Lot 36: Mercedes-benz 420 SL
Mercedes-Benz's authoritative-looking R107-series SL roadster was introduced in 1972 as a replacement for the 'Pagoda' W113-series SL that had debuted some nine years earlier. The newcomer took the basic chassis components of the mid size W114 saloon and mated them to the larger engines from the S-Class, its 1660kg kerb weight and substantial engineering quickly earning it the nickname 'Panzerwagen', which remains just as proudly apt today. The R107-series SL was initially available with a 3.5 litre all-alloy V8, but larger-engined V8 and smaller engined straight-six models followed until the range was rationalised in September 1985, the 280 being replaced by the 300SL and the 380 being usurped by the 420SL. At the same time, detail improvements included better rustproofing. Powered by a fuel-injected 4196cc V8 engine developing 218bhp coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission, the new 420SL benefited from considerably improved mid-range acceleration and a reputed top speed of 135mph. The R107-series had the longest run of any Mercedes chassis, lasting right through to 1989 when it was succeeded by the wedge-styled R129-series after more than 237,000 had been built, and nearly 63,000 of its longer wheelbase SLC cousin, yet the 420SL is the rarest of them all with only 2,148 thought to have been made. The last R107-series produced, a 1989 500SL painted Astral Silver, resides in the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Describing 'F755 EBW' as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork, the vendor adds: "This rare 420SL drives well and has an extensive history file - ready for summer. The soft-top is excellent and the hard-top is with the car too. It had a speedo change documented in its history and therefore its total mileage is nearer 115,000 miles".
| Auction |
Cars H&H Sales Limited, The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, Derbyshire |
|---|---|
| Type | Car |
| Lot Number | 36 |
| Estimate | £8000-£10000 |
| Outcome | NOT SOLD |
| Hammer Price | - |
| Hammer Price (inc premium) | - |
| Year | 1988 |
| Condition rating | |
| Registration number | F755EBW |
| Mileage | - |
| Chassis number | WDB1070472A090318 |
| Engine number | 11696422001928 |
| Engine capacity (cc) | 4200 |
| Engine - cylinders | |
| Number of doors | 2 |