These fabulous and popular models were launched at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1985. The 420 SL convertible retained its predecessor's long-running Type 107 bodyshell virtually unchanged. The V8 engined newcomer supplanted the outgoing 380 SL model and was produced alongside the outwardly similar 300 SL 'six'. Its power unit was an enlarged and improved version of the existing 3.8 litre overhead cam Type M116 V8. The running gear followed Mercedes-Benz's established pattern, comprising of independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, while a new five-speed manual gearbox was offered alongside the existing four-speed automatic transmission. A mere 2,148 examples of this luxuriously equipped limited edition model were made between 1985 and 1989.

This example comes to market from a twelve-year ownership, and is presented very nicely in Signal Red over a Palamino interior. The bodywork was treated to a restoration in 2011, prior to our vendors ownership, which was carried out to a high standard and is still holding up very well today. The work included replacement of the front wings and rear arches, re-chroming the front bumper, a new radiator and viscous fan coupling and a wheel refurbishment. The soft-top was also replaced arounds the same time and looks just as good as the rest of the exterior. A discreet upgraded sound system with phone connectivity has been fitted, which is very easily removable without legacy, and greatly improves the sound quality in the cabin. Always garaged and used in the dry during our vendors ownership, this 420 SL looks like fantastic value and is supplied to auction with an MoT test certificate valid until September 2026. Consigned by Fraser

Lot details
Year: 1988
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 420 SL
Registration: D969 BCK
Chassis No: WDB1070472A060649
Odometer: 105,995

* Very smart example from a twelve-year ownership
* Subjected to some restoration work around 12 years ago to a very good standard