1988 Mercedes-Benz R107 300SL with Beige Check (075)

Even towards the end of its tenure as the sporting luxurious drop-top, there was no slowing down the R107. Having established itself as one of the longest-running Mercedes-Benz models in the German carmaker’s illustrious history, the SL only kept getting better and better. The six-cylinder-engined 300SL has presented a great case for itself — and how Mercedes-Benz didn’t give up on the brilliant R107 even towards the end of its nearly two-decade-long run. As we’ve maintained in the past, the 300SL is a great iteration, for its lower weight than the V8-engined cars makes it a better handler. And the M103 straight-six has decent power that the driver wouldn’t feel short-changed ever. It definitely becomes a great way to enjoy the marvelous car the R107 is.

The 1988 Mercedes-Benz 300SL here is a good balance between the ideal R107 and an approachable example. With 109,000 miles on the clock, it’s a well-used and evidently a well-cared-for car. The four-former-keeper car comes with its service book, old MoT certificates, and even a bunch of invoices documenting the work done on it previously. This is further verified with the help of a note from the seller, which gets into the minute details of what has been repaired or replaced.

Our technician’s inspection reveals that this 1988 R107 300SL has sound bodywork and good mechanicals. There are only some issues which might need to be attended to in future — minor oil leaks, AC and radio controls, etc. In terms of appearance, the bodywork looks to be free of any large blemishes or deviations from the original condition. There’s no visible rust, either. The exterior work done to the car has made it look fresh. The interior seems to be very good indeed and like the outside, it has been treated to reconditioning in the past. The optional rear seat has a mark, but otherwise, it’s a clean cabin. The overall condition of this 300SL is good, no doubt, although it's not without wear — like some scuffs on the front bumper and some on the wheels. The spare wheel is included with the car but unlike the rest of the tyres, it’s older.

Reliable, especially when serviced regularly, the R107 is known to age gracefully. And this example, first registered in 1988 — which makes it over three-decades old — proves that. The current keeper acquired it in 2019 and has since put quite some work to ensure that it’s in top condition. The accompanying service booklet has a total of 17 entries and the subsequent work is documented with the help of invoices. Its first inspection was done in the same month as it was bought in — August of 1988 — at 635 miles. In 2023, the car got new spark plugs and a cable replacement for the soft top. It got a new battery in 2022 while in 2021, the F327 EAX was treated to a brake service, new tyres, new headlight bulbs, new wipers, among other things. The attached list of work done on the car also mentions mechanical components being replaced, repair work done both to cosmetics and the underpinnings, and even some paint touch-up/corrections.

The 300SL presented here can be a good way to satiate the need to own an R107. The model itself occupies a sweet spot in the SL line up and we wouldn’t need to think twice before recommending one. With a little over 100,000 miles, it’s clear that the car has been used in the past, but at the same time, it’s been maintained to a great standard, too. And we think it’s going to work rather well as a classic that you’ll actively look forward to driving more.