Highlights

Highly original example
Resprayed in original Silver Blue Metallic
Smart Blue Karo cloth interior
Hard top included
Road tax and MOT exempt

The Appeal

Few roadsters have worn their age as gracefully as the Mercedes-Benz SL of this era. Clean lines, a low stance and unmistakable Mercedes solidity made it a favourite with drivers who wanted open-top motoring without compromise, and the 280 SL paired that with the smooth, refined character of an inline-six.

This example, first registered on 24 March 1983, is finished in Silver Blue Metallic over Blue Karo cloth, with a dark blue soft top and 14-inch ‘Mexican Hat’ alloys. Its 2.8-litre M110 inline-six is paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, and the car shows an indicated 64,129 miles on the clock. A colour-coded hard top is said to be included in the sale.

Presentation is where this SL stands out. The paintwork presents especially well throughout; the keeper advises it has had a complete respray in the original colour and the mechanical condition is described as “excellent”. Inside, the front seats show minimal signs of wear and the Zebrano wood trim is intact, while the seller reports the car has “only covered approx. 500 miles since purchase in June 2024.”

Picture the roof folded back, Blue Karo cloth beneath you and a classic Mercedes roadster ready to take you wherever the morning leads. The seller calls it a “beautiful example”, and for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning an SL, it certainly looks the part.

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Key Information

Mileage: 64,129miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
First registration: 24th March 1983
Technical inspection status: Tax and MOT exempt, last advisory-free MOT expired in July 2025
Technical specs: 2.8-litre M110 DOHC inline-six paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission
Paperwork: V5C present, Owner’s Manual, Maintenance Booklet, and “full service history and other invoices”, says the seller

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The Detail

Silver Blue Metallic over Blue Karo cloth interior
The existing keeper advises, “The car has had a complete respray in the original colour, and has had some wearing parts replaced to original specification”
The paintwork presents especially well throughout with minimal signs of imperfections
We’re notified of a “Slight mark on the offside rear bumper rubber strip”
The glasses, grilles and brightwork around the vehicle are particularly smart
14-inch ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels appear well
The dark blue soft top is smart, though there is a hole in the rear window plastic
The vendor notes, the colour-coded hard top is included in the sale
Engine bay is tidy and as expected
Underside appears straight and intact
Blue Karo cloth interior with Dark Blue MB-Tex trim
The front seats present very well with minimal signs of wear
The MB-Tex dashboard and doorcards show little blemishing
The Dark Blue loop-pile carpets throughout appear smart with little sign of damage
The Zebrano wood trim is intact throughout
OEM switchgear, instrument cluster and 4-spoke steering wheel
Spare wheel can be located in the boot
The mechanical condition is described as “excellent” by the current keeper
Small collection of spares also included, per the vendor

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BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.