﹒Convertible with additional removable hardtop and stand
﹒Only 84K miles from new
﹒In current ownership for past 9 years
﹒Comprehensive history
The Background
The Mercedes SL model has been in production since 1954 and over the years it has been very popular with those who like a little bit of refinement and class to their gran tourer experience. The SL stands for Super Leicht (super light) and this means that whilst the SL is happy to waft along a scenic route without a care in the world it also has just enough performance to put a big smile on your face should you show it some twisties.
The 1970/80s SL (R107) variant is a 2-seat convertible/roadster with standard soft top and optional hardtop and optional folding seats for the rear bench
The body style for the R107 was so well received it did not change materially from introduction in 1971 to end of production in 1989.
This particular SL is fitted with the 2.8 litre six-cylinder fuel-injected engine, which develops 136kW (185bhp). The car has got an automatic four-speed gearbox with an economy gear that contributes toward the economy and quiet running of the SL, especially on long journeys.IMG_9404.jpeg394.84 KB
The History
First registered on 1st August 1983 this Mercedes 280 SL had a showbiz start to life being ordered new by Dame Penelope Keith (she was then known as Penelope Timson). The car has had a handful of owners since , each sparing no expense in its upkeep.
The current owner has been on the logbook for the past 9 years and has kept up the great service record. He acquired the vehicle in August 2011 and unfortunately in November 2012 the engine blew. He had it replaced with a completely refurbished engine from a Mercedes Benz engine specialist SPOB in Germany. The new engine was shipped over from Germany and it was installed in the UK at a total investment of just under £5,000. There is paperwork present to prove and back up the engine replacement. Since fitting, the new engine has covered approximately 4k miles.
Prior to his ownership, the cloth roof was replaced in December 2004 and the car also had some restoration work done in December 2006. They replaced rear and front body panels and some minor work was carried out to the rear chassis. There are photos attached which show the extent of this work in detail.
The car has been used as a weekend treat for some while and most recently SORN due to lack of use so the owner has decided its time it went to a new home where it can get some more road time and continue to be enjoyed.
The car is always dry stored and under a breathable cover.
The car has a full service history with all stamps in the service booklet and there are MOT certificates present dating all the way back to 1986. Also present are receipts for any work ever carried out on the vehicle going back to 1988. There are also tax reminders going back to 2005 and a collection of tax discs from 2001 – 2014. IMG_9386.jpeg2.57 MB
The Interior
The blue interior is in very nice condition with a tartan insert to the seats. The wood veneer and interior trim is also in very nice condition with no cracking and delamination visible. The blue fabric and carpets really contrasts well with the silver and matches the blue cloth convertible hood very nicely.
Everything works as it should and it is a very nice “80s styled” place to be.IMG_9210.jpeg3.12 MB
The Exterior
The paintwork is in great condition and still sports a great shine and lustre. The brightwork and chrome is equally as good especially for a 37 year old car. The car comes with the standard convertible roof in blue and also a body painted removable hard top and accompanying stand.
The only known faults are a crack in the rear window of the hardtop and a couple of minor dents in the hard top roof, one in the chrome trim and the other on the side panel of the roof. All pictured. Other than that, everything is in very good order with a minor bit of rust on the left and the right side of the front chrome bumper. There is also a small spot of rust underneath the spare wheel (which is not visible unless you remove the spare wheel).IMG_9403.jpeg365.37 KB
The Mechanics
As previously mentioned, the engine has been replaced in 2012/2013 with a reconditioned example of the 2.8 Litre lump. The servicing and upkeep records also reflect that it’s been looked after.
The 4 speed auto box is smooth and transitions nicely and there are no untoward noises or crunching.
The Appeal
What we have here is a very tidy example of an appreciating classic from a premium marque. From the car’s history, it is clear it’s been well loved and well looked after its entire life. It is true that If you are looking for any old soft top to cruise around in the summer sun there are many cars out there that will fit the bill, old and new. However, if you are looking for a clean convertible grand tourer with a bit more character, that oozes class and will be as reliable as it is pretty, you should certainly consider this classic Mercedes.
** The pictures in this listing have been provided to us by the seller **
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