This article was originally published in Classic Mercedes Magazine’s Winter Issue, 2021. Customer and supporter of SLSHOP, Lee Downing, gives his recount of our #SLSHOP50 event for the magazine, followed by a note from Editor David Sutherland who also took part in the celebrations.
‘‘To celebrate the R107 SL’s 50th anniversary, in late July 2021 Warwickshire-based SLSHOP organised a road trip from its premises to Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands in Surrey. More than a few customers joined in the event, among them Lee Downing who shares his experience.”
As a Mercedes-Benz R107 SL owner and SLSHOP customer, I was delighted to hear that a big celebration was planned for the 50th anniversary of the model. The R107 SL has been a part of my life for many years, having owned a number of these superb cars including an SLC which was restored by SLSHOP. Having recently purchased another fine example from Bruce and the team, my wife and I were really looking forward to driving our Surf Blue 300SL on the day.
When the date finally arrived we were relieved to set out under pink skies, and a bright dry day beckoned… refreshing after a run of bad weather and a certain blessing for attendees. We drove down the long access road at SLSHOP fairly early in the day, and weren’t surprised to see other guests already settled and chatting away. Parking Surf Blue in a line of maybe fifteen cars, we began to mingle as the day got underway. SLSHOP had done a brilliant job of setting up the site, with their large ‘hospitality suite’ established on a long stretch of grass-lined road a short walk from the main SLSHOP buildings. There were a selection of fine showroom cars lined up for us to admire, including some of the Pagodas that were currently for sale. A marquee was on site which would have kept us out of the rain, although thankfully it was also handy as a sun shade… as the day progressed the mercury rose accordingly.
R107 SLs began arriving in a steady stream, accompanied by smiling faces and some excellent fancy dress…. After all the R107 arrived in 1971 at the time of big hair, big trousers and loud shirts. By the time Sam Bailey gathered the guests for a welcome speech, a crowd of 100 enthusiasts stood coffee-in-hand and neither the front of the R107 SL line or the back could be seen from our central location. We estimated 70 R107 SLs but could see more arriving when we gave up counting!
Sam launched the day with his usual laid-back style, and Quentin Wilson contributed with some thoughts on the R107 and some of his own ownership stories. The next phase was the photo procession, a slow run around the grounds whilst a number of photographers and drone pilots captured the proceedings – this must have been the largest gathering of R107 SLs since production was finished! We slowly convoyed together, a constant train of R107 SL cars and the atmosphere was simply jubilant.
After the photo procession it was time to hit the road to Brooklands. SLSHOP staff had the difficult task of stopping the traffic on the main exit road, although the waiting drivers didn’t seem to mind spending four minutes watching almost 100 classic cars pulling out onto the A road and gunning the throttle. Roof down and foot to the floor, we aimed for Stratford-upon-Avon creating quite a spectacle for jaw-dropped onlookers as our convoy of chrome-laden cars cruised through the town centre heading for the motorway.
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL is well known for its grand touring capabilities, and despite the busy traffic, roadworks and all the pitfalls of modern motoring, every one of these old cars arrived at Mercedes-Benz World and the hallowed old curves of Brooklands without a single mechanical issue.
Once again the cars lined up together, this time joined by a southern cohort of SL enthusiasts which swelled the numbers even further. Plenty of car chat ensued, with friendships made and our love for these cars bolstered!
There wasn’t much time to kill before our second briefing of the day took place, with Mercedes-Benz World staff keen to get our patty out on the track for a parade lap. Slowly taking our place in formation, all 100 cars lined up on the original banked curve of the former Brooklands circuit, under the shadow of the impressive Mercedes-Benz world building – something we will remember for a long while.
We took it in turns driving in small groups in convoy around the track, before finally parking on a gigantic semi-circle on the still damp skid pan in the centre of the circuit. Sitting in our car and looking at SLs in every direction was really quite something; with Sam and Bruce off in the distance trying to coordinate photographers as the final act of the day.
As the shutters clicked and the drone whirred, the event drew to a close with a final blast of the horn from every car on site… something we’ll not be able to experience again and a day of automotive memories that we will treasure.
Peeling out of the formation and heading back onto the road, our convoy slowly splintered as this collection of beautiful classics all returned from whence they came. Driving home we reflected on what a superb day it had been, relaxed and organised, regimented yet flexible and most importantly, friendly and welcoming. The car performed superbly and we can’t wait to do it all again… hopefully there will be another similar meet next year, it was just too enjoyable to be reserved purely for anniversaries. 51st celebrations, anyone? We will be there with our Surf Blue 300SL!
