1988 Mercedes-Benz 420SL AMG. Im Auktionsverkauf. Schätzwert: 50.000 € - 65.000 €.
1988 Mercedes-Benz 420SL AMG. Im Auktionsverkauf. Schätzwert: 50.000 € - 65.000 €.
Rare and Unusual Colour CombinationExceptional ConditionOnly Three Owners from NewContinuous Service HistoryOriginal 129,000 Kilometres
When AMG began working its magic on the Mercedes-Benz SL of the R107 series, the roadster was already a remarkably complete automobile. That, however, was precisely the point of the small company from Affalterbach. AMG did not sell what Mercedes had forgotten; it sold what Stuttgart, for reasons of good taste, preferred not to offer.
Over the years, an extensive programme evolved. Spoilers and side skirts gave the dignified SL a considerably more aggressive appearance, wide AMG wheels filled the arches and a firmer suspension brought the body closer to the asphalt. Sport steering wheels, limited-slip differentials and extensive interior customisation were also available. With the larger M117 V8 engines, AMG went even further: modified cylinder heads, hotter camshafts, higher compression and, in some cases, increased displacement could turn the comfortable roadster into a seriously capable machine.
The later 420 SL is particularly interesting. It arrived with the major facelift in 1985 and was produced only 2,148 times through 1989. Its 4.2-litre M116 produced 218 bhp, or 204 bhp in catalytic-converter specification. Even in standard form, this made it a smooth and authoritative V8, although it always stood somewhat in the shadow of the more powerful 500 SL.
That is precisely why the AMG treatment suits it so well. The 420 SL could be specified with the typical AMG changes to its appearance, suspension, wheels and equipment; a factory-offered AMG engine upgrade, however, is not documented for this particular model.
Today, such period-modified R107s have a character all of their own. They come from an era when AMG was not yet part of the Mercedes-Benz Group, but a small independent company to which owners brought their already expensive Mercedes, only to spend a considerable amount more. It was not necessarily a rational decision. That was precisely the point of AMG.
This Midnight Blue (904) 420 SL was delivered to Spain in 1988. Its first owner specified it with Medium Red leather (277) and a number of desirable options, including automatic climate control and electric windows (587), a limited-slip differential (256), rear seats (565) and a headlamp cleaning system (603).
Probably not long after delivery, and perhaps even before it, the 420 SL received the AMG treatment in Affalterbach. Exactly how extensive that work was can no longer be established with complete certainty, as AMG records are no longer available. The paperwork does, however, list a 5.0-litre engine producing 218 bhp. Its appearance also speaks unmistakably of AMG, making this SL a late-born child of the wild 1980s. The spoilers, wheels, instrumentation and steering wheel transform an otherwise conventional R107 into a highly individual SL.
Its condition certainly appears consistent with the figure on the odometer. There is, however, no conclusive documentation to substantiate the 129,000 kilometres. Nevertheless, the car remains fascinating as a time capsule from an era when individuality produced some truly extraordinary results.
Chassis: WDB10704718086572
Motor / Engine: –
Papiere / Documents: Österreichischer Typenschein Originales Wartungsheft
Schätzwert / Estimate: EUR 50.000 – 65.000
Ort / Location: CLASSIC EXPO Salzburg Messezentrum Salzburg Am Messezentrum 1 5020 Salzburg
Datum / Date: 17. Oktober 2026 11:00 bis 13:00 und ab 16:00
Besichtigung / Viewing: 16. und 17. Oktober 2026
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