Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
29th November, 2023 13:00
1981 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL
No Reserve
Registration No: NJO 440W
Chassis No: the details below
MOT: Exempt
Current ownership since 2009 covering some 47, 000 miles in that time
Regularly maintained
Treated to a new soft-top in 2017 and a cosmetic refurbishment during 2019 (respray and partial re-trim)
Accompanying hardtop would benefit from renovation
Nicknamed the 'Panzerwagen' by Mercedes-Benz's own development engineers, the R107 series was the result of an extremely thorough design process. In an attempt to avoid falling foul of threatened American safety legislation, Stuttgart produced an open car whose structural rigidity surpassed that of some contemporary saloons! Indeed, even now some fifty years after its introduction the R107 retains a reassuring air of solidity. Allied to this was sure-footed handling courtesy of all-round independent coil-sprung suspension, power-assisted steering and disc brakes. Always more of a grand tourer than an out and out sports car, the vast majority of R107s were fitted with automatic transmission. Launched in September 1974, the Eurocentric 280SL was less powerful but more fuel-efficient than its V8 brethren. Though with some 185bhp and 177lbft of torque on tap from its fuel-injected 2746cc DOHC straight-six engine, the model could still boast authoritative 120mph performance.
Finished in the classic combination of Astral Silver metallic with Blue cloth upholstery, chassis WDBthe details below was first registered in Oxford on March 1st 1981 (or so its ?NJO 440W? number plate would imply). Specified with a Dark Blue soft-top, central locking, electric windows and alloy wheels, the Mercedes-Benz had covered approximately 110, 000 miles by the time it entered the current ownership during January 2009. Regularly MOT tested up until it became eligible for exemption, the 280SL has been driven a further 47, 000 miles or so by the vendor. As well as attending to any necessary works that the MOT testers identified, he treated ?NJO 440W? to a new soft-top in 2017 plus a respray and partial re-trim two years later. Sadly, the new paint has reacted with the old in places. Thus, the seller describes the Mercedes-Benz as being in ?good? (engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment), ?average? (bodywork, interior trim) or ?poor? (paintwork) condition. An inexpensive ?Silver Arrow? being offered for sale at No Reserve, this classic R107-series 280SL is accompanied by a V5C Registration Document, assorted paperwork and hardtop (the latter requiring refurbishment).
