1985 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (R107) |

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1985 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (R107)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£14,310

Mileage~85,000 on clock
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine2.7L
LocationSwansea

SOLD

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (R107)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner

A real head-turner with its elegant '80s body styling and reliable, powerful mechanics, the R107 consistently provides an incredibly enjoyable day out.

Mercedes-Benz has produced the SL range since 1954, with the R107 being the third generation, introduced in 1971. Known for its world-renowned performance, styling, and reliability, the R107 became one of Mercedes' best-selling models at the time, with over 50,000 units shipped. The 2.7L engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, housed in a two-door monocoque shell with independent suspension, coil springs, and anti-roll bars at both the front and rear. The power-assisted steering features the Daimler-Benz recirculating ball system.

This example comes to market having been in the same family ownership since new, and after ~8 years with the current owner. The 280SL was subject to a restoration between 2000-2003 by the owners father. The car recently underwent a service and an MOT this March. Being almost exempt from MOT and tax, this example is an ideal classic ready to be used, cherished, and tinkered with. The 280 SL comes with a current MOT valid until 16.04.2025.

This listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Josh the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

This car was originally my grandfather's, then my father's, and now mine. Over the last ~8 years of ownership, I've had some truly enjoyable journeys in it.

Josh's grandfather purchased this lovely R107 new back in 1985. It was used as a wedding car for Josh's dad before being passed on, and his dad used it while serving in the British Army in Germany as a reverend, restoring it whilst there in the 2000s. Eight years ago, the car was inherited by Josh and his brother after their dad passed away, and for most of that time, the SL 280 has been in storage, only occasionally used, serviced, and MOT'd. Josh loves how reliable and solid the car has been "It has a very satisfying noises from closing the door to firing up the engine".

Josh and his brother recently took the car to north Wales for a long weekend and it raised a lot of smiles through the valleys as well as many admirers through the villages. Due to the lack of use and now living further away from his mum where the car is stored, Josh is looking to part with this car and has brought it to us, he would like to see the car going to someone who will enjoy it. Josh will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the car in the comments below.

Josh

Vehicle Owner

Josh saved £2,520* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Golden era styling, beautiful body lines, and chrome work galore, finished in Signal Red, this R107 SL is bound to turn heads wherever you go.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels, commonly known as "Mexican Hat" style and finished in silver, appear well cared for with no obvious damage from our observation, though there are minor signs of wear and peeling around the centre caps.

The wheels are fitted with Fulda Carat tyres, which also appear to be in good condition. They have a good amount of tread remaining and show no obvious signs of cracking or ageing on the sidewalls.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this 280 SL appeared to be in good condition, and show signs of care over the years. During our visit, we didn't spot any obvious dings down the flanks of the car, shut lines looked tight all around the car too, and no obvious signs of corrosion either. This is testament to the restoration in the early 2000s, and subsequent limited mileage since. You'll see Josh's dad photographed the work he actioned, including attending to the bulkhead as required.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in "Signal Red", the paint is to a good standard, with even coverage and colour across each panel. The car was resprayed as part of the restoration between 2000-2003. In the bright sun, we did notice some swirl marks on our visit, the car would benefit from a good polish to bring it up a level, and we did notice a large scratch on the front left wing of the car as pictured.

Once again, we have taken high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this car looks good and is in line with the mileage and ownership, the car receiving a new windscreen in 2001. During our visit, we didn't notice any chips, cracks, or discolouration. The window seals also look good and are consistent with the overall condition of the car. The chrome bumpers look to be in good condition too.

The car comes with its factory hard-top, which like the soft-top, is in great condition. Both elements are captured in the extensive "Exterior Gallery" below.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Featuring patterned cloth inners, the interior has held up well through three generations of use.

Seats and Carpets

The seats have retained their shape very well over the years, as you would expect from cherished ownership. There are only slight signs of age throughout the cabin, such as the mirror directional cover coming loose, a split in the sun visor, and some wear to the rubber seals.

A similar story can be seen with the door cards and carpets. Please take a look at the extensive media for a detailed view of the cabin.

Dashboard

The dashboard is covered in a black vinyl and presents in great condition with no cracks visible.

During our visit, the speedo showed a reading of ~85,000 on the clock. The dashboard in this 280 shows no signs of any major damage or scuffs, with no warning lights displayed on our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A classic four-spoke original Mercedes steering wheel is fitted. The steering wheel presents in good condition in line with the mileage of this car, and the black automatic gear selector looks good too. Take a look at the image gallery to see the detail.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Solid Mercedes engineering and plenty of power for the chassis on this classic, allow you to enjoy modern traffic comfortably.

Engine and Gearbox

The 2.7L engine from Mercedes is known for its reliability. On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold, and it performed well on the road - the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran without issue.

Josh reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well, with its smooth automatic gearbox powering the rear wheels. Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look at the smart engine bay and underneath the 280 SL.

Suspension and Brakes

The front suspension utilises double wishbones, while the rear features a diagonal swing axle. The braking system is power-assisted with disc brakes.

During our short drive, the car felt just as you'd expect for a Mercedes from this era, stopping without any fuss.

The Drive

The car is ideal for long journeys, the SL is also agile and able to deal with modern driving conditions without problems. Please view the 'on the road' video to see it being driven by Josh's mother. We didn’t notice any unusual noises coming from the engine or suspension whilst on the road.

Electrics and Other

The 280SL is fitted with a modern stereo head unit. We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but Josh reports that, to his knowledge, all of the electrics are functional and operational, in line with the rest of the condition of the car.

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History and Paperwork

A UK Signal Red 280 SL, coming to market from family ownership since new, passed through 3 generations and lovingly restored in the 2000s, a fine example.

Coming from ~8 years of ownership with the current owner, Josh, the car has been in his family since new when his grandfather bought it back in 1985. This 280 SL is a good example of a timeless German classic, ready to be used and enjoyed the car has been recently serviced in April, along with a MOT. Being exempt from MOT and tax next year this will make the for the ideal garaged classic or restoration project. The car was subject to a restoration between 2000 and 2003 by Josh's father, who was in the military based in Germany at the time, and the car has covered minimal miles since, helping to preserve it in beautiful condition.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
17.04.2024	MOT	84,985
17.04.2024	Service	84,985
04.05.2022	MOT	84,468
31.08.2016	MOT	84,457
03.09.2013	MOT	84,162
30.07.2012	MOT	83,377
16.08.2011	Service	83,312
15.08.2011	MOT	83,312
09.12.2009	Service	83,278
05.12.2009	MOT	83,266
21.11.2008	MOT	83,111
21.11.2008	Service	83,111
07.09.2007	MOT	83,006
07.09.2006	MOT	82,768
23.05.2006	Service	82,570
07.09.2005	MOT	82,422
05.11.2004	Service
23.08.2001	MOT	78,495
01.08.2001	Service
08.05.2001	New Windscreen
31.08.2000	MOT	77,427
06.08.1997	MOT	76,491
12.06.1996	MOT	73,312
03.06.1995	MOT	67,551
24.02.1994	MOT	57,739
19.02.1993	MOT	48,181
18.09.1991	MOT	43,147
08.06.1990	MOT	36,902
03.06.1989	MOT	31,826