Highlights

Rare five-speed manual gearbox
European specification with chrome bumpers and single headlamp units
Structural and cosmetic restoration carried out in recent years, we are told
Vendor states the car is matching numbers
Clean French contrôle technique valid until December 2027

The Appeal

The R107-generation SL is one of Mercedes-Benz's most enduring sports cars, and the 280 SL sits at the heart of the range. Its M110 inline-six, a 2.8-litre twin-cam unit producing 185bhp in European trim, is widely regarded as the sweet spot of the range; a willing, rev-happy engine that is simpler and more affordable to maintain than the V8 alternatives. European-specification cars, with their slim chrome bumpers and elegant single headlamp units, are particularly sought after for their fidelity to Paul Bracq's original design.

This 1983 example is made all the more appealing by its rare five-speed manual gearbox, a combination that allows the driver to fully exploit the character of the inline-six. Presented in red with a black interior and black soft top, it has reportedly benefited from significant work in recent years, including structural repairs, a full bodywork respray, an interior retrim, and a renewed soft top. More recently, the suspension is noted to have been refreshed and new tyres fitted. Registered on a French Carte Grise Collection, it holds a clean contrôle technique valid until December 2027 and reportedly comes with a history file. The vendor states the car runs well and is ready for the road.

Key Information

Mileage: 232,783 km (unwarranted)
Country of registration: France (Carte Grise Collection)
Technical inspection status: Clean contrôle technique, valid until December 2027
Technical specs: 2.8-litre inline-six (M110, DOHC, 185 bhp), five-speed manual
Paperwork: history file reported by the vendor

The Detail

Vendor notes work in 2021 included a respray and soft-top replacement
Work in 2022 reportedly included welding of six new floor pans and an interior retrim
Engine serviced in 2024, we are told
New tyres reportedly fitted in 2025
Vendor reports new silent blocks, suspension joints, rear shock absorbers and anti-roll bar and battery replaced in 2026
Chassis rails repaired to address structural corrosion, we are told
14-inch 'Bundt' alloy wheels
Wood inlays in the interior
Cassette stereo fitted
The vendor states the car is in very good mechanical order and ready to drive

BEFORE YOU BUY

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