The Mercedes-Benz 350 SL was the first V8 of the new R107 generation, launched in 1971 to replace the iconic Pagoda. Combining Mercedes-Benz build quality with a 3.5 litre V8 and comfortable driving, it quickly became one of the great luxury roadsters of the 1970s and stayed in production for eighteen years.
This 1972 car is one of the most interesting versions of the range, with the M116 3,499 cc engine and a manual gearbox, a configuration much less common today than the automatic versions.
Imported from Germany in 1982, it has been with the same owner since 2004, showing a consistent history and careful preservation over the last two decades.
It comes in the elegant combination of red paint, beige leather interior, black soft top and the original body-coloured hardtop.
The paint keeps excellent gloss and uniformity, the chrome is well preserved and the engine bay is clean and very close to original. The interior keeps its original trim, showing only the natural patina of its age, with no tears, deformation or alterations.
With around 165,000 km, this 350 SL still shows the mechanical strength and build quality that made the R107 one of the most celebrated Mercedes-Benz series. It is certified as a Vehicle of Historic Interest (VIH) in Portugal.
Early European 350 SLs are attracting growing interest among collectors, both as the start of R107 production and for the combination of the M116 V8 with a purer styling closer to the original design.
