About this Collectable

Mercedes-Benz 350 SL (R107) – originally delivered in the Netherlands

The Mercedes SL (R107) model was launched in 1971 as the successor to the "Pagoda" (Mercedes-Benz W 113) and heralded a new design language for Mercedes, featuring distinctive wide headlights and taillights. The designer responsible for this series was none other than Friedrich Geiger, who also designed the 300 SL Gullwing (including the Roadster) and the Mercedes-Benz 500 K. The United States was the largest market, and naturally, most vehicles destined for that region were equipped with powerful V8 engines. The A-pillar was engineered for exceptional rigidity in the event of a rollover, and an airbag became available starting in 1982. In the late 1970s, Daimler-Benz entered the derivative coupé models—the 450 SLC, 450 SLC 5.0, and 500 SLC—in major rallies such as the 30,000-kilometer *Vuelta à la America del Sud* (1977), the Safari Rally (1979), and the Bandama Rally (1979/1980). Although a new model was ready as early as 1980, the successor did not reach the market until 1989; consequently, the SL R107 remained in production for an impressive 18 years. Today, this model is highly sought after for classic car rallies due to its reliability. As mentioned, the majority of SLs were delivered to the USA, fitted with rather unsightly large bumpers and distinctive (dual) headlights. Over the past few decades, a vast number of these US-delivered cars have been brought back to Europe and converted to EU specifications. It is worth noting that the European-spec bumpers and headlights are fitted...

The 350 SL offered here was originally delivered in the Netherlands, has been in the current owner's possession for 22 years, and boasts a uniquely low mileage. It comes with its original booklets and documentation and is rust-free. It also features a beautiful color combination and drives excellently. The car was originally sold in 1978 by the Mercedes dealer Van Dijk in Rotterdam to a local entrepreneur. The current owner purchased the SL from the third owner in 2004. At that time, the odometer showed just over 60,000 km, and the car was in excellent, original condition. The SL has always performed flawlessly—exactly the kind of reliability one expected from the brand back then. The red leather shows some patina but remains in great condition, as do the soft top and the included hardtop. The torque converter has been rebuilt at some point; the engine runs smoothly, and the transmission shifts seamlessly. The original vehicle data card is included, confirming that the engine and chassis numbers match.

Our opinion

The Mercedes-Benz SL (R107) is an icon. Stars of the TV series *Dallas* drove them, and the combination of powerful engines, convertible styling, and Mercedes' renowned build quality was unique. The SL we are offering is truly special: an original Dutch-delivered car with verifiable low mileage and extensive documentation. It is a rust-free example with standard paint thickness readings—even on the notorious wheel arches! It is in a different league compared to the average SL models with unclear histories.

About the seller

This 350 SL is being sold by an enthusiast who is also the current owner. He bought the car in 2004, drawn by its condition and originality. He has always maintained it meticulously and, naturally, enjoyed many wonderful drives in it. As age is starting to take its toll and the SL is hardly being used anymore, the owner has decided to sell the car to another enthusiast via The Collectables.

Technical details

The specifications, upgrades, and maintenance history below provide a complete picture of the condition and equipment of this Mercedes 350SL.

Equipment

The 350SL is equipped with the following extras, among others:

  • Automatic transmission
  • Hardtop
  • Right-hand side mirror (retrofitted)
  • 15-hole alloy wheels
  • Metallic paint
  • Leather upholstery
  • Becker Mexico radio-cassette player
  • Wind deflector
  • Electric antenna
  • Electric windows

Modifications

None; the SL remains completely original. Even the original Becker radio is still present.

Notes

This 350 SL is in excellent condition. Despite its age and mileage, the car shows only normal signs of use, as visible in the photos. It was professionally repainted at some point for cosmetic reasons. The battery is due for replacement. The engine starts immediately and runs smoothly; furthermore, the SL drives, steers, and shifts exactly as you would expect from a Mercedes SL of this vintage. The soft top is in good condition, and while the plastic rear window has a slight indentation, there are no cracks. There is no rust or underlying trouble, and paint thickness is within normal ranges. This car cannot be compared to a US import with an unclear history.

Recent maintenance history

29-06-1978 – 0km – Delivery of Dijk Mercedes Rotterdam
10-07-1978 – 834km – Drive-in of Dijk Mercedes Rotterdam
11-05-1979 – 5,500km – Tour Victoria Mercedes Rotterdam
14-04-1980 – 10,176km – Beurt van Dijk Mercedes Rotterdam
05-01-1982 – 19,225km – Turn Victoria Mercedes Rotterdam
10-06-1985 – 31,190km – Turn Victoria Mercedes Rotterdam
12-02-2002 – 55,697km – MOT Auto Nieuwkoop
13-02-2002 – 55,697km – Purchase by 2nd owner
19-02-2002 – 56,050km – Wind deflector and outside mirror on the right Jaap Havik MB
12-03-2002 – 56,330km – Automatic filter Jaap Havik MB specialist
14-03-2002 – 56,330km – Spark plugs, distributor garage Kikkert Texel
03-20-2002 – 56,340km – Kikkert Texel garage service
30-06-2003 – 59,000km – Water pump Jaap Havik MB specialist
09-12-2004 – 60,193km – Beurt Autobedrijf Swart
26-04-2006 – 62,061km – Beurt AB Cars Eindhoven
10-04-2007 – 00,000km – MOT AB Cars Eindhoven
17-04-2008 – 00,000km – MOT AB Cars Eindhoven
17-03-2011 – 70,095km – MOT, new shock absorbers AB Cars Eindhoven
12-07-2011 – 70,554km – V-belt AB Cars Eindhoven
10-09-2011 – 00,000km – Overhaul Torque converter, starter motor TSC Geldermalsen
26-04-2013 – 73,308km – MOT, Service, 4 tires AB Cars Eindhoven
31-03-2015 – 74,068km – APK AB Cars Eindhoven
13-09-2018 – 76,726km – Complete brake overhaul discs, pads Carprof van Dun
02-04-2019 – 76,783km – Turn Carprof van Dun Best
01-04-2025 – 78,734km – MOT Carprof van Dun Best

Included in the sale

The sale of this 350 SL includes:

  • Complete set of original keys
  • Documentation folder
  • Original maintenance booklet
  • Board tools
  • Hardtop
  • Cover
  • Recent valuation report
  • Steering wheel lock

Summary

  • Seller type – Private
  • Location – Car is in Heteren
  • License plate – 80-XA-65
  • Chassis number –10704312013234
  • Year/date of construction – 1978
  • Mileage – 78,850 km
  • Demonstrable - Plausible, see history and maintenance booklet
  • Warranty – No
  • Margin/VAT – Margin
  • Body – Convertible
  • Engine – 3499 cc V8 with 194 hp
  • Drive – Rear wheel drive
  • Container – Automatic
  • Exterior – Silver
  • Interior – Red
  • Upholstery – Leather / MB Tex
  • Owners – 3 previous owners, Owned since December 2004
  • Tires – 205-70-14, Vredestein Classic, >5mm profile, DOT 2013

The description of this Collectable has been compiled with the utmost care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. The vehicles are sold "as is" without any warranty unless otherwise stated. Bidders are responsible for verifying the accuracy of the description and may, if desired, conduct a personal inspection. All collectables on our platform may be subject to any inspection, investigation, or appraisal by buyers in advance, in consultation with the seller. Please consult our Terms and Conditions for more details. 

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