Mercedes-Benz
350SL (R107)

ABOUT THIS CAR

THE MODEL

Over fifty years ago, in April 1971, Mercedes-Benz initiated a new chapter in the fascinating history of the SL sports car: the 350 SL was the brand’s first SL with a V8 engine and the first model in the R107 model series to bear the “R” abbreviation for “roadster” for the first time:

The completely new development, as an open two-seater with a fully retractable fabric top and removable hardtop, was a self-confident, sporty but luxurious vehicle and combined both performance and ride comfort perfectly.

The R107 was produced from 1971 to 1989, during which time it was kept up to date with regular facelifts and new engines. With the exception of the G-Class, no other Mercedes-Benz has been produced for longer.

Technically speaking, the R107 350SL had little to do with its direct predecessor, the W113 “Pagoda” SL. Instead, the designers forged much closer links to the brand’s current passenger car range of the time.

The 147 kW (200 hp) V8 engine with a displacement of 3,499cc was a carry-over from the premium-class Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 of the W111 model series (coupé and cabriolet) and the W108/109 model series (saloon).

The technical innovations found in the open sports car included the enhanced safety body development with an independent frame-floor unit made of sheets of different thicknesses to provide defined crumple behaviour, the fuel tank installed above the rear axle to protect it in the event of a collision, high-strength steels in the A-pillars and windscreen frame with its glued-in glass, as well as the interior with a new four-spoke safety steering wheel, padded surfaces and deformable elements as a contribution to passive safety.

Production of the R107 ended in August 1989, after more than 18 years. Over that period, the Sindelfingen plant had produced a total of 237,287 cars. Today, these open two-seaters are sought-after classics: the combination of luxury and sportiness still fascinates enthusiasts to this day.

THIS CAR

Ordered new by a Mr Eric Dunscombe – Director of the London Stock Exchange – in late 1979.

Specified in Metallic Silver over Blue Leather Upholstery, the car was equipped with a number of factory options including a Radio with Automatic Aerial, Master Locking, Tinted Glass and a Heated Rear Screen matching Hardtop.

What’s unusual about this car, however, is that Mr Dunscombe also opted for the very rare 4-Speed Manual transmission.

Dunscombe collected the car directly from the factory in Stuttgart, before driving it to Switzerland, where it would remain until the car was imported back into the UK in 1990.