A Restored R107 SL
Restoring a Mercedes-Benz R107 SL
This Signal Red Mercedes-Benz 300SL came to us with a simple brief… make it better than new.
A restored R107 SL: Over the following months this car was carefully deconstructed and the body sent away for blasting. Once returned, a lifetime of small imperfections were repaired ready for a fresh coat of that iconic Signal Red. Inside the process was the same, remove everything, restore what can be restored and replace what needs to be replaced. Arguably the biggest task was underneath the car. With a completely fresh shell to work with, the underside needed to be immaculate. Removing the original factory underseal revealed all manner of tasks for our fabrication department to carefully work through.
The finished item was quite simply R107 perfection – inside, outside and underneath. A fully restored R107 SL, in immaculate and ‘as new’ condition.
About Signal Red
‘Signal Red’ (or colour code 568H) replaced ‘Red’ (519) in the late 1960s and remained an option within Mercedes-Benz colour brochures well into the 1990s. All cars have those iconic colours associated with them, for one reason or another, and for the R107 SL Signal Red is one of the most popular hues to have. Whether combined with a cream or black interior, there can be no mistaking the incredible way this colour works with the clean lines of a 1980s SL.
Most iconic classics have one single colour that’s synonymous with car, the first colour that springs to mind when picturing a specific classic. Close your eyes and think of an Aston Martin DB5. Is it silver? How about a Triumph Stag. Was it yellow? Or a Jaguar E Type. Was it green? How about a Mercedes-Benz R107? Maybe Dallas is to blame, maybe not, but for many people, a restored R107 SL simply has to be Signal Red.
Before Restoration
Although this car didn’t present as badly as some we’ve seen, in many ways it didn’t matter. Whether a part or panel was mildly corroded or on the verge of disintegration, it was going to be addressed. The comprehensive approach that was taken with this restoration is what sets this car apart from the crowd. Nothing less than perfection was always the target we had in mind, right down to the bits you’ll never see. That’s the very definition of attention to detail.
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 300SL
- Exterior: Signal Red (568)
- Interior: Beige Leather (275)
- Roof: Black Fabric Soft Top (9001)
After SLSHOP 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 Life
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