1980 Mercedes-Benz 500SL

The 500SL was introduced in 1980 during a major update of the SL range. The most important improvements of this facelift included a new 4-speed automatic gearbox, revised suspension, and a significantly upgraded interior.
 
This particular example is a very rare pre-production car, number 19, built in April 1980. Normally, the first 25 cars were intended solely for testing and quality control and were never meant to be sold to the public. Remarkably, this car was delivered new in Germany. Its unusual history makes it the earliest 500SL known today, supported by official documentation from Mercedes-Benz Classic. The car was purchased new by an American army officer who fell in love with it and took it with him to Florida after his deployment. It then remained in Florida for its entire life with the same owner. With only 109,000 km, the car is in excellent condition.
 
The car has been repainted once in its original colour, Lapis Blue, which is in our view one of the most striking colours for an R107. The factory Bundt wheels have been fully restored and are now fitted with brand-new Michelin XWX tyres, just like when the car left the factory. The soft top was replaced a few years ago and remains in great condition, free from rips or tears. The original hardtop also accompanies the car.
 
The interior presents beautifully and is in excellent condition, benefitting from a number of new parts. The dashboard has been professionally restored, new wood trim was installed, and the original seats have been reupholstered in genuine Mercedes leather. Everything functions as it should, and the air conditioning system has been fully serviced and converted to R134a.
 
Mechanically, the car has received a comprehensive check-up. The front subframe and wishbone rubbers have been replaced, and the car received new oil, spark plugs, spark plug wires, injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter, a full tune-up, fresh transmission fluid and filter, new coolant lines for the transmission oil cooler, and a new air filter. The timing chain was inspected and found to be in excellent condition.
 
Overall, this is one of the most special R107s currently for sale, with substantial investment ensuring it is fully prepared for its next enthusiast owner.
 
If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to ask.