FIVE WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

1 FIT IT WITH AN LSD

The SL Shop offers a limited-slip differential kit using a Quaife ATB helical gear to tame the 280/300 SL’s 1960s swing-axle. The SL’s cruising ability is unaltered because the axle ratio is maintained, but the car will exhibit reduced wheelspin, torque steer and understeer, while fullpower standing starts will be faster.

2 BETTER STOPPING

Vented discs and modern high-performance pad materials make a big difference to how an SL stops, particularly if you take the time to refresh fluid, hoses and seals. EBC’s range is particularly well suited to stopping what is quite a heavy car. The brakes will only be as good as the tyres, though, so check their tread, condition and age – these cars are often reserved for fair weather driving, so some are left wearing rubber that’s far too old.

3 GIVE THE GEARBOX ANOTHER RATIO

Upgrading from the four-speed manual or three-speed automatic to the five- or four-speeders fitted to late R107s respectively is relatively straightforward and worth doing for pace and economy. The five-speed automatic gearbox from the R129 SL can also be fitted, but requires integrated electronic controls. It’s a more involved job, but arguably the ultimate solution.

4 ENHANCE THE CAR’S RIDE AND HANDLING

Subtly lowered visuals and improved anti-dive results from putting the R107 on progressive rate springs with new, matched dampers. Kits from reputable manufacturers like Spax are around £600 and will also remove some of the cornering wallow, as will an uprated antiroll bar. A refurbished steering box is also worth considering if a high-mileage SL is still on its original – they develop play and slop long before they fail.

5 ENLIVEN THE ENGINE

The SL Shop has numerous upgrades for the M103 sixcylinder and M117 V8 as part of its Speedline restomod project, including lightened flywheels and cranks, modern fuel injection, shorter throttle linkages, polished cylinder heads and re-profiled camshafts. Together, these improve performance and throttle response. Those on a budget could pick and choose some of the cheaper modifications, though the entire package netted 255bhp from the 3.0-litre ‘six’ – more than a stock 500 SL can muster.