1983 Mercedes-Benz R107 280SL with Beige Leather

Having been with the current owner for more than two decades and an odometer reading of more than 172,616 miles prove that this 1983 R107 280SL has done exactly what Mercedes-Benz made these cars for — driving, lots of it. Now ready to be moved to its next owner, APM 780Y presents a great chance to buy and restore a veritable classic.

Brought out in the 1970s, replacing the much-loved W113 ‘Pagoda’ SL, the 107-Series was a huge leap for Mercedes-Benz, and its market success along with the long shelf life proved that buyers did appreciate great products. With about 300,000 units of the R107 (along with its coupe counterpart) sold in just less than two decades, Mercedes-Benz didn’t need to try hard to establish that they got it just right with this generation of the SL.

Both straight-six and V8 engine options were on offer throughout its life, and the 280SL was the entry point for SL ownership. It wasn’t gutless by any means, and while it did miss out on the more power and better orchestra of the V8, it equipped the 107 proved to be a capable grand touring car with the six doing its job well.

This R107 is a fairly high-mileage, well-used example, which will require some time and effort to get it into better shape — one that the R107 deserves to be in. On the outside, while the chrome bits don't look bad (an indication that replacements were done in the past — like it's the case with its bumpers) the paintwork will need attention, especially with rust making its presence felt on the o/s door. Similarly, on the other side, you'd notice that some of the body trim is missing. The interior can benefit from a once-over, too; the seats will need some repair, the door cards look good, and the dashboard isn't bad, either. The boot looks alright and it has what looks like an old spare wheel, the engine bay needs cleaning up — there's some visible rust — and the soft top, on the other hand, definitely emanates newness.

The Mercedes-Benz 280SL presented here is a UK-market, RHD car first registered in 1983. It went to the second owner in 1986, and the current keeper acquired it in 2001. The supplied paperwork includes invoices: some going back to 1983 (the first service) and others detailing a variety of jobs done under current ownership, MoTs, etc. The accompanying service book contains early maintenance records, too. Apart from the usual, this car has had a remanufactured engine commissioned to duty in 2002, its cylinder head looked at, new bumpers installed (at The SLSHOP), tyres replaced, and even a new black soft top (also pictured) fitted to the car.

This 1983 280SL is a classic ready to be restored, its high mileage indicates that the car has been used regularly (which is always a great sign), and the overall condition, which although needs a recommission, is likely to be a great starting point. With the same owner for more than two decades, there's also a clear picture of the work that's been done to it already. All things considered, if you're looking to embark on an exciting classic motoring journey, this 280SL will make for a promising companion.