Description
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.
The Mercedes-Benz R107 was produced from 1971 through to 1989 and became the second longest single series ever produced by Mercedes-Benz after the G-Class. The SL variant was a two-seat convertible with standard soft top and optional folding seats for the rear bench. Volume production of the first SL started in April 1971. Of all the engine offerings the 280 remains sought-after with the smaller 2. 8 litre engine offering plenty of power but with the advantage of less weight and thus improved handling. The SL Roadster has since become the epitome of what a luxury roadster should look like and can be found from Aberdeen to Antibes and indeed in every corner of the earth and wherever the jet-set congregate.
This SL is factory finished in beautiful metallic gold with Brazil Brown leather upholstery. As well as hard and soft top roofs, its specification included electric windows. Remarkably original this delightful 280SL is offered for sale with V5C registration document, history file and MOT certificate valid until April 2025. Stored in a climate-controlled garage, this appreciating classic will be exempt from road tax from April 2025.
Registration
B162 AJD
Chassis Number
the details below
Engine Number
the details below
Odometer reading
155, 000 milesA much-loved Mercedes SL that was first registered on 3rd April 1985. Previously owned by Dr Peter Wright-Hampson who was a Mercedes club director and reported on cars and their owners across the UK for the Mercedes-Benz Gazette. The car has also been shown extensively and very successful at winning prizes including concourse events in its heyday and a number of times winning at shows such as Tatton Park.
