1988 Mercedes-Benz R107 420SL #2373

The 420SL existed for only the last three years of the R107’s production period and marked the final years of operation for the M116 engine that had been in service since the R107’s launch. The M116 was discontinued just two years after the R107’s production period ended (1991). With reliability and eight-cylinder grunt the 420SL filled a gap between the 300SL and 500SL, offering drivers a slightly more refined drive – less of the muscle-car credentials found with the 500SL and higher-servings of silky smooth power.

Under 3,000 420SLs were produced for global distribution, with just a few remaining today in low-mileage exceptional condition. This vehicle is one of several 420SLs in our showroom present, all picked for their fantastic colour combinations and dedicated former keepers.

ABOUT THIS 420SL:

Registered new in March 1988 to Mrs Thomas of Canterbury, this 420SL has climbed slowly through the miles, covering just 24,000 miles in its first 10 years on the road. From here, the vehicle appears to have been used sparingly up until 2010. MOT records show a mileage of 29,049 in 2006 and only 32,805 in 2010 – a minimal increase and evidence of little usage during the 2000s. In 2010 the car changed hands to Mr Darke who sold the vehicle to its current owner in 2012.

EXTERIOR & INTERIOR:

The exterior Blue-Black Metallic paintwork is in beautiful condition – as would be expected from a luxury Mercedes-Benz roadster with few miles covered over its 32 years on and off the road. The Paintwork Preservation 524 option ticked when ordered has worked its magic to ensure the rich colour palate remains evocative and reminiscent of a receding summer nights sky.

All four tyres and the 15” flat face wheels are in exceptional order with no marks or chips. The Black Soft Top Hood 9001 is in perfect working order, with no rips or tears and has not faded. This is the original hood. The vehicle benefits from electric windows, heated and electronically adjusted mirrors (Left). To ensure you can cruise in the Autumn with the roof down, the original owner specified heated seats for both the driver and passenger.

A higher-spec V8, this 420SL also features a fire extinguisher and rear seats for smaller passengers to climb into. More recently, an aftermarket audio system has been fitted. All in all, these are a lovely set of optional extras that make this 420SL a roadster capable of offering all the modern conveniences drivers expect today.

The Grey Leather (278) upholstery and carpets are in fabulous condition. The gloss wood centre spine is vibrant and rich as it should be, while all the switches retain their period correct MB markings.

To summarise this 420SL, we must quote a previous insurance firm. When carrying out a valuation, they stated this 420SL displays clear ‘evidence of sympathetic usage and careful maintenance.’’

• 238 CITY DRIVE LIGHT FOR GREAT BRITAIN
• 256 REAR AXLE WITH LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
• 341 ADDITIONAL BLINKER LAMPS
• 362 RHD VEHICLES AS PER EC REGULATIONS (CONTROL CODE)
• 461 INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND
• 481 UNDERSHIELDS
• 507 OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR, LEFT AND RIGHT, HEATED (ELECTRICALLY ADJUSTABLE ON THE RIGHT)
• 524 PAINTWORK - PRESERVATION
• 565 REAR SEATS USED ON SL MODELS
• 583 ELECTRIC WINDOW LIFTERS (FRONT DOORS)
• 592 HEAT-INSULATING GLASS, ALL-AROUND, HEATED REAR WINDOW PANE, BAND FILTER
• 603 HEADLAMP WIPER UNIT AND OIL FOR REAR AXLE WITH LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL, IN CANISTERS AND CONTAINERS
• 613 HEADLAMP LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC
• 682 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
• 740 BLACK SOFT TOP FABRIC 9001
• 873 SEAT HEATER FOR LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEATS