Registration - WHJ 428M

Chassis No. - 10704312011114

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 193,277km

The epitome of Mercedes-Benz’s coupe and convertible range, the SL represents style and performance in equal measure – and this 1974 350SL is no different. Presented in white with brown leather interior, this left-hand drive example is an imported model, having arrived in the UK in 1997 – with history available up until that date. It is fitted with Mercedes’ 3.5-litre V8 petrol engine and the German manufacturer’s famously smooth automatic transmission.

Having been in the vendor's ownership for the last 20 years, despite the car’s unknown history before being imported, there is plenty of paperwork and knowledge concerning ‘WHJ 428M’ since it was registered on these shores. The seller reports that they have kept it garaged when not in use during that time, and the Mercedes has had no additional work carried out to it other than regular servicing and maintenance, and a new stainless-steel exhaust from specialists JP Exhausts fitted. The 350SL is reckoned to be in ‘good’ condition mechanically, and in terms of electrics and cabin quality, while the bodywork and paint is considered ‘excellent’, backing up the care and attention that has been paid to this high-end Mercedes-Benz convertible.

Although unwarranted because of its pre-UK history, the odometer displays 193,277km covered, and the vendor – only the third keeper in the car’s history – considers this accurate. Offered at No Reserve, this Mercedes-Benz 350SL Convertible is a superb opportunity to own an unrestored and high-quality example of a flagship droptop.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is steeped in history, with a series of class-leading models produced over the years, since its introduction in 1954. The ‘SL’ is likely to stand for Sport-Licht (Sport Light) – though Mercedes has never confirmed this abbreviation – but the model has moved closer to being a grand tourer over the decades from its initial sporting roots. The W198 300 SL is one of the most famous and desirable cars ever, with the famous ‘Gullwing’ coupe and convertible Roadster lasting until 1963. They were replaced by the almost equally beautiful W113 models, nicknamed the ‘Pagoda’ SL because of a concave roofline. This edition was produced until 1971, using a range of 2.3, 2.5, or 2.8-litre straight-six engines. The R107 SL arrived in 1971, with a new design ethos, and the first-time fitting of V8 engines alongside straight sixes. These grew up to 5.5-litres in size, as the SL moved towards a touring model, though it was rallied by Mercedes-Benz in long-distance races. Today, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has become the Mercedes-AMG SL-Class, signifying its shift to the sports arm of the Stuttgart marque, and is offered only as a convertible, with folding soft-top roof and 2+2 seating.

· Unrestored and high-quality example of a 1970s classic convertible.

· A left-hand drive model, having been imported to the UK in the late 1990s.

· Offered at No Reserve