1986 Mercedes-Benz 500SL R107

We are delighted to offer for sale this 1986 500SL finished in Smoke Silver with Brazil Leather, complimented nicely with a Dark Brown Soft Top, and featuring an unusual optional extra for a 1980s convertible – Air Conditioning. Also fitted to this range-topping V8 are Cruise Control, a Limited Slip Differential and Rear Seats.

This is a very tidy example of the top-spec R107, averaging approximately 1,000 miles per year over the last two decades as a vehicle to enjoy when the opportunity arises. Its superb appearance shows that it’s clearly been stored correctly when not in use, the paintwork retaining a lovely finish all-round, and the interior looks like it’s from a car that’s done half the miles. Even the original factory fitted soft top presenting in excellent condition – free from cracks and fading. Mounted in the dashboard, you’ll find a Blaupunkt Bremen Radio, not the retro-styled model you can find online today, this is the seldom seen original 1980s item featuring a cassette player. The condition of the car and the accompanying history file, all point to careful ownership throughout, almost as if those previous keepers knew they were custodians of a guaranteed future classic, making great effort to preserve it for the next generation.

Supplied new by Normand-Cruikshank Mercedes Benz of Bristol in October 1986 to a firm by the name Golding & Partners in Bristol, a car of this status must surely have been the boss’ company motor. They kept up regular servicing at Normand of Bristol throughout the cars’ early life, as did the next owner. In fact, the original service booklet is still with the car and contains no less than 24 service stamps at Mercedes Benz and specialist businesses, occupying the final spot in the service book is a stamp from 2018. Handily, there are invoices to support many of these services, as well as MOT certificates from as early as 1992 through to the now-digital age, all of which confirm the mileage of 86,847 that we see today. Additionally, in the history file you’ll find an original set of manuals in the correct clear plastic wallet, the original Pre-Delivery Inspection checklist from 1986, invoices for work going back to the mid-90s and a couple of old V5 documents, too.

Smoke Silver suits the clean lines of the R107 very nicely, but the Brazil Leather interior is what finishes this car off so well – the two shades work beautifully together and serve as a pleasant reminder of days gone by when you could order an interior shade other than black! As if the V8 soundtrack and gorgeous colour scheme weren’t enough, but R107s with air conditioning are few and far between, and all the more desirable for it.