1982 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

This stunning 1982 280SL is beautiful in its unusual pale metallic green, Thistle Green Metallic code 881 as Mercedes would have it, and comes with a matching removable hardtop, so is ready to be driven in all conditions.

It has an extensive history file, wanting for nothing over the last decades and has recently come in to the hands of a classic car enthusiast who enjoys owning and caring for as a wide variety of cars as possible, but with limited parking isnt able to keep a collection, so drives for a short while before moves on to another classic, giving you the opportunity to step into a well maintained and presented W107, one of the prettiest convertibles of the early ‘80s, typical square and angular styling of Mercedes at the time, and elegant for it.

Low and wide, with the big three pointed star in the centre of the grill, the 280 is an imposing looking sports car, the large grill is undamaged and the headlights, fog lamps and taillights are all bright and clear.

The paint is superb on the car, it was given fresh paint during lockdown so the coachwork has no stone chips or scratches and a fresh, smooth and deeply shiny finish coupled with good shut lines and nice brightwork. As the work was done during the strange lockdown times, the receipt went astray but the quality of the work looks good.

With the matching Thistle Green hardtop in place, it looks and feels like a genuine coupe. The top is in lovely condition, like the car it has perfect paint and good chrome detail plus a good headlining. Lift that away (a two person job) and the tonnaeu cover is revealed - also green, and hinges up to reveal the brown fabric hood, again in excellent shape with good windows, it was replaced in 2004 at a cost of £963, including some interior work.

The 280 has the classic Bundt Baroque alloy wheels, better know as ‘Mexican Hat’ wheels which were refurbished in 2004 and fitted with a set of 4 new Toyo tyres in 2012.

The interior looks very fresh, the carpets are not worn at all, no surprise as the carpet and hood seals were replaced in 2006m and the seats recovered in 2004. There is a mark on the drivers seat but that is the only blemish. The front seats are comfortable and the rears are small buckets suitable for children but the back folds down to make a useful carpeted load area.

The dashboard and centre console are trimmed in Mercedes high quality veneer, it has curled a tiny bit on the glovebox door which is very common and the black rubbery plastic dash top is not cracked or damaged, and the control have the expected solid feel. A Pioneer CD head unit and new electric aerial were fitted in 2003 and there is a receipt for a leather steering wheel as the standard on would have been a rubbery plastic item.

The door cards are excellent and the door shuts and the hidden under section of the doors all have good metal.

The boot is tidy with all the correct carpeting, and a full alloy spare wheel and jack hidden below. There are couple of marks on the carpet but nothing to be concerned about.

Glance under the W107’s impeccable flanks and the floor looks to be in very good shape. The underseal looks a little old but the metal decent. The fuel pump and filter are visible by the back axle and appear OK, not too dirty or leaking.

The engine bay is very tidy and it should be noted this car has the Bosch K Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, a very reliable system when its properly set up and you’ll not from the video how easily the car starts and how smoothly it idles with strong oil pressure.

Going back almost two decades are receipts for regular servicing at a Mercedes specialist as well as visits for any other repairs as an when required and most other receipts for parts are also Mercedes specialists, this is a car that has been cared for with only the right parts and service.

More recently the paper trail show that despite low annual mileage of only 1000 or so miles a year the owners have kept on top of maintenance - a new Battery in 2019, the rear brake callipers were rebuilt in 2017, new front callipers fitted in 2009, a new radiator in 2007, the heater blower replaced in 2004, at over £200 for the part alone, and the car received a new exhaust in 2003.

The car recently passed an MOT in August.

Mercedes cars from this period were incredibly well engineered vehicles, subtly styled and built to last they were very expensive when new but almost too good as many were used and abused long after contemporaries had given up, rusted away or been relegated to classic duties.

Now survivors in this sort of condition are becoming seriously collectable, harking back to the golden era of Mercedes quality., and as a result this car should be selling for a figure in the region of £13,000 - £17,000.

This example has been extremely well cared for, no expense spared by owners who clearly appreciated the car. It is presented in a superb colour combination of green and tan inside and out and is in very good shape, ready to be used and enjoyed.  

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in Clapham; 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’.

This vehicle is not with us at The Market’s HQ, which means we have had to rely on the owner’s description of it, in conjunction with the photographs you see here, to compile the listing.

With this in mind, we would encourage potential bidders to contact the owner themselves and arrange to view the car in person, or to arrange a dedicated video call in which they can view the car virtually and ask questions.