The R107-generation SL’s enduring appeal is attributable to two key factors: firstly, the design was supremely well-judged – tasteful, elegant, and near-timeless. There are few cars that would still look at home in the showroom after almost two decades, but this pretty form carried it off masterfully, having launched in 1971 and continued in production right through to 1989.

And secondly, the mechanicals were bulletproof: taking chassis components from the rugged W114 saloon and mating them with a variety of brawny but cultured V8s and straight-sixes, the SL roadster served up vivid performance in a solid and playful package, with class and reliability fused with effortless style.

A refocusing of approach in 1980 meant that seventies SLs were markedly different to eighties ones, as the 350 and 450 versions were discontinued, as was the old 3-speed auto ’box, and the new 380 and 500 models arrived along with a 4-speed transmission. Among all this, the 280 SL was the package that endured: built from 1974 until 1985, this evergreen spec featured a 2.8-litre straight-six making a robust 182bhp.

Indeed, when the model was ultimately replaced by the 300 SL, it was mooted in some corners that the older 280 was superior; the 300 may have had a bigger displacement and a handful more horsepower, but it was a SOHC unit whereas the 280’s motor was a vivacious twin-cam. And, of course, the car that the 2.8-litre engine is wrapped up in is a very attractive package: an exercise in tactility, and comfort – a cruiser with a sporting edge, equally at home on the Riviera or the Kings Road.

 

The interior of this SL is in pleasing condition throughout. The seats are strong and supportive, with the leather in very good order; there’s no excessive wear, and the front seats tilt correctly to allow access to the rear storage space. The dash is in good condition with no cracking along the top; there are no warning lights illuminated, and all of the dials are working properly.

The wood trim is in good condition with no lacquer peel or sun damage. The electric windows raise and lower correctly, the carpets are in good condition, and it’s generally a lovely place to be with everything correct and functional. Inside the boot it’s clean and tidy with great carpets, and hidden in their cubbyholes we find a matching spare wheel plus jack.

The bodywork is in lovely order throughout, with good gaps and the doors sitting straight. With crisp white paint, the body appears free from stone-chips, scuffs or scratches, and is generally extremely presentable all over. We’d suggest replacing the cracked front number plate, but that’s a very easy fix. All of the chrome trim is present and correct and in good condition (aside from some patination to the rear bumper), and the light lenses and window glass are good too. The ‘Mexican hat’ alloy wheels wear a matching set of tyres with plenty of tread.

The hard-top is in impressive order, with good glass, no evident corrosion and a complete headlining; the soft-top is also good, and is easy to raise, affix and lower.
 

The 2.8-litre twin-cam is a solid and dependable unit, and in this case it’s just as silky-smooth as you’d hope. It fires easily on the first twist of the key, idles evenly, registers the correct temperatures and pressures, and pulls with decent enthusiasm through the revs.

It’s also worth noting the substantial amount of money that was spent in 2023, carrying out such works as fitting new gaskets for rocker cover and sump, brake flush, exhaust repair, fuel hoses, distributor, coil and ignition leads... and, of course, there was that full engine rebuild in 2018.

The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and without undue hesitation, and there are no knocks, rattles or alarming noises anywhere. The power-steering is nice and direct, the brakes are strong, the suspension rides beautifully. It’s a lovely little SL to drive. 

 

 

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