Best Seat in the House
As SLs poured into Brooklands, David Sutherland found a bird’s eye view
As I set off to Brooklands, 20 miles from where I live in rural Surrey, to meet the collected SLs and speak with some of their owners, I was expecting to turn up and see a few die-hard R107 enthusiasts and their cars gathered together, as is often seen at M-B World club meetings – but I got a lot more than I bargained for!
I could barely believe what I was seeing from the moment I arrived. I got there as cars were arriving, and within minutes the service roads and the banked circuits infield section which borders the track and skid pan were full up with R107s of all ages and colours. I heard myself saying, ”wow this is BIG!”
Having been to M-B World many times for various corporate events, I knew that the upper floor balconies afford fantastic views of the entire site. But I also knew that the building is tightly un and security might well deny me access to these areas. Not wanting to miss what was fast developing into an unmissable but possibly fledging photo opportunity, I ran into the building and up the escalator whose first stop is the second floor, and saw two staff members looking lie they didn’t have much to do on a late Friday afternoon other than stopping visitors going where they shouldn’t.
Tying not to sound out of breath, I explained where I was from and asked if could get out to the balcony to take photos, anticipating a polite but firm ”no”; M-B World is usually very helpful – but only if requests are made formally and in advance. To my surprise and delight they immediately said ‘test’, and took me through the door (which had been unlocked anyway) out into the open. Being inside and unaware that a Midlands classic car had just taken over Daimler AG’s flagship UK site, these guys were as amazed as I was at the sight below. It’s a tall building and the SLs below looked like the best Matchbox models you ever saw. The second thing that struck me was that while I didn’t think red is the most common R107 colour, it seemed to be the most numerous there. Or maybe it just stood out.
The expanse of Benz metalwork spread so far I couldn’t get it all in the viewfinder of my old but trusty Canon G12, even though it was on maximum wide angle setting. And as I snapped away, SLs kept pouring in, soon extending way up the old inroad section.
Back at ground level, a carnival atmosphere had developed, with many owners comparing notes in the lovely afternoon sunshine. It was a real treat to see R107s of probably every year since 1981. This being a tightly scheduled event, the cars were soon led into a parade lap on the track and then to the big skid pan for a group photo, which due to the number of cars made for a sight as spectacular, it not more so than that which I had just seen from high above. That done, it was time to leave and the cars fuelled out into the exit drive and onto Surrey’s roads.
Within minutes, all the SLs had gone. I’d been there briefly but in that short time had witnessed a most remarkable classic car moment.
Share With Your Fellow Enthusiasts
This article was originally published in Classic Mercedes Magazine’s Winter Issue, 2021. Customer and supporter of SLSHOP, Lee Downing, gives his recount of our #SLSHOP50 event for the magazine, followed by a note from Editor David Sutherland who also took part in the celebrations.
‘‘To celebrate the R107 SL’s 50th anniversary, in late July 2021 Warwickshire-based SLSHOP organised a road trip from its premises to Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands in Surrey. More than a few customers joined in the event, among them Lee Downing who shares his experience.”
As a Mercedes-Benz R107 SL owner and SLSHOP customer, I was delighted to hear that a big celebration was planned for the 50th anniversary of the model. The R107 SL has been a part of my life for many years, having owned a number of these superb cars including an SLC which was restored by SLSHOP. Having recently purchased another fine example from Bruce and the team, my wife and I were really looking forward to driving our Surf Blue 300SL on the day.
When the date finally arrived we were relieved to set out under pink skies, and a bright dry day beckoned… refreshing after a run of bad weather and a certain blessing for attendees. We drove down the long access road at SLSHOP fairly early in the day, and weren’t surprised to see other guests already settled and chatting away. Parking Surf Blue in a line of maybe fifteen cars, we began to mingle as the day got underway. SLSHOP had done a brilliant job of setting up the site, with their large ‘hospitality suite’ established on a long stretch of grass-lined road a short walk from the main SLSHOP buildings. There were a selection of fine showroom cars lined up for us to admire, including some of the Pagodas that were currently for sale. A marquee was on site which would have kept us out of the rain, although thankfully it was also handy as a sun shade… as the day progressed the mercury rose accordingly.
R107 SLs began arriving in a steady stream, accompanied by smiling faces and some excellent fancy dress…. After all the R107 arrived in 1971 at the time of big hair, big trousers and loud shirts. By the time Sam Bailey gathered the guests for a welcome speech, a crowd of 100 enthusiasts stood coffee-in-hand and neither the front of the R107 SL line or the back could be seen from our central location. We estimated 70 R107 SLs but could see more arriving when we gave up counting!
Sam launched the day with his usual laid-back style, and Quentin Wilson contributed with some thoughts on the R107 and some of his own ownership stories. The next phase was the photo procession, a slow run around the grounds whilst a number of photographers and drone pilots captured the proceedings – this must have been the largest gathering of R107 SLs since production was finished! We slowly convoyed together, a constant train of R107 SL cars and the atmosphere was simply jubilant.
