Description
The SL has certainly played a major role within the luxury sportster market and after 72 years with some 15 variations several models continue to appeal for a host of reasons … one of those versions is the R107. The longest running of all SL options, being launched in 1971 they were still available at your local Merc dealer 18 years later. Following on from the legendary ‘Pagoda’ the design team in Stuttgart realised this new model needed more Stateside appeal and created the ultimate ‘Grand Tourer’. Magazines in period offered words such as elegant, class and quality and the American market loved them with two thirds of the 237k made heading across the Atlantic; an amazing statistic considering the straight six versions remained exclusively a European option. It became a TV star and the choice of an entire generation of Beverley Hills dentists and doctors. And yet it was heavier and wider than the ‘Pagoda’ it replaced whilst appearing more muscular, proving to be stronger and taking cabin safety to the next level. Visually the body changed very little over the 18 years in production, mechanical updates were carried out periodically, but most enthusiasts agree the R107 went straight from showroom star to desirable classic, skipping the decline of the used car lot.
The 2. 8-litre M110 inline-six producing 185 hp, just 3hp below its bigger brother the 300SL. The smallest engine in the range, but also the smoothest and most fuel-efficient. The twin cam 280 SL is the European enthusiast's R107, with less weight over the front axle this version feels balanced and most rewarding on B-roads. Here at Country Classic Cars we firmly believe in the virtues of the straight six power units across all Mercedes SL’s with ample power for distance cruising whilst equally happy in the city; reliable, quiet and frugal.
Now with us for sale on behalf of the current custodian, the proprietor of Country Classic Cars has history with this 280SL as it was owned and restored by ourselves from 2015-2023. Prior to that it was the daily transport of a University Professor in Brighton who unfortunately ran it with insufficient oil thus it was transported our way for repair. The professor decided not to proceed and the SL was put into storage until 2018 @ 148k miles when we embarked on a full restoration which included a new engine shipped in from Germany. A bare metal respray was carried out and a transmission overhaul plus driveshafts, a complete exhaust system, alternator and new mohair soft top cover to complement the refurbished hard top. The cabin was re carpeted whilst the seating enjoyed new springs, webbing and covers and after several months and many man hours a 33 year old new SL would proudly be displayed outside our Midhurst show room. The history file contains invoices and MOT certificates back to 1996 with more recent service work carried out by ourselves including a service, alternator belt, gearbox selector sensor, front coil spring and anti roll bar drop links in March 2024 @ 153419. Transmission fluid change and viscos coupling in June 24 and service with fuel filter plus rear caliper and rear brake pads 23rd Feb 2025 @ 153719 miles. We also fitted a new Yuasa battery in March of this year.
As always we look to point out any issues of note but visually there is little to fault with this Mercedes but we have noted a paint blemish below the boot spoiler which will be corrected by our paint shop prior to sale. When opening the n/ s door there is a small chip on the kick panel and on the n/ s door rubber trim, the chrome insert has a small dent. Tyres enjoy plenty of life with the front pair of Nexen’s appear recent whilst the cabin maintains an almost showroom quality having covered less that 6k miles since the complete retrim.
The new engine is barely run-in and offers instant start and the smoothest of drives complemented by a slick auto box, this SL encourages occupants to dispense with the hard top and cruise down to Newquay for a fish supper. The manual hood lifts back with minimal effort and when tested all switchgear/ gauges operate correctly including the electric windows and mirror adjustment whilst the in-car entertainment is courtesy of a modern Radio MP3 unit. A true classic Grand Tourer where steering, stopping and arriving require minimal input and the overused byword is comfort. To modify a well-known travel quote, ‘Mercedes SL: Where first class isn’t just for airplanes.’
For additional information please message with your email address for specific detailed images; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only as our cars are often kept in secure storage although currently, we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.
