As summer looms large and with a warm spring on our doorstep, now is the time to bag an example of one of Mercedes’ finest roofless creations – a mid-80’s 280 SL.
This exemplary SL cruiser drew appreciative glances as we drove to the photo location and, in the all-too-brief time we spent in and around the car, it was easy to comprehend the passion that continues unabated for fine examples of these German grand tourers.
It is important to keep classic cars like this on the road and to encourage the next generation to continue to do so. You can’t beat seeing a child waving or smiling at your car and saying it’s cool and hoping they draw inspiration from it sometime in their future.tS3lkrQlQwrp6JNvyCh832fat93XNTiRENFgdak2.jpeg452.31 KB
The History and Paperwork
Dry-stored/driven, garaged when not in use.
Full service history, current MoT.
V5 certificate in former keeper’s name.
According to the data plate, this smart and tidy 280 SL rolled off Mercedes’ Sindelfingen plant near Stuttgart on Thursday 5th January, 1984.
After making it way to the UK, it received its first UK registration on 20th January, 1984. Twenty-one months later, it was acquired by its former and only second keeper who has cherished the car for the past 37 years.
Accompanying the car will be the V5 Certificate, a fully-stamped Vehicle Service Book, an MOT until February 2024, the original Owner’s Manual and handbooks.
The original interior is in exceptional condition and belies its 37 years and is commensurate more with its low mileage.
There is an elegant blend of light beige leather and dust-brown check cloth seats which follow through to the door cards. The chrome covered seat adjustment panels and brackets shine as brightly as the day they were installed.
Behind the seats is a rarely-ordered rear bench unsuitable for people of any size or stature, but highly useful for shopping bags or for one’s daily automotive detritus.
As with the wood-veneered dashboard and centre console, the door cards, sun visors and other soft furnishings present in remarkably good condition.
The original, factory-fitted Blaupunkt Toronto SQR-32 radio/cassette audio unit is said to be in perfect working order, as are the instruments, switchgear and backlights.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, you’re transported back to the mid-80s and if ‘Wham’s ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ was to become your earworm, our understanding would be complete!cZtLju3Jzk2jYWe2GT46NIzPDUoBpjCbxe9GkXhB.jpeg770.07 KB
The Exterior
Original Signal Red paint finish.
Optional winter hardtop included.
Brightwork is in exceptional order.
Handsomely presented in its original Signal Red (code DB-568), the excellent condition of the interior continues out to the exterior of this iconic German tourer and is indicative of the love and care afforded to it by its second only keeper through all of its 38 years.
The alloy wheels are in exceptional condition and shod with a healthy set of Barum Bravuris 5HM tyres.
At the front, the headlight lenses are clear and the plastic indicator/reflector lenses show no hint of fogging often associated with a car of this age. The same may be said for the rear light clusters.
The brightwork around the car is in exceptional condition and a cursory glance down each flank shows no evidence of damage. Even the front number plate and valance, for all their vulnerability, remain blemish free.
A good MoT history with a fresh renewal to accompany sale.
At the photo location, the 280 SL was frequently repositioned to obtain the best of the challenging light at this time of year. The car started first and every time and settled into an appreciative straight-six burble.
The automatic three-speed ‘box connected smoothly – including reverse – with drive engaging with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The custodian reports the car to be in excellent mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective German engineers intended almost forty years ago.
Like the immediately visible parts of this car, the underside and lower sills present in very good order with a degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.ZvltIn6Ass4USMe2nnHsv0DtKjaM6kzbLSAVDyVK.jpeg805.49 KB
Summary
Mercedes-Benz had an established reputation for comfortable touring cars well before the R107 SL made its first appearance in 1972. The brand's virtues were strengthened by the SL's ingrained quality, ease of use and mechanical hardiness.
It is attributes such as these that have made the 280 SL one of the easiest to own classic tourers today. Robust engineering, durable materials and clinical build quality go a long way to making the SL a good choice for those who like to travel in style without the uncompromising nature of other open-top classics of the era.
Powered by the surprisingly frugal yet flexible 2.8-litre straight-six power plant, the car can still hold its own on modern roads.
With decent accommodation, the availability of the ‘winter hardtop roof’ and excellent parts availability, high quality SL examples such as this continue to flourish in popularity.
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