Launched in 1971, the R107 has become a timeless classic for Mercedes-Benz. Produced for over 18 years up until 1989, the final count on R107’s produced was 237,287. The only other model which has been produced for longer is the G-Class. The R107 is a two-seat convertible. It took the chassis components from the W114, which gave Mercedes-Benz the chance to offer engines such as the M116 and M117 V8 in the sporty Coupe/Roadster. Throughout it’s 18 year life a few facelifts were given to the R107, but the basic body was still kept to the classic shape we all know.
It was in 1974 that Mercedes-Benz gave the option to order a fuel injected 2.8 litre straight 6 engine, the relatively new system at the time for the fuel injection was the Bosch K Jetronic system, which was an entirely mechanical fuel injection system. The 2.8 was added to the list of 3.0 litre, 3.5 litre, 3.8 litre, 4.2 litre, 4.8 litre and 5.0 litre. Basically, a choice of engine to suit most budgets. After a good 10 year run and to keep up with performance of other cars, in 1984 the 280 SL (2.8) was dropped from the range and replaced with the new 300 SL and the 380 SL by the 420 SL.
Registered for the road on 26th October 1984, the Mercedes 280 SL looks like it had been used quite regularly up until late 1999, early 2000’s, when the usage dropped right down to just a few hundred miles per year. The car did receive a light restoration before the seller purchased the car and it is believed this was carried out by John Holland in Sheffield who deals in luxury, prestige and performance cars. Since the restoration the car still looks nice and fresh, even though it's a few years on. It's not surprising with it covering just a few thousand miles since then.
The current seller has owned this car since 23 November 2014, and quite obviously, looking at the MOT history, the car gets very little use and it’s been decided that now is the time to part with the lovely 280 SL.
The V5 is present and shows 11 previous keepers. There are two sets of keys with the car including two remote controls for the alarm.
The owner's handbook, wallet and the service book are present with an impressive 19 stamps inside. There is a nice history file for work carried out over the years, some of which dates back to 1984, one of which is the Mercedes road map.
The 280 SL has just passed an MOT which expires on the 20th June 2022. It's worth mentioning here that since 2006 the car has only covered around 4,100 miles.
The interior of the Mercedes 280 SL is in excellent condition. The front seats did have some wear which the seller wasn’t happy about and so he had the center material replaced with matching material at a cost of £1,900. The matching door cards are in very good condition with no obvious scuffs or damage. Sitting in the driver's seat, the dashboard is in brilliant condition with no splits along the top. The instruments show no warning lights with the engine running and the odometer has a reading of 108,248.
On the electrical side of things, everything on the Mercedes is working just as it should and there is no real wear to the lettering on the switchgear. A JVC CD head unit has replaced the original that sits in the walnut-finished center console and again in lovely condition with just the smallest of wear around the window switches.
The carpets to the front and rear are in excellent condition with some mats in place to further protect it. Quite often the underside of the convertible hood can get a touch grubby, but as the roof isn’t that old or covered many miles, it is still nice and clean. Into the boot area and again excellent! The original carpet covers the spare wheel, which incidentally is the original spare and looks like it has never been on the car, and to the right, amazingly the first aid kit is still in place which still has all the contents (probably out of date now). Just behind the panel is the original warning triangle, jack and wheel brace.
This 1984 Mercedes 280 SL is finished in 737 G Classic White which is in lovely condition. As mentioned, the 280 SL received some light restoration before the seller purchased the car in 2014 where it was repainted and had a new hood fitted.
The car is very well presented all over with just a few age related blemishes as you would expect. Starting at the front with the fog lights, these are free from any cracks and the chrome bumper is in lovely condition with no corrosion or tarnishing to the chrome finish. There is a small split in the rubber outer protector just to the right of the number plate. The headlights and indicators are free from any chips and the grille surround is bright with no damage. The wing edges and bonnet edge are free from any noticeable chips. There is a small bubble on the edge of the driver's wing which has been there for a while and not broken through the paint. The bonnet aligns nice and straight with the wings.
The sides of the 280 are nice and straight on each side with no notable dents or dinks to point out. The chrome work to the door handles and around the windows is free from any tarnishing, with just a small dent alongside the nearside mirror. The trim down the lower swage line is nice and straight. It does look like a couple of the clips have broken on the driver’s side wing section. As mentioned earlier, the hood has been replaced and is therefore in good condition with the plastic windows still nice and clear. There is a small tear, approximately 1 cm, to the nearside where it must have caught when being folded away and just a bit further back another slight area that's rubbed but not broken through. The roof sits nice and tight when closed and unlocks from the handle inside. You do have to give the roof a bit of a wobble to release it from the catch in the center but this could just be because it's been up for a while. In place are the tools to release the front section of the roof.
Included with the sale is a hard top and stand for the SL which is in lovely condition with no damage. The headlining is nice and clean. There is some very slight surface rust in the usual common area where it sits on the car.
To the rear, and again, the bumper is free from any tarnishing and the lights have no splits or cracks in them. The chrome strip that runs over the lights is in three sections and the chrome on the left hand piece has started to lift slightly, but this is only visible when the boot is open. The boot handle, 230 SL badge and the three pointed star all have a nice bright finish to them.
The Mercedes 15 hole alloy wheels are in good condition with no real corrosion to the faces. There are two wheels that have some paint missing to the rim but could be quite easily touched in. The tyres are all in good condition and approximately half worn.
Fitted with the tried and tested 2.8 litre straight six petrol engine, the 280 produces 182 bhp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Lots of paperwork and plenty of service stamps would suggest the 280 has always been a well maintained car, even prior to the seller purchasing it, who himself has had it regularly serviced to keep it in tip top condition.
The car fires up without hesitation and ticks over nice and quiet with no odd noises creeping in. The seller reports the car pulls well through the automatic gears with a change that is nice and smooth, and no noises coming from the transmission. The brakes were given the once over in June 2020, at 108,164 miles, to free off a sticking caliper. These now bring the car to a halt quickly and safely.
A timeless classic by Mercedes-Benz that just oozes style from the day it was built. Yes, there were lots of them made and yes, there are still quite a few dotted about, but there's a reason for this. The build quality is second to none. The R107 goes well, handles extremely well and it's a convertible, perfect for the summer months.
This 280 SL has been cherished since 2006, and it has only covered 4,100 miles since then. It is a classic car which is ready to jump straight into and enjoy. You don't even need a sat nav as it comes with the Mercedes road map from 1984.
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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1984 Mercedes 280 SL
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