Demand returns for Eighties SLS

They may have wavered a little over the last 18 months, but values are now strengthening again for Mercedes’ R107series SL roadsters. In particular demand are the Eighties models – overall the range ran from 1971-89 – with dealers reporting good business for them. We’ve also had a run of strong results at recent auctions.

Favoured models amongst the wide range of engines offered are not just the 500/560SLS with their powerful V8s, but also the relatively economical but still quick-enough six-pot 300SL that was only sold from 1985.

We’ve seen examples of all those top the £30k mark at recent sales, for top examples. But perhaps the most telling result was for a 300SL in understated Champagne metallic paint, with no boasts of low ownership or recent restoration, and with almost 107,000 miles on the clock. Historics expected it to make £17-£21k. If asked, we’d have agreed. But keen bidders pushed it to just over £24,000.