"These fabulous and popular models were launched at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1985. The V8 engined 420 SL convertible retained its predecessor’s long-running Type 107 bodyshell which was virtually unchanged and replaced the outgoing 380 SL model. 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 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 model were made between 1985 and 1989.
First registered on 2nd February 1987, this 420 SL looks every inch the 1980’s icon it became. Finished in white metallic paintwork, this car benefits from contrasting Ox Blood Red leather interior. Accompanied by the addition of a desirable factory hardtop, this SL is offered with a history file containing many sundry bills from specialists such as the SL Shop, old MoT records and the current UK V5 registration document. Having spent the majority of its time in the South of France, this example was acquired by the current vendor in 2017 and has more recently resided in London. The power of the 4.2 litre V8 engine was impressive for the late 1980’s and is still plenty enough for touring by today’s standards.
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