1985 Mercedes Benz 280SL (R107) with hardtop - 28,700 Miles

It’s hard to believe that the R107 Mercedes SL is now over 50 years old, yet in 1971, this new chapter in the history of the Mercedes legendary SL began. It was the first SL with a V8 engine, it had a thoroughly modern new design and was a self-confident motor car, sporty yet luxurious and quick yet comfortable. In many ways it was, and remains, the perfect convertible. The new SL featured a number of safety-related technical innovations such as defined crumple zones, high-strength steels in the A-pillars, a windscreen frame with bonded glass, padded surfaces and deformable elements in the interior. From March 1980, ABS was available and from January 1982, a driver’s airbag and belt tensioners. Over time, the interiors became even more luxurious, the car’s weight was reduced with new alloy bonnets and boot lids and the suspension and brakes continued to be developed until it was replaced by the R129 in 1989. The 'R107' SL was a classic almost as soon as it ended its 18 year production run and today they make perfectly usable daily drivers, especially when, as with this example, they come with a factory hardtop.

This two-owner example of one of the final 280SLs built must surely be one of the best available. It has covered just 28,637 miles from new, a remarkably low figure as a result of its former keepers deliberately keeping it as an investment, enjoying it very sparingly and properly storing it in between drives. It’s finished in Diamond Blue (355), a rare colour only introduced in 1984, with a matching hardtop and a classic SL interior in Royal Blue Leather (272). It remains in very good condition with gleaming paint and brightwork, the glass and light lenses look crystal clear and crack-free, whilst the lovely blue leather has aged exceptionally well with no damage, just a gentle patination.

The car was originally supplied by the Sunningdale Carriage Co. in Berkshire and was optioned from new with cruise control, rear badge delete, dark blue soft top, a fire extinguisher and heated rear and electric front windows. The original alloy wheels were later changed for optional 14" Bundt ‘Mexican hat’ wheels. The car was serviced at the supplying dealer until 1988, then there’s a bit of a gap to 2013 (though only 7,600 miles were covered) when it was purchased by its second owner. He immediately asked the SLShop to carry out an oil service and they have looked after it ever since. It has been through the SLShop’s workshops and their invoice (£8,694.55) details recent work including a restored plenum chamber, new heater blower motor, case and seal, an auxiliary belt, new alternator, rear discs and pads, front subframe bushes and finally the car’s underside was cleaned and Waxoyled. It’s supplied with its V5C, numerous invoices for servicing and maintenance, and almost all of its older MOT Certificates (with the missing items recorded online), supporting that very low mileage.

This is a very good excellent example of the 2.8-litre R107 with just 28,700 miles from new, low ownership and recent attention from the SLShop. We invite and encourage your inspection of this classic Mercedes.