Description
Background
The Mercedes 280SL R107 series was developed in the 1960s as a replacement for the stylish Mercedes SL W113 Pagoda models, it incorporated all Mercedes’ then current safety thinking in designing an open sports car to be as safe as possible. Featuring such items as wrap-around, ribbed self-cleaning indicators, ribbed flanks and windscreen rain channels, with its steering box behind the axle line and the fuel tank against the rear bulkhead (rather than under the boot floor) it was as safe as modern technology could make an open topped car in 1971. These impeccably engineered cars clothed in a stylish Friedrich Geiger styled body, one of the last designs overseen before he retired, remained in production for 18 years which has to be testament to the “rightness of the original design.
The Car
This particular super original Mercedes was specified in a superb colour combination of Champagne Metallic (code 473) with Dark Brown check cloth interior and a matching dark brown hood (code 8023). The soft top is in lovely original condition showing few signs of wear, the plastic windows being clear and undamaged and still bear the Mercedes Logo. It was also specified with the extremely desirable hard top in body colour which is supplied with the car and which turns the convertible into a well-sealed coupe complete with heated rear window suitable for winter motoring should the desire take you. Air conditioning and electric windows add to the cars usability. Finally the car is shod with lovely original Mercedes period alloy wheels (code 640) that are refreshingly free from scratches and scrapes.
Under the bonnet is Mercedes’ legendary M110 6 cylinder 2. 8 litre twin cam engine producing 185hp at 5800rpm coupled to an optional automatic gearbox, which were always better suited to the Mercedes Benz drive train than the rarely specified manual transmission, produces a maximum speed of 127mph and the ability to cruise comfortably briskly across continents. This free revving ultra-reliable power unit along with less up front weight than the V8 engines cars results in a more nimble and sporting version of this iconic tourer.
It’s History
Supplied new by Greenoaks Garages Ltd a Mercedes Benz dealer in Surrey on 04 January 1985, this Mercedes has had just 6 owners, the last since July 2016, and completed a mere 75200 miles. For a Mercedes of this vintage, when Mercedes quality was at its zenith, this is barely run in! The car comes with the full original Mercedes book pack, 2 keys, stamped service history book, various old receipts, lots of old MOT’s verifying the mileage and ownership history. Inside there is the working original Becker Europa Radio Cassette (option code 512) and electric Ariel. In the boot, the supplied toolkit is complete and in lovely rust free condition along with the fire extinguisher, spare wheel and jack. There is also a set of 1980’s cassettes to play and set the retro mood.
The Mercedes was refreshed in 2017, following purchase by the current owner, when all the reported corrosion issues with the floor pan and suspension mounting points were dealt with by renowned Classic Mercedes specialist Silchester Garages with new metal being let in as needed. A full brake overhaul followed in 2023 addressing issues largely caused by lack of use returning the car to its current fine state of health. The current owner has kept the fluids fresh with the last service being carried out in July 2024 only 700 miles ago.
On the Road
The Mercedes drives superbly either hood up or down and when down you have a lovely uncluttered outline and unrestricted visibility. Putting the factory hardtop in place creates a great all weather coupe. The straight six engine loves to rev and produces a surprising turn of speed, with a lovely growl when accelerating. The brakes are a real surprise and well up to dealing with modern traffic and the whole hewn from solid feel of the car and its controls gives a huge feeling of relaxed dependability. Add the very period colour and trim and you have a car that oozes style.
Conclusion
This iconic version of an open SL Mercedes, produced for over 18 years, defined what people think of in terms of a classic, durable, dependable, stylish open top touring car. Ideal for continental trips which can be completed comfortably, briskly and in style as the current owner has found on trips to Italy. Continued and growing interest in the R107 series cars underlines their iconic desirable status, with perhaps the 6 cylinder cars being something of a hidden gem. This super original car in a lovely period colour combination will never fail to put a smile on your face or those you meet.
