Lot 209: 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 24 Valve

After 18 years in its prior form, a new SL two-passenger roadster debuted in 1990. Built on a new rear-wheel-drive platform with a 99-inch wheelbase, the two-seater's body was 4.3 inches shorter overall than its predecessor. This new Mercedes luxury convertible came with a removable aluminium hardtop as well as a power soft top. Safety was a major design factor in the new convertibles. A rollover bar was designed to flip into position between the seats when needed. Made of foam-covered steel tubing, the bar lay flush with the rear tonneau cover, ready to deploy within 0.3 second if sensors detected an impending rollover incident. The bar could be raised and lowered via a dashboard button, if desired. Anti lock braking also was standard. This particular example was a special order car, finished in red with duo tone red and black leather interior. The car is supplied with a factory hard top, a 2 year old full electric soft top, full service history with a current MoT, a number of bills as well as AMG wheels, cruise control and a multi speaker, CD stacker stereo system. This is a good example of the later style SL and set at a reserve which represents excellent value for money. Precious few automobiles provide open-air motoring with this much comfort, safety, style, and speed.