1976 Mercedes-Benz SL - SL R107

Richard Gere drove a black one as the “American Gigolo” in the film of the same name, Jennifer Hart drove a yellow one in the TV series “Hart to Hart”, and Bobby Ewing drove his wife Pamela around in a red Mercedes-Benz SL from the R107 series, both on the roads and on the TV sets around Dallas. The open-top Mercedes-Benz 280-560 SL, built between 1971 and 1989 and known internally as the R107, is well known not only for its many appearances in film and television. Even today, it can still often be seen on the roads, in use as an everyday car. It looks classically elegant today, though it appeared ostentatious and oversized when it was unveiled in 1971. Fans of the ‘Pagoda’ – as its predecessor, the W113, was known – initially weren’t too keen on the more ostentatious and cumbersome R107. Yet it had actually grown less in size than its appearance suggested. An extra 100 kg, 11 cm longer and 3 cm wider – that was actually quite manageable. This beautiful Mercedes 280 SL from the R107 series was collected by its German first owner directly from the Sindelfingen factory on 6 May 1976. He remained loyal to his elegant ‘Classic White’ convertible, featuring red MB-Tex upholstery and an automatic gearbox – as the well-stamped service booklet suggests – for around 50'000 km until the end of 1979. In 1980, the SL was imported into Switzerland, where it was driven in the Zurich area until 1989. In 1990, the Mercedes – with around 80,000 km on the clock at the time – was taken over by the consignor’s family. The car was driven frequently and with great pleasure during the early years, but over the last 26 years it has covered only around 10'000 km. In early 2026, the Mercedes underwent a major service, including all filters and spark plugs, new brake discs and pads on the rear axle, and four new tyres. With 182'900 km on the clock, this reliable convertible is in good condition. The interior shows age-related signs of wear; the bodywork has a touch of rust on the front right wing; and the engine and gearbox are leaking oil, which will need to be rectified in time for the next MOT. The MOT took place in May 2019.