter.

Original, per Data Card, Goodyear Eagle NCT 65 Tires Date Coded January 1986
I suggest the buyer acquire a second set of rims to mount new tires. Ideally, the 300SL would have a set of driving wheels to preserve the original set for show purposes.

Rare Data Card Options:

260 Removal of Model Type Trunk Badge
Heated Driver and Passenger Seats
Folding Rear Seat for SL

Elegant Color Combination of Cabernet Red Metallic DB587 over CremeBeige Leather 275
All Original Paint. Absolutely No Rust or Accident Damage.

Original Interior is Clean and Gorgeous
Leather is Supple and Seats are Firm
Original No Crack Dash
Original Becker Mexico Radio and Hirschmann Antenna

Original Softtop and Hardtop in Excellent Condition

Extremely Clean Engine Bay Still Retains Many Original Hose Clamps and Plating Finishes
The Original Service Mechanic #325 is still chalked on the valve cover. I have never seen this on a 30 year old car!!
Incredibly clean undercarriage with original, factory chalk markings and finishes

Owner’s Manuals and Books
Import and Federalization Documentation

Original Spare Tire with Instruction Tag and Jack

First Aid Kit still in Plastic Wrap
Original Tool Kit still in, very rare, Plastic Bag

I will assist with domestic and international shipping

Overall, this 300SL is an amazing time capsule. It’s an amazing car to collect, drive occasionally and show.
She’s a perfect cars and coffee car and sure to score well at club events and concours.

I spend a full day or more to accurately photo/video document and describe the cars I sell.
Therefore, I request interested buyers review all 130+ photos and video and thoroughly read the ad prior to contacting me with any questions or offers. Thanks, Mike 386.334.0709

WE HAVE OTHER CLASSIC MERCEDES AND PORSCHE AVAILABLE

A European delivery car brought over to Minnesota early in its life, this lovely 300SL benefits from Euro-spec bumpers and headlights, making it decidedly more attractive than a US market car. It presents beautifully in Cabernet Read over Mushroom Beige leather and appears cosmetically flawless. Which is not too surprising, given the astonishingly low 13,000 miles on the odometer. It is incredible to me that the previous owners resisted the temptation to actually drive it. I can’t say I have that level of self-control.

The car is well specified, with a driver’s airbag, heated seats, automatic climate control, ABS brakes and “kinder” jump seats in the rear. They aren’t really all that usable, but they are a neat option nonetheless. The rear badge was deleted at the factory. While many 300SLs were specified in Europe with a manual transmission – an enticing setup – this example has the four speed automatic gearbox more familiar to drivers on these shores.  The car benefits from a recent service undertaken by the selling dealer. All systems are said to work, though it sounds like the original tires are dry rotted and need to be replaced.

The $62,000 price tag puts this R107 firmly in collector car territory. While that seems a tad extravagant, it’s not inconceivable that it could sell for something like that amount of money. A similar car with even fewer miles recently sold for $66,000 on Bring a Trailer.

– Craig