Silver Blue Metallic | Contrasting Dark Blue Hardtop and Hubcaps | Service Book | Navy Blue MB-Tex Interior

91,492 Miles | Extensive History File | Mercedes-Benz Specialist Maintenance | MOT Until September 2027

Few cars embody the effortless elegance and engineering excellence of Mercedes-Benz quite like the R107 SL.

Introduced in 1971 as the successor to the celebrated W113 'Pagoda', the R107 represented a significant evolution of the SL philosophy, combining traditional Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship with greater refinement, comfort and long-distance touring capability.

Designed under the direction of Friedrich Geiger, the R107 featured beautifully proportioned bodywork, with its long bonnet, distinctive chrome detailing and purposeful stance creating one of the most recognisable silhouettes of the period.

Built around a robust chassis with independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and a range of smooth six- and eight-cylinder engines, the R107 was engineered to provide the kind of relaxed, dependable motoring for which Mercedes-Benz had become renowned.

The 350 SL was among the original models introduced at launch, powered by the marque's 3.5-litre M116 V8 engine. Producing approximately 200 bhp in its original European specification, it offered smooth, flexible performance ideally suited to the SL's grand touring character.

The R107 remained in production until 1989, an extraordinary 18-year production run that speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of its design. Today, these cars are increasingly appreciated for their timeless styling, mechanical integrity and ability to combine classic motoring with genuine everyday usability.

Our 1980 Mercedes-Benz 350SL

We are delighted to offer this 1980 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL, finished in elegant Silver Blue Metallic, complemented by a contrasting dark metallic blue hardtop and colour-matched hubcaps, believed to be Nautical Blue. The combination is particularly handsome, lending the car a wonderfully understated, almost nautical character that suits the R107's elegant lines exceptionally well.

The beautifully coordinated blue theme continues inside, where the cabin is upholstered in navy blue MB-Tex, Mercedes-Benz's famously hard-wearing alternative to leather. Prized for its durability and remarkable ability to withstand the passage of time, MB-Tex is arguably one of the marque's most practical and enduring interior materials, entirely in keeping with the R107's reputation for exceptional build quality.

First registered on 1 June 1980, this UK-registered example has covered 91,492 miles, as recorded at its most recent MOT inspection on 27 August 2026.

Accompanying the car is a substantial history file, containing historical maintenance invoices, MOT certificates, DVLA correspondence and registration documentation, providing a useful record of the car's life and upkeep.

Of particular interest are a number of invoices from respected independent Mercedes-Benz specialist John Haynes Auto Technics of Worthing, West Sussex, documenting servicing, mechanical inspections and maintenance.

An invoice from June 2000 records a comprehensive service at approximately 80,164 miles, including engine servicing, inspection of the braking system and associated maintenance. Further specialist attention is documented in September 2013, including a 6,000-mile service and inspection.

The history file also includes documentation from Brake's Autocentre, recording a major service and inspection covering the engine, ignition system, steering, suspension, braking system and tyres.

The car's recorded MOT history provides further supporting evidence of its mileage, with readings including:

• August 2017: 80,899 miles

• December 2018: 80,921 miles

• June 2020: 80,938 miles

• May 2021: 80,969 miles

• September 2024: 91,201 miles

• September 2025: 91,371 miles

• August 2026: 91,492 miles

The latest MOT was passed on 27 August 2026, with the certificate valid until 8 September 2027.

An accompanying exhaust emissions report confirms that the vehicle also passed its emissions inspection, with recorded carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon readings comfortably within the applicable limits.

The history file includes the V5C registration certificate, historical DVLA correspondence, previous MOT documentation and invoices for maintenance carried out over the years.

Naturally, as a 46-year-old motor car, there are areas of age-related wear and cosmetic imperfections, commensurate with its years and use. These do little to detract from the overall charm of this handsome and increasingly appreciated Mercedes-Benz roadster.

A Timeless Grand Tourer

The appeal of the 350 SL lies in its ability to deliver the quintessential Mercedes-Benz grand touring experience.

Its naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V8 offers effortless performance and a wonderfully characteristic soundtrack, while the R107's beautifully engineered chassis and comfortable driving position make it equally suited to leisurely country drives and longer journeys.

Unlike many sports cars of its era, the SL was designed to be enjoyed without compromise, offering a reassuring sense of solidity, excellent refinement and the understated luxury that defined Mercedes-Benz during this period.

The contrasting blue colour scheme of this particular example is especially appealing. Against the delicate Silver Blue Metallic coachwork, the darker hardtop and matching hubcaps provide an elegant visual contrast, while the navy MB-Tex interior completes a thoroughly cohesive and period-appropriate specification.

It is precisely this sort of thoughtful colour combination that makes an R107 so attractive today. There is nothing ostentatious about it, simply a beautifully proportioned Mercedes-Benz roadster, finished in colours that complement rather than compete with its design.

With its handsome styling, characterful V8 engine and enduring reputation for build quality, the R107 has become an established favourite among enthusiasts of classic European grand tourers.

Summary

This 1980 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL presents an appealing opportunity to acquire one of Stuttgart's most enduring designs, in a particularly attractive and coordinated colour scheme, supported by a substantial history file documenting its maintenance and mileage.

With 91,492 miles recorded, specialist servicing documentation and a recent MOT valid until September 2027, it offers the appeal of a classic Mercedes-Benz V8 roadster with useful supporting provenance.

A wonderfully elegant example of an increasingly appreciated modern classic, equally at home on a summer afternoon in the countryside or undertaking a longer continental journey.

Available for viewing by appointment in Rye, East Sussex.

£29,950