Mercedes-Benz SL 350 type R 107, König conversion

Starting point

The Mercedes Classic Days 2007 were approaching, and this SL 350 type R 107, first registered in 1971, was to take part. The car is a rarity: converted by the tuning specialist König in Munich with a modified front bumper, rear spoiler, sills, wings and facelifted doors. Only four of this type exist worldwide; this example is unique in Germany, roadworthy and registered. According to Mr König, around 50 vehicles of the W 107 type were converted and as many conversion kits sold. Before the event the car was to be cosmetically improved, above all the cockpit, which had previously been reworked unprofessionally. Despite the many different shades of beige in the interior, the clear instruction was to preserve the substance and change nothing.

Work

First the windscreen had to come out, because without this step no work on the cockpit is possible. The screen was intact but could crack under the stress of removal as well as refitting; a break would have made participation in the Classic Days impossible. Every move had to be right, and the removal succeeded. To match the plastic colour, the entire interior was thoroughly cleaned. The dirt worked in over 36 years came off with a gentle leather care set, and no repairs to the artificial leather were needed. Since no pictures of the interior could be found, all the shades of beige were mixed to match the condition as found, so that defects could be touched up.

Result

After cleaning, the colour differences between the materials stood out clearly, caused by age, the mix of materials and UV radiation. Deliberately, nothing was matched: the interior was to be as it had been at the conversion 36 years earlier. The windscreen was refitted without breaking, and participation in the Mercedes Classic Days 2007 was secured.

Workshop archive, original report. Product details reflect the state at the time.