Chassis No.

107.046.12.000019



Mercedes-Benz began production of the 500 SL for European markets in April 1980, installing an all-aluminum, 4,973-cc V8 atop the R107-generation SL platform as the range's new flagship.

Rated at 240 PS at 5,000 rpm, the "M117" V8 and four-speed automatic made it the most powerful SL available to European buyers, built for effortless, high-speed touring.



A certificate from the Mercedes-Benz Automobiel Club notes that this example was among the very first off the line, completed within the first ten days of April 1980, the model's first month of production, the 19th of the eventual 11,812 built, and delivered to the transporter at Sindelfingen on 21 April 1980.

Ordered through Mercedes-Benz's Saarbrücken branch for "Miss U" Modenboutiquen of Saarlouis, Germany, it left the factory in Lapis Blue metallic with a Blue leather interior; options included a color-matched hardtop, orthopedic front seat backrests, and a Becker Europa Kurier radio.



By 19...