After the photo procession it was time to hit the road to Brooklands. SLSHOP staff had the difficult task of stopping the traffic on the main exit road, although the waiting drivers didn’t seem to mind spending four minutes watching almost 100 classic cars pulling out onto the A road and gunning the throttle. Roof down and foot to the floor, we aimed for Stratford-upon-Avon creating quite a spectacle for jaw-dropped onlookers as our convoy of chrome-laden cars cruised through the town centre heading for the motorway.
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL is well known for its grand touring capabilities, and despite the busy traffic, roadworks and all the pitfalls of modern motoring, every one of these old cars arrived at Mercedes-Benz World and the hallowed old curves of Brooklands without a single mechanical issue.
Once again the cars lined up together, this time joined by a southern cohort of SL enthusiasts which swelled the numbers even further. Plenty of car chat ensued, with friendships made and our love for these cars bolstered!
There wasn’t much time to kill before our second briefing of the day took place, with Mercedes-Benz World staff keen to get our patty out on the track for a parade lap. Slowly taking our place in formation, all 100 cars lined up on the original banked curve of the former Brooklands circuit, under the shadow of the impressive Mercedes-Benz world building – something we will remember for a long while.
We took it in turns driving in small groups in convoy around the track, before finally parking on a gigantic semi-circle on the still damp skid pan in the centre of the circuit. Sitting in our car and looking at SLs in every direction was really quite something; with Sam and Bruce off in the distance trying to coordinate photographers as the final act of the day.
As the shutters clicked and the drone whirred, the event drew to a close with a final blast of the horn from every car on site… something we’ll not be able to experience again and a day of automotive memories that we will treasure.
Peeling out of the formation and heading back onto the road, our convoy slowly splintered as this collection of beautiful classics all returned from whence they came. Driving home we reflected on what a superb day it had been, relaxed and organised, regimented yet flexible and most importantly, friendly and welcoming. The car performed superbly and we can’t wait to do it all again… hopefully there will be another similar meet next year, it was just too enjoyable to be reserved purely for anniversaries. 51st celebrations, anyone? We will be there with our Surf Blue 300SL!
Best Seat in the House
As SLs poured into Brooklands, David Sutherland found a bird’s eye view
As I set off to Brooklands, 20 miles from where I live in rural Surrey, to meet the collected SLs and speak with some of their owners, I was expecting to turn up and see a few die-hard R107 enthusiasts and their cars gathered together, as is often seen at M-B World club meetings – but I got a lot more than I bargained for!
I could barely believe what I was seeing from the moment I arrived. I got there as cars were arriving, and within minutes the service roads and the banked circuits infield section which borders the track and skid pan were full up with R107s of all ages and colours. I heard myself saying, ”wow this is BIG!”
Having been to M-B World many times for various corporate events, I knew that the upper floor balconies afford fantastic views of the entire site. But I also knew that the building is tightly un and security might well deny me access to these areas. Not wanting to miss what was fast developing into an unmissable but possibly fledging photo opportunity, I ran into the building and up the escalator whose first stop is the second floor, and saw two staff members looking lie they didn’t have much to do on a late Friday afternoon other than stopping visitors going where they shouldn’t.
Tying not to sound out of breath, I explained where I was from and asked if could get out to the balcony to take photos, anticipating a polite but firm ”no”; M-B World is usually very helpful – but only if requests are made formally and in advance. To my surprise and delight they immediately said ‘test’, and took me through the door (which had been unlocked anyway) out into the open. Being inside and unaware that a Midlands classic car had just taken over Daimler AG’s flagship UK site, these guys were as amazed as I was at the sight below. It’s a tall building and the SLs below looked like the best Matchbox models you ever saw. The second thing that struck me was that while I didn’t think red is the most common R107 colour, it seemed to be the most numerous there. Or maybe it just stood out.
The expanse of Benz metalwork spread so far I couldn’t get it all in the viewfinder of my old but trusty Canon G12, even though it was on maximum wide angle setting. And as I snapped away, SLs kept pouring in, soon extending way up the old inroad section.
Back at ground level, a carnival atmosphere had developed, with many owners comparing notes in the lovely afternoon sunshine. It was a real treat to see R107s of probably every year since 1981. This being a tightly scheduled event, the cars were soon led into a parade lap on the track and then to the big skid pan for a group photo, which due to the number of cars made for a sight as spectacular, it not more so than that which I had just seen from high above. That done, it was time to leave and the cars fuelled out into the exit drive and onto Surrey’s roads.
Within minutes, all the SLs had gone. I’d been there briefly but in that short time had witnessed a most remarkable classic car moment.
Share With Your Fellow Enthusiasts
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