1983 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

This bright and breezy, eye catching 280SL is a 1983 model which, DVLA records would suggest, was imported to the UK at some point. Its data plate reveals it to be a factory right hand drive model, however, and the V5 gives a first UK registration date of March 1983. If, indeed, it was imported it carries no obvious signs to definitively confirm this.

What can be definitively confirmed is that the current owner acquired the SL in June 2010 to become its sixth keeper. The keeper previous purchased the 280SL in 2003 following an earlier restoration. At the point of the last purchase, the current keeper commissioned an independent, professional inspection of the SL which confirmed it was a promising ownership proposition.

And so it has proved. Our vendor has covered just 4,000 miles or so during the 14 year stewardship, has always garaged it between use and has had it maintained fastidiously.

The R107 was offered in no less than 110 different hues during its long model life, so identifying the right one is best achieved with reference to the under bonnet data plate. This enquiry reveals this charming livery to be Manilla Beige (681). It’s a great shade for a convertible as its predominant yellow tones conjure up mental images of wheat fields beneath a setting sun... or is it just us?

Our car’s bodywork seems to present very well for its age. The panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical, and no dents or dings were noted or reported. The paintwork, possibly reapplied in the early 2000’s, looks bright, appropriately thick, and smoothly applied. All the R107 signature cues are present including the fluted panels along the flanks, the oversized and ribbed rear lights and the “pagoda-lite” matching hardtop. The latter is noted as not the original one but has been sprayed in Manilla Beige with an excellent paint match achieved.

This R107 rolls on the iconic Sportline or so called “Mexican Hat” light alloy wheels. On our car they are the correct 7J x 14-inch examples and seem to be in a reasonable, un-scuffed condition with just some moderate deterioration to the finish in places. These familiar alloys are shod in a matching set of 195/70 radial type tyres date stamped from 2019.

Our photographic package will reveal that the retractable soft top is finished in a dark brown fabric. The hood dates from 2002 and so presents in an excellent condition with a clear and uncracked rear window set.

That fine looking hood gives you a hint as to what lies beneath. Like the exterior hues there were quite a lot of options offered with the R107 with very similar looking tones taking on different names in different years. Here we can confirm that this SL is trimmed in MB-Tex perforated vinyl in a Brazil shade. The condition appears great for the car’s age with just a small rip noted to the driver’s seat outer bolster. The accompanying carpets present in a complementary tobacco hue and appear to retain plenty of luxurious pile.

The dash is topped with brown trimmed, deformable safety foam, which is in good original condition and the large, four-spoke Mercedes-Benz steering wheel presents equally well. A thin panel of dark wood veneer dissects the dash from side to side. The large, clear instrument binnacle houses a central white on black VDO speedometer, tachometer, and a multi-function dial.

The dark veneer extends into the centre console and our car is fitted with a good quality Panasonic head unit feeding retrofitted door speakers and boosted by an auxiliary amplifier. This is a well equipped example, too. Desirable refinements include air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, central locking and the optional rear bench seats.

A very effective Just Roadster removable wind deflector is also included. The well-shaped boot is fully carpeted and provides underfloor storage for the full-sized alloy spare wheel and tools. We note that the hard to replace roof removal tools are present and photographed for your reassurance.

This 280SL features the well-proven 2.8L M110 six-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. This M110.982 engine utilised a double overhead camshaft and two valve per cylinder configuration. Originally rated at 182bhp and 176 Ib-ft of torque, the M110 engine gave the SL a good turn of speed, when required, topping out at around 130mph. Like most of the range, however, the 280SL perhaps proved best suited to comfortable cruising with the top down and Alexander O’ Neal on the stereo.

The engine bay exhibits the original Mercedes-Benz data plates, detailing the various specification codes, the VIN and the permitted vehicle weights. It appears to be in a nice overall condition under here with some moderate surface corrosion noted around the radiator. The brake servo is also looking a little rusty, but much could be achieved here with a few hours of diligent tidying. A full and complete under-bonnet insulation mat is present with the area to its rear exhibiting some more surface corrosion.

The underside of the car appears in keeping with its age and mileage with plenty of recent looking textured underseal in evidence.

This 280SL comes with a good amount of paperwork covering all periods of the car’s life. The current V5 and hard copy MoT are included together with several previous MoTs. The SL holds a current MoT to December 2025. No advisories are noted.

The remainder of the paperwork consists of a myriad of invoices detailing maintenance undertaken and repairs made across current and previous ownerships. The most recent of these details a full service at Roger Edwards Motors who is a classic Mercedes-Benz specialist. This was undertaken at 109,174 miles in August 2024. This was just 133 miles ago. Work included a service and various other minor remedies amounting to over £1,000 in cost.

The Mercedes-Benz SL cars from all eras have become highly prized, noted for their exemplary engineering values and resulting longevity. The earlier cars have become very valuable indeed helping to bestow more recent models with a ratcheting up halo effect as regards values. The R107 offers the same rare blend of attributes and is starting to benefit from this halo effect with the values of good examples starting to build nicely.

This great example has plenty going for it. Its less common livery makes a nice change and suits the car perfectly. Clearly much money and attention has been lavished on this example over the years with all the key areas addressed and plenty of accompanying paperwork included. A great ownership prospect which should also represent a sound investment in the long term.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £12,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.