R107 Restoration
Restoring a Mercedes-Benz R107 SL
An SLSHOP R107 Restoration: When it was introduced in 1971, few knew 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 to 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 its 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. It’s 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 really is a 107 SL for every customer. Which one will you choose?
The R107 was always a symbol of class and taste. It remains so to this day. This ever-popular car has never been out of the spotlight.
Being one of the finest cars of the last century, the appeal of a ‘brand new’ restored R107 SL is clear.
At SLSHOP, we’ve been perfecting R107 restorations for over a decade. An SLSHOP R107 restoration is a collaborative endeavour between our talented team of craftsmen and your vision. Together we’ll work to create your dream SL, in every way a true recreation of what Mercedes-Benz would’ve 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 complete the finest R107 Restoration to date.
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 R107 Restorations, 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 R107 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. 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. Ultimately, we needed it to be exceptional… Perfect.
D44BPJ did more for SLSHOP than fly a flag. Undoubtedly, this R107 Restoration proved to the world, to our customers, to our staff, and to our critics, that we could do it. In addition, it showed 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. In the end, that car went on to win numerous awards and feature in many different glossy magazines.
But 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. Because of our reputation, our customers know that we can produce the results. Undoubtedly, 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.
Bulkhead Repair Panel & Blower Motor Housing
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. You may also need to replace your blower motor and its housing, both of which we can supply to you.
Other Restorations
Mercedes 300 SL
Mercedes 280 SL
Mercedes 250 SL
Workshop Tour
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Workshop Life
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SLSHOP Additional Services
We offer a range of additional services: Car Storage, Hardtop Storage, Rust Protection, Detailing, MOT and Transport.
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