Description
The R107 series Mercedes 280 SL needs little introduction. Others here will wax lyrical about its build quality and iconic status, so I’ll just concentrate on this particular car.
They stopped making the 280 SL in September 1985 so this very late example features the final improvements and technical updates such as the Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection. The car was registered in November 1985 making it one of the last ever made.
I bought the car for my wife in 2017 but she finds it a bit of handful so on those rare occasions we take it out I’m the lucky one who gets to drive. I have another classic which is my main fair weather drive, so the Mercedes has only been driven around 3, 500 miles in the time we’ve had it, averaging less than 400 miles a year. The previous owner had it for about 20 years and there were just 3 before him (though 2 of those hardly count - there’s a story there and details of one of these previous owners is recorded in the extensive file).
This 280 SL is in perhaps the most desirable colour combination of Astral silver with blue roof and interior plus the Pagoda-style wheels. This is also one of the rarer models with rear seats rather than just a parcel shelf (the “jumps seats” still fold down to make a shelf when preferred). The stereo is perhaps the only things that’s not original – upgraded to a Panasonic Radio-CD player with detachable facia, MP3 cable feed into the glovebox and stereo speakers.
A few other details:
Original RHD made for UK market
Hard top in Astral silver
Roof stand + bespoke heavy cotton roof cover
Electric windows
Panasonic stereo
Bespoke outdoor car cover
Battery isolator
Mercedes first aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Historic class exempt from ULEZ, road tax and MoT
Extensive file
Always garaged
We’ll be very sorry to see it go but we simply don’t drive it enough so it’s now time to let someone else enjoy this wonderful tourer.
