1985 Mercedes-Benz R107 280SL #2409

Extremely low mileage, last of the 280SL variants, high-specification with Cruise Control and soon to possess ULEZ exempt status. 

The 280SL was launched in the early days of the R107 SL, primarily as a response to the pressures of globalisation – namely, the dependence of oil from the Middle East. The more economical 280SL was introduced in 1974 specifically in response to the Suez Canal crisis which had caused a shortage of fuel for western states. The 2.8-lire straight-six would run up until 1985 when the 300SL insignia would return for the first time since the 1960s.

This particular example is quite a unicorn, specifically due to its authenticated low mileage. Known to SLSHOP for 10 years and formerly owned by an ambassador of the company, the vehicle is a standout 280SL with thanks to its beautiful colour combination.

EXTERIOR:

The Diamond Blue (355) paintwork was introduced the year before this vehicle rolled off the production line, making it one of the few 280SLs produced in this colourway. The absence of use in the last 23 years has meant that the paintwork has avoided detrimental exposure to natural elements. The vehicle has been carefully stored by its previous owners and treated as an investment piece (hence the low mielages). All chrome articles are straight and possess a mirror finish with few scratches and signs of wear. The hard top is immaculate having been stored correctly.

INTERIOR:

The Royal Blue leather is in fantastic condition, with just the right amount of creasing as expected from aged leather. There are no rips or stains and the perforated centre panels are clean and sharp. The same can be said of the rear seats and door cards, with the deck lid perfectly bridging the exterior and interior tones.

The Burl Wood (as indicated in photos) is rich in colour with no cracks or scratches, with all dials still possessing their original factory markings. The original Becker Europa radio is in situ, testament to the previous owners who intended to keep this vehicle as an investment piece.

MECHANICALS:

Before going on sale, this 280SL has benefited from a complete inspection by our Workshops. This led to the following works being carried out.

Investigation revealed the need to clean out the plenum chamber, which involved the removal of the blower motor and clean down of the chamber, removing the surface rust, treating and painting. A new blower motor, case, seal and lid were then fitted to the vehicle.

The 280SL has benefitted from a full service, as well as the replaement of both auxiliary belts, as well as the fitmet of a new alternator. Rear discs have and pads have been renewed, while the fron subframe bushes have also been replaced.

The level of works carried out is too extensive to list here, but all of the preparation work was concluded with a full underbody clean and waxoyl.

09/05/1985  - 1045 -  Service - Sunningdale Carriage LTD, Ascot 25/01/1986 - 6555 - Service - Sunningdale Carriage LTD, Ascot 19/09/1987 - 11626 -Service - Longcross Performance Cars, Surrey 25/05/1988 -17786 - Service - Longcross Performance Cars, Surrey 25/05/2013 - 1190 - Service - SLSHOP, Redditch 24/04/2019 -27,831 - Service/MOT - Powells of Ripon, North Yorkshire Present with the vehicle is additional invoices for works carried out in 2019, which reveals works carried out on the K-Jetronic system which was suffering with an over-fueling issue.

• 260 TYPE DESIGNATION ON TRUNK LID - ELIMINATION
• 420 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FLOOR SHIFT
• 440 TEMPOMAT (CRUISE CONTROL)
• 461 INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND
• 470 ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
• 505 OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR, LEFT, ELECTRICALLY ADJUSTABLE (R.H.D.)
• 532 AUTOMATIC ANTENNA WITHOUT RADIO SET
• 565 REAR SEATS USED ON SL MODELS
• 583 ELECTRIC WINDOW LIFTERS (FRONT DOORS)
• 592 HEAT-INSULATING GLASS, ALL-AROUND, HEATED REAR WINDOW PANE, BAND FILTER
• 613 HEADLAMP LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC
• 640 15-HOLE LIGHT ALLOY RIMS
• 682 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
• 744 DARK BLUE SOFT TOP FABRIC 5010