• Incredible history folder - outstanding service record

• Kept in a dry, temperature-controlled showroom in current ownership

• Fantastic condition throughout

Introduced in 1971 and lasting in production until 1989 with very little in the way of major facelifts or changes, the R107 SL holds the accolade for the second-longest single model series production by Mercedes, being only bettered by the iconic G-Class. Sold as both SL roadsters and SLC coupés, a number of engines and transmissions were available, giving plenty of variety for modern-day enthusiasts to choose from.

Specifically, the 280SL was introduced in July 1974, featuring a 2.8-litre, fuel-injected straight-six mated to either a four (later five) speed manual, or a four-speed automatic transmission. Lasting in production until 1985, the 280 offers a wonderfully smooth driving experience and all of the style of the larger V8 models without the hefty thirst for fuel.

This particular example is a 1982-registered 280SL, built towards the end of 280SL production (280SLC production ceased in 1981) and is finished in the timeless, eye-catching combination of red bodywork over a tan interior. Purchased by our vendor earlier this year, the car was driven 100 miles from the previous buyer’s house, before being placed in dry, temperature-controlled storage in the form of a showroom, ensuring that this SL remains in fantastic condition. 

Whilst the car has seen minimal use in its current ownership, in the care of its previous owners it appears it has been cherished and enjoyed, judging from the regular routine servicing regardless of mileage.

Wonderfully preserved as a ‘time warp’ car, it’s now time for this classic roadster to find a new home - could it be yours?

Included with the vehicle is the V5 showing 7 former keepers, two sets of keys, the correct radio blanking/cover plate, and a history folder that is nothing short of shocking.

Inside the history folder, you’ll find a veritable treasure trove of invoices, including numerous from a Mitsubishi main dealership garage, which must have had some connection (perhaps an employee) with one of the prior owners.

There is also a detailed list of servicing work and MOTs which has been compiled, showing that the service history (including the PDI) was stamped up until 51,150 miles, and then recorded with invoices following this, up to the most recent service by Simon Light Ltd (Mercedes Specialist) at 58,978 miles.

Finished in the classic shade of tan that suits these cars so well, the interior is in remarkably good condition throughout, having evidently been used sparingly and carefully throughout the car’s lifetime.

The seats are in great condition showing only some minor commensurate wear to the outer bolsters and bases in keeping with the car’s age and mileage, whilst the carpets are also in excellent shape, protected by some matching over-mats currently but with the original(!) Mercedes over-mats included with the sale of the vehicle, as shown in the gallery below.

The rear seat/luggage area is also in great shape, though there are some marks from the window winders having rubbed/scuffed the inner door panels, though this is barely noticeable with the roof on. Speaking of which, the hard top looks to be in excellent shape on the inside, with no major staining or sagging noted to the headliner, nor can we see any signs of moisture ingress/waterproofing issues within the vehicle.

Whilst we were not able to start the car up (on account of being inside a showroom) there are no reported faults with the car.

The bodywork on this example has evidently been cared for throughout the car’s lifetime, judging by the overall condition and presentation. From what we could see, there were no signs of any dents, dings or impact damage on the bodywork, nor any obviously mis-aligned panels. The paintwork presents fantastically, showing only some light patches of wear around the inner edges of the doors, along with some light bubbling noted around the soft-top clamshell, as seen in the gallery below.

All four wheels are in excellent condition, with no kerb rash or damage. The colour-matched hard-top is in great shape, having likely seen little use in recent years. There is a small patch of touched-in paintwork which we’ve shown in the gallery below, but no damage to any of the windows or edges of the roof that we could see. As with the interior, we weren’t able to start the car to verify the soft-top action, however there have been no reported faults.

The 2.8-litre straight-six engine looks to be in good order, though no doubt a fastidious or detail-oriented owner would have a lovely afternoon or two under the bonnet with a wire brush and polish to transform the engine bay and bring it in-line with the rest of the car.

That said, there are no obvious signs of any fluid leaks and no pooling or staining underneath the car, which is always a good sign. The vendor reported no issues with the car on the road, and the most recent MOT - dated 13 January 2021 - resulted in a clean pass on the first attempt.

Offered in excellent condition and benefitting from long-term dry and temperature-controlled storage whilst in its current ownership, this is a fantastic example of the six-cylinder R107 SL, presented in excellent condition throughout.

With a wonderful history folder and presenting in - as far as we can tell - original condition throughout, this is an opportunity not to be missed by collectors or enthusiasts alike.

Notice to bidders