The R107 SL replaced the much-loved Pagoda in 1971 and stayed in production for 18 years, longer than any other Mercedes-Benz passenger car apart from the G-Class. It defined what a luxury convertible should be: beautifully built, comfortable over long distances and just as rewarding on a slow drive along the coast.

The design came from Friedrich Geiger, the Mercedes-Benz stylist whose work goes back to the pre-war 500K. His clean, low lines sat on a strong, safety-focused body that was well ahead of its time. In 450 SL form it carried the 4.5-litre V8, the most powerful engine in the original line-up, paired with a smooth 3-speed automatic. It was built for relaxed, unhurried grand touring.

This example was built in 1980 for the US market, the final year of the 450 SL there before the 380 SL took over. It was ordered in Light Ivory with Palomino leather and a dark brown soft top, and left the factory with its hardtop fitted. Options included cruise control, automatic climate control, electric windows, a Becker Mexico cassette stereo, a power aerial and the classic 15-hole alloy wheels. It was most recently registered in New York on a clean title before coming to Dubai, and it has covered just 9,348 miles from new.

Original, low-mileage R107s in their factory colours are getting harder to find, and the best examples are now firmly on collectors' radar. This one is a rare chance to own the V8 SL as Mercedes-Benz intended it to be enjoyed.

Now available at Tomini Classics, Dubai.