The R107-generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL is a market favourite, and values are firming up. We reveal how much this range-topping 500SL, owned by James Andrews, is worth
HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED IT?
I bought my 500 SL via a private sale in spring 2017 after I spotted it advertised on a website. I paid what I felt was a more than reasonable £14,000 for it. The car had always been serviced and only used on special occasions, something that the low annual mileage between MoTs confirmed. It came with a hard-top and a new hood, dark blue leather interior and was well-specced when new with optional factory rear seats and air-conditioning. Ranking different areas of the car on a scale of one to five (with one being best) I’d say engine and gearbox one, running gear two, bodywork one, paint two, so overall it’s a two-plus car. The insurance valuation is currently £18,000.
HOW MUCH HISTORY DOES IT HAVE?
The odometer readout – 127,379 miles - is confirmed by an extensive and nearly complete history file – and in all of the documents and invoices.
HAS IT BEEN MODIFIED?
No, it has never been modified – all of it is still as it was when the left the Stuttgart factory.
WHAT’S LEFT TO DO ON IT?
There’s no work required at the moment. It has had some paint in the past, and to a very good standard. However, there is a slight scuff on one rear wheel arch and a few little bubbles on the bonnet, but nothing drastic. The wheels are very good, the tyres new and all of the electrics good. The body has been Waxoyled inside all the panels and the notorious bulkhead is sound – some work was done on that about 11 years ago.
WHAT WE THINK IT’S WORTH - £20,000
Russ Smith, CCW’s price expert: ‘As well as having a fine example of a Merc SL, you have excellent timing, too. Values of these R107 SLs have been rising again lately and I would suggest that you re-visit the matter of agreed valuation with your insurance company. It also makes your £14k purchase price just under four years ago look very much like a case of ‘right place, right time’, not to mention a very sound investment.’
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