FOR SALE: 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280SL (R107) - Silver

The R107-generation of Mercedes-Benz's SL series was one of the ultimate symbols of success in the '80s, and also came with a healthy dose of celebrity appeal, courtesy of Dallas...

FAST FACTS

Year and Make/Model: 1981 Mercedes-Benz 280SL (R107) - silver

Engine: 2.8L inline-6 cylinder petrol

Transmission: 4-speed Automatic

Mileage: 142 000 km

Colour: Astral Silver

Location: Cape Town

PRICE: SOLD

The R107 is one of Mercedes’ best-known and enduring chassis designs. Introduced in 1972, the R107 was in continuous production for 17 years until 1989 when the last 560SL was produced. While the R107 underwent several powertrain changes and minor cosmetic updates, the platform remained largely unchanged throughout the run making it one of the most iconic MBs of all time. These long-nose roadsters elicit immediate nostalgic reactions and offer tremendous driving enjoyment. 

This right-hand drive 280SL is finished in Astral Silver with a manual soft top over Beige upholstery. Power is supplied by a 2.8-liter inline-six mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, and additional equipment includes 14" “Mexican Hat” light-alloy wheels, fog lights, a body-coloured removable hardtop, black soft top, Euro spec bumpers, and chrome trim.

The car was acquired by its current owner in 2011 and has been in his care for the past 12 years, always garaged and taken for leisurely drives occasionally. It is registered as “Used” and the paperwork reflects the 1981 registration date.

The car is in good overall condition. There are signs of some age to the paintwork and trim, as well as signs of previous minor paint repairs and touch-ups to some panels, but it appears honest and free of any major rust / accident damage. The chrome trimmings have some minor scratches and tarnishing in places, but are in overall good condition for the age of the vehicle. Some weather strips and body seals also show some wear from age, but are all still in place. This 280SL could benefit from some minor cosmetic restoration work to bring it to an excellent standard, or simply just a good bit of detailing and enjoy it as is.

The original 14" “Mexican Hat” light-alloy wheels are in excellent condition and are fitted with 205/70/R14 Firestone S-221 T-Series tyres. The original spare tyre, jack, and tool roll are located in the trunk. 

The interior is trimmed in beige leather upholstery with matching door panels, headliner and carpeting, along with wood trim on the dash, center console, and door panels. Minor cracks can be seen in the wood around the shifter and center console. The original dash upholstery is in excellent condition and appears crack-free, which is unusual for these cars and all thanks to the protective tailored dash pad cover. The carpeting is original and could benefit from a good clean, as there are some marks from use over time. The seats are also still original and have some signs of wear from normal use and age. They could also benefit from a good clean and leather treatment. Amenities include a defroster/heater, power windows, power locks, and a Becker Le Mans stereo. 

VDO instrumentation consists of a 240-km/h speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer with an inset analog clock, and read-outs for coolant temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure. The odometer shows a mere 142k kilometers.

The 2.8-liter M110 inline-six produced 182 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque when new and sends power to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. It has partial maintenance records and maintenance work over the last few years includes general servicing, cleaning and flushing the fuel tank and repairing the fuel tank sender unit to name a few. Mechanically, the vehicle starts and drives with ease, and the transmission engages gears smoothly. 

NB: Over 100 detailed photos of the condition are available on request.

NOTE: The above information was supplied by the dealer/owner currently advertising this vehicle and has not been verified by SentiMETAL/Cars.co.za.