Lot 104: Mercedes-Benz 350SL

When the 107SL was introduced in 1971, it had to uphold the reputation of the very successful "Pagoda" model, which had been in production since 1963 and had proved to be very popular. The 107 continued the same basic design but was a little bigger and somewhat heavier than the "Pagoda". The disappearing hood mechanism and removable hard-top remained and the engine options now included the 3.5 litre V8, which powered the new saloon range.The 107SL was a hugely successful model, which remained in production for 17 years, largely unchanged. Engine options expanded to include a 2.8 straight six and V8's, which expanded to 5.6 litre by the end of the production run in 1989.This early, road tax exempt, example is said to have been the subject of an expensive body restoration in 2005/2006, which included new inner and outer sills, new front wings (all genuine MB parts), rear arch repair panels, floor pans, doors, inner arches and other areas, plus a full repaint in signal red. The total cost of these works was �5507. In September of this year the car had a full service, a new idle control valve and other electric's sorted at a cost of �1638.Presented in signal red with black MB Tex interior, the car is described as being in overall good condition and is complete with MoT through to July 2008 and free historic tax until April 2008.