1973 Mercedes-Benz R107 350 SL with Bamboo MB Tex

1973 Mercedes-Benz 350SL

Icon Gold Metallic (419) with Bamboo MB Tex (167) and
Icon Gold Metallic Hard Top (419) and Dark Brown Fabric Soft Top (8023)

53,069 miles

First registered on 14th August 1973, this rare Icon Gold 350SL was one of just 1,647 350SLs produced that year, making it one of the first of 20,000 R107SL produced from a total production of almost 250,000 cars.

Mercedes-Benz built just over 15,000 350SLs between 1970 and 1980, with very few good ones now available. Low values and corrosion would signal the death of a great many early R107 SLs, with the majority of cars dropping off the radar in the early 2000s (when values were at the bottom of the depreciation curve). Traditionally buyers have gravitated towards the facelift cars of 1986 to 1989, but we are beginning to see a shift in perceptions, and good early cars are more in demand than ever.

The 3.5 litre engine used in the 350SL was the same unit that propelled the iconic 300SE 3.5 Coupe and Cabriolet, a characterful unit that feels markedly different to the later V8 engines. With almost 200hp coming from the big V8, the 350SL has ample power, but it’s the way it feels and sounds that marks these early cars out from their later counterparts.

These early 350SLs have a very different character to the later cars, more raw and visceral. If a post 86 car feels a step towards the modern, refined motorcar that we all have come to appreciate, the early cars feel like a step into the past. Early R107 SLs hark back to the simplicity of the 1960s, elegant design and simple styling with raw, capable engines .

Being almost 50 years old, it has been cared for by only a handful of owners, one of whom was an airline pilot. During 2016/17 a great deal of renovation work was undertaken, demonstrated by parts receipts from Mercedes-Benz Wolverhampton totaling almost £4,000. The documentation and history file paint a picture of a well cared for and cherished SL that has always been in use, if only sparingly. Present with the car is the original brown wallet, manufacturer book packs and service book, as well as a spare set of keys.

Prior to taking up a spot in the showroom this SL has been serviced by SLSHOP, with a number of works undertaken to prepare it for the next owner. We can report that it drives beautifully, a very characterful car and a rare one indeed.

Regarding the rarity of this 1973 350SL, statistics gathered on the number of cars that are taxed or SORN show just over 400 350SLs currently on the road.

Of these 450, just over 100 are earlier than 1974, making this 350SL one of the hundred oldest R107 SLs in the country.

This Mercedes-Benz has been hand-picked by SLSHOP’s sales team due to its high calibre status. Every inch of this vehicle’s exterior, interior and mechanicals have been inspected by SLSHOP’s workshops to ensure the vehicle meets our world leading standards. While every effort has been made to offer pristine vehicles, there will be some age-related marks, unless otherwise stated.

We advise interested parties to join us for a coffee to peruse the documentation accompanying this vehicle. There are servicing records and invoices, MOT and tax records dating back many years and as such must be viewed in person.

Icon Gold Metallic (419) with Bamboo MB (167) and Icon Gold Metallic Hard Top (419) and Dark Brown Fabric Soft Top (8023) Original Grundig Radio, No Headrests, Single Exterior Mirror