1985 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

Some cars just get better looking with age and the R107 SL-Series Mercedes-Benz is definitely amongst 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 ever.

Although the 280 was the baby of the SL range, it boasted an excellent blend of performance and economy. Far more economical to run than its V8 siblings, its smooth straight-six fuel injected engine produced 182bhp and 176lb/ft of torque, enough to top 125mph and reach 60mph from standstill in just under 10 seconds.

This delightful, right-hand drive, 1985 R107 280SL was supplied new by Puttocks of Guildford and was first registered on the 1st of August 1985 to a Mr. Bernard Cocks who, up until very recently, was the only owner and long-term keeper.

It's finished in lovely Champagne Gold Metallic with Cream check cloth and vinyl seats, Cream carpets, original Mohair Soft Top, Body-coloured Hard Top, electric windows, passenger door mirror, original Blaupunkt radio cassette with two speakers, electric aerial, central locking, power steering, front fog lamps, four-speed automatic transmission, and the 2.8-litre S6 Fi (unleaded) engine.

It has now covered only 34,446 miles from new and comes with a full and comprehensive Service History fully stamped by Mercedes. Mr. Cocks was patently totally fastidious as the very large Owner's File contains simply everything. All its original books and manuals, the V5, MOT Certificates to date, a selection of old Tax Discs, Mercedes-Benz Club membership cards, original service book stamped throughout, the original Sales Brochure, owner's hand-written notes, an HPI, and a full complement of invoices.

The condition of the paintwork and bodywork is truly exceptional as is the interior of the car, inside the boot and the engine bay. The MOT is valid until late June 2018 and the car is ready to drive away.

The term “one long-term owner” tends to be used to indicate that a vehicle has been lovingly looked after all its days, which is not always the case, however, with this sparkling Gold 280SL, it's demonstrably true.