1985 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

• UK-supplied, right-hand drive R107 280 SL, indicating just 69,582 miles (atoc)
• Delightfully presented in Cabernet Red Metallic with a matching factory hardtop
• Superb interior in Cream Beige MB-Tex with unmarked Burr Walnut veneers
• Smooth, fuel-injected straight-six producing 182bhp and 176lb/ft. 4-speed automatic box
• With its original handbooks and service book along with a substantial history file. Serviced most recently at Mercedes-Benz
• With Pagoda prices now out of reach, the equally stylish R107SL is a very attractive option

Some cars just get better looking with age and the R107 Series Mercedes-Benz SL is definitely among them. Overshadowed for a long time by its graceful 'Pagoda' predecessor, it's now becoming better appreciated for what it is - a beautifully built sports roadster that is totally dependable. To this day, no car door closes with a more reassuring 'thunk' than a Mercedes SL, and everything about the car suggests solid engineering. Fast, comfortable and discreetly understated, the SL has a matchless ability to munch up the miles for year after year without ever seeming to falter. No wonder it stayed in production, fundamentally unaltered, from 1971 until 1989 - the longest production run of any Mercedes car to date.

First registered in May ready for the summer of 1985, the original owners must have been rather pleased with their choice when they collected their gleaming new Cabernet Red Metallic Mercedes-Benz 280 SL, we imagine quickly driving home from the dealership to stow the factory hard-top on its stand at the back of the garage before setting off to enjoy open-top motoring at its very best. Today this example pleasingly continues to present well with the paintwork retaining a deep shine and the tasteful Cream Beige MB-Tex and Burr Walnut interior looking cared for. Clearly this SL has lived a pampered life and this is supported by a comprehensive history file with the most recent services carried out by a Mercedes-Benz main agent.

In our vendor's words ''On the road, she is a fine GT tourer with a lusty performance from the super twin-cam engine allied to the smooth four-speed auto gearbox''.

It's supplied with the original books including the service booklet stamped up-to-date and the above-mentioned history file containing old MOTs and related invoices. Good, well looked after examples of the 107 are becoming increasingly difficult to source and, offered at a very realistic guide having covered less than 70,000 miles, we believe this lovely Mercedes represents superb value for money and, at the very least, will offer its new owner many years of enjoyable motoring.