WHAT’S GOING ON AT SLSHOP?

END OF YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

As the end of the year approaches and more people look to the exit, we’re manning the entrance and welcoming more owners through our doors. Our workshops have been the centre of abundant activity, with a variety of projects commencing as well as coming to completion. From Pagoda restoration projects to SportLine manual gearbox conversions, each piece of work is specifically tailored to the individual owner. Likewise, the showroom has been busy welcoming new stock to fill the gaps left by those cars moving on to new homes. The Parts Store has welcomed an increase in stock, covering two additional iconic SL models before even more non-SL models can be added…

HERITAGE WORKSHOP

This Pagoda recently arrived in a sorry state, with bodywork in a very tired condition. It was clear just from looking that this Pagoda had been on the receiving end of poorly executed work, resulting in uneven gaps, misaligned panels and lots of filler. Tom has been stripping the metal back to see what he is dealing with – the Pagoda is expected to require a multitude of new body panels.

Craftsman Rob is similarly tending to an R107 in need of some love. Here you can see he is repairing the inner wheel arch, which over the years has been pummelled by the elements. A rusty wheel arch will only spread to other areas of the car, causing more costly damage.

Where some cars have started their journeys, others have reached the climax. This Burgundy Pagoda has received months of attention from Dan’s team, with the highlight being a 6-speed manual Ge-Trag gearbox conversion. This will offer the owner a more spirited drive; also improving sound levels when cruising at 65-70mph.

SPECIALIST WORKSHOP

Beyond the usual servicing and routine maintenance work SLSHOP carries out, a number of projects are still underway within our Specialist Workshop:

Over the past few months, two SportLine commissions have been taking place – both 300 SLs. The two R107s have had varying levels of SportLine options commissioned by their owners, but both have opted for a 6-speed manual gearbox conversion. The Signal Red 300 SL has recently been returned to its rightful owners, while the Nautic Blue 300 SL is in the final stages. Pictured above is Simon, fitting the new wiring looms to the Nautic 300 SL, as well as the manual gear lever of the Signal Red 300 SL and owner Tom who recently collected his finished project.

SHOWROOM

The first of six. Aptly carrying the 68 SG license plate, or 1968 Super Grand should we say, this 280 SL is an exceptional fully restored W113 Pagoda like nothing else we have seen in this colour combination before. Finished in Nautic Blue (387) with Natural Leather (219), this Pagoda has been built to perfection and arrived at SLSHOP towards the end of November, as the first in a series of six similarly restored Pagodas. The W113 didn’t stick around though, selling within just a few days of arriving in the Showroom.

All our vehicles are carefully prepared for our showroom and departure, with each vehicle receiving a regular cleaning routine from our star valetors. We will be sad to see this Designo Alanite Green Heritage R129 SL320 leave the building, but of course, the car will be back for its annual service and check over this time next year.

PARTS STORE

 The year has been busy for the Parts Store, with the list of components available to owners around the world increasing enormously. Now available online are R129 and W121 190 SL parts, offering restorers and owners access to essential parts that will keep these cars on the road for (we hope) the rest of this decade. We’ve improved our website navigation to make components just that little bit easier to find, improving the imagery and search engine to ensure you find exactly what you want.

As we look to 2022, we will be continuing to expand this inventory to accommodate owners of more than SL models, including the sophisticated saloons and cool coupes of the last 50 years. Considering buying a component or accessory from SLSHOP? Let Jen tell you why you should look no further:

‘’ I live in the states and ordered parts from them, very good pricing and fast turn around plus updates from a real person. Parts came in good condition and they even send some sweets. Will use them again.’’

The horizon is bright for the classic Mercedes industry, with 2022 expected to see another surge in prices for all the pre-2000 SL models. To find out more about what you can expect from 2022, read our most recent market review here.