Lot 750: 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Convertible

Mercedes-Benz revived one of its most famous model designations of all time when it introduced the new 300SL in 1985. However, the newcomer was not a thinly disguised sports racer but the latest in a noble line of six-cylinder luxury Gran Turismos stretching back to the 230SL of 1963. When the original Type 113 bodyshell finally bowed out on the 280SL in 1971, it was replaced by the V8-engined Type 107 and there would not be a six-cylinder model in the range for a further nine years, an omission rectified in 1980 with the launch of the new 280SL. The latter used the same twin-overhead-camshaft unit as the other ‘280’ models, and with 185bhp on tap was good for a top speed of 127mph. When the 300SL took over in 1985 it came with a single-cam engine that produced a mere 3bhp more at the top end, the main gains over the superseded smaller motor being a useful increase in torque and a marked reduction in fuel consumption. This right-hand drive 300SL Convertible has covered circa 65,000 miles from new and was purchased from the estate of the late Jack Bloom in 2005, since when it has been kept in a private collection. We are advised that initial servicing was carried out by Mercedes-Benz and latterly has been undertaken by independent specialists (invoices available). Finished in white with dark blue check cloth upholstery, the car has the four-speed automatic transmission and is offered with MoT to April 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document.