A ‘brand new’ classic?
Restoring a Mercedes-Benz R107 SL
When it was introduced in 1971, few could have known that production of the R107 would last an impressive 18 years. The famously over-engineered roadster boasts a timeless, clean design with a cabin that feels uncluttered and free compared with modern machinery. The R107 SL quickly became a status symbol, adored by the upper echelons of society and aspired to by many. On the road, an R107 SL doesn’t feel it’s age. With ample power from all engines, responsive steering and easy handling, it’s a classic car that can be used, enjoyed, relied on. An R107 offers space for touring with the roof up or down, and makes an enjoyable long distance companion. As a classic car the R107 has much to offer, able to take on the concours lawn, the autoroute, the hustle and bustle and the Riviera all in the same day. With a choice of six and eight cylinder engines, a spectrum of colours and a wide array of tasteful interior finishes from across the 18 years of production, there is really is a 107 SL for every customer. Which one will you choose?
The R107 was always a symbol of class and taste, and it remains so to this day. This ever popular open car has never been out of the spotlight.
Being one of the finest cars of the last 100 years, the appeal of a ‘brand new’ R107 SL is clear.
At SLSHOP, we have been producing brand new classic cars for over a decade. An SLSHOP restoration is a collaborative endeavour between our creative, talented team of craftsmen and your vision. Together we will work to create your dream SL, in every way a true recreation of what Mercedes-Benz would have delivered to those lucky customers more than three decades ago.
Owners Story
SLSHOP’s Bruce Greetham is no stranger to concours success, being a decorated award winner before joining SLSHOP. The acquisition of D44BPJ was the start point for Bruce’s vision – to build the finest R107 SL that money could buy.
Bruce’s advice to anyone looking to buy an SL is to ‘buy the car you really want, in the specification that you want it’. With a lifetime of Mercedes-Benz experience, Bruce knew exactly the SL he wanted. It had to be Nautic Blue with Cream, and it had to be a 500SL.
Nine years ago he took his own advice, purchasing the 500SL seen here. The car was what many would describe as a basket case, but Bruce only saw potential.
Over time, the car that technicians guffawed at would go on to become a multi-award winning concours entrant, taking Bruce and his wife on numerous trips through Europe. It was the subject of many photo shoots and magazine features, and attended various classic car shows around the country.
This car showed the world what SLSHOP can do with the R107, a testament to Bruce’s commitment to the marque and his passion for these wonderful old cars.
Before Restoration
When this car first arrived at SLSHOP, it possessed a full house of undesirables – rust, rot and corrosion were present in all of the usual R107 spots, as well as some of the more unusual places. Right from the outset the goal was clear – to show the world what SLSHOP are capable of – so why make it easy to start with?
Every bit of bad metal had to be painstakingly removed before new parts of the structure could be fabricated, welded, sealed and painted. The body was carefully returned to factory original condition, thirty years of nicks and bumps removed in the process. No part of the car was left untouched before the final layer of Nautic Blue was laid down. Our team worked tirelessly to restore, replace or refresh every piece of this car, inside and out.
The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL
Mercedes-Benz introduced the R107 in 1971, replacing the highly successful W113. The R107 remained in production for an impressive 18 years, testament to the build quality, the development and the styling. For a car to remain commercially competitive and culturally relevant for almost two decades is a feat that hasn’t been surpassed since. The R107 is a symbol of quality, and has been for generations. It is an icon within the automotive world, a capable tourer and a classic car that’s joy to drive and own.
Car Shown:
- Model: 1987 Mercedes-Benz 500SL
- Exterior: Nautic Blue Metallic (929)
- Interior: Beige Leather (275)
- Roof: Black Fabric Soft Top (9001)
After SLSHOP Restoration
SLSHOP Perfection
The root of SLSHOP Perfection: The famous Nautic Blue R107
The restoration of D44BPJ was the most comprehensive we had ever performed until that point. Not only was this Bruce’s personal car, but this was to be our show car, our flagship, our storefront that we would lay out to at prestigious classic car shows. It had to be good, no, better than good, it had to be exceptional, it had to be… perfect.
