1986 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

This honest looking 280SL represents a prime candidate for some further improvement to bring it up to the standard warranted by the appreciating and appreciated R107. That aside, this 280SL has a great deal going for it and would potentially suit a connoisseur looking for a rolling project.

Firstly, this 280SL seems to have been diligently serviced throughout its life which is a great starting point and bodes well for the next owner. The car also holds a current, advisory-free MoT which is valid through until May 2024. The 280SL has covered a sensible mileage for a car of its age, too, equating to only around 3,000 miles a year on average. We can also see that its recent life has been one of exceptionally light use. The car has covered a mere 5,000 miles since 2005.

Important for those looking to own and improve this SL is the fact that it appears admirably complete with all the key, and hence more costly parts present and correct. These include the Mercedes Benz “manhole cover” wheels, a new soft top and matching hard top with stand. The car was thought to have last had a light recommissioning in 2013 to include a respray in its original black.

Even toward the end of its very lengthy production life, the R107 still looked surprisingly fresh and contemporary. Even today the R107 acquits itself very favourably in terms of aesthetic appeal. This is a lasting testament to the in-house Mercedes Benz designers Ferdinand Hellhage and Josef Gallitzendörfer who handled the initial design concepts. The renowned Mercedes stylist, Friedrich Geiger, then crafted the final design. Most agree that they did a world-class job.

Our car presents in its original black livery, but this finish is thought to date from 2013 when the car was last recommissioned. Whilst that is ten years ago, it is worth noting that the car has covered only around 1,200 miles since then. The paperwork documents the addition of a number of new trim parts at that point, too. Consequently, the external presentation of the car is good overall. It may benefit from a professional detailing to, hopefully, take care of the visible surface swirls and odd chips that are noted.

The black paintwork is lifted considerably by the brightwork fitted to the R107. This includes the signature wide grill, window surrounds and waist level, chrome and rubber rubbing strip. It is noted that the offside of these has partially come adrift but looks like a straightforward repair.

This R107 rolls on the iconic, so-called “manhole cover” light alloy wheels. On our car they are the correct 15-inch examples and seem to be in a good, un-scuffed condition throughout. These familiar alloys are shod with a mixed set of tyres in a 205/65 configuration. A decent looking pair of Pirelli Cinturatos represent half of this set.

Our photographic package will reveal that the retractable soft top is finished in a durable black fabric. This is reported to be a new item and, hence, looks to be in a fine overall condition and the rear plexiglass windows are free from fogging or cracking. When required, this stows snuggly beneath the steel tonneau cover in a shallow compartment which keeps everything neat and tidy.

Cabin glass and light lenses appear to be original and are in, mostly, decent condition. The only exception appears to be the offside rear ribbed light lens. This appears to have seen better days and would ultimately want replacing.

The original removeable hard top is included with the 280SL, too. The hardtop fits snugly and is complete with its original cabin glass in a good, used condition. Fitting this quickly transforms the car into a well-insulated and more rigid hard topped coupe, truly making this a sports car for all seasons.

The interior presents as an original looking SL interior of the period and, hence, is familiar and recognisable. The box pleated seats are complete with the “eared” headrests and are finished in the perforated MB Tex box pleats. The bolsters are finished in a complimentary smooth MB Tex vinyl. They look eminently useable, but the odd rip, tear and patch is noted. The rear cabin features the very occasional seats in the same finish.

Door cards are finished predominantly in MB Tex vinyl and feature inset panels of Mercedes Benz sports check fabric in grey. Generous side pockets provide ample storage for your music cassettes of choice. The carpets appear to be only partially present, but we are advised that a new set is included with the car.

The dash is topped with black trimmed, deformable safety foam, which is in good original condition and the large, four-spoke Mercedes Benz steering wheel looks to only require a clean. A thin panel of light wood veneer dissects the dash from side to side. The large, clear instrument binnacle houses a central white on black VDO speedometer, tachometer, and a multi-function dial. The veneer extends into the centre console and seems to be in a good overall condition. Our car is fitted with a later JVC CD head unit.

The hard top is lined in cream hued headlining to the uprights and a complimentary vinyl to the roof panel. The overall condition is good. The headlining of the soft top is a little rust stained in places and sections of the frame exhibit some surface corrosion. The well-shaped boot appears to be missing its carpet but provides underfloor storage for the full-sized alloy spare wheel and tools.

This 280SL features the well-proven 2.8L M110 six-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. This M110.982 engine utilised a double overhead camshaft and two valve per cylinder configuration. Originally rated at 182bhp and 176 Ib-ft of torque, the M110 engine gave the SL a good turn of speed, when required, topping out at around 130mph where conditions allow. Like most of the range, however, the 280SL proved best suited to comfortable cruising with the top down.

The recommissioning the car underwent in 2013-14 included a new radiator and water pump plus a part-exhaust system, reconditioned brake callipers, new fuel and heater hoses and a replacement fuel pump amongst other things. Combine this with the full service history and advisory free MoT and all seems to bode well on the mechanical front.

The engine bay looks to be original and complete. The purists, however, will want to spend some time and a little money getting this area up to a better aesthetic standard. The alloy surfaces would benefit from a clean and polish, but the potential is definitely evident. The underside of the car looks straight and true and in possession of plenty of its original factory under seal. Not at all bad for a car of this age.

This 280SL comes with a good amount of paperwork covering all periods of the car’s life. The current V5 and hard copy MoT are included together with several previous MoTs. The original book pack is on hand including the all-important service booklet. This documents services from 3,977 right up to 110,657 miles. These services were mainly performed by Mercedes Benz dealers together with some independent specialist involvement.

A number of interesting invoices are also present detailing work done and parts procured throughout the life of the SL. The most recent of these dates from March 2021. Three original Mercedes keys are also included.

The earlier SL cars have become notable for their rapidly increasing values. The passing years have helped to bestow a value related halo effect over the more recent. The R107 offers the same rare blend of attributes as the early cars and are starting to benefit from this halo effect with the values of good examples starting to build.

This example looks to provide a fine set of bones on which to create a really good example without too much by the way of major work or expenditure. If you can look beyond the superficial tattiness in places, this example has a lot going for it. Importantly, it offers the new owner to use and enjoy the summer in whist continuing to fettle and improve at their leisure. As such it represents the chance to achieve R107 ownership at a sensible price of admission - which in this case we estimate to be £14,000 - £18,000, but the car is being offered at no reserve, so the highest bid will buy it.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.