1988 Mercedes-Benz 500SL with Hardtop

During its production run from 1971 until 1989 the R107 S series was the only Roadster offered by Mercedes-Benz. Following the highly successful sales of the previous W113 models in the USA, this was where the new car was expected to be focused. There was a large range of specifications on offer with engine sizes from 280cc to an eventual 560, all in Roadster form with a detachable hardtop. The standard version, as offered in Europe, again could be had with a range of engines, this particular example having the mighty fuel injected 4973 cc V8 giving 237 hp at 5,000 rpm and driving through a four speed automatic gearbox to the rear axle. Front suspension comprised double wishbones with coil springs and anti- roll bar, whilst at the rear was a diagonal swing axle with coil springs and roll bar. Power assisted disc brakes were fitted all round with ABS on the later cars. As always with Mercedes-Benz, quality of engineering and craftsmanship was retained throughout, making these cars a very popular purchase in classic car circles, not just at a possible investment level, but for a very useable and comfortable long distance cruiser, particularly so with that V8 running gear.

E780 YJK was purchased by its current owner in January 1989, some six months after it was first registered. Its custodian has clearly cherished the Mercedes ever since and it is in superbly original condition with a very low mileage. The vendor describes the body as sound and solid. The paintwork is original and very good, apart from one small defect on the O/S/R quarter panel and a blemish to the N/S/F. The interior is smart and tidy, again original, and all instrumentation is working, apart from the eco meter. A factory-fitted rear occasional seat is present and the original hood is in very good order. Mechanically, there are no known faults, the motor car runs sweetly. The vendor has mentioned that the air conditioning system will need a re-gas, and there is evidence of some surface rust on the bulkhead, which we feel is not a major issue.

Although the 500SL has covered just 600 miles in the last twelve years, a regular programme of maintenance has continued. The automatic gearbox was serviced in 2018, the brake calipers were replaced in 2019, as were the front suspension ball joints in the same year, and we understand that in the summer of 2022, the Mercedes had an engine oil change and the oil filter was replaced, the cylinder head cover gasket was also renewed and a new fuel contents sender fitted. A new battery has also been recently installed.

The very well organized history file contains the original owner’s manual, service record, cruise control instructions and hood tools in a leather wallet, together with MOT test certificates, servicing and maintenance invoices and the V5C registration certificate.

With its hardtop and hood, this lovely 500SL is ready for the British summer. A great opportunity.

Auction Date: 8 June 2023