D44BPJ did more for The SL Shop than fly a flag. It proved to the world, to our customers, to our staff, to our critics, that we had the knowledge, the resources and the team to undertake world-leading restorations, to build the very best cars that money can buy. That car went on to win numerous awards and feature in many different glossy magazines.
Bruce’s 500SL was just the beginning. Since this build, our workshops have been constantly busy with commissioned work of a similar quality, covering a wide variety of models – not just the R107. Our customers know that we can produce the results, they know that when the brief is to ‘build the very best car that you possibly can’… We will.
When it comes to a restoration of this calibre, only the best is good enough, because only perfection will do.
Parts Store
With over 11 years of specialising in nothing but SL W113 & R107 models, we’ve grown the most comprehensive parts inventory available on the market. From intricate mechanical components to body parts and chrome, you can be sure that if a part is available, it’s available at SL Shop. You can browse our full catalogue online or alternatively, if you can’t see what you’re after, our team of specialist parts advisors are waiting to assist. Here are some of our most popular products this season:
Replacement Sun Visors
As you sit in an SL 107, one of the first things you’ll notice is a broken or sun damaged sun visor staring you in the face. Luckily we stock sun visors in a wide range of colours for both Left and Right hand drive cars.
Handbrake Shroud Cover
The bane of many SL owner’s pride is a cracked and faded handbrake shroud. SL Shop has bought together a supple design change and modern materials to ensure these replacements will last the lifetime of your car.
Durable Rubber Floor Mats
Customers asked for rubber mats and so we gave you rubber mats. 8 long months of development mean these hard wearing mats not only fit perfectly, but they will keep your velour carpet looking factory fresh.
Bulkhead Repair Panel
You won’t be surprised to hear this is our best selling body panel. The SL 107 bulkhead is prone to corrosion so it’s good practice to keep your eye on it. If you’ve found it needing repair, then we’ve the perfect solution right here.
SL 107 Lower Suspension Arm
An area of the car which deserves more attention than it often gets. A vital part of the vehicle’s suspension which was for many years an obsolete part, now available at SL Shop and proving very popular.
Heater Blower Motor Unit
A common fault on SL 107’s is a seized ventilation motor. Our exclusive replacement unit has been engineered to reduce water ingress, lengthening the life of the motor, and is proven to match the airflow of a genuine unit to within a tolerance of 3%.
SL Shop Branded Filters
It’s easy to overlook quality when it comes to basic service items such as air and oil filters, not at SL Shop. Our exclusive range of own-brand filters are designed to exceed the specification of their German counterparts.
Classic Petrol Mercedes Maintenance Booklet
As cars get older it’s likely that the service book will become full, or get misplaced. SL Shop’s replacement boasts all the same content as your factory original, allowing you to keep your service history in check.
Other Restorations
Mercedes 300 SL
Mercedes 280 SL
Mercedes 250 SL
Workshop Tour
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Workshop Life
Keep your Classic Mercedes – Benz running like the day it left the factory.
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Or, visit SLSHOP ClubHouse
SLSHOP Additional Services
We offer a range of additional services: Car Storage, Hardtop Storage, Rust Protection, Detailing, MOT and Transport.
CARE membership plans
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Improve your SL
Increase the value it brings you
For every SL owner we have met, the key aspect in ownership and running these amazing motorcars is ensuring that this prized possession remains a joy to use whenever, wherever and however; protecting and increasing its value over time.
As the World’s largest specialist in classic SL’s we have drawn upon our experience with our customers, with hundreds of cars and thousands of hours behind the wheel and under the ramp to develop CARE; a way of engaging a community of owners and protecting the value of their investments as well as enhancing their cars condition, reliability and desirability.
