1983 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (R107)

The quintessential 1980s cruiser, bringing together open-top elegance with a smooth, inline-six engine. Finished in the classic colour of 'Champagne Metallic', the car presents well, but there are some age-related blemishes. The 280 SL has received some paint in the past to freshen it up. There is a very slight shade difference to the boot lid and on the passenger side below the swage line. There is also some paint damage to the top of the passenger-side wing. The images are taken from a range of angles to show the car as you would see it in person, so please take the time to fully assess the high-resolution photos and videos before forming your own opinion of the paintwork. Walking around the 280 SL, the bodywork is in great shape, with no dings or dents spotted, and the panels appear to have an equal gap. There are a couple of minor age-related blisters in places, but these are minimal and don’t appear to have broken through the paint. The matching hardtop is present and is in good condition, with no damage. We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves. The simple 80s-styled dashboard layout is free from any splits or cracks and presents well. The instruments are working correctly, and the odometer shows just ~55,991 miles have been covered, at the time of our visit. The wooden trim is free from damage and also has no crazing to the lacquered finish. The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (R107) is a wonderfully relaxed car to drive, with a smooth, torquey straight-six, light steering and a beautifully composed ride. On the road, it feels solid and substantial, settling you into a comfortable cruising pace to enjoy the engine’s effortless character. The automatic gearbox suits it particularly well, while the long bonnet, low seating position and classic Mercedes interior complete a classic Mercedes package. All of the windows look to be in good condition, with just some light age-related marks and a small chip noted as an advisory on the windscreen, but not affecting vision. The electric windows are also working correctly. The brown fabric roof is in great condition, with no damage to the fabric - there are a couple of very small splits in the plastic corner windows. The headlights, fog lights and indicators are in good order, with no damage to the lenses. The rear lights are also free from damage. Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself. The 14" ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels are in great condition, with no obvious signs of corrosion to the faces - there is also a matching spare wheel. The tyres are a matching set, which all have plenty of tread remaining. Please take the time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels and tyres, so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn or over 10 years old. The check fabric and vinyl seats are a classic finish for the R107-era Mercedes. There is some wear to the fabric base of the driver’s seat, however, the passenger seat is in excellent condition. Generally, the door cards are in good order, apart from a couple of minor splits on the driver’s side. Throughout the cabin and boot area, the carpets are clean and tidy, with no signs of excessive wear. From cold, the Mercedes fired up without hesitation and runs superbly, with no issues reported by Chris. A week prior to us photographing the car, it was taken for a service. Fitted with an automatic gearbox, the changes are smooth, and the car pulls strongly through the range, with no untoward noises. Looking across the dashboard, the switches are all in good condition, with no wear to the lettering. The heater controls are also in good order, with no signs of age. For a modern touch, a Blaupunkt Valencia CD MP3 head unit has been fitted. The main part of the history file for the Mercedes is a large collection of MOT certificates, which show the regular use. There are also some invoices for work carried out and services completed. The owner’s manual is present, along with two sets of keys and two alarm/immobiliser key fobs. The golden era of Mercedes-Benz, before the car became electronically advanced, the R107 platform is a true icon, of which nice, low-mileage examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find. We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including photo ID and V5 verification, as well as a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional HPI check that will highlight if the car has previously been stolen, recorded as being involved in an accident or has any outstanding finance. Please note, this does not include a mileage history check. We’ve summarised our own view of the car based on information provided by the seller; however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video each car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own assessment from the comfort of your home. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time reviewing everything in this listing. Viewings are also welcomed on all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a suitable time; we just need to speak to you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming. If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car, just like at a traditional auction house. Out in the car, the ride is smooth. Especially where we were located, there were lots of speed bumps, which the Mercedes went over with ease, with no knocks or bangs from either corner. Having recently passed an MOT test, the brakes have been given a clean bill of health, with no problems reported. The four-spoke factory steering wheel is in good shape, with minimal signs of use and age. The gear lever is also in good order, having covered very little mileage for the age of the SL.