Highlights
- Interior reupholstered to the highest of standards
- Accompanied by an extensive history file
- Owned by the same couple from new until 2020
The Appeal
Hailing from the golden era of Mercedes Benz, the R107 generation SL really personifies what made the marque so great during the 1970s and 80s. Timeless, elegant styling, robust drivelines and of course untold levels of engineering quality. The SL fell perfectly for buyers looking for an effortlessly classy luxury sports convertible that lacked the brash, imposing aura that came with many of its market competitors. Something achieved throughout the several generations of the model right up to present day, but none quite like the R107.
This 1976 280SL is a rather special example of the beloved classic. Owned by the same couple from new until just a few years ago, the car presents in fine form having borne the test of time incredibly well, and alongside a wealth of history, benefits from a simply marvellous recent interior re-trim.
The History and Paperwork
- Manufactured in 1976 and sold through Mercedes Benz in Germany
- The original owner used the car in Germany for some years before relocating to the UK and bringing the car with them, circa 1983
- After registration in the UK the car was regularly used for road trips into Germany and then back into England, hence the higher displayed mileage
- Accompanied by various importation documents from both the British and German side of the process
- After the original owner passed away, the car was transferred into their partners name who kept the car until 2020 before selling it to the current owner of the vehicle
- Original German bill of sale is still with the car alongside the extensively stamped original Mercedes service book
- Although the car will soon qualify for tax and MOT exemption, the car does currently hold a valid MOT and the current owner advises a fresh MOT will be put on the car prior to sale
- Correct V5 registration document present with the vehicle
- Invoices for 2021 interior retrim, indicating around £8000 spent on the process
- Various other operating manuals and invoices for parts bought and work undertaken on the car
- Collection of enthusiast literature
The Interior
- Retrimmed at a cost of around £8000
- High specification car from factory
- Exceptionally well presented
Marketed more so as a sports tourer as opposed to an out and out sports car, the SL would only naturally have to have a pleasant interior space. Comfortable, stylish and well appointed would of course be firm requirements, all of which the Mercedes engineers executed to perfection. There's no way around it, the cabin of an R107 is an incredibly nice place to be.
This particular cabin stands out not only because it was such a high spec from the factory, boasting electric windows, still in good working order, but also because in early 2021 the car was subject to a highly extensive retrim at the hands of Auto Interiors of Middlesex. At a cost of nearly £8000 it would seem no expense was spared for the process, with materials being sourced straight from Germany and in fact Mercedes themselves, the cabin must now be one of the finest seen on any R107 and presents in truly fine form.
Sumptuous brown leather drapes its way over nearly every surface in the cabin. This has been restored to as close as original as could be done by the upholsterer, with a simply fastidious attention to detail being exhibited, right the way down to OEM floor mats. The seating, door panels and dash have been trimmed to an incredibly high quality and all present as such, and in the storage section behind the seats, we find what is believed to be the original first aid kit within its bespoke holder.
Opening the tailgate at the rear, one is presented with a clean, simple and rather spacious boot area in good order, still stowing the jack, and for that added touch of originality, the Mercedes Benz umbrella which is reported to have accompanied the car upon sale back in 1976.
The Exterior
- Timeless pale blue paint scheme
- Good overall aesthetic order
- Removable hard top roof
- Convertible soft top
Straight lines, sculpted bumpers and just the right amount of overhang. There's no getting away from it, the R107 is a very smart looking car. None more so than in the dashing pale blue paint scheme we find this example in.
Arguably one of the finest colour choices for the model, the bluish hue is of a great quality and still boasts a quality, deep shine across the car’s exquisite panel work. Having covered considerable distances travelling to and from Germany we do find some areas of blemishing on the exterior, including a small patch on the front driver side wing which appears to have been touched in at some point so as not to detract from the vehicle. These incredibly minor blemishes aside, this is a car in great aesthetic order.
The lashings of chrome trim placed so elegantly around the car are all of a great standard, exhibiting a great shine and notably free from pitting, discolouration and damage. The same can be said for the excellent wrap around bumpers front and rear. A further neat addition are the twin fog lights nestled just under the front bumper.
Of course the important part of any SL comes in the form of the roof. This particular example benefits firstly from its navy soft top roof, which is of a great quality and is still in good functioning form, opening, closing and latching with ease. For those who prefer a hard top SL, a colour matched hard top roof also accompanies the car and is of a similarly high quality to the rest of the SL’s exterior.
Four excellent wheels sit at ground level, all finished off with decorative chrome trim with colour matched blue centres.
The Mechanics
- Smooth, refined six cylinder engine
- Great mechanical order
- Rare manual transmission model
As denoted by the 280SL badging on the rear tailgate, this particular SL is a six cylinder model. Often favoured for their longevity, smoothness and economy versus their eight cylinder counterparts, Mercedes six cylinders of the era come highly revered and the 2.8 litre unit in the 280SL is certainly no exception to this.
Well maintained, clean and in great overall order, the engine and drivetrain on this particular example look to be in excellent shape having clearly worn their miles well. On the road the car is reported to provide a wonderful driving experience, the 2.8 and rather rare manual transmission, perfectly at home on a country road but equally capable of a longer distance haul keeping up with modern traffic, the regular trips to and from Germany at the hands of the previous owners certainly make a good case for this.
Summary
Seen by many as one of the most important models in Mercedes history, the R107 really is a great car. Confidently ticking all the boxes one looks for in a classic roadster, the beautifully styled, endlessly reliable machine has behind it a dedicated following of enthusiasts and parts supply both from aftermarket and Mercedes themselves, and for good reason.
Demand for these cars is on a seemingly endless upward surge, with hordes of people looking for a stylish, usable and attainable classic car and quickly realising the R107 is just about one of the best candidates for the job. This low owner early example comes with a wealth of history, an impeccably reupholstered interior and the added benefits of a robust 6 cylinder engine under the bonnet. What's not to like?
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
