1989 Mercedes Benz R107 420 SL #2448

Engine:  4.2-litre

This is the closest opportunity we’ve ever seen to offering a brand-new R107. That’s not a typo above, this 420 really has only covered 1520 miles. There are stamps in the service history to prove it, plus the car’s been in the possession of its first and only owner for its entire 33 years.

This language of this listing will get very familiar very quickly, as all the condition indicators will simply say, ‘as new’. This is a car that almost requires velvet gloves to touch, it’s so close so as to make no difference, immaculate.

This 420’s remarkable condition really has to be seen to be believed. It’s, to all intents and purposes, brand new. With little more than delivery mileage and flawless throughout, we think we can say with some confidence that this is likely the very best R107 currently on sale anywhere.

This is where we start to get repetitive, but we hope you’ll forgive us. The bodywork is essentially flawless; we couldn’t find even a mark, scratch or blemish worth mentioning. The chrome is equally flawless, retaining a perfect mirror polish. Bumper rubber inserts front and rear show now sign of impacts or abrasion and glass all round remains crystal clear and chip/distortion free.

Inside, the flawless impression continues, with a dash that’s as new and woodwork in the same exceptional state. Look up and you’re greeted by sun visors and headlining that seem to have never been touched.

Tyres are even the original matching set of Michelin MXVs, stamped as being made in West Germany! Clearly, if you plan on adding some miles to this SL, these will need changing.

The service booklet shows registration and delivery in February 1990 – the car was built in 1989 as we have the pre-delivery inspection stamp from December that year. The first service – due to take place at 6000 miles – was actually conducted with just 1414 miles on the odometer at Mercedes-Benz Cragside. Here the history takes a big break until 2007 when we see oil changes every other year, regardless of use (which was virtually none), until the present day.

This very special SL has been known to us for a few years as we were tasked with servicing it in 2018, as well as offering one of our 24-month (5000-mile) warranty programs from 2021-2023.

The only bill for work done, other than routine maintenance, is a £395 invoice from Cummings of Bodmin, who replaced the car’s fuel pump, filter and relay in 2016. The opportunity was taken to give the car a thorough service at the same time, including replacing the transmission oil.

Well-equipped from the factory, this SL came with cruise control, headlamp washers and wipers, heat-insulating glass with a heated rear screen for the hardtop, fire extinguisher plus paintwork preservation options. Rarer still is the car’s limited-slip differential and beige leather interior, including the rear seat.

All these toys remain fitted and working, as its only owner intended, with the car continuing to be completely factory standard. The stereo is the same Blaupunkt Cambridge that was slotted in the dash 33 years ago. There’s not even the merest of deviations from the car’s original specification and it’s all the better